Would You Rather Do This?
Or Would You Rather Do This?
Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Face Lift Serum
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010
What Motivates You...Pain or Pleasure?
Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Face Lift Serum
<-- Check It Out!Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Face Lift Serum
<-- Check it out!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Is It Sun Care or Sun Scare?
It is fair to say that the media is inundating all who will listen and watch, to the fears of the sun and UV rays. And yes, where research is evident that excessive sun exposure can lead to early signs of skin aging, wrinkles, spots and even melanoma…it is also becoming more and more evident that the militant orders to slather oneself in sunscreen, might be more of a scare with unwanted side-effects-and not true skin care.
A recent report coming out of the Environmental Working Group is reporting that only 8% of sunscreens are truly safe to use-and the other 92% might cause more harm than good.
Reasons are two fold, one, the chemicals that are used as the sunscreens absorb into the body and some can act as ‘hormone mimickers.’ Opposed to mineral based sun protections, such as titanium dioxide with rests on top of the skin. There has been some refutable to this by Dermatological associations saying that patients with eczema and cracks in their skin can allow the titanium dioxide in, and the fact that the body does not naturally make it, would not know how to metabolize, or get rid of it.
To back up the claims on the chemical sunscreens, research out of the University of California suggested that chemical filters in popular suncreams can trigger the kind of free-radical damage that could pre-empt skin cancer. The adverse effects seemed to happen only when UV rays hit sunscreen that has penetrated the skin.
Other concerns lay with preservatives such as certain parabens, which have also shown to be hormone mimickers. And where one might argue you cannot implicate and over hormonal stimulation form the small amount of just one product, its the accumulative effect that worries researchers and practitioners alike- from other personal care products to environmental pollutants.
Another piece of interest and damage to our skin is the presence of Vitamin A in sunscreen products. The EWG report raised concerns about retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A compound found in about 40 percent of sunscreens. The group says that when this ingredient is exposed to sun, it can actually accelerate skin damage; which is interesting because of the acne drug Accutane, which was a high dose Vitamin A product with a major side-effect of sun burn and skin damage.
So what is one to do?
Often what they are not recommending. Introducing anti-oxidant therapy, inside and out. That is in oral form as well as chemical free topical products can help prevent the creation of free-radicals, but also quell the free radicals once they are created.
To back this up in a topical nature, which is often refuted in many Dermatological circles is these words from Dr. Perricone in his book, The Wrinkle Cure-
Using an artificial ultraviolet light source, I produced small sunburns on the forearms of men and women. I then had them apply one of two creams. One cream contained vitamin C ester; the other did not. The subjects reapplied the creams every four hours.
Within a day or two, the burns treated with the vitamin C ester were almost completely healed. The burns treated with the “dummy” cream stayed red for several days longer. These findings strongly suggested that vitamin C ester was successfully battling the free radicals that create the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid.
As his experiment shows, vitamin C ester is helpful in treating inflammation such as that caused by UV exposure.
For what is hailed as one of the most effective vitamin C Serums on the market, we recommend, Cellex-C Advanced-C Serum
A recent report coming out of the Environmental Working Group is reporting that only 8% of sunscreens are truly safe to use-and the other 92% might cause more harm than good.
Reasons are two fold, one, the chemicals that are used as the sunscreens absorb into the body and some can act as ‘hormone mimickers.’ Opposed to mineral based sun protections, such as titanium dioxide with rests on top of the skin. There has been some refutable to this by Dermatological associations saying that patients with eczema and cracks in their skin can allow the titanium dioxide in, and the fact that the body does not naturally make it, would not know how to metabolize, or get rid of it.
To back up the claims on the chemical sunscreens, research out of the University of California suggested that chemical filters in popular suncreams can trigger the kind of free-radical damage that could pre-empt skin cancer. The adverse effects seemed to happen only when UV rays hit sunscreen that has penetrated the skin.
Other concerns lay with preservatives such as certain parabens, which have also shown to be hormone mimickers. And where one might argue you cannot implicate and over hormonal stimulation form the small amount of just one product, its the accumulative effect that worries researchers and practitioners alike- from other personal care products to environmental pollutants.
Another piece of interest and damage to our skin is the presence of Vitamin A in sunscreen products. The EWG report raised concerns about retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A compound found in about 40 percent of sunscreens. The group says that when this ingredient is exposed to sun, it can actually accelerate skin damage; which is interesting because of the acne drug Accutane, which was a high dose Vitamin A product with a major side-effect of sun burn and skin damage.
So what is one to do?
Often what they are not recommending. Introducing anti-oxidant therapy, inside and out. That is in oral form as well as chemical free topical products can help prevent the creation of free-radicals, but also quell the free radicals once they are created.
To back this up in a topical nature, which is often refuted in many Dermatological circles is these words from Dr. Perricone in his book, The Wrinkle Cure-
Using an artificial ultraviolet light source, I produced small sunburns on the forearms of men and women. I then had them apply one of two creams. One cream contained vitamin C ester; the other did not. The subjects reapplied the creams every four hours.
Within a day or two, the burns treated with the vitamin C ester were almost completely healed. The burns treated with the “dummy” cream stayed red for several days longer. These findings strongly suggested that vitamin C ester was successfully battling the free radicals that create the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid.
As his experiment shows, vitamin C ester is helpful in treating inflammation such as that caused by UV exposure.
For what is hailed as one of the most effective vitamin C Serums on the market, we recommend, Cellex-C Advanced-C Serum
What You Need To Know About Preventing Heart Disease and Blood Clots
We just heard the news of George Steinbrenner dyeing of a heart attack at 80 years of age. Where it is a sad event and occurrence, it seems that Mr. Steinbrenner has been dealing with health issues for the past few years, highlighted by the fact that he put his sons in charge of daily operations of the Yankee’s organization back in 2007.
Have you ever scratched your head after hearing about someone who seems to be the picture of health; fit, exercises and eats right…but then fall victim to a heart attack?
Add to that the fact that approximately half of all people who do have a heart attack actually have elevated cholesterol…does it make you wonder if we are doing all that we can to assess and prevent any cardiovascular issues?
I believe a lot of this misconception on what we need to do is highlighted by pharmaceutical company’s commercials insinuating that all you have to do is take a medication to keep your cholesterol down, and all will be fine. I remember a particular commercial with a guy named “Dean K”. He began to say how he couldn’t believe that he had a heart attack, and as he was in the hospital all he could think about was his wife. So he said he then began exercising, watching what he eats and started taking a cholesterol lowering medication, Lipitor.
I found it to be a rather powerful commercial. Putting aside that the commercial slants on ‘preventing a heart attack is as easy as taking Lipitor’, and the fact that the makers Lipitor have gotten into hot water in the past when their commercials were slanted to make one believe that Dr. Robert Jarvik, the maker of the artificial heart, was a practicing medical physician, which he was not…with the message in the commercial that “Dean K” almost didn’t make it, and what would his wife do without him… I am sure spread some emotional impact.
What are the risk factors for heart disease and what should we be monitoring?
First of all, I do believe cholesterol does need to be monitored; there are genetic predispositions as well as lifestyle issues, such as an unhealthy diet and hormonal imbalance which can lead to dangerously high cholesterol levels. I also believe that the “the lower the cholesterol the better” mantra that exists in certain practices of medicine is very dangerous. Cholesterol is a pro-hormone, it provides the material for all of our other hormones to be produced and studies have shown that total cholesterol below 140, can actually increase issues of morbidity.
Allow me to share with you brief and comprehensive look at other risk factors for cardiovascular illness.
Triglycerides are the form that fat takes when it is being stored for energy in your body. Triglycerides, liked cholesterol, are vital for human life but unhealthy if at too high a level. Causes of high triglyceride levels can be soft drinks, fruit juice, a high fat diet, white bread, flour and sugar, birth control pills, alcohol, caffeine, and others.
Homocysteine is another very important risk factor to be monitored. Homocysteine is an amino acid that promotes free radical production, as well as elevates triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Studies indicate that high Homocysteine levels are directly related to strokes, peripheral vascular disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Fibrinogen is a clot-promoting substance in your blood. Elevated levels of this molecule can cause a heart attack all by itself.
Lipoprotein(A) is a small cholesterol particle that can cause inflammation and clog blood vessels when present in the body in elevated levels. High Lipoprotein A levels can greatly increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease. An interesting point is that taking statin drugs to lower your HDL and LDL can actually lead to an increase of Lipoprotein A in the body…thus the crucial need for adequate cholesterol and cardiovascular management.
C-Reactive Protein is a protein that is found in the blood. Its levels become elevated when the body detects and infection or need for inflammation (which is often a sign of infection.) C-reactive protein levels can also rise due to a previous infections, obesity, and even depression. Elevated levels may also indicate future problems including cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.
These are all very accurate and reliable tests to assess ones cardiovascular risk factors. Unfortunately they are not generally performed in a regular check up, whether it’s due to a non-reimbursable insurance issue or the physician just chooses not to test for them.
For a complete cardiac profile, in addition you having your cholesterol checked, have your physician check for the above factors as well.
And what if we have these tests drawn and find out that they are in unhealthy levels? Not to worry, there are allopathic and natural remedies that have been shown very successful to pull everything back in line.
If you were to ask me, what are the main nutrients you would take to prevent as well as support my own heart - I would tell you the nutrients that I regularly do take to do this.
Fish Oils- Omega 3 fatty acids most efficiently come in the form of fish oils. They can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of coronary heart disease. They must be consumed in food or supplements. And if you are looking to supplement with fish oil, quality really matters. Many ‘off the shelf’ types of fish oil can do more harm than good, possible already being rancid as well as containing toxic heavy metals such as mercury.
Nattokinase- An ancient nutrient through food sources in Japan, Nattokinase is relatively a new kid on the block. This amazing nutrient that has shown to actually dissolve clots - and where one must be careful and let their doctor know if they are on blood thinning medications, this one is my absolute favorite insurance policy. Other benefits found through research are that it can lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, improve circulation and even support bone density.
CoQ10- Clinical research suggests that using Coenzyme Q10 alone or in combination with other drug therapies and nutritional supplements many help prevent or treat heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Researchers believe that the beneficial effect of CoQ10 in the prevention and treatment of heart disease is due to its ability to improve energy production in cells, inhibit blood clot formation, and act as an antioxidant.
Plant Sterolins- Plant sterollins are a great addition for cholesterol management in addition to fish oils. I have seen tremendous benefits in these knocking down LDL, avoiding possible liver tie ups and even CoQ10 depletions that are often seen with the statin family of medications.
For more information on healthcare, from an integrative point of view, visit www.longevityleague.com, and to have an essential health database in the palm or your hands, check out iHormones in the Apple App Store, which covers everything from hormones, to nutrition, to testing, up to date news and more.
Have you ever scratched your head after hearing about someone who seems to be the picture of health; fit, exercises and eats right…but then fall victim to a heart attack?
Add to that the fact that approximately half of all people who do have a heart attack actually have elevated cholesterol…does it make you wonder if we are doing all that we can to assess and prevent any cardiovascular issues?
I believe a lot of this misconception on what we need to do is highlighted by pharmaceutical company’s commercials insinuating that all you have to do is take a medication to keep your cholesterol down, and all will be fine. I remember a particular commercial with a guy named “Dean K”. He began to say how he couldn’t believe that he had a heart attack, and as he was in the hospital all he could think about was his wife. So he said he then began exercising, watching what he eats and started taking a cholesterol lowering medication, Lipitor.
I found it to be a rather powerful commercial. Putting aside that the commercial slants on ‘preventing a heart attack is as easy as taking Lipitor’, and the fact that the makers Lipitor have gotten into hot water in the past when their commercials were slanted to make one believe that Dr. Robert Jarvik, the maker of the artificial heart, was a practicing medical physician, which he was not…with the message in the commercial that “Dean K” almost didn’t make it, and what would his wife do without him… I am sure spread some emotional impact.
What are the risk factors for heart disease and what should we be monitoring?
First of all, I do believe cholesterol does need to be monitored; there are genetic predispositions as well as lifestyle issues, such as an unhealthy diet and hormonal imbalance which can lead to dangerously high cholesterol levels. I also believe that the “the lower the cholesterol the better” mantra that exists in certain practices of medicine is very dangerous. Cholesterol is a pro-hormone, it provides the material for all of our other hormones to be produced and studies have shown that total cholesterol below 140, can actually increase issues of morbidity.
Allow me to share with you brief and comprehensive look at other risk factors for cardiovascular illness.
Triglycerides are the form that fat takes when it is being stored for energy in your body. Triglycerides, liked cholesterol, are vital for human life but unhealthy if at too high a level. Causes of high triglyceride levels can be soft drinks, fruit juice, a high fat diet, white bread, flour and sugar, birth control pills, alcohol, caffeine, and others.
Homocysteine is another very important risk factor to be monitored. Homocysteine is an amino acid that promotes free radical production, as well as elevates triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Studies indicate that high Homocysteine levels are directly related to strokes, peripheral vascular disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Fibrinogen is a clot-promoting substance in your blood. Elevated levels of this molecule can cause a heart attack all by itself.
Lipoprotein(A) is a small cholesterol particle that can cause inflammation and clog blood vessels when present in the body in elevated levels. High Lipoprotein A levels can greatly increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease. An interesting point is that taking statin drugs to lower your HDL and LDL can actually lead to an increase of Lipoprotein A in the body…thus the crucial need for adequate cholesterol and cardiovascular management.
C-Reactive Protein is a protein that is found in the blood. Its levels become elevated when the body detects and infection or need for inflammation (which is often a sign of infection.) C-reactive protein levels can also rise due to a previous infections, obesity, and even depression. Elevated levels may also indicate future problems including cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.
These are all very accurate and reliable tests to assess ones cardiovascular risk factors. Unfortunately they are not generally performed in a regular check up, whether it’s due to a non-reimbursable insurance issue or the physician just chooses not to test for them.
For a complete cardiac profile, in addition you having your cholesterol checked, have your physician check for the above factors as well.
And what if we have these tests drawn and find out that they are in unhealthy levels? Not to worry, there are allopathic and natural remedies that have been shown very successful to pull everything back in line.
If you were to ask me, what are the main nutrients you would take to prevent as well as support my own heart - I would tell you the nutrients that I regularly do take to do this.
Fish Oils- Omega 3 fatty acids most efficiently come in the form of fish oils. They can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of coronary heart disease. They must be consumed in food or supplements. And if you are looking to supplement with fish oil, quality really matters. Many ‘off the shelf’ types of fish oil can do more harm than good, possible already being rancid as well as containing toxic heavy metals such as mercury.
Nattokinase- An ancient nutrient through food sources in Japan, Nattokinase is relatively a new kid on the block. This amazing nutrient that has shown to actually dissolve clots - and where one must be careful and let their doctor know if they are on blood thinning medications, this one is my absolute favorite insurance policy. Other benefits found through research are that it can lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, improve circulation and even support bone density.
CoQ10- Clinical research suggests that using Coenzyme Q10 alone or in combination with other drug therapies and nutritional supplements many help prevent or treat heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Researchers believe that the beneficial effect of CoQ10 in the prevention and treatment of heart disease is due to its ability to improve energy production in cells, inhibit blood clot formation, and act as an antioxidant.
Plant Sterolins- Plant sterollins are a great addition for cholesterol management in addition to fish oils. I have seen tremendous benefits in these knocking down LDL, avoiding possible liver tie ups and even CoQ10 depletions that are often seen with the statin family of medications.
For more information on healthcare, from an integrative point of view, visit www.longevityleague.com, and to have an essential health database in the palm or your hands, check out iHormones in the Apple App Store, which covers everything from hormones, to nutrition, to testing, up to date news and more.
Say It Ain't So...GMO!
We’re going to change course this week and take a trip right into the ol’ grocery store.
The topic of this week is genetically modified foods (aka GM or GMO), in which I am willing to bet your kitchen is full of, mainly because the grocery store shelves sure are.
A recent study reported that if you were to randomly pick an item off of your grocery store shelf, you have a 70% chance of picking a food with genetically modified ingredients. This is basically saying that 7 out of 10 foods on the grocery store shelves have been genetically modified.
Another study uncovered that when polled, only ¼ of Americans report having eaten genetically modified foods…quite a large difference of numbers in these two studies. If more Americans were aware of the 7 in 10 chances, I am willing to guess that ¼ would be much higher.
A big problem is that Americans are kept largely in the dark about genetically modified foods, and most are not aware they are eating these foods because there are no labeling requirements to identify genetically modified foods.
Should we be concerned if we are eaten genetically modified foods?
Who knows? No studies have been done with humans with the intent to find out what happens when genetically modifed foods are consumed… although concerns have been raised about issues of sterility, possible influence on creating super viruses, triggering of cancers, and more.
Aside from a lack of adequate studies, if you were to ask me, I much rather consume a food created through and by nature, not via science with a foreign component sliced into it. There is still far too much unknown about this science to be experimenting with our health.
There are tools you can use to find out how to access the other 30% of the grocery store shelves that are not GMO.
Here are some tips to weed thorough the GMO puzzle.
1- Buy organic- Buying organic is currently the best way to ensure that your food has not bee genetically modified. By definition, food that is certified organic must be:
• Free from al GMO organisms
• Produced without artificial pesticides and fertilizers
• From an animal reared without the routine use of antibiotics growth promoters or other drugs
However, as GMO crops are becoming more and more prevalent, and the spread of GM seeds and pollen is a major concern. Even organic produce may be contaminated with traces of GMO elements that have been spread by wind for insects such as bees.
2- Read labels- GMO soybeans and corn make up the largest portion of genetically engineered crops. Stop on in at Scripts and pick up your ‘GMO Food Ingredients Chart’ that may contain GMO corn, soy, and other products. This will give you an in-depth look at what might be GMO.
3- Look at Produce Stickers- This one is cool, I really dug finding this out and I hope you will too.
Take a look at the little stickers on fruit and vegetables. They contain different PLU codes depending on whether the fruit was conventionally grown, organically grown or genetically engineered. The PLU code for conventionally grow fruit consists of four numbers, organically grown fruit five numbers prefaces by the number 9, ad GMO fruit five numbers preface by the number 8.
For example:
Conventionally grown PLU: 0210
Organically grown OPLU:90210
Genetically modified PLU: 80210
So there you have it! A quick and concise way to help ensure that you are not eating Genetically modified foods and organisms.
The topic of this week is genetically modified foods (aka GM or GMO), in which I am willing to bet your kitchen is full of, mainly because the grocery store shelves sure are.
A recent study reported that if you were to randomly pick an item off of your grocery store shelf, you have a 70% chance of picking a food with genetically modified ingredients. This is basically saying that 7 out of 10 foods on the grocery store shelves have been genetically modified.
Another study uncovered that when polled, only ¼ of Americans report having eaten genetically modified foods…quite a large difference of numbers in these two studies. If more Americans were aware of the 7 in 10 chances, I am willing to guess that ¼ would be much higher.
A big problem is that Americans are kept largely in the dark about genetically modified foods, and most are not aware they are eating these foods because there are no labeling requirements to identify genetically modified foods.
Should we be concerned if we are eaten genetically modified foods?
Who knows? No studies have been done with humans with the intent to find out what happens when genetically modifed foods are consumed… although concerns have been raised about issues of sterility, possible influence on creating super viruses, triggering of cancers, and more.
Aside from a lack of adequate studies, if you were to ask me, I much rather consume a food created through and by nature, not via science with a foreign component sliced into it. There is still far too much unknown about this science to be experimenting with our health.
There are tools you can use to find out how to access the other 30% of the grocery store shelves that are not GMO.
Here are some tips to weed thorough the GMO puzzle.
1- Buy organic- Buying organic is currently the best way to ensure that your food has not bee genetically modified. By definition, food that is certified organic must be:
• Free from al GMO organisms
• Produced without artificial pesticides and fertilizers
• From an animal reared without the routine use of antibiotics growth promoters or other drugs
However, as GMO crops are becoming more and more prevalent, and the spread of GM seeds and pollen is a major concern. Even organic produce may be contaminated with traces of GMO elements that have been spread by wind for insects such as bees.
2- Read labels- GMO soybeans and corn make up the largest portion of genetically engineered crops. Stop on in at Scripts and pick up your ‘GMO Food Ingredients Chart’ that may contain GMO corn, soy, and other products. This will give you an in-depth look at what might be GMO.
3- Look at Produce Stickers- This one is cool, I really dug finding this out and I hope you will too.
Take a look at the little stickers on fruit and vegetables. They contain different PLU codes depending on whether the fruit was conventionally grown, organically grown or genetically engineered. The PLU code for conventionally grow fruit consists of four numbers, organically grown fruit five numbers prefaces by the number 9, ad GMO fruit five numbers preface by the number 8.
For example:
Conventionally grown PLU: 0210
Organically grown OPLU:90210
Genetically modified PLU: 80210
So there you have it! A quick and concise way to help ensure that you are not eating Genetically modified foods and organisms.
Frustrated Pharmacist Turns To Mobile Technology To Clear The Confusion On Natural Hormones For His Clients And Colleagues
It’s no secret; we are fast becoming a mobilized world with the advents of technology leaning towards smart phones and what are known as ‘apps’. ‘Apps’ are short for ‘application’s’ and they act as mini websites or information portals for quick access on the face of one’s phone. Apps come in the form of video games to reference databases and newsfeeds. Many say this mobile platform is the new marketing frontier, providing additional real estate to get information out to prospects and customers. In fact, numbers show that at the end of 2009, there were some 4.1 billion cell phones in regular use around the world, while (only) 2.1 billion people regularly going online.
An independent pharmacist who specializes in nutrition and what is known as bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is turning to the App World to be able to provide his customers and fellow practitioners information that is not readily practiced or accessible in the allopathic medical community.
“Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy is always a hot topic, one of controversy”, explains Robert B. Kress RPh CCN, of the free health information website, www.longevityleague.com “You have two strong schools of belief, bias and passion, one for and the other against bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, which inevitably leads to a mass of confusion placed upon the patients. In owning my own compounding and nutritional pharmacy I have seen patients grasping for answers and information that they could trust.”
So Kress turned to technology. Realizing that information can be and is placed in books and on websites, it’s usually at a time when someone is not online or has that one book in their hands that they need the answers that they are looking for. “That’s the beauty of the smart phone age; we can basically access unlimited amounts of information in the palm of our hands, instantly. Search at any given time, we don’t have to be in front of our computer or visit a local book store”, say’s Kress.
“The first app that my wife and I created was iHormones, which represents the perfect solution to access information to natural hormones, nutrition, and even food charts and recent news that we wish we had when owning our own pharmacy. To be used as a reference ourselves, recommend to our customers, and get information to the pharmacy students we worked with who are not taught this information in pharmacy and medical school. It really fills a major need on many levels.”
In response to an article on the L.A Times website on July 12, 2010, explaining how many health care professionals are warning the public and purchasers of these app’s that the information might not be reliable while health related apps are growing by leaps and bounds, Kress says, “That is why in our iHormones app we provide not only credible resources for people to turn to, but provide a reference area that backs to information which we provide. We are sharing real science.”
Robert’s App iHormones can be found in the Apple Application Store, along with other app’s he has created with his wife Amy, such as “Vitamins Rx”, “Find a Compounding Pharmacy”, “Natural Menopause” and more to come. Robert say’s he has decided to focus on the apple operating systems for the present time because apple has shown a larger, app friendly customer base.
An independent pharmacist who specializes in nutrition and what is known as bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is turning to the App World to be able to provide his customers and fellow practitioners information that is not readily practiced or accessible in the allopathic medical community.
“Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy is always a hot topic, one of controversy”, explains Robert B. Kress RPh CCN, of the free health information website, www.longevityleague.com “You have two strong schools of belief, bias and passion, one for and the other against bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, which inevitably leads to a mass of confusion placed upon the patients. In owning my own compounding and nutritional pharmacy I have seen patients grasping for answers and information that they could trust.”
So Kress turned to technology. Realizing that information can be and is placed in books and on websites, it’s usually at a time when someone is not online or has that one book in their hands that they need the answers that they are looking for. “That’s the beauty of the smart phone age; we can basically access unlimited amounts of information in the palm of our hands, instantly. Search at any given time, we don’t have to be in front of our computer or visit a local book store”, say’s Kress.
“The first app that my wife and I created was iHormones, which represents the perfect solution to access information to natural hormones, nutrition, and even food charts and recent news that we wish we had when owning our own pharmacy. To be used as a reference ourselves, recommend to our customers, and get information to the pharmacy students we worked with who are not taught this information in pharmacy and medical school. It really fills a major need on many levels.”
In response to an article on the L.A Times website on July 12, 2010, explaining how many health care professionals are warning the public and purchasers of these app’s that the information might not be reliable while health related apps are growing by leaps and bounds, Kress says, “That is why in our iHormones app we provide not only credible resources for people to turn to, but provide a reference area that backs to information which we provide. We are sharing real science.”
Robert’s App iHormones can be found in the Apple Application Store, along with other app’s he has created with his wife Amy, such as “Vitamins Rx”, “Find a Compounding Pharmacy”, “Natural Menopause” and more to come. Robert say’s he has decided to focus on the apple operating systems for the present time because apple has shown a larger, app friendly customer base.
Hair Loss, Menopause and Skin...What Can We Do In The Anti-Aging Skincare and Medicine World?
Through my anti-aging skincare practice, menopause and skin conditions is always a big topic. "Please give me the anti wrinkle cream that works best", is the battle cry that is heard loud and clear.
In addition to deciding which anti-aging lotions and paraben free skincare products suit them best, consulting women on the changes of their skin as they go through menopause is often accompanied by questions on thinning hair and hair loss.
And you might be surprised to find out that there is a major relationship between thinning hair, menopause and skin complaints.
When women begin to enter menopause skin tone begins to change due to hormonal fluctuations. The skin becomes much more dry and rigid, it may start to sag with a noticeable increase in wrinkles - all which is often due to the breakdown in collagen from decreased estrogen production.
Hair loss is known as alopecia, and along with thinning hair can happen for many reasons in both men and women. By far the biggest reason I see in my clients is hormonal imbalance; whether related to imbalance of the estrogen, progesterone and testosterone ratio's, and overactive thyroid and even emotional, physical or mental stress.
In regards to hormones, there is a major culprit known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is actually a hormone metabolite (breakdown by product of hormone metabolism and synthesis) Research does show that in people who are balding they do find elevated levels of DHT in their scalps.
DHT has been shown to be responsible for shrinking the hair follicle and also tends to create a wax like substance around the hair.
Although with any hormonal condition it’s all about balance. Hormones hold each other in check. And when you are talking about balance you are talking about your hormones, how your hormones are being metabolized and enzymatic activity.
When the DHT is the culprit, which it often is, due to changes of the hormonal and nutritional environment, and enzyme called 5-alpha reductase meets up with testosterone to increase the amount of DHT that is produced.
Obviously it is important to get to the reason for the hair loss. Is it thyroid, estrogen imbalance, or something else like an infection?
As you can see, a healthy hormone balance which often becomes unbalanced in our over-toxic and over-committed society, and then add on top the fluctuations and life changes, menopause and skin and hair health can benefit greatly from addressing things form the inside out.
If you need information on hormonal balance, one of my favorite books is What You Must Know About Womens Hormones, by Dr Pamela Smith, and if you are Apple savvy, check out iHormones in the apple app store.
Lastly, we know toxins are an issue in our health and our beauty, so always look for toxin free and paraben free skincare products.
In addition to deciding which anti-aging lotions and paraben free skincare products suit them best, consulting women on the changes of their skin as they go through menopause is often accompanied by questions on thinning hair and hair loss.
And you might be surprised to find out that there is a major relationship between thinning hair, menopause and skin complaints.
When women begin to enter menopause skin tone begins to change due to hormonal fluctuations. The skin becomes much more dry and rigid, it may start to sag with a noticeable increase in wrinkles - all which is often due to the breakdown in collagen from decreased estrogen production.
Hair loss is known as alopecia, and along with thinning hair can happen for many reasons in both men and women. By far the biggest reason I see in my clients is hormonal imbalance; whether related to imbalance of the estrogen, progesterone and testosterone ratio's, and overactive thyroid and even emotional, physical or mental stress.
In regards to hormones, there is a major culprit known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is actually a hormone metabolite (breakdown by product of hormone metabolism and synthesis) Research does show that in people who are balding they do find elevated levels of DHT in their scalps.
DHT has been shown to be responsible for shrinking the hair follicle and also tends to create a wax like substance around the hair.
Although with any hormonal condition it’s all about balance. Hormones hold each other in check. And when you are talking about balance you are talking about your hormones, how your hormones are being metabolized and enzymatic activity.
When the DHT is the culprit, which it often is, due to changes of the hormonal and nutritional environment, and enzyme called 5-alpha reductase meets up with testosterone to increase the amount of DHT that is produced.
Obviously it is important to get to the reason for the hair loss. Is it thyroid, estrogen imbalance, or something else like an infection?
As you can see, a healthy hormone balance which often becomes unbalanced in our over-toxic and over-committed society, and then add on top the fluctuations and life changes, menopause and skin and hair health can benefit greatly from addressing things form the inside out.
If you need information on hormonal balance, one of my favorite books is What You Must Know About Womens Hormones, by Dr Pamela Smith, and if you are Apple savvy, check out iHormones in the apple app store.
Lastly, we know toxins are an issue in our health and our beauty, so always look for toxin free and paraben free skincare products.
What Do I Do When My Doctor Tells Me My Thryoid is Normal or Cant Get it Under Control ?
This is a question that we hear a lot here at the pharmacy, and due to the fact that many people are not receiving what is known as a complete thyroid panel, many people are walking around with undiagnosed hypo-thyroidism.
Do you have lack of energy, maybe you are depressed, have trouble losing weight, difficulty sleeping, maybe your hair and nails are brittle and your skin is dry?
These are all very common symptoms of hypo-thyroidism, which millions of people, mostly women, complain of although never find resolution.
Before I delve into thyroid I want to get across that hormones balance together in a symphony of sorts. Just balancing one hormone, might not totally fix the problem if other hormones and glandular systems are out of whack.
Case in point. The body will respond to adaptogenic needs in relation to stress first and foremost to keep you alive. This has been originally known as the fight or flight response, we have adaptogenic tendencies to either flee a situation of ‘danger’ or stay and fight – all for needs of self preservation.
We have been engineered for renewal time between episodes of fight or flight, to allow our bodies to rest and repair. All to often in our over committed society, stress is always upon us and we do not provide ourselves with renewal.
This can lead to over stressed adrenal glands that produce cortisol to give us the get up and go. As our adrenal glands become week, then they cannot make as much cortisol and will steal from other hormones, which have similar material, like progesterone. So, if someone is low on progesterone, and we keep giving them progesterone without addressing the adrenal glands, well we are only chasing our tail.
In a similar fashion, mis-managed stress can decrease the conversion of T4 to T3 (the more active thyroid hormone), leading to the symptoms of hypo-thyroidism which I mentioned above; lack of energy, depression, difficulty losing weight, trouble sleeping, brittle hair and nails, and dry skin?
One of the best things we can do in assessing the health of the thyroid is to perform a Full Thyroid Panel, and not just the common testing which is on just T4 and TSH.
For whatever reason, the common assessment on a doctors’ visit is only checking peoples’ levels of T4 and TSH, which leaves a lot to be missed.
A Complete Thyroid Panel consists of:
1. TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)- Is made in you pituitary gland located in your brain. Your body releases this when it feels more thyroid hormone is needed by the body.
2. T4 (thyroxine) - Is made in your thyroid gland and accounts for more than 80% of the thyroid glands production. T4 is then changed into the more active T3 in the liver or kidneys.
3. T3 (triiodothyronine)-Is 5 times more active than T4, although can be low due to a decreased conversion ability from T4.
4. Reverse T3- Can be converted from T4, when in excessive amounts often due to prolonged stress. This is a biologically inactive form of T3 and has no effect on metabolism.
5. Thyroid Anti-bodies- If your antibodies are too high it can prevent the thyroid hormone from attaching to the thyroid receptors…no matter how high the levels. These levels can be elevated due to infection, inflammation or trauma to ones system.
Aside from this, monitoring ones basal body temperature can be of help as well as assessing nutrient and micronutrient deficiencies. It has been estimated that over 75% of North Americans are deficient in minerals like magnesium, and taking into account the fact that minerals and micronutrients such as selenium, chromium and zinc are needed for the proper conversion of T4 to T3, our dietary sources can play a big part in our thyroid state.
For more information on what you need to know for a healthy thyroid, possibly why you cannot take that extra weight off, or are feeling depressed, contact us here at the pharmacy.
Do you have lack of energy, maybe you are depressed, have trouble losing weight, difficulty sleeping, maybe your hair and nails are brittle and your skin is dry?
These are all very common symptoms of hypo-thyroidism, which millions of people, mostly women, complain of although never find resolution.
Before I delve into thyroid I want to get across that hormones balance together in a symphony of sorts. Just balancing one hormone, might not totally fix the problem if other hormones and glandular systems are out of whack.
Case in point. The body will respond to adaptogenic needs in relation to stress first and foremost to keep you alive. This has been originally known as the fight or flight response, we have adaptogenic tendencies to either flee a situation of ‘danger’ or stay and fight – all for needs of self preservation.
We have been engineered for renewal time between episodes of fight or flight, to allow our bodies to rest and repair. All to often in our over committed society, stress is always upon us and we do not provide ourselves with renewal.
This can lead to over stressed adrenal glands that produce cortisol to give us the get up and go. As our adrenal glands become week, then they cannot make as much cortisol and will steal from other hormones, which have similar material, like progesterone. So, if someone is low on progesterone, and we keep giving them progesterone without addressing the adrenal glands, well we are only chasing our tail.
In a similar fashion, mis-managed stress can decrease the conversion of T4 to T3 (the more active thyroid hormone), leading to the symptoms of hypo-thyroidism which I mentioned above; lack of energy, depression, difficulty losing weight, trouble sleeping, brittle hair and nails, and dry skin?
One of the best things we can do in assessing the health of the thyroid is to perform a Full Thyroid Panel, and not just the common testing which is on just T4 and TSH.
For whatever reason, the common assessment on a doctors’ visit is only checking peoples’ levels of T4 and TSH, which leaves a lot to be missed.
A Complete Thyroid Panel consists of:
1. TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)- Is made in you pituitary gland located in your brain. Your body releases this when it feels more thyroid hormone is needed by the body.
2. T4 (thyroxine) - Is made in your thyroid gland and accounts for more than 80% of the thyroid glands production. T4 is then changed into the more active T3 in the liver or kidneys.
3. T3 (triiodothyronine)-Is 5 times more active than T4, although can be low due to a decreased conversion ability from T4.
4. Reverse T3- Can be converted from T4, when in excessive amounts often due to prolonged stress. This is a biologically inactive form of T3 and has no effect on metabolism.
5. Thyroid Anti-bodies- If your antibodies are too high it can prevent the thyroid hormone from attaching to the thyroid receptors…no matter how high the levels. These levels can be elevated due to infection, inflammation or trauma to ones system.
Aside from this, monitoring ones basal body temperature can be of help as well as assessing nutrient and micronutrient deficiencies. It has been estimated that over 75% of North Americans are deficient in minerals like magnesium, and taking into account the fact that minerals and micronutrients such as selenium, chromium and zinc are needed for the proper conversion of T4 to T3, our dietary sources can play a big part in our thyroid state.
For more information on what you need to know for a healthy thyroid, possibly why you cannot take that extra weight off, or are feeling depressed, contact us here at the pharmacy.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Discover Why The Big Players In The Anti-Aging Skincare Industry Don’t Want You To Know About Paraben Free Skincare
There is little question why wrinkle creams, skin serums and a myriad of other products are catapulting the anti-aging skincare industry ahead of the rest of the skincare market. People want to look and feel their best, and many of these products can offer just that.
What I would like to do is speak to you today about one very important tip that can help you find the highest quality products; products that are based around the highest in quality, safety and effectiveness.
You must know that much of the industry does not want you know about paraben free skincare, let me tell you why.
You see, the big players in almost every industry have gotten there by selling more and spending less; which is a great business model, but rest assured does not always create the most safe and effective products. And this goes for the anti-aging skincare business.
One of the most pervasive assaults against our quest for health and beauty are toxic tagalongs like preservatives such as the paraben family of chemicals. Parabens are used as preservatives in many thousands of cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products which our population is constantly exposed to. Finding paraben free skincare products can dramatically decrease ones exposure to these chemicals.
There are 4 main parabens; butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben. On the label these would be listed as ‘in-active’ ingredients, setting them apart from the active ingredients such as anti-oxidants, exfoliates, moisturizers and cleansers. The problem is that science has proven that these in-actives, really are not that in-active.
The Paraben family of preservatives has proven to be hormone mimickers. What this means is that due to their shape and structure, as well as an affinity they have towards our body’s natural hormone receptors; they can either compete for a receptor site, knocking off a biological hormone which is meant be there, or worse yet exert some sort of unnatural stimulation upon the receptor.
Implications of paraben exposure and such hormone mimicking activity has resulted in; parabens being discovered in cancer breast tumors, disruption of hormonal secretions such as testosterone and decreased sperm production, as well as shown to be responsible for numerous cases of allergic responses of the skin.
It’s true; we do live in a toxic environment. One of the best things you can do for your health and your skin is to eliminate as many toxic tagalongs as possible. In my skincare coaching services I recommend searching for safe and effective age defying paraben free skincare products.
And trust me; your skin will love you for feeding it highly effective, high quality wrinkle creams and skin serums, I promise that this decision for your beauty and your health will pay you back over and over again. Do your research, read the ingredients, and make the decision that is best for your beauty, your youth and your health.
If you need a great resource, click on the skin botanica link to the right. They have great products although our favorite because it is paraben free is called 100% Pure...you will love it.
Amy
What I would like to do is speak to you today about one very important tip that can help you find the highest quality products; products that are based around the highest in quality, safety and effectiveness.
You must know that much of the industry does not want you know about paraben free skincare, let me tell you why.
You see, the big players in almost every industry have gotten there by selling more and spending less; which is a great business model, but rest assured does not always create the most safe and effective products. And this goes for the anti-aging skincare business.
One of the most pervasive assaults against our quest for health and beauty are toxic tagalongs like preservatives such as the paraben family of chemicals. Parabens are used as preservatives in many thousands of cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products which our population is constantly exposed to. Finding paraben free skincare products can dramatically decrease ones exposure to these chemicals.
There are 4 main parabens; butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben. On the label these would be listed as ‘in-active’ ingredients, setting them apart from the active ingredients such as anti-oxidants, exfoliates, moisturizers and cleansers. The problem is that science has proven that these in-actives, really are not that in-active.
The Paraben family of preservatives has proven to be hormone mimickers. What this means is that due to their shape and structure, as well as an affinity they have towards our body’s natural hormone receptors; they can either compete for a receptor site, knocking off a biological hormone which is meant be there, or worse yet exert some sort of unnatural stimulation upon the receptor.
Implications of paraben exposure and such hormone mimicking activity has resulted in; parabens being discovered in cancer breast tumors, disruption of hormonal secretions such as testosterone and decreased sperm production, as well as shown to be responsible for numerous cases of allergic responses of the skin.
It’s true; we do live in a toxic environment. One of the best things you can do for your health and your skin is to eliminate as many toxic tagalongs as possible. In my skincare coaching services I recommend searching for safe and effective age defying paraben free skincare products.
And trust me; your skin will love you for feeding it highly effective, high quality wrinkle creams and skin serums, I promise that this decision for your beauty and your health will pay you back over and over again. Do your research, read the ingredients, and make the decision that is best for your beauty, your youth and your health.
If you need a great resource, click on the skin botanica link to the right. They have great products although our favorite because it is paraben free is called 100% Pure...you will love it.
Amy
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