Nutrition Month

Showing posts with label acne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label acne. Show all posts

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Goji and Cherry Supplements

Goji’s have been used in Asian herbal medicine for over 5,000 years. Long a staple of Eastern and holistic medicine, the Goji Berry is renowned for its antioxidant properties that provide a variety of benefits including increased energy and heightened immune function. The weight loss properties of this natural ingredient have recently seen the fruit becoming popular stateside as well, especially among celebrities and many stars in Hollywood with the Goji Berry being featured on many television programs and in magazines. The goji berry is one of the most nutrient-rich foods on earth. It is a vegetarian form of protein, packed with essential amino acids, rich in vitamin A and a good source of vitamin C. Goji berries possess over 20 trace minerals and vitamins including zinc, iron, phosphorus, riboflavin (B2), vitamin E as well as carotenoids, including beta-carotene.


Cherry Fruit Extract provides a natural source of flavonoids that act as antioxidants, providing protection to different systems in the body including joints, connective tissues and arteries. Naturally occurring antioxidant components, such as flavonoids, can help to protect cells from free radical damage in the body. Cherry Fruit Extract also helps to support the body's natural system of metabolizing uric acid. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)

Health Benefits of Cherry Extract.

Antidote for Free Radicals: The flavonoids, found in Cherry Extract, act as antioxidants in the body, degenerating and destroying harmful oxygen compounds called free radicals.

Free Radicals are responsible for may critical diseases like cataract, Parkinson?s disease, and arteriosclerosis. A study has confirmed that Cherry Extract could actually reduce the risk of death from heart attack in middle-aged men with heart problems.

The more flavonoid-rich supplements like Cherry Extract that we consume, the lower the risk became of our heart disease.

Cherry Extract is also natural anti-inflammatory agent, which may help in reducing both the production and release of inflammation-promoting compounds such as histamine. This can be helpful to people with hayfever and allergies.

Cherry Extract is very much similar in functioning to anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen), antihistamines, and certain anti-asthma drugs.

This is why Cherry Extract is a natural food for help with allergies, arthritis, or any condition in which chronic inflammation is present, such as gout and arthritis.

Strengthening Capillaries: Flavonoids, present in Cherry Extract, strengthen collagen, the building fibers of connective tissue. Cherry Extract facilitates cross-linking of fibers themselves, by providing additional flavonoids.

Cherry Extract also helps in strengthening the collagen fibers that are the basic structure of the vein wall. Extracts of cherries and blueberries are used frequently in Europe for treatment of varicose veins from past many centuries.

Is Cherry Extract better than Cherry Juice? There are often discussions like which one is better, juice or extract? Although you can always use Cherry extract, fresh or canned cherries, and cherry juice but cherry Extract is probably best. Juice is also a good source for flavonoids, but still Cherry Extract is more concentrated.

Some people recommend the use of Cherry Juice over Cherry Extract, however, beware of “cherry drinks,” which usually contain a scant amount of actual cherry juice and lots of water and sugar.

Possible Side Effects

There are no known side effects or adverse reactions associated with Cherry Extract.

Goji and Cherry can sometimes be found in a combined supplement.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Acne in pregnancy

Most acne breakouts in pregnant women occur during the first three months of the pregnancy while hormone levels are increasing, causing increased oil production in you skin which causes acne flare-ups. By the second trimester the acne begins to clear up.

There are several acne treatments that are safe for pregnant women, some of them natural and or homemade. There are others that are manufactured which also have been deemed safe for use during pregnancy.

Of course there are some that are not to be used during pregnancy. Before we discuss any of these products remember that before you use any acne treatment consult with your obstetrician.

Benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient in some over the counter acne treatments, has been tested and deemed safe for use by pregnant women.

The first step to preventing acne is to keep the skin clean. Reduce your consumption of sugar and soda. Also, drink plenty of water. Water improves circulation, which will help flush toxins from the skin. Drinking water is important for you, the baby and the production of amniotic fluid. The benefits to your skin are a bonus.

Epsom salts can be used for face and body acne. Just pour a cup of epsom salt in the tub to exfoliate your skin. It can also relieve aches and pains. Some people get boils, bartholin's cysts and infected hair bumps on other parts of their body, and taking an epsom bath and using some of the products listed below on other parts of the body can be soothing.
When bathing, the magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is absorbed through the skin and is natural way to treat skin problems. Epsom salt is a great exfoliator, and is useful to remove dead skin cells so that the pores have less of a chance of being clogged. Epsom salts soften skin, leave no residue, and don't dry the skin. Exfoliation is great to decrease the depth of the fresh scar, and stimulation of collagen and elastin to promote a healthier structure and appearance in new skin growth. Daily exfoliation is an effective way to fade fresh acne scars cheaply at home. This is easy to do.

For those who require a prescription to control their acne, topical erythromycin or clindamycin can be discussed with your obstetrician.

I have listed below some products that might offer some additional benefit.

Friday, March 12, 2010

What is the best treatment for acne?



I just saw this commercial and I want to try this...
Let me know if you have tried this product.