Category Archives: Anti Aging Products

Products we use that help us stay young

Happy Holidays and a glowing skin!

skincareTo all our visitors we’d like to wish you a happy holiday season and great new year.  We thought we’d touch on skin care in this post because as we age we always want to keep our face from showing it so will try most anything! There are some precautions you ought to know about.

Researchers have found that what we put on our skin goes directly into our bloodstream and possible into the liver. Recent studies from the Univ. of California dermatologists confirm that skin absorption is the major route of entry into the body. This means that if there are toxins in your make-up or skin cream, they will end up being filtered by the liver in an effort to detoxify our blood. This means it can tire out the liver compromising its ability to remove other toxins from food and the environment.

So what can you do? Read labels. Ingredients thought to be toxic that are including in skin products appear in labels as mineral oil, petroleum, petrolatum, propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, ceresin, toluene, benzene and parrafin to name a few of the 800 commonly used in skin care products. It is best to do some research on natural ingredients like aloe, bee products, coconut oil, herbs, jojoba, honey, witch hazel, olive oil.

Remember that if “you are what you eat” then you also are what you put on your skin. Even sunblock can have toxic ingredients. The safest we’ve found is Badger’s zinc oxide. Even many brands found in health food stores contain toxins not synergistic to health and longevity.

And especially during the winter, stay hydrated with a good multi-electrolyte concentrate added to water. Our skin dries out quickly and this contributes to wrinkles.. so drink up and keep that humidifier on!

Excerpted in part from Natural Skin Care by Alana Schwartz, www.OurBerkshireTimes.com 

Resource: www.electroblast.com multi-electrolyte rehdyration concentrate

Some natural skin products: Click Here

What’s wrong with ascorbic acid form of “vitamin C”?

sneeze

When we get a cold what is the first thing we grab – some vitamin C? You might have a bottle of ascorbic acid on your shelf thinking that is vitamin C and will help your cold, but you are misled…

 

Vitamin C is legally defined as ascorbic acid and folic acid as pterolyglutamic acid. As found in foods, vitamin C is more than just one molecule and to function properly in the body it needs more than just ascorbic acid. Tyrosinase is a co-factor that is essential for the production of the oxidative burst in white blood cells that destroys engulfed pathogens. surrounding the core of tyrosinase are the bioflavoinoids and P factors. These support production and maintenance of collagen and elastin and another component, vitamin K and hemoglobin production co-factors (J factors) were also needed to function properly.

 

When plants product vitamin C complex they enclose the active constituents with a shell of ascorbic acid being a functional component of the vitamin complex. But, ascorbic acid only comprises five to eight percent of the actual vitamin complex. It is actually a marker molecule used to identify vitamin C activity and it’s presence in a food source. By legal definition isolated ascorbic acid is not vitamin C. 

 

Ascorbic acid is the protective shell that also can function as an antioxidant but must be paired with its co-factors and other synergistic components to maximize the utilization in the body. Ascorbic acid is a single, naked molecule synthesized by processing glucose (corn syrup mostly from GMO corn) with sulfuric acid to produce the hexuronic acid form. It is not a natural whole food vitamin. It is a synthetic.

 

Synthetic vitamins can help initially because our cells can take a naked molecule and draw the necessary co-factors from other areas of the body. But once the co-factors are depleted the synthetic vitamin can no longer work reducing the efficacy of the substance.The return or worsening of the symptom the ascorbic acid was taken for is viewed as a reoccurrence of the original condition whereas it is actually the body’s depletion of the co-factors so the synthetic vitamin can no longer be processed. Because it is now deficient in that vitamin, even more serious conditions can arise. Another reason why synthetic vitamins cannot produce as good results as natural whole food vitamins is that the cells vibrate at a specific frequency and they don’t recognize the frequency of the synthetic vitamin so won’t process them efficiently.

 

So – next time you get a cold, don’t reach for ascorbic acid. Look for a whole foods vitamin C complex with all the co-factors still in tact.

-excerpted from “Whole Food Vitamins” by Jody Kincaid, DVM, ND, CVA, IVC Journal, Summer 2013

Magnesium Needed. Please apply.

magnesium-rich-foodsBalanced diets can give us enough magnesium, but as we age we become more susceptible to conditions of the body that create deficiencies and/or are a result of deficiencies.

Magnesium deficiency leads to pathological changes int he immune system that are related to the initiating of an inflammatory response. There is evidence linking low magnesium to aging and age-related diseases due to the lack of sufficient magnesium in Western diets. Diseases of the bowel like Crohn’s and celiac are triggered by low magnesium. Also long-term use of diuretics and other medications can leech magnesium from the body.

The DV for magnesium is 400 mg although specific conditions would warrant increased dosage. Conditions helped by adequate levels of magnesium include, constipation, diabetes, hearing loss, kidney stones, migraines, mitral valve prolapse, osteoporosis, PMS, Hypertension, leg cramps, restless legs, cholesterol levels,  and C-reactive protein levels (inflammation). As for supplementation, magnesium citrate seems to have the best absorption, but magnesium oxide is a close second and action gets more of the magnesium into the body per percent absorbed than the citrate. It is also important to note that is is prudent to take calcium with magnesium to facilitate proper utilization. At least 1:1 or 2:1 (mag/cal) ratio.

For a good Cal/Mag supplement see http://bit.ly/13pPgMQ 

Red wine – resveratrol – anti-cancer aid.

Another good reason to drink red wine!

wineNew info from Cancer Science: Michael Nicholl, an assistant professor of surgical oncology in the Univ. Missouri School of Medicine found that when exposed to resveratrol, tumor cells were more susceptible to radiation treatment and produced better results than when each was used alone.  Previous studies suggested resveratrol helped reduce inflammation and inhibited the final phase of multistage carcinogenesis as well as suppressed cell growth. Now they have found it enhances radiation effectiveness.

 

The thinking is that it increases the activity of perforin and granzyme B, which are necessary to kill the tumor cells. Resveratrol is derived from peanuts, mulberry skins, grape skins and red wine. It has been known to reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation due to its antioxidant properties. In a recent laboratory study it was shown to inhibit prostate cancer androgens – a group of hormones that play a role in male traits and reproductive activity. It is also believed that resveratrol works as an effective anti-aging ingredient because it is thought to stimulate a gene that helps to slow down the aging process. The most common concern regarding resveratrol side effects is that it has estrogen related properties; as such, if it is taken by women with estrogen sensitivities, it might pose mild health risks. Therefore, such women should consult with their doctor before use. Other side effects of resveratrol involve its blood thinning properties; people taking blood thinning medications should check with their physician before taking this supplement. But generally few people have any problem using this amazing supplement. For more informationhttp://bit.ly/VZaEWn

Need sleep?

In this era of news reporting, sleeping pills have been getting a bad rap lately. We never favored drugs to get sleep but desperate folk need something. Here are our suggestions:

L-Tryptophan which is an amino acid (actually the thing in turkey and warm milk that makes you drowsy) that is safe and effective. Great to use unless you are taking antidepressants (warning).

Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body that normally helps you sleep, but we recommend a hormone test (saliva or blood) that can tell you if you are deficient. We never advise taking any hormones unless you know you need them. The one we use is in a cream. There is an easy saliva hormone test kit at http://www.foreveryoungcooperative.com/testing-kits.html

Magnesium. An Australian study found that a combination of magnesium and zinc was effective especially when used with melatonin.

Gaba (gamma aminobutyric acid) is a relaxant especially for folk with anxiety or panic attacks. This neurotransmitter is made in the brain from the amino acid glutamate with the aid of vitamin B6. Best used in a supplement with 4-amino-3-phenylbutyric acid because its better able to cross the blood-brain barrier. We recommend getting a neurotransmitter test (saliva) to determine if your brain chemicals are out of balance and if that is the reason for your insomnia and anxiety. We have a test kit that can do this that in most cases is covered by insurance. Call Kristine at 617-360-1929 for more info.

 

Which protein shake is best.

Traditionally, drinking a protein shake was assigned to athletes and dieters. Not any more!  

People on the “go” want an easy to prepare a meal or snack.  Drinking your nutrients without exerting the energy of digestion will reduce overall stress.  I frequently tell my clients:  if you are stressed don’t eat until you can savor every bite.  You can’t assimilate nutrients if you are experiencing a “flight or flight” adrenaline rush. A daily liquid meal does not need much blood to process it.   This is less stress on the body.

When picking a protein shake, it should be from a raw source with a high ph, organic and not dairy based.   Raw hemp is packed with nutrients and live enzymes that improve digestion and absorption.  It has a high quality of branched amino acids. The branched amino acids are leucine, isoleucine and valine.   Muscle tissue is high in branched chain amino acids. Strength training and endurance activity uses up greater amounts of branched chain amino acids than regular daily activities.  Branched chain amino acid are  in animal food including dairy products and hemp.

A lot of people like whey protein! Whey is controversial.  It is from milk. Milk protein allergy affects a lot of people  I know because I test for food sensitivities.  Food sensitivities might be derived from the pasteurization process. Pasteurization denatures fragile milk proteins and renders them allergenic.  It also destroys lactase, the enzyme necessary for digesting lactose, the naturally occurring sugar in milk.  A simple switch to fresh from the farm raw milk solves both of these problems.  Hemp protein has a good quality branched chain amino acid plus the added benefit of essential fatty acids.   Both whey and hemp improve the immune system.  The disturbing issue with milk is exposure to high levels of radioactivity due to the nuclear power explosions. The world’s supply of milk is affected more than a plant-based food because of the fat stores of a live animal.  Check your iodine levels periodically to ensure the safety of your thyroid gland from over-exposure.

More about the components of a good quality shake coming soon on this blog

Protocol to reduce cholesterol

Our protocol to reduce cholesterol includes taking all of these supplements. We have listed them in order of effectiveness from our observation with people who have taken them. This does not mean you shouldn’t be under a Doctor’s care if you have high cholesterol, but we offer it as a start for further research to find what works for you.

YES EFAs, Sytrinol, Artichoke Herb, Niacin, Lysine, Proline, Curcumin, Holy Basil, Green Tea, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Nattokinase, Garlic extract, NAC, Vitamin B12, CoQ10, CamuCamu, Lecithin, Pancreatin enzymes, Resveratrol, Hawthorne extract, Del Immune V.

Kristine can discuss this with you or you can read more about some of them on our ForeverYoungCooperative website listed in the links.  As with any supplement please know that not everything works on everyone and you should talk to a professional before starting any program.

A natural anti-inflammatory

Curcumin is a component of turmeric that possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  It is effective as an anti-inflammatory because it regulates nitric oxide in our bodies which can be elevated by levels of radiation or tissue damage. Nitric oxide can run rampant throughout the body and be the catalyst in many inflammatory-induced illnesses. Curcumin is now being used to help Rheumatoid arthritis to reduce the inflammation of joints; Alzheimer’s, where it regulates the amyloid beta plaque before it gets out of control which is considered the hallmark of the disease; Diabetes, where in laboratory tests curcumin has been shown to improve rat’s blood sugar levels; Heart disease, by supporting the good cholesterol (HDL) and has helped lowered the bad cholesterol levels in clinical trials. For information on a curcumin and fermented soy supplement check out the link on the blogroll menu: ForeverYoungCooperative.com.

Reduce wrinkles – stuff works!

 

22nd century skin care technology

I am a spokesperson for the Electro-stimulating Beauty Kit. Check out my video testimonial. This is an innovative product.. not a cream.. a spray that works on acupuncture points on the face, coupled with a subdermal support nutricosmetic (something you eat or drink to help skin). The folks who make these products are reliable and have done their homework. The products are all natural. They have helped my face so much I now have more self-confidence and don’t feel so old.

Waste from grapes good antioxidant

Grape skins and seeds are waste products for wine and juice. But smart folks have captured them and extracted the powerful antioxidants they possess. Among their many talents are anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-cancerous and anti-microbial. Studies have shown they hold promise for heart disease and high blood pressure. They are even being added to beverages as functional items.  Usually extracted with organic solvents which can be expensive, toxic and difficult to dispose, Univ. of Arkansas researchers are “greening” the process by using pressurized water, a technique called subcritical water processing. This process produces antioxidant compounds that are smaller in size and more effectively adsorbed by the body.  (excerpted from Nutrition Industry Executive magazine, Oct. 22011)