Healthrob

London Beauty Deal of the day

Healthrob — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:30:55 +0000

If you live in London, get a course of four Endermologie treatments to get rid of cellulite including a consultation plus a £10 voucher to spend on Dr Belter home care products at Body Silk a wellknown beauty clinic in Central London for £89 instead of £270 – Save 67% buying the deal at the link below:

Cellulite treatment discount link

You can get this deal at this great price only until 23:59 today 3rd of September, so hurry!
Enjoy !

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Good News: Dark Chocolate is Therapeutic for the Liver :)

Healthrob — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:51:25 +0000

According to a recent Spanish study a dose of dark chocolate could be beneficial for the liver health and especially for patients with liver disease such as cirrhosis.
After eating, blood pressure in the abdominal veins increases due to increased blood flow to the liver.

The study suggests that dark chocolate, thanks to its content of potent antioxidants called flavanols, reduces blood pressure in the liver (also called portal hypertension) causing damage to the liver blood vessels (endothelial dysfunction) thus preventing blood vessels rupture in cirrhotic patients.
Cirrhosis is a result of long-term, continuous damage to the liver where circulation is damaged by oxidative stress.

Eating dark chocolate can help minimize the onset of end stage liver disease and its associated mortality risks.
The study was conducted on 21 patients with end stage liver disease.

Non-Surgical Antiaging Skincare Treatments: DPL Light Therapy

Healthrob — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:30:46 +0000

DPL Light therapy is a non-invasive procedure that activates skin cells with pulsating or continuous low-level, non-thermal light energy . It then converts light energy within the skin cells, as it happens with photosynthesis in plants (taking sunlight and converting it into food energy).

Skin absorbs LED light and uses it as a source of energy to stimulate cellular regeneration. Infrared LED light therapy, first researched by NASA, can reverse and control the visible signs of aging and help you look years younger. This type of treatment promotes skin tightening, smoothing of wrinkles and rough spots, softening of redness, and shrinking of pore size can be achieved with this natural light treatment.

In addition, the LED light unit can be used to effectively treat minor muscle and joint aches, sprains, back pain, muscle spasms, the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, and more.

The Red light produced by LED lamps, aka photo rejuvenation, stimulates fibroblast cell activity in the skin, which increases the production of collagen and elastin, proteins responsible for your skin’s even tone and elasticity. The effects of red LED light therapy on the skin have been reported in more than 2000 scientific reports and documents.

Laboratory studies have shown that skin cells grow 150-200 percent faster when exposed to certain LED light wavelengths. Red lights at a wavelength of 630-660 nanometers penetrate tissue to a depth of 8-10 mm. Lights at this wavelength have been proven to deliver powerful therapeutic benefits to living tissue. Both visible Red and Infrared light has been shown to affect at least 24 different positive changes at a deep level.
Visible Red light is very beneficial in treating skin texture problems such as wounds, cuts, and scars. Monochromatic Light increases oxygen and blood flow facilitating wound healing.

The LED light units can be used safely at home but treatments shouldn’t exceed sessions of 15 or 20 minutes to give optimal results. The regeneration of the skin with these treatment is a gradual process and can take weeks before giving highly visible results.

Read my next post for LED light therapy for Acne and blemishes.

Non-Surgical Antiaging Skincare Treatments: Facial Acupuncture

Healthrob — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:00:49 +0000

Cosmetic facial acupuncture is a non- invasive anti aging treatment and as such It’s also one of the most effective.

It consists in the use of pin-like needles that are inserted into various trigger points on the face (such as wrinkles or frown lines). This results in blood rushing to the face, causing it to become flushed. This stimulation promotes the development of new collagen under the existing wrinkles; the collagen fills the wrinkles in and makes them appear less visible.
This type of treatment is usually recommended for those looking at reducing the signs of aging. It can easily make the facial skin look five to ten years younger.

Besides supporting the elimination of fine lines, dark circles, and puffy eyes, cosmetic acupunctures is also successful with:
Tightening drooping eyelids;
More relaxed muscle tone;
Improving the circulation, leading to increased oxygenation of the skin;
Increasing collagen production;
Refining pores;
Controlling acne outbreaks;
Moisturizing skin from inside, producing the appearance of healthier skin by giving rosy cheeks to those with dull, tired-looking skin;
Facial acupuncture is generally not recommended for those with deep lines or ‘double chins’, and is held not to have as dramatic benefits as a cosmetic surgery facelift.
When practiced by a licensed acupuncturist, any type of acupuncture procedure is very safe. Still, complications can arise with inadequate sterilization and improper administration of the treatment. This is why it is vital that patients ensure that their acupuncturist is registered by the ACAOM and certified.

Non-Surgical Antiaging Skincare Treatments: Microdermabrasion

Healthrob — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:00:40 +0000

If you suffer from skin discoloration caused by liver spots, acne or surface scars, maybe you would benefit from microdermabrasion. The treatment is quite effective and is about removing the top layers of skin, revealing a new, fresh skin layer beneath. It is a little easier to perform than chemical peels or more aggressive methods. Its effects are visible after the first week of treatment although in some cases just days after the treatment the skin will appear slightly rawer because the treatment will bring up and after clear out the problems in the first layer of the skin just below the surface. Microdermabrasion is most commonly used to correct more superficial skin problems as stretch marks from sudden weight gain and pregnancy, age spots and other discolorations, fine wrinkles, acne scars, and large pores. It is not very effective on deeper tissue problems such as deep scars or tattoos, which require more powerful treatments. It is also quite effective on the decollete’ although you’ll find on this website in the next weeks that there are also other interesting options.
The main benefit given by microdermabrasion is retexturizing the skin and its effect on smoothing skin and evening out acne scars is permanent, while the collagen stimulation is temporary and lasts about one year or so. Because of this the treatment can be repeated in a milder form also at home with the following tools:

The treatment itself is based on the concept of sandblasting. Micro-crystals, usually of aluminum-oxide crystals, are used to remove the top layers of skin. The newly exposed cells are then encouraged to grow quickly and form a new, smooth and even-toned skin. Aspirin or anything similar and also smoking should be avoided beforehand for a few days, in order to get the best results, to help plenty of blood flow to the area treated. This helps promote rapid regrowth of the skin.
The treatment is not painful but a numbing gel can be used topically to prevent discomfort.

Bamboo wear: Sensitive Fashion

Healthrob — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:17 +0000

Bamboo fabric is a breakthrough in the clothing industry for its breathability, high absorption, comfort, durability, natural antibacterial qualities and eco-friendliness.

• Bamboo clothing is UV protective (it cuts out 98% of harmful UV rays) and antibacterial. This makes it ideal for sensitive or allergy prone skin.
This quality has helped bamboo become incredibly successful in the wild. The plant itself kills on contact almost all types of bacterial pests that try to grow on it.

Bamboo fiber made into socks can stop foot odor and prevent athletes’ foot. Operating masks and gowns have been produced to help prevent cross infection in sterile environments. Bamboo fabric will also resist yeast, mould and fungus cultivation.

No other fabric has this quality so where your cotton shirts will eventually show signs of yellowing in the pits, the antibacterial matter will kill the bacteria in sweat thus ensuring that your shirts retain a clean, fresh appearance. The natural antibacterial qualities of bamboo will also help naturally eliminate odors.

• Bamboo fabric absorbs and evaporates sweat in a split second, is anti static, so it sits very well next to skin because it doesn’t stick to it. Its extraordinary natural breathability keeps you comfortable and dry for longer.
It’s well documented that bamboo absorbs moisture far more efficiently than cotton.
Most active individuals, whether hikers, cyclists, climbers or fisherman, will tell you that cotton is the best textile to use as a base layer because it breathes and it absorbs moisture, thus keeping the wearer warm, dry and comfortable. Bamboo breathes as well as cotton, but it absorbs moisture twice more than cotton and let’s it evaporate in seconds, keeping the wearer dry for far longer than cotton has ever been able to.

• Bamboo Thermo-control qualities: bamboo fabric is highly breathable in hot weather and also keeps you significantly warmer in the cold keeping you more comfortable in all temperatures.
One of the reasons why bamboo garments are taking the fashion industry by a storm is the fabric’s amazing breathability.
If you’ve ever touched bamboo you’ll have noticed that even when the air temperature’s soaring, bamboo remains cool. The bamboo plant’s fiber has the ability to remain cool even in its fabric form. In fact, compared with cotton and other comparable fabrics, bamboo garments are 2-3 degrees cooler in warm weather.

Each fiber in bamboo plants is filled with thousands of micro-openings (tiny holes), each of which acts as an insulator offering excellent moisture absorption and increased ventilation.
When worn during hot weather, bamboo clothing helps keep the wearer feeling cooler and fresher, especially because the fabric doesn’t stick to the skin, a problem that’s guaranteed to make you feel uncomfortable during summer.

Because bamboo garments breathe, they’re also useful during winter. Most of us have heard that several thin layers are warmer than one thick layer but if those layers don’t breathe, we can soon start feeling clammy and moisture rashes can appear on the skin. Thanks to the fact that bamboo garments breathe, the air circulates easily and moisture escapes, keeping us warm, dry and comfortable.

•Bamboo is set to revolutionize the clothing industry because, quite simply, it has all the advantages of cotton plus durability.
There’s absolutely no doubt that cotton is comfortable to wear but because bamboo fiber is very thin, hollow and perfectly round, it’s much lighter and softer than cotton. By twisting several fibers together, bamboo can be made into clothing of the same thickness ranges as cotton but will feel much softer against the skin. The thinness of its fibers doesn’t make bamboo clothing less resilient to wear and tear. Bamboo fibers are actually extremely resistant. One of the reasons cotton is such a popular textile is due to its ease of maintenance. You can throw it in the washing machine, put it in the tumble dryer and iron it time and time again and it still looks good. So it is with bamboo textiles, too.

Bamboo clothes are easier to iron at lower temperature in order to keep them looking good, which will ultimately save on energy use. Because of its deodorizing qualities, bamboo fabrics will also refresh with just a rinse in cold water.

•Bamboo is 100% naturally grown, 100% sustainable and the bamboo fiber is 100% biodegradable
According to the World Wildlife Federation, the carcinogenic and ecologically unfriendly agrochemicals used in large scale cotton production have been associated with the loss of bio-diversity in the regions where cotton is grown while bamboo propagation doesn’t require fungicides or pesticides and could provide a sustainable income to farmers in some of the world’s poorest areas.
As the fastest growing plant in the world, bamboo grows to its maximum height in about 3 months and reaches maturity in 3-4 years. It spreads rapidly across large areas. Because of this, bamboo is known to improve soil quality in degraded and eroded areas of land.

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6 – Seaweeds: Microalgae and Chlorella

Healthrob — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:29 +0000

Microphytes or microalgae are microscopic algae, typically found in freshwater and marine systems. There are 20,000 species. They are unicellular species which exist individually, or in chains or groups.Depending on the species, their sizes can range from a few micrometers (µm) to a few hundreds of micrometers. Unlike higher plants, microalgae do not have roots, stems and leaves. Microalgae, capable of performing photosynthesis, are important for life on earth; they produce approximately half of the atmospheric oxygen and use simultaneously the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to grow photoautotrophically.

Most of these microalgae species produce unique products like carotenoids, antioxidants, fatty acids, enzymes, polymers, peptides, toxins and sterols. Microalgae such as microphytes constitute the basic foodstuff for numerous aquaculture species, especially filtering bivalves. They provide them with vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids, necessary for the growth of the bivalves which are unable to synthesize it themselves.
Microalgae have a high content of Astaxanthin, a carotenoid belonging to a larger class of phytochemicals known as terpenes. It is classified as a xanthophyll, which means “yellow leaves”. Like many carotenoids, it is a colorful, lipid-soluble pigment. Professor Basil Weedon was the first to map the structure of astaxanthin. Unlike some carotenoids, it does not convert to Vitamin A (retinol) in the human body. Too much Vitamin A is toxic for a human, but astaxanthin is not. However, it is a powerful antioxidant; it is claimed to be 10 times more capable than other carotenoids. However, other sources suggest astaxanthin as slightly lower antioxidant activity than other carotenoids.

Chlorella is a fresh water single-celled microalga. Chlorella emerged over 2 billion years ago, and was the first form of a plant with a well-defined nucleus. Because Chlorella is a microscopic organism, it was not discovered until the late 19th century, deriving its name from the Greek, “chloros” meaning green and “ella” meaning small. In fact that chlorella contains the highest amount of chlorophyll of any known plant.It is thought to boost the immune system and help fight infection. It has been shown to increase the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps to treat ulcers, colitis, diverticulosis and Crohn’s disease. It is also used to treat constipation, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Chlorella has been used to treat cancer and also help protect the body from the effects of cancer radiation treatment.

The algae, which is a popular food supplement in Asia and has been used as energy-producing food for centuries, is often used to prevent or curb the spread of cancer, enhance immunity, promote a good balance of bacteria in the gut, and lower blood cholesterol. In Japan, it is traditionally used as a treatment for duodenal ulcers, gastritis, hypertension, diabetes, hypoglycemia, asthma, and constipation. More recently, it is has been treated as an effective therapy for elevated cholesterol levels, a prophylactic to ward of infections and, and adjunct treatment for cancer.

Chlorella is now used as an adjunct supplement during radiation treatment for cancer. Its abundance of chlorophyll is known to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation.

It is a nutrient-dense superfood that contains 60% protein, 18 amino acids (including all the essential amino acids), and various vitamins and minerals. One of its unique properties is a phytonutrient called CGF.
• Chlorella is a powerful detoxification aid for heavy metals and pesticides. Numerous research projects in the U.S. and Europe indicate that chlorella can also aid the body in breaking down persistent hydrocarbon and metallic toxins such as mercury, cadmium and lead, DDT and PCB while boosting the immune system response. In Japan, interest in chlorella has focused largely on its detoxifying properties – its ability to remove or neutralize poisonous substances from the body.
• Chlorella gets its name from the high amount of chlorophyll it possesses. Chlorella contains more chlorophyll per gram than any other plant. This makes chlorella great for blood cleansing and a great stimulator for the production of red blood cells in the body.
• Chlorella stimulates the activity of macrophages and T-cells by increasing interferon levels thus enhancing the immune system’s ability to combat foreign invaders whether they are viruses, bacteria, chemicals or foreign proteins.
• Chlorella is Alkaline and Helps Balance Your Body’s pH.
• Studies have shown that chlorella tends to normalize blood sugar in cases of hypoglycemia.
BUY CHLORELLA FROM HERE

5 – Seaweeds: Blue-green algae and Spirulina

Healthrob — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:54 +0000

Blue-green algae is a well known source of over 64 vitamins and mineralsand is known for its immune and anti-inflammatory benefits.
However, now it appears that even more positive research is emerging that demonstrates its positive effects on immunity, inflammation, and nervous functions, which encompasses a staggering list of health conditions. It also is looking like it can benefit conditions that don’t seem to have anything to do with immunity or inflammation, such as depression, and even blindness.

Spirulina is a blue-green algae containing complete, balanced protein and a wide range of valuable nutrients. Spirulina is approximately 70% easily digestible protein and contains 18 out of 22 amino acids, including all of the essential amino acids, making it a great vegetarian source of complete protein. Even better, spirulina protein is 95% digestible compared to meat sources, which may be only 20% digestible. In addition, spirulina is an excellent source of B vitamins, vitamin E, highly bioavailable iron, and 14 naturally chelated minerals and numerous trace elements.

Phycocyanin, the blue pigment in spirulina, can act as a free radical scavenger and powerful antioxidant. Rat studies have demonstrated that phycocyanin can exert a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects. Experiments in mice show that phycocyanin can accelerate wound healing and may help in the healing of ulcers. A heaping tablespoon of spirulina provides about 100 mg of phycocyanin.
The non-toxic pigment, phycocyanin, is used in the food and beverage industry as a natural blue coloring agent. It is used in sweets, soft drinks, chewing gum, ice cream, and other desserts as well as cosmetics. Spirulina is also added to health drinks.

There is data showing that spirulina possesses some anti-viral and anti-tumor properties. Preliminary animal data also suggests it may be useful as a lipid-lowering agent.

Typically, blue-green algae is sold in tablet, capsule, or powder form. It is safe to use when consumed in recommended doses of 1 to 2 grams taken three times a day. Side effects are few, but allergies are known. Skin reactions, nausea and upset stomach have also been reported. Because of its high nucleic acid content, excessive consumption of spirulina may increase blood uric acid levels to undesirable levels. Due to the high iodine content of spirulina, patients with thyroid conditions should not use spirulina as it may decrease the action of thyroid hormone.