A large number of essential vitamins and minerals are contained in this humble yet useful weed, such as vitamins A, C, K, Choline, B-complex, iron, silicon, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and copper. Adding these leaves to a bountiful salad is an easy way to add valuable nutrition to your meal.

Some of the benefits of dandelion is that it can detox the liver in which case the liver then normalizes hormonal distress. Dandelion has some diuretic action without depleting vital potassium, which helps aid weight loss. In case the weight gain was caused by indigestion, then dandelion is a good addition. It helps in bowel movement with the ability of enhancing bile production from the gall bladder. This weed is a great help for people who find it tough to digest fat because of bile inadequacy.

If you have conditions such as allergies, inflammation of the gall bladder, intestinal blockage or obstruction in the bile duct, then dandelion to detox is not recommended. Otherwise, 250 to 500 mg three times each day with meals is the suggested dosage.

A check with your naturopathic or health professional is a good place to start with your gentle detox. Aren’t nature’s wonders good for anti-aging?

Have a fun and successful day,

Vida

Resistance is used in combination with an anchoring technique to develop strong facial muscles.  An example of this is to yawn by opening your mouth wide.  You’ll feel a slight tautness in the lower facial muscles.  Now place your forefinger and middle finger on the bottom teeth to create resistance.  You’ll feel the muscles under your chin and on each side of your face tighten.  That’s exercising your face!

If resistance were not applied, the entire movement would just be a contortion, not just yoga for the face.  Without resistance, there could not be any change to the shapes and contours of your face and neck.  Just puckering and twisting without resistance will prove completely ineffective.

Whether laughing, yelling, singing or just talking won’t stop facial muscles from elongating and it’s this elongation that creates the aged look.  Try tilting your head back up in the air.  Now open and close your mouth slowly and repeat several times.  You’ll feel the throat muscles tightening and relaxing.

To tone face and neck muscles, also try isometrics.  Isometrics is the perfect combination of applying muscle resistance with contractions to keep your face toned and wrinkle free.

Starting a program of facial exercises is easy, and can be done just about anywhere while you’re going about your busy daily schedule.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results of firmer facial muscles and a toned and younger looking face.

Have a fun and successful day,

Vida Humphreys

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Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes.   Oscar Wilde

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Posted in beauty Tagged: facial resistance exercises, facial yoga, isometrics, muscle contractions, muscle resistance, taut facial muscles ]]> http://simplyantiaging.wordpress.com/2008/11/07/youre-told-to-exercise-your-body-how-about-your-face/feed/ 0 Vida istock_000001993419xsmall-1-2 http://simplyantiaging.wordpress.com/2008/10/30/peaceful-co-existence-with-body-and-mind-slows-aging/ http://simplyantiaging.wordpress.com/2008/10/30/peaceful-co-existence-with-body-and-mind-slows-aging/#comments Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:21:37 +0000 Vida Humphreys http://simplyantiaging.wordpress.com/?p=76 ]]> What is the most effective way to retain one’s youth? The secret lies in feeling content with what you have. You can do this by either emotional or natural ways, or even by a combination of both. A more common option is to go for extensive beauty treatment or aesthetic operations which could possibly make the lines and the age-related fat disappear. There are other more fundamental ways to secure a feeling of contentment with one’s own self.

An easy way to feel content is to uplift the life force which lies inside, and begin to feel confident about yourself. You can do this by natural means of beautifying your body with manicures and pedicures, and even hair and face interventions. These ways of beautifying are just mainly the means of getting society to accept your looks before you accept them yourself.

But when you feel good about yourself both mentally and intellectually, the feeling of happiness which you get can never be replaced by ways like uplifting your looks, etc. The person who is spiritually fulfilled is one who is at peace with self, and that harmony asserts a stress-free environment and a carefree existence. Then you can take on life better with all its ups and downs in harmony with the natural aging process.

When you age peacefully you can do it with such grace that the process itself helps you stay young rather than like a person who is continuously fighting with aging as to live on edge all the time. Have you ever noticed how youngish a woman who does yoga looks, or how springy a sports minded person is? When you are friendly with your mind it will show, resulting in a more youthful outlook.

There are indeed some treatments which magically work on the head and body soothing and energizing them such as spa and acupressure interventions. Pent up emotions and stresses age some people faster than others, but it is certain that peaceful co-existence between the mind and body will do wonders for the anti-aging processes. Only then can you truly age slowly from the inside out.

Have a fun and successful day,

Vida

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To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. – Author Unknown

Many people are being seen in doctors’ offices who are now testing positive for long term inflammation. Physicians are able to differentiate acute inflammatory from those that are long term. If you have the more chronic inflammation, this means that your body is constantly trying to battle problems and this weakens your immune system. Chronic inflammation at very mild stages may actually be creating diseases for you, weakening your immune system and even hastening the aging process.

People are often unaware that conditions like lung and heart disease, hypertension and arthritis can actually keep your body in an inflammatory alert mode. Chronic inflammation often accompanies many health conditions and can damage your body more over time than the health concern itself.
It is very important that you learn if you have chronic inflammation  and how to treat it. When you have body inflammation you are more susceptible to other diseases and infections. Your immune system will become tired and over stressed trying to fight off more minor ailments.

Perhaps as many as 75% of people are suffering from chronic inflammation to some degree, there are no actual tests to check. There are, however,  two tests that can measure substances that may indicate chronic inflammation.

These two tests measure C-reactive protein and homocysteine. Both of these agents are found in the presence of inflammatory processes. Chronic inflammation can create heart problems including hypertension and elevated triglyceride levels. It can also lead to gastric problems such as ulcers. Inflammation can create dry skin and hair, poor metabolism, decreased energy levels, insomnia, premature aging as well as bone and joint pain.

One of the ways that you can help your body keep chronic inflammation at bay is by eating a healthy diet. You can add some anti inflammatory veggies and fruits and say no to processed junk and sugars. Foods with high amounts of Vitamin C and B are great for helping get your body on the right track.

Foods rich in anti-oxidants are also great helps for dealing with chronic inflammation of the body. You should include plenty of leafy green veggies like spinach and broccoli in your diet. Use supplements that contain high amounts of anti-oxidants. Also incorporate fresh fruits such as pineapple, oranges and grapefruits into your regular eating plan.

Onions and garlic are great immune boosters and even spices like ginger, cinnamon and rosemary can help your body tackle inflammation. Avoiding highly processed foods and fast foods will help boost your body’s natural defenses and make them stronger. Limiting or eliminating sugars and artificial flavorings will also help. One other step you can take is to limit over the counter meds that you are taking simply out of habit. If your doctor is prescribing medication though, you should continue taking those meds and/or have a discussion about your concerns.

There is usually no prescription drug needed to help you deal with chronic inflammation. Diet, rest, exercise and a holistic approach to your health may be all that is required.

Remember that your body needs to be kept in a harmonious balance of mind, body and spirit for it to function properly.  Only then can all the benefits of your anti-aging programs be completely enjoyed.

Have a fun and successful day,

Vida

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If you wait to do everything until you’re sure it’s right, you’ll probably never do much of anything.  Win Borden

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Posted in Uncategorized Tagged: Add new tag, anti-aging, anti-aging programs, anti-oxidants, chronic inflammation, immune boosters, immune system, inflammation ]]> http://simplyantiaging.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/how-likely-is-it-that-you-have-inflammation/feed/ 0 Vida http://simplyantiaging.wordpress.com/2008/10/16/you-may-want-to-pass-on-these-ingredients-in-your-face-cream/ http://simplyantiaging.wordpress.com/2008/10/16/you-may-want-to-pass-on-these-ingredients-in-your-face-cream/#comments Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:20:50 +0000 Vida Humphreys http://simplyantiaging.wordpress.com/?p=54 ]]> In most women’s magazines you’ll encounter numerous ads for anti-aging face creams.  These so called products are often called “natural” or “allergy-tested”, but regulations give manufacturers a lot of leeway in what those terms mean.

It is a good idea to read the ingredient labels.  Some naturally occurring ingredients are beneficial, and not all man made ingredients are harmful.  A few of these common ingredients that can be harmful are:

Parabens:  These chemicals are used as a preservative to inhibit microbial growth in face creams.  Parabens are known endocrine disruptors and also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.  Better preservatives include vitamins A, C and E and grapefruit or grape seed extract.

Petroleum derivatives:  You’ll find these products listed as petrolatum, mineral oil and paraffin.  Petroleum products are used as a skin softener and moisturizer.  However, they interfere with the skin’s natural oils and can actually make dry skin worse over time.   Better moisturizers include a variety of natural oils including olive oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil and beeswax.

Chemical sunscreens:  Oxybenzone and avobenzone are the most common chemical sunscreens.  They often cause skin irritation and disrupt hormonal balance.  The preferred natural sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Synthetic colors or fragrances:  Synthetic colors are often carcinogenic.  Avoid products showing FC&C or D&C followed by a number on the label.  Synthetic fragrances cause headaches and skin irritation.  Be aware that many products labeled “fragrance free” actually contain a neutralizing fragrance to mask the odor of the product.  Look for products labeled as containing only natural coloring agents and “no fragrance added”.

One other product you need to be wary of is propylene glycol.  As a natural product derived from vegetable glycerin, it makes an excellent moisturizer.  However, the chemically derived forms of propylene glycol, PEG and PPG, are known to cause allergic reactions, including hives and eczema.  If you see polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, PEG or PPG on the label, it’s probably best to pass on that face cream.

Trying to avoid so many unhealthy chemicals in a vast number of products will pay many benefits to your wellness programs as well as slow the aging process.

Have a fun and productive day,

Vida

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You have to set goals that are almost out of reach.  If you set a goal that is attainable without much work or thought, you are stuck with something below your true talent and potential.   Steve Garvey

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Related posts :

100% Natural Skin Care Products Not The Norm

You Want Young Looking Skin at Any Age

Most people don’t think twice about turning on the tap to fill a glass or take a shower.  In truth, not only should you be thinking twice about using that water straight out of your tap, you ought to be limiting your exposure to the chemicals found in nearly every municipal water source in the United States.  Chlorine and fluoride are routinely added to water in the name of protecting public health, but there are some things every person should know about the dangers of these two substances.

Chlorine is added to kill harmful bacteria such as typhoid, cholera and dysentery.  That’s the good news.  Sanitizing the drinking water allows industrialized countries to avoid these common diseases that plague other parts of the world.  The bad news is that chlorine reacts with other substances in our water, such as bits of animal and plant material, and creates trihalomethanes (THMs).  THMs are known carcinogens.

Drinking chlorinated water containing THMs puts people at greater risk for urinary tract, kidney, and especially bladder cancer.  Consuming chlorine is, unfortunately, not the only risk.  Exposure to chlorine in showers and bath water allows the chemicals to enter the body through the skin.  Some studies show that frequent swimming in chlorinated water increases the risk of bladder cancer by more than 50 percent.

Fluoride is added to tap water under the assumption that it promotes strong teeth and has other beneficial value to humans.  The research on such claims is highly disputed.  The facts show that drinking fluoridated water increases lead levels in children’s blood (lead exposure causes developmental problems), contributes to brittle bones in older people, and damages the brain.  Some research even indicates that fluoride contributes to migraines, dementia and depression.

Many in the United States use fluoride toothpaste in addition to drinking fluoridated water, further increasing their exposure to this toxic chemical.  The American Dental Association has done an excellent job of hiding the dangers of fluoride and convincing people that their teeth will be soft and cavity-prone without fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste.  The research simply does not back up their arguments.

So what can you do to protect yourself from chlorine and fluoride?  First, quit drinking tap water.  Use bottled water without added chlorine and fluoride, distilled water, or local spring water.  For a more longterm fix, install a Brita or Pur faucet-mounted cabon filter that removes chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals.  You could also use a Brita or Pur filter pitcher.  Reverse osmosis units can be easily installed under your sink and can be purchased at a reasonable price.    A good  filter that can be easily screwed on your shower head is good added protection from many of these chemicals.

The ultimate solution is to install a whole-house water filtration system.  These systems remove harmful contaminants before they ever come out of your tap.  Each of these options is relatively inexpensive, yet provides peach of mind for you and your family.

Considering that aging well in part depends on your ability to rid the body of excess chemical waste, a small investment in prevention could pay large dividends for feeling and looking great at any age.

Someone who is suffering from acidosis has a higher risk of contracting certain diseases. These diseases include skin disorders, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, rheumatism, Bright’s disease, Nepthritis, premature old age, as well as many other types of degenerative diseases. This condition interferes with the functions of all of the organs and glands in the body. Acidosis is also known to lower the vitality of certain bodily systems, which then increases the chance to contract infectious diseases.

Acidosis is caused by a faulty diet. This means that too much food that is acid forming is consumed daily. When it comes to metabolism, which converts food into energy, acids are formed while at the same time, other types of acids are introduced from food. When there is an increase in the formation of acids in the body, the system is generally not able to get rid of them through the lungs, kidneys, or bowels, the acidity of the blood is increased while the alkalinity of the blood is reduced causing acidosis.

The easiest and fastest way to prevent acidosis is to eat a healthy diet. This means eating a diet that has the proper ratio of acid and alkaline foods. Certain types of food leave alkaline ash which helps maintain alkalinity while others leave acid ash, which lowers the alkalinity of the blood and tissue fluids. Eggs are known to do this. Other foods like cereals, breads and meats are known to be acid-forming. Most fruits are highly alkaline and helpful to the body.

This means that at least 80% of your diet should consist of alkaline-forming foods. These foods include tubers, fruits, ripe fruits, leafy and root vegetables, legumes, and more. The other 20% of your diet can be acid-forming foods like meat, breads, starches, and cereals. On a ph scale of 1 to 14, acid to alkaline, a healthy ph would be in the range of 7.4.

Having an acidic body will eventually lead to acidosis. A body that is very acidic will age faster than an alkalized system and will most often have more aches and pains. This is why it is very important to maintain a diet high in green vegetables, legumes and fruit. Acidosis makes your body much more prone to diseases, so eating a good ratio of alkaline to acid foods will help keep you younger and feeling good!

Have a fun and successful day,

Vida

There are a few tests that will give us a good indication of our bones’ current condition, one being the DEXA test. This is an x-ray of your hip and lower spine which will give you a T-score. Your doctor can then devise a plan to maintain your current state or to improve your bone health.

Another test is the Pryilinks urine test where measurements are made on the fragments of collagen in your urine. Once this information is known, your physician can devise the correct plan depending on the seriousness of the results.

The Japanese women have the lowest incidence of osteoporosis and fracture in the world, as well as the naturally beautiful skin, fewer wrinkles, and are almost never obese. Some credit all of this to a substance called Natto, which is rich in vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 is usually made naturally in our bodies, however, aging bodies make less of it. To slow the aging process, supplementation is suggested.

Strontium in even small doses as two to three milligrams per day has helped women with osteoporosis grow new bone tissue and reduce fracture risk by slowing the breakdown of bone tissue.

Some herbals such as horsetail stimulates the growth of connective tissue. Oat straw reduces stress which is good for bone health also.

When bones are subjected to resistance such as weights which actually stresses the bone tissue, in a good way, it causes new bone tissue to grow. If weight resistance exercise is just not part of your routine, then jogging, cycling and aerobics are good for bone and overall health also.

Osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of aging. While women over 50 account for a large number of cases, osteoporosis can affect any age group, particularly asthma sufferers who can be more susceptible.

Weak bones can lead to serious injury and even death so good bone health is vitally important to maintain an active and pain free life. With a diet of fresh vegetables, fruits, moderate amounts of dairy and protein, plenty of vitamin K2 and exercise, your risk should be minimized.

Get into the habit of practicing good bone health as soon as possible, feel great, fool that aging process and look younger.

Have a fun and successful day,

Vida

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1. You may be washing away those oils if you bathe excessively. As people age the less young and healthy skin will be and may not be shedding old cells as fast as it used to.

2. Exposure to elements can cause skin damage due to wind, cold air from either the weather, or from your home’s air conditioner. Low humidity can cause the skin to dry and flake, even causing pain.

3. Medical conditions can be the problem, so check with your doctor and determine the origin of the condition. If you have diabetes, for example, you are likely to have damaged blood vessels and nerves which leaves you more susceptible to infection and other skin risks. Smoking is another health concern that can cause dry skin.

4. Don’t take showers in really hot water. This causes your body to lose natural oils that are produced to care for your skin’s health. Also, check the soap you’re using and make sure it’s not too harsh for your skin.

5. Eat a well balanced diet; this is a must. This will benefit the skin because it will flush out the cells, allowing them to function better. Vitamin A is particularly important to skin health.

5. Use bath oils, lotions and moisturizers. These add in the oils that may be depleted because of the weather or other conditions. Your skin will wrinkle faster if the condition is allowed to linger too long, causing you to look aged rather than youthful. Younger looking skin is what we all strive for at any age.

Yet another condition in which dry skin plays a role is that of Psoriasis. This condition is one that results in the skin having dry scales that are usually a silvery color. Sometimes, they can look like dandruff. Those that have this condition are likely to have skin that is cracked and will bleed. Pus filled blisters are also common. Unfortunately, this is a condition that is chronic and often has flares that happen sporadically. Most patients begin to see signs of this condition in their early 20’s but it can happen at any time in your life.

Any of these skin conditions can look like dry skin. While most of them are rare, it is important that you seek out the help of your doctor if you feel that you may be suffering from any of them. It is vitally important to seek out the help that you need as inflamed skin is not only painful but it can also lead to infections and further complications.

Have a fun and successful day, Vida