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Showing posts with label suppliments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label suppliments. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Fountain of Youth - A Surprising Source



Written by Erin Chamerlik, Nutrition Educator, MS, MT(ASCP)

There are two substances that fall into the category of Fountain of Youth. They are Vitamin D and bioidentical DHEA.

Both of these substances are made from cholesterol. Cholesterol is life giving and not the villain it has been made out to be. We now know that dietary cholesterol and high levels of cholesterol in the blood are not the cause of heart disease. Dr. Sandro has a great article on this topic.

If you are searching for the Fountain of Youth, continue reading to learn more about Vitamin D and DHEA, which both come from the surprising source, cholesterol.



Vitamin D

Adequate levels of Vitamin D are important for bone strength, improved mood, physical performance, healthy immune function and even reduced rates of certain cancers.

A deficiency of Vitamin D3 can result in obesity, diabetes, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune disease and diseases of aging including arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and hypertension.

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone made from cholesterol. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, cholesterol can be converted into Vitamin D3. Daily sunlight exposure is the best way to get Vitamin D3, but most people are not outside for 20 minutes every day with their skin exposed.

Food sources of Vitamin D include egg yolk, fatty fish and beef liver. It is very difficult to obtain adequate Vitamin D3 from food sources alone.

Vitamin D3 Supplementation is recommended. Usually 2,000 IU to 5,000 IU daily. It is best to also supplement with Vitamin K2 to prevent calcification of the arteries.

Test - Once a year have a Vitamin D blood test and aim to be in the range of 50 - 80 ng/mL. The blood test you need is called 25(OH)D. An at-home test kit is available here.

 

DHEA

DHEA stands for Dehydroepiandrosterone – the medical world is rife with acronyms, now we know why! DHEA is a precursor hormone also synthesized from cholesterol, secreted by the adrenal glands and metabolized in the gonads and skin.

When DHEA levels are low, the body will not have adequate hormone production. This imbalance can leave one feeling flabby, fatigued and stressed and susceptible to many diseases of aging.



Quick Facts about DHEA

  • DHEA is the most abundant hormone precursor in the body.
  • In men and women alike, DHEA peaks by age 25 then drops each year after at a rate of about 2% each year.
  • The aging process is tied to a decrease in hormones like DHEA and growth hormone, and is tied to an increase in cortisol (the stress hormone).
  • DHEA has a multitude of benefits backed by scientific studies.
  • When DHEA is applied to the skin it is about 90% more active than when we take it as a pill. DHEA metabolism occurs in the skin naturally.
  • DHEA is converted to other hormones like estrogen, testosterone and about 50 other hormones.
  • DHEA is not addictive or habit forming, and is available over the counter without a prescription.
  • DHEA has no dangerous side effects.

DHEA is a Building Block for hormones, sebum, collagen, cartilage and more.



Benefits of DHEA

  • Reduces risks of cancer
  • Supports cardiovascular health
  • Helps improve deep REM sleep
  • Critical for lean muscle development
  • Reduces both visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat
  • Supports strong bones
  • Supports formation of cartilage and collagen
  • Allows softer skin and fades age spots
  • Reduces risks of UV and chemical carcinogens
  • Supports immune system
  • Reduces effects of menopause and andropause
  • Helps reduce risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Improvements in mood, libido, skin health and bone strength. Less anxiety and depression.
  • Improves energy, focus and sense of well being
  • DHEA counterbalances the damaging effects of chronically elevated cortisol so it is often called the anti-stress hormone

    Anti-aging Plan

    The best anti-aging plan is a comprehensive approach.

    How to slow the aging process:
  • Eat a nutrient-dense diet, centered on unprocessed, whole foods with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
  • Hydrate properly. Drink filtered water; about half your body weight in ounces of water (for example, a person weighing 150 pounds needs approximately 75 ounces of water per day).
  • Exercise daily.
  • Get 8 hours of sleep per night.
  • Maintain healthy hormones. Twist 25 DHEA cream daily is a good start. Have your hormone levels tested.
  • Supplement wisely, including Vitamin D3, Omega-3 fish oil, magnesium and Vitamin K2.
  • Reduce and manage stress. 


“Of all the bioidentical hormones I have used in my practice, the one that gives the biggest bang for the buck is DHEA. It is inexpensive [available without a prescription] and has proven to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions. If I only had one adrenal hormone to use, it would be DHEA.” Dr. David Brownstein, MD




References
(1) Brownstein, David. “DHEA to the Rescue.” Newsmax Health. NewsMax Media, 16 May, 2011. Web. 03 Aug. 2015.
(2) Hossein-nezhad A, Holick MF. Vitamin D for Health: A Global Perspective. Mayo Clinic proceedings Mayo Clinic. 2013;88(7):720-755. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.05.011.
(3) Labrie C.; Flamand M, Belanger A, Labrie F. High bioavailability of dehydroepiandrosterone administered percutaneously in the rat. J Endocrin 1996;150(Suppl):S107-S118.
(4) Labrie F, Bélanger A, Bélanger P, Bérubé R, Martel C, Cusan L, Gomez J, Candas B, Chaussade V, Castiel I, Deloche C, Leclaire J. Metabolism of DHEA in postmenopausal women following percutaneous administration. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2007 Feb;103(2):178-88. Epub 2006 Nov 3. PubMed PMID: 17084625.
(5) Naeem, Zahid. “Vitamin D Deficiency- An Ignored Epidemic.” International Journal of Health Sciences 4.1 (2010): V–VI. Print.
(6) Penckofer S, Kouba J, Byrn M, Ferrans CE. Vitamin D and Depression: Where is all the Sunshine? Issues in mental health nursing. 2010;31(6):385-393. doi:10.3109/01612840903437657.
(7) Stevenson S, Thornton J. Effect of estrogens on skin aging and the potential role of SERMs. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2007;2(3):283-297.
(8) “Vitamin D and Bone Health.” Osteoporosis Clinical Updates. National Osteoporosis Foundation, February 2012. Web. 03 Aug. 2015.




About the Writer


Erin Chamerlik is the founder of Get Better Wellness, Inc., a wellness-focused health and nutrition education company located in Nashville, TN. Learn how you can reach optimal health through a whole food eating plan that integrates ancient wisdom with an innovative, science-based approach to health and wellness.

Erin extends her message through weekly podcasts, public workshops, social media (Twitter, FaceBook, Pinterest and Instagram) and she blogs at GetBetterWellness.com


Connect with Erin Chamerlik - Get BetterWellness

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Sun-Loving and Safe Skin Health


With summer finally here, it’s hard to resist the sun’s warm invitation to soak up your daily dose of vitamin D3.  It feels good, it looks good and, better yet, it's good for your health too, right? But too much of a good thing, could be harmful with sun exposure being associated with dangerous skin cancers like melanoma.

Sun-Blocking Solutions
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and covering up with UV-protective clothing are wise choices, but what about sunscreens? Recently, sunscreens have taken some heat for containing toxic ingredients that get absorbed into the skin. So while you’re trying to protect from UV-generated free radicals, you may be soaking up radicals of a different kind when you apply sunscreen creams.

You’re probably thinking, “Oh great, if sunscreen is bad, now what do I do to stay safe in the sun?” Well, keep in mind these concerns about sunscreen creams are based on new science, so it is not altogether clear yet whether these sunscreen creams are causing more harm than good. From what we do know now, it does make sense when looking for a good sunscreen to watch out for the ones that use many synthetic chemicals and opt for a more natural mineral-based filter like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

Consider eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables to supply many of the vitamins and minerals your skin needs for optimal health. Vitamin K2 found in foods like egg yolk, cheese and butter, supports bone health, cardiovascular health and the skin. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamins C, E, and A, found in colorful fruits and vegetables, aid in blocking the sun’s UV free radicals that can harm skin cells and lead to sun spots or age spots, and skin cancer.


Get to Know the Skin You’re In
Skin is the body’s largest organ - the dermis. The pro-hormone DHEA has been found to be produced and metabolized in the skin. According to medical research done by Dr. Fernand Labrie, it was found that most hormones in post menopausal women are metabloised from DHEA in the skin. DHEA is also a base for skin oil or “sebum.” The body’s derma layer is constantly regenerating and quite absorbent which means it can take in both nutrients and toxins. Did you know that when you apply DHEA cream to your skin the risk of both chemical and UV carcinogens is reduced? Furthermore, the combination of coconut oil, vitamin E and co-enzyme Q-10 (found in Twist25’s DHEA cream) helps skin look and feel hydrated and helps fade keratoses, also known as “age spots” or “liver spots.”

Vitamin D3 is the Sunshine Vitamin.  It is the only vitamin the body produces in the skin or dermis from exposure to sun light (UVB).  Yet with today’s indoor living, clothing that covers most of our skin surfaces, and the use of sunscreens to reduce the risks of skin cancer, many people are deficient in Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 has many hormone-like functions.  It is an important pro-vitamin helping the body to utilize other nutrients. 

According to MedicalNews Today, “the energy from the sun changes a chemical in the skin to vitamin D3, which is then carried to the liver and the kidneys where it is made into active vitamin D.” But what if practicing sun-loving skin safety means you’re not getting enough? Per Medical News Today, “The Vitamin D Council states that the vitamin is important for muscle function, the respiratory system, cardiovascular function, brain development, and it even has anti-cancer properties.” Additionally, vitamin D3 increases the absorption of calcium–crucial for good bone health, especially as we get older. So if you think you’re not getting enough vitamin D3 from sun exposure, consider a vitamin D3supplement. But remember, sunshine on the skin in moderation is good for you!

Find the Right Skin Care Routine
You may have a regular skin care routine for your face, but consider a whole-body skin care routine. It doesn’t have to be complicated or long. To make it easy, try these four steps:
1.     Cleanse – Use an exfoliating sponge or loofa to wash with a paraben-free gel cleanser.
2.     Moisturize – Consider using coconut oil as a hydrating moisturizer. Read more about the wonders of coconut oil for the skin here.
3.     Protect – Find a mineral-based sunscreen that is right for your skin type.
4.     Supplement – Include Twist 25 DHEA creamVitamin D3 and vitamin ADK capsules in your regime to lessen the appearance of “age spots” and assist in balancing derma layer hormones. To read more, checkout this article about Healthier Skin with DHEA Cream.

Have a safe and healthy summer. Remember, it’s the little things we do each day that all add up to make a big difference!