My Beauty Journal

Chocolate and Brain Power

2006-06-04T09:24:00.000+10:30

Chocolate lovers rejoice. A new study hints that eating milk chocolate may boost brain function.

"Chocolate contains many substances that act as stimulants, such as theobromine, phenethylamine and caffeine," said Dr Bryan Raudenbush from Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia.

"These substances by themselves have previously been found to increase alertness and attention, and what we have found is that by consuming chocolate you can get the stimulating effects, which then lead to increased mental performance."

To study the effects of various chocolate types on brain power, Raudenbush and colleagues had a group of volunteers consume, on four separate occasions, 85 grams of milk chocolate, 85 grams of dark chocolate, 85 grams of carob and nothing (the control condition).

After a 15-minute digestive period, participants completed a variety of computer-based neuropsychological tests designed to assess cognitive performance including memory, attention span, reaction time and problem solving.

"Composite scores for verbal and visual memory were significantly higher for milk chocolate than the other conditions," Raudenbush said.

And consumption of milk and dark chocolate was associated with improved impulse control and reaction time.

Previous research has shown some nutrients in food aid in glucose release and increased blood flow, which may augment cognitive performance.

The findings, said Raudenbush, "provide support for nutrient release via chocolate consumption to enhance cognitive performance".

Source: Reuters

Salt

2006-06-04T09:22:00.000+10:30

Often regarded as a nutritional bad guy, salt (sodium chloride) is essential for a healthy body. It helps carry nutrients into cells and regulates various bodily functions, including blood pressure.

Most people know that too much salt is bad for you. A high-salt diet contributes to high blood pressure, for instance, with associated cardiovascular risks. And the amount of salt that we need each day is small - merely a couple of grams.

But if you're already careful about what you eat and you're doing a lot of exercise and sweating heavily, you risk developing low blood-sodium levels, which can lead to low blood pressure and dizziness. Adding a little salt to a snack or consuming a sports drink should replace the sodium your body needs.

Frozen Food

2006-06-04T09:17:00.000+10:30

Most vitamins are preserved fairly well during freezing. For carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body, freezing is a bonus.

One study found that frozen peas contain about 60 per cent more carotene than the fresh variety. (It's not the freezing that provides the advantage - the packaging screens vegetables from light, which causes carotene to break down.)

However, levels of vitamin C and folate drop during the commercial freezing process, as do levels of thiamin (vitamin B1). The good news is that once fresh vegetables are cooked, the vitamin content is pretty similar to that of frozen vegetables that have been thawed and cooked.

So if you're struggling to keep up with those five servings of vegetables a day, don't feel bad if you reach into the freezer.

Snails

2006-05-17T00:05:00.000+10:30

If you can get over the "yuck" factor, snails are low in saturated fat and relatively high in vitamins A and D. In Australia, if you ask for edible snails you're most likely to get Helix aspersa, the common garden snail (and a Mediterranean import - although researchers in Queensland are investigating the potential of native snails.)

If you feel like following the French example, go for farmed snails, rather than plucking something out of the backyard. Anyone who eats wild, uncooked or undercooked snails and slugs runs the risk of becoming infected with a parasite that can cause meningitis (swelling of the brain). One Sydney man who ate garden slugs as a dare unknowingly also swallowed larvae of the worm Angiostrongylus cantonensis - and nearly died.

Raspberries

2006-05-17T00:01:00.000+10:30

Rich in vitamin C, raspberries are also a good source of folate, iron and potassium and contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. The fruit is also known for its relatively high concentration of ellagic acid (which is sold as a supplement in health food shops).

Research suggests that ellagic acid might act to mop up some cancer-causing chemicals, rendering them inactive in the body. (Raspberry jam should provide the same benefits, since the compound isn't destroyed by cooking.)

The chemicals that cause raspberries' red colour is also good for you. Anthocyanins, which create the red pigment, act as anti-oxidants, and research suggests they can help reduce the risk of heart disease and also possibly help to control diabetes and even act against cancer.

Yoghurt beats bugs

2006-05-16T23:56:00.000+10:30

The stomach bug Helicobacter pylori is the cause of most stomach ulcers, so doctors often try to eradicate it with antibiotic therapy.

When this doesn't work, as is the case 10 to 23 per cent of the time, a yogurt may help, according to a study conducted in Taiwan.

Specifically, eating yogurt containing the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (AB-yogurt) before trying a second round of combo antibiotic therapy can improve its efficacy in eradicating residual H. pylori, the researchers found.

- Reuters

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Laugh, or even pretend to

2006-05-16T23:49:00.000+10:30

A good belly laugh - or even the anticipation of laughter - appears to beneficially affect the body's hormones.

Researchers in California discovered this in a study of 32 healthy men, half of whom were instructed to view a one-hour humorous video of their own selection.

The other half simply sat in a room with an assortment of magazines. The scientists found that those watching the funny videos had, on average, 27 per cent more beta-endorphins and 87 per cent more human growth hormone in their blood than the control group - before the video clips even started to roll.

The levels of these beneficial hormones remained elevated during and after the experiment.

- Washington Post

Beat Bad Breath

2006-05-06T10:32:00.000+10:30

Japanese researchers believe that natural yoghurt could be the answer to bad breath. In their study:

24 people were given 90g of unsweetened yoghurt every day for six weeks.
Saliva tests showed significant reductions in hydrogen sulphide - a major cause of bad breath - in 80 percent of participants.
The participants also experienced a reduction in plaque and gingivitis.
Experts stress, however, that the best way to beat bad breath is to adopt good oral hygiene practices, that is brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and reducing your intake of sugary snacks and drinks. Plus, of course, regular visits to a dentist.

Source: Good Medicine August 2005.

Happy Single...

2006-05-06T10:26:00.000+10:30

Count to ten and be happy you're single:

Being alone allows you time to indulge in more me-time
You are more likely to be self-reliant and assertive.
You have all the space in the bed.
You're less likely to have a weight problem because you're not eating man-sized portions.
You have controls over the remote.
You are likely to have a wide network of friends for support.
You don't have in-laws.
You are less likely to have a heart attack. Study shows unhappily married women have a three times greater risk of heart attack.
You don't have to pick up anyone's dirty socks off the floor.
You are more likely to be fit, having more time to take part in sports or go out dancing.

Foot Talk

2006-05-06T10:05:00.000+10:30

Your feet take you where you want to go. Look after them and they'll take you even further! Here's how to fix three common foot problems:

BLISTERS:
Blisters form when friction tears the skin and fluid seeps into the space. Wear comfortable shoes and apply vaseline to help minimize frictions.

INGROWN TOENAILS:
These are caused by cutting your nails incorrectly and wearing tight-fitting shoes. To avoid it, cut your nails straight across using nail clippers. Don't cut too low at the sides.

CORNS:
Corns are caused by tight-fitting shoes and high heels, they often form over a joint. Don't try to cut off the corns yourself, always get a chiropodist to do it.

Source: Good Medicine June 2005

10 Superfoods to Keep You Cool

2006-04-25T11:55:00.000+10:30

Chill out with these refreshing and nutritious snacks for scorching summer days.

Super Salads

The summer heat can suffocate even the most voracious appetite. Cultures around the world each have their creative methods for staying cool -- spicy foods are the choice around the equator, while others drink hot tea to make their sweat glands work overtime.

But who wants to be sweaty when it's already sticky outside? What we want are some healthy, refreshing foods -- preferably snacks that satisfy those recommended daily allowances (RDA) for essential vitamins and minerals. So we talked to registered dietician Sharon Saka, of Suffern, New York, who says our best bet is to avoid hot foods and heavy meals, and take advantage of summer's fruits and vegetables. Saka recommends eating smaller amounts more often, and says staying hydrated is essential -- at least 6 to 8 cups of decaffeinated fluid a day -- especially if you're outside and exercising.

So here are 10 superfoods to help you stay cool this summer. And the best part: many of these snacks are great meals in themselves!

Kiwi, Papaya, Raspberry Fruit Salad
When the heat is on, just about any juicy fruit is refreshing and delicious. Kiwi, papaya, and raspberries are a powerful combination because they're each packed with cancer-fighting vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and beta-carotene. In fact, both kiwi and papaya rival oranges for their vitamin C content -- one kiwi contains 117 percent of the RDA and papaya a whooping 313 percent. Vitamin C is, of course, crucial to our immune system, and some studies show it may reduce high blood pressure.

Papaya and kiwi also add potassium to your diet, which helps your body stay hydrated, regulates your nerves, heartbeat, and blood pressure. And 67 percent of your RDA of vitamin K can be found in papaya. This under-rated vitamin is necessary for normal blood clotting, and it helps your body absorb calcium, which is especially important for people at risk for osteoporosis.
Raspberries win in the fiber category with 8 grams, and they're rich in vitamin C as well. In addition to its regulatory qualities, the right amount of fiber is linked to a decreased incidence of colon cancer, and it helps keep cholesterol levels lower. Now, add some protein to this fruit salad -- low-fat cheese perhaps? -- and you have a full meal.

Recommended Serving Size: 1 kiwi, about 46 calories 1 medium papaya, about 119 calories 1 cup raspberries, about 64 calories

Chickpeas and Green Salad
A crisp green salad is the perfect light dinner for steamy summer evenings, especially since no oven is required. Trade in your iceberg lettuce for spinach and get a Popeye-size dose of iron.
Add some chickpeas to it for a protein and fiber bonus, plus 20 percent of your daily folate needs. Folate is essential to red blood cell growth and has been shown to prevent birth defects if taken by pregnant women. Chickpeas are also rich in vitamin B6, which aids in the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and has been used by nutritionists for PMS relief. Mix in some cherry or grape tomatoes and you get more fiber, plus 19 percent of your vitamin A.

Recommended Serving Size: 1/3 cup of chickpeas, about 115 calories 3.5 oz. of spinach, about 24 calories 3.5 oz. of tomatoes, about 17 calories

Refreshing Snacks

Fruit Smoothies or Ice Pops
Here's another twist on using fruits to stay cool. Put those raspberries, papaya, and kiwi in a blender with some crushed ice for a smoothie that will make the heat a distant memory. Or put a pureed fruit mixture into ice-pop molds and put them in the freezer overnight for a frozen fast food treat whenever you're ready.

Crushed pineapple is a great frozen fruit snack too, especially since it's yet another good source of vitamin C and thiamin, a mineral that helps release the energy from carbohydrates and ensures that the brain and nerves have enough glucose.

Recommended Serving Size: 1 kiwi, about 46 calories 1 medium papaya, about 119 calories 1 cup raspberries, about 64 calories 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, about 59 calories

Tuna or Chicken Salad in a Green Pepper
A scoop of tuna or chicken salad in a green pepper is a simple summertime meal. Yellow, red, and orange peppers are all nutritious too, so pick whatever appeals to you. In addition to the protein in the tuna and chicken, you'll get fiber from the pepper, along with 159 percent of the RDA for vitamin C and some vitamin A too. Vitamin A, or retinol, is essential for healthy vision, skin, and growth.
Recommended Serving Size: 2 oz. of canned tuna or chicken and 1 tablespoon of low-fat mayo, about 160 calories 1 medium green pepper, about 24 calories

Cantaloupe and Ricotta Cheese
Having cantaloupe as part of any meal or snack can be wonderfully refreshing. And you'll get 108 percent of your vitamin A RDA and 98 percent of your vitamin C. Combine it with some ricotta cheese and you'll get protein, plus 17 percent of your calcium needs, equal to drinking a 1/2 cup of milk.

Ricotta is a delicious substitute for cottage cheese, and it's lower in sodium and calories. Try it on a slice of whole wheat bread or a small pita (both add fiber and iron), sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Or mix it into a fruit salad for a delectable dessert.

Recommended Serving Size: 1 cup cantaloupe, about 54 calories 1/4 cup part-skim ricotta, about 86 calories 1 slice whole wheat bread, about 69 calories 1 small whole wheat pita, about 74 calories

Sharon Saka is a Registered Dietitian, a Certified Dietitian Nutritionist, and a member of the American Dietetic Association and the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

Source: Linda Kallman - LHJ

Common Spa Questions Answered

2006-04-25T11:45:00.000+10:30

From tipping to underwear, the rules you need to know for your first trip to the spa.

Making the Appointment

It's meant to be relaxing, but the truth is, many people are intimidated by spas. Betsy Isroelit, a spokeswoman for SpaFinder, a spa-tracking Web site, says most people never trade in spa gift certificates because they have no idea what to expect. So here are answers to 7 common questions so you can enjoy your massage, anxiety-free.

Q. Will the spa mind if I call with questions before making an appointment?
A. They'll appreciate it, and may even encourage you to come in for a free tour to see what the setup looks like. But don't expect to see any therapies taking place, to protect the privacy of other patrons.

Q. Can I request that I have the therapist of my choice, either female or male?
A. Don't be shy about requesting a therapist when scheduling your appointment -- spa experts recommend it.

Q. How do I behave with the therapist? Must I talk, or stay silent?
A. It's okay not to talk during the treatment if you don't want to; therapists take their cues from their clients.

At the Spa

Q. Will I have to be naked?
A. That is up to you. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. Though most people completely undress for a treatment, it isn't necessary. For example, you should feel free to wear your underwear -- a masseuse can usually work around it. Spas will not compromise your modesty. If you're having a water treatment, it is your option to wear a bathing suit.

Q. How much should I tip?
A. Check your service fee first. Spas sometimes include the tip in the total cost of the service. If you do need to tip, between 10 and 20 percent is customary, depending on how happy you were with your treatment. Is the spa has a coordinator who shows you to a changing room, provides you with towels and robes, and offers you tea and water, it may be appropriate to tip between $3 and $9. If you're nervous about this, definitely call ahead and ask the spa receptionist.

Q. What if I'm uncomfortable with something about the therapy?
A. Speak up and let the therapist know if the pressure is not adequate or too firm. Express your likes and dislikes and feel free to ask questions. Remember: their job is to give you the most pleasurable experience possible.

Q. What do I need to tell a spa or individual therapist about any medical conditions?
A. Advise the spa of any medical conditions or pregnancy so they can tailor the treatment to your specific needs. Heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, and arthritis are examples of conditions that you should alert your therapist to so he or she can tailor your treatment appropriately. It's probably also a good idea to alert your therapist to any contagious viruses or skin conditions as well.

Source: Fran Kritz - Ladies' Home Journal

Sweet Corn

2006-04-25T11:34:00.000+10:30

Like other fruits and vegetables, sweet corn contains anti-oxidants, which are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. One recent study in the US showed that cooking sweet corn increases levels of a key anti-oxidant found in grains.

The team found that after cooking the corn at 115 degrees for 10, 25 and 50 minutes, ferulic acid was released from its bound form in cell walls and in insoluble fibres, and levels increased by 240 per cent, 550 per cent and 900 per cent respectively. Sweet corn is also a good source of fibre and also contains niacin, folate and some vitamin A.

Source: Emma Young - Sydney Morning Herald

Foundation Secrets For A Flawless Complexion

2006-04-22T09:25:00.000+10:30

For a natural look your foundation must match your skin tone. Test foundations along your jawline. You will know the best color because it will disappear into your skin.
Spread foundation on your hands and pat it on your face, then smooth out with a sponge making sure not to pull or stretch the skin. Be extra careful in the area around your eyes where the skin is super thin. Don't forget to apply foundation on your eyelids and lips.
To make foundation last, apply moisturizer first giving the foundation a base. Dry skin will soak up the foundation if not given that base. For oily skin use an oil-free moisturizer and powder foundation
On hot days foundation can be difficult to keep looking fresh. Set your foundation in the morning using a loose powder and puff, then do regular touch ups throughout the day.
To cover imperfections apply foundation first and then go back and dot on a concealer that neutralizes red. For noticeable imperfections like very dark circles and birthmarks use a yellow concealer (available from Mary Kay). Don't use too much powder in problem areas because it will draw attention to it.
To avoid a foundation line around the jaw apply foundation as usual then use a little moisturizer in your hand and blend it down your neck.
For evening mix some shimmer powder with your powder and put it where you want to attract light such as the bridge of the nose, underneath the brow bone, the temples, cheekbone, chin and shoulders.
Always use a foundation with a sunscreen of at least 15 to prevent future sun damage.
Change your foundation shade if the color of your skin changes.
After you apply foundation go near a window to make sure it looks natural. Natural light is the ultimate test.

Source: Sheila Dicks - http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com/

Discover Effective Home Remedies to Dandruff

2006-04-22T09:15:00.000+10:30

Dandruff is a common problem. You can fall victim to excessive dandruff at any age. 97% of Americans suffer from dandruff at some time. One out of every two persons in the world have problem with dandruff.

Common practice is to treat dandruff with anti-dandruff shampoos. But did you know that you can use simple effective home remedies to treat dandruff? Home remedies may offer complete solutions for controlling dandruff.

One of the best ways to control dandruff is to apply a mixture of vinegar and water on the scalp. Make a mixture of 2 teaspoons of vinegar and 6 teaspoons of water and apply it on the scalp before you go to bed. Keep it for the whole night with a towel around the head. Rinse your head with vinegar water again in the morning. If you continue to treat your hair with it for few months, it will serve your purpose.

You can also use a mixture of 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 2-teaspoons of vinegar. Massage the scalp with this solution. After the massage, treat your hair with an egg shampoo.

You can rub a combination of 1 part sulfur powder, 2 parts surgical spirit, 1 part almond oil and 4 parts rose water or distilled water on your scalp to keep dandruff at bay. Or:
Boil a mixture of 4-5 dried thyme and two cups of water for 10 minutes. When the mixture cools down, massage it on the scalp and leave it for half an hour. Wash it afterwards and see the results. You will have a dandruff-free head.

You can also soak ground fenugreek seeds overnight in water and massage the paste on the head, leaving it for a few minutes. Wash it afterwards using a mild shampoo.

You can also prepare a homemade mixture of 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice with 100 grams witch hazel in 200ml of water and use it on washed hair. Applying the mixture several times is helpful in warding off the problem of dandruff.

If you wash your hair with warm apple cider vinegar, leaving it for 30-40 minutes and then rinsing it with plain water, you are sure to control dandruff positively. You have to continue this process regularly to stop its return. The smell of the vinegar does evaporate!

Try a mixture of olive oil and almond oil. Massage your scalp with the mixture and leave it for five minutes after you feel the burning sensation. Rinse properly and you should have a dandruff-free head.

Did you know the well-known pain killer aspirin, used for relieving aches, can serve you equally effectively to eliminate the problem of dandruff? Just crush and powder two aspirin tablets and add it to your shampoo. Leave the mixture on your scalp for two minutes. Rinse and wash properly to remove the aspirin particles completely from the scalp.

You can directly use Aloe Vera gel to remove excess dandruff. Apply the gel on your scalp 10-15 minutes before you plan to wash your hair. Regular use of the gel before shampooing will keep down the growth of dandruff.

These remedies take time to show a visible change but are effective for some people.
The best point concerning a home remedy is that you have many options and, if you think that a particular ingredient does not suit you, you can try an alternative. You should give each remedy at least a week before trying another.

Source: Alex Fir - Hair Styles For Dummies

Pumpkin Benefits

2006-04-16T17:48:00.000+10:30

Pumpkins are believed to have their origins in Central America and have been part of the human diet for centuries. In the US, where they were a staple for native Americans long before the pilgrims arrived, various folk health tales sprung up - including a recommendation to eat pumpkin to remove freckles.

In Chinese medicine, pumpkin is also considered useful in relieving vomiting and reducing fever, among other things, while the seeds have been used to kill intestinal worms. Claims have even been made that eating the seeds can help prevent prostate cancer. What is clear is that pumpkins are rich in fibre, low in fat and packed with nutrients, including vitamin A and potassium. On their own (and not roasted in oil or soaked with honey in a pumpkin pie) they're undeniably good for you.

Mouthwash Is Not The Solution

2006-04-16T16:52:00.000+10:30

Mouthwashes are mainly used to freshen the breath. If you have to keep using a mouthwash to mask bad breath, you should see your dentist. Bad breath can be a sign of poor general health, as well as unhealthy teeth and gums. A fluoride mouthwash can help prevent tooth decay. In some cases, your dentist might recommend the use of an antibacterial mouthwash to help control a bad case of plague and reduce gum disease.

Winter Survival Guide

2006-04-16T16:47:00.000+10:30

Kick start your autumn with life coach Fiona Harrold's four step plan:

Always have something to look forward to

Life is full of highs and lows, but it's easier to get through them in between bits (like months of rain and cold) if you can focus on how much you've got to look forward to and plan how to make those events even better than you imagined.

Fight the urge to hibernate

Wrap up and get outside as much as possible. Daylights fuel energy even if it's freezing. Stay active and alert.

Identify a new project

Life is exciting when you find something interesting. Plan a project to keep you firing on all cylinders, then take the first step! Join that Italian cooking class, find a writers' group, put your name down for the local marathon.

Eliminate blood suckers

Find out what drains you of energy and eradicate it from your life. For most working women with families, it's housework. So, get a cleaner. If you work, it makes sense financially and there's no need to feel guilty. The same goes to friends who don't support you and clutter that's getting you down. Don't ignore it and do something about it now!

Calcium and Weight Loss

2006-04-14T18:55:00.000+10:30

A new study does not support the theory that a boost in calcium intake or dairy consumption is useful for maintaining or losing weight.

"Media have been promoting dairy to lose weight and therefore this topic has gained a lot of importance," Dr. Swapni N. Rajpathak, who led the study, told Reuters Health. "At this time, there is not enough justification to increase dairy intake to lose weight," the researcher warned.

"Calcium and therefore dairy -- the best source of calcium in the diet -- may be associated with weight loss, based on some data suggesting that calcium has some role in fat synthesis," Rajpathak explained. However, the results of studies of calcium and dairy intake in relation to weight loss have been inconsistent.

Rajpathak, from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in New York and colleagues looked for links between baseline calcium intake and change in calcium intake and weight change over time in about 43,000 healthy middle-aged men participating in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study -- a prospective study launched in 1986 to evaluate the role of diet in chronic diseases.

After taking into account multiple potentially confounding factors, baseline or change in intake of total calcium was not significantly associated with a change in weight, the team reports in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

"We found that men who increased their dairy/calcium intake did not lose more weight -- in fact, they gained slightly more weight -- in the 12-year period," Rajpathak told Reuters Health. This was primarily due to an increase in high-fat dairy intake.

However, even low-fat dairy intake was not significantly associated with a change in weight.
The take home message, said Rajpathak, is that "calcium is important for optimal health and people should have adequate calcium from diet (including dairy) or use supplements if they wish. Importantly, it is advisable to consume dairy in low-fat form."

However, increasing calcium in the diet as a means to lose weight is not advisable, the researcher said.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2006.

Kahuna Massage

2006-04-13T17:43:00.000+10:30

Steph Sands is a busy woman. Outside her full-time job as a marketing consultant, she's co-chair of Sydney's gay and lesbian mardi gras, a role that includes chairing a board of directors, motivating volunteers and managing press-related matters.

About five months ago, Sands says she was feeling tired, stressed, and "looking for a physical release". She found it through the ancient Polynesian tradition of Kahuna massage. "I have one every two to three weeks. It can be a different experience each time you have one," she says.
Describing the massage as "a journey to emotional and spiritual healing", Sands says her first experience left her feeling totally relaxed. "It was very surreal. You are completely in a state of bliss. You feel very whole within yourself."

Before a massage, her therapist chats to her for 10 minutes or so to establish what is going on in her life. Depending on her mood, different music is chosen. "They play all sorts of music. If you want to be motivated, they'll play a motivational tape. If you want to feel relaxed, they'll play classical music. At other times they'll play traditional Hawaiian music. It's my favourite."

During the massage, Sands says, therapists apply hands and elbows "all over the body". The aim is to release physical and energetic blockages. "They lather you up with so much oil you think you are going to slide off the table."

Each massage lasts an hour. "It's more than just a physical thing. It's certainly taken me on a journey to the point where I'm more in touch with how I'm feeling."

Dr Marc Cohen, head of complementary medicine, RMIT.

Cohen says all massage has benefits. "You need to find a stroke that you like. Kahuna massage gives very broad strokes across large areas of the body, rather than intense pressure on specific points. It's very relaxing.

"It gets the fluid moving through your body so it may help in removing waste products from muscles."

Source: Belinda Cranston - Sydney Morning Herald

Inner Cleanliness - Detox Everyone?

2006-04-13T17:18:00.000+10:30

If December is the month of indulgence, The new year is for atonement, and the modern equivalent of a hairshirt - the detox kit - is flying off the shelves at chemists and health food shops as Sydneysiders try to purge their bodies of the excesses of the festive season.
Shane Bryan of Balmain Health Foods said detox-related sales rise by up to 70 per cent in January. "It's the biggest month of the year; everyone wants to get over the Christmas-new year period.

"Things to do with liver detoxing, anything like that, is very popular. We sell a lot of liver cleanser and whole-body detoxes. We always keep them well in stock and out the front of the stores."
Demand is surging: in the past year the detox market grew 90 per cent and was now worth $13 million, said Cecilia Howard, marketing director for Blackmores, which sells a 10-day program.
Detoxes range from diets designed by nutritionists to ready-made kits, which include strict dietary guidelines, menus and herbs to help cleanse the liver, stomach and intestines.
Some say detoxing rids the body of impurities but others say that claim is not backed by scientific evidence.

The kits can cost up to $100. Their demands differ, but most recommend avoiding caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes and refined sugar, and advise ingesting plenty of water and vegetables.
Sarah Gawthorne, 26, of Kirribilli, is a regular detoxer. She finished a 15-day kit last month after a run of parties and has now embarked on a post-Christmas plan. "I want to give my liver a break, make myself feel a bit better," she said.

Giving up dairy, alcohol and red meat was not too hard; coffee was harder. "I have no qualms in saying I have a coffee addiction. I have coffee in the morning and I need it to kick-start the day."
Ms Gawthorne said she usually felt poorly in the first few days of a detox program, but by the end of it her skin has improved and she had lost weight. "I feel a lot more energetic."

A nutritionist, Fay Fain, said detoxing eliminated bad bacteria, food that could not be absorbed, parasites and even mould. It helped banish bloating, indigestion, constipation and tiredness. "The best time to cleanse is normally January or spring," she said. "It's a kick-start to the system ... if you have over-indulged, especially after alcohol and eating all that rich food at Christmas."
However, the Australian Consumers Association said that while some information in the kits was useful, some was scientifically unproven and confusing.

"The message to consumers is, we don't necessarily need a detox kit to improve our health," said Clare Hughes, a food policy officer. "Long-lasting changes like increasing fruit and veg, limiting caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol, are going to be of much more benefit to our health than spending the $50 or $60 it costs to get one of these kits."

Source: Jordan Baker - Sydney Morning Herald

Six Steps To A Flatter Stomach

2006-04-12T12:33:00.000+10:30

A few simple changes will leave you with a toned tummy.

Start Exercising
"Don't kid yourself that you can get away with just sit-ups," warns celebrity fitness trainer Matt Roberts. "You might have good abs, but they'll be impossible to see because there's an inch of fat over them." For fast results, mix aerobic exercise (running, cycling and swimming) with resistance training (weights, press-ups and push-ups). Researchers have found that aerobic exercise boosts your metabolism for an hour, while resistance workouts can affect it for up to 48 hours.

Leave Stress Behind
Whenever we're stressed, the brain produces cortisol and adrenaline: hormones designed to activate the "fight or flight" response that was once crucial to our ancestors' survival. These hormones, in turn, trigger a chain reaction that results in certain cells retaining more fat. According to nutritionist Kate Cook, "Fat caused by adrenal stress tends to accumulate around the abdomen."

More Water and Fibre
All the experts agree on two things - drink two litres of water a day and eat plenty of fibre. Fibre combined with water will flush out the intestines and make you more regular.

Deflate With Dill
In The Little Black Dress Diet (Lauren Glen Publishing, rrp $9.9), Michael Van Straten recommends parsley and dill tea to fight bloating. Mix a tablespoon of both chopped parsley and crushed dill seeds in a glass, and boiling water and leave for 10 minutes. Strain, and drink first thing in the morning. Parsley eases water retention and the dill eliminates wind.

Cut Down On Meat
Avoid eating animal protein for lunch and dinner. Meat is difficult to digest and can stay in your gut for days. Opt for vegie alternatives one meal a day as they provide protein and fibre.

Attack on All Fronts
We have three sets of tummy muscles and need to work them all. Roberts says, "Most people have one or two stock exercises and avoid anything that's too hard, but you need to attack all the muscles. The more variation, the better."

Source: Eleni Kyriacou - Marie Claire March 2006

Smoke-Free Shopping

2006-04-12T12:30:00.000+10:30

Want a reason to ditch the ciggies? Based on the cost of a packet-a-day habit, here's what you can buy instead:

1.5 days = $15 = BOTTLE OF WINE

1 week = $70 = NEW TOP

1 month = $300 = CITY MINIBREAK

6 months = $1800 = WIDESCREEN LCD TV

For more help, check out The 90 Day Quit Smoking Diary (New Holland, rrp $9.95)

Meditation : It's All the Rage

2006-04-11T13:35:00.000+10:30

Ever wish you could step outside of daily life and find calm? Think meditation requires years of training in a monastery? Well, think again. At its simplest, the act of meditation is about focusing the mind on physical sensations "in the moment". You too can benefit from this simple technique. Start with ten minutes a day.

Wearing loose clothing, find somewhere quite and sit comfortably. The classic posture is to sit cross-legged on a cushion that tilts your pelvis forward. You can also sit on a chair, always keeping your spine straight.
Concentrate on your breath, without forcing it. When you breathe in, be aware of breathing in. When you breathe out, be aware of that. If your mind wanders, draw it back.
Become aware of your toes, then your feet, then your calves, and so on. Work through the whole of your body.

This focus requires a lot of discipline, but in time your mind should become calmer even when you're not meditating, and your happiness will be less dependent on the ebb and flow of external circumstances.

Along with meditation, in case you need some help in handling day to day anxiety, Cardiologist Dr. Graham Jackson shares his top anxiety-busting techniques:

Try to remove yourself from the stressful environment or the people who irritate you at least once a day (going for a quick walk doubles the stress-busting benefit).
If you are angry, write a letter about the person or problem expressing your anger, then tear it up. (Don't send it!). Yell and shout at a mirror, then laugh at yourself. That old advice about counting to ten slowly while breathing deeply really does have a physical effect.
Don't rely on caffeine, alcohol or cigarettes when the going gets tough.
Don't repress problems and let them fester - bring them into the open and try to talk things through with a friend or partner.
Try relaxation tapes, doing yoga or some breathing exercise (see above).
Avoid over-commitment. Don't be afraid to turn things down.
Most of all try to keep life in perspective. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow hasn't happened. Ask yourself what you would be doing if you had one day alive. Get on with today and enjoy it.

Source: RD Living

Dental Floss Dilemma

2006-04-11T13:23:00.000+10:30

Waxed, unwaxed, skinny, wide, flavoured, prethreaded... You just wanna buy a dental floss, but now you feel like you have to consult a Magic 8 Ball in order to choose one. All types remove plaque, so find whichever one you feel most comfortable, says Richard H. Price, a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association.

Narrow, waxed floss slides most easily, making it a good choice if your teeth are close together. If there's more room, try unwaxed floss, which tends to cover more surface as the fibers separate. And if your teeth are widely spaced, dental tape can work for you.

Teflon-coated floss, such as Glide, is highly resistant to shredding. If you have large hands or if you find the process awkward, prethreaded, disposable floss holders may solve your problem. "The real issue isn't what kind of floss you use - it's whether you're flossing at all," says Dr. Price. "you need to do it once a day in order to clean all those nooks and crannies where toothbrush bristles can't reach."