The Impact of Nutrition on skin health and beauty

January 13, 2015

The Impact of Nutrition on skin health and beauty – Nutrition and nutritional supplementation

Skin is the most extended and heaviest organ of the human body acting as a barrier between the internal and external environment

The Impact of Nutrition on skin health and beauty. Skin is the most extended and heaviest organ of the human body acting as a barrier between the internal and external environment.

Did you know that there is a very close relationship between the skin and the food nutrients we take? For the skin to be more radiant and attractive, the type of foods you take will matters a lot. Being the biggest organ of the body and the fact that it is conspicuously exposed it forms the natural protective cyst (barrier) between the internal and the external environments. Therefore the impact of nutrition on the skin health and beauty becomes very important as it plays the vital role of biological functions like protection against mechanical and chemical damage, micro-organisms and ultraviolet damage. The impact of nutrition on skin health and beauty is very critical as it helps in reinforcement the skin’s abilities to fight against these aggressions. In doing this you need also to be very well informed of what to take, to what quantity and most importantly the professionalism behind the skin health and beauty. This piece of information is very much available at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. A facility founded by doctor Dalal Akoury who is also a qualified skin care professional of over two decades of practicing experience. A phone call to doctor Akoury will be the foundation towards marinating the glowing healthy skin for a very long time.

Besides that, the nutritional deficiencies are often linked with skin health disorders. But remember that much as we talk of the impact of nutrition on skin health and beauty, it is important to note that depending on the diet you are in your skin condition can either be positively or negatively influenced. Take for instance the concept of emerging nutritional supplementation as a new strategy in the daily practice of dermatology as well as a complementary approach to topical cosmetics in the field of beauty. There are very many of such supplementation and in this article we will dig deep into finding out the connection between skin health and nutrition and to further exemplify the beneficial actions of nutritional supplementation in skin health and beauty. I know that you don’t want to miss this, so keep to the link and get the flow of beauty information direct from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

The Impact of Nutrition on skin health and beauty – The structure of the skin

Skin is the most extended and heaviest organ of the human body acting as a barrier between the internal and external environment. Skin structure associates tissues from various origins (epithelial, connective, vascular, muscular and nervous) and is organized in three different layers:

With the exception of epidermis which is a non-vascular tissue, skin possesses a rich vascular network involved in:

Tissues feeding
Thermoregulation
Wound healing
Immune reactions and
Control of blood pressure

Now let us try to understand what nutrition is all about. Nutrition is actually a biological process in animals and plants relating to the intake of food and its subsequent integration into the tissues. Several varieties of food nutrients have been identified by experts constituting different kinds of food. Using these foods nutritional standards have been set and recommendations made in order to prevent deficiencies and to promote human health. Nutritional supplements therefore are defined as concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect that supplement the normal diet. This would then means that nutritional supplements may be used to optimize diet and consequently to improve quality of life. Take note that increased life expectancy is also connected with a need to look healthy and handsome.

The Impact of Nutrition on skin health and beauty – The Skin General Nutrition Requirements

The primary fuel for skin cells is glucose; glucose oxidation rates in skin are similar to those observed in resting skeletal muscle. Glucose also provides carbohydrate backbones for modification of proteins (glycoproteins) and lipids (glycolipids) that comprise the extracellular environment of the epidermis. Aberrant glucose handling drastically affects skin structure and appearance.

Specialized lipids required for the development of the stratum corneum, such as sterols and ceramides, are synthesized in the epidermis from amino acids, carbohydrates, and phospholipids. However, differentiating keratinocytes also utilize fatty acids from circulating stores or dermal fat layers for energy. The extruded fatty acids that make up the mortar of the stratum corneum can absorb lipid-soluble materials placed on the external surface of this outermost skin layer. This is especially the case for sebum, a waxy substance secreted from the sebaceous glands that are attached to hair follicles, but it is also true for topically applied materials.

Amino acids are essential for the production of both dermal and epidermal structures, producing the extracellular matrix proteins and enzymes needed for the synthesis of the epidermal barrier. The amino acid requirements of skin are poorly understood.

Much of the role of nutrition in skin health focuses on the effects of deficiency, since the structural components of the skin are supported by a variety of nutritive factors, such as small peptides, minerals, and vitamins, which serve as enzyme cofactors, activators, or inhibitors. The skin is also constantly exposed to high concentrations of oxygen, UV light and oxidizing chemicals, highlighting a role for antioxidant vitamins in skin function. Further, nutritional support of the skin is important for inflammatory response during wound healing.

The Impact of Nutrition on skin health and beauty – Oral Nutrition and Topical Supplementation

The architecture of skin deserves special consideration in regard to nutrition. The epidermal layers of the skin do not contain blood vessels that supply the cells with nutrients; blood vessels are found only in the dermis. Additionally, as the epidermis develops, its unique protein and lipid structure prevents the circulation of extracellular fluids. Therefore, the outer layers of the epidermis are provided with less nutritional support than the underlying cells. Dietary interventions to affect skin health may be limited in effect and slow to occur.

Unique among organs, the skin may be directly affected by the use of topical applications. The stratum corneum prevents the passage of many different types of molecules, but some compounds pass through to the underlying layers. In general, uncharged or lipid-soluble molecules pass through the epidermis and may also penetrate the dermis. Concentrations of nutrients in the skin may be comparable to that achieved through oral ingestion. Yet, topical application may be a more efficient, targeted method for supplying nutrients to the skin, especially to the epidermis.

The Impact of Nutrition on skin health and beauty – Nutrition and nutritional supplementation

Thiamine Before Glucose Always For Alcohol Addiction

November 18, 2014

Thiamine before Glucose Always For Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction has become chains of slave to many and economies are crippled because of this societal vice that has made many people incapable of even fending for themselves. Unfortunately alcoholism is not very easy to quit especially without professional help. Many people who try to stop alcoholism have to give in to the cravings for alcohol. Some may also be pulled back into alcoholism due to the withdrawal symptoms that may be hard to deal with. However hard dealing with alcohol addiction can be, there are numerous ways that medics can use to help an addict break the chain of addiction. One of the most important factors that will determine whether the addict will succeed in the fight against addiction is the willingness and commitment of the addict to put up with every advice of the doctors. One of the methods that doctors will use to help an addict is the use of thiamine.

Alcohol-Addiction

What is thiamine?

Thiamine or Thiamin also known as Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex. This vitamin is needed so that our bodies can use carbohydrates as energy. It is a necessity for glucose metabolism. Thiamine also plays an important role in nerve, muscle and heart function.

Thiamine is found in many foods such as yeast, cereal grains, beans, nuts, and meat. It is part of vitamin B vitamins with which it is often used in making vitamin B complex products. Vitamin B complexes generally include vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin/niacinamide), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), and folic acid.

There are situations when a person will require to take Thiamine, thiamine deficiency syndromes such as beriberi and neuritis that may arise during pregnancy require supplementation of thiamine. It is also used to treat digestive problems which may include ulcerative colitis, diarrhea and even poor appetite.

This vitamin has many uses, some of its uses include; it is used in vision problems like cataracts, it is also used by HIV patients as an immune booster, used in treating brain damage and in prevention of cervical cancer. It can still be used to enhance learning abilities and to enhance positive mental attitude. It also increases energy and is also useful in preventing memory loss.

Despite its many uses thiamine is widely used in treating a memory disorder known as Wernicke’s encephalopathy syndrome. However it has been found to be effective in fighting alcoholism which in itself is an indication of thiamine deficiency.

Alcoholism and glucose

Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to your health is a phrase that many people are familiar with. However many people do not know how it harms your health. To begin with addiction to alcohol lowers blood sugar level and that means there is energy deficiency. This is because the majority of alcohol metabolism takes place in the liver, which is also the primary location of glucose production. Because of this, alcohol intake can interfere with the liver’s production of glucose and may cause hypoglycemia to correct this situation there is need for glucose supplementation to restore energy levels. One of the ways through which the levels of energy can be increased in a person addicted to alcohol is to break down carbohydrates to release energy. Even if glucose can be supplied through other means there is something that is still needed to help the person break the glucose to release energy and that is where thiamine comes in. thiamine is necessary for glucose metabolism and so it is vital to supplement thiamine before supplementing glucose in a person addicted to alcohol.

Thiamine and alcohol addiction

Why it is necessary to give thiamin before glucose

The biological pathways will become unregulated when there are nutritional deficiencies. In this case the precursors of ATP production like glucose will be rapidly used by the cells. However there will be an inability by previously produced enzymes to help in the process of glycolysis to help in utilization of glucose so that ATP can be produced in normal levels. This will cause a backup in the system as a result of accumulation of intermediate products in the pathways. When this happens ATP will not be produced adequately, it will also cause accumulation of pyruvate which is the result of continued glycolysis, the pyruvates will be converted to lactic acid by the cells after failing to enter the TCA cycle. This is done to maintain glycolysis by generation of NAD+ which is necessary for generation of 2 ATP3. Therefore when you feed the cells more glucose without supplementing the needed thiamin to allow for complete ATP generation you will only increase generation of lactic acid. The acidic conditions, the inability of the pentose pathway to protect the cells from reactive oxygen species that damage the cells and he increased stress in the cells causes cell death or induces apoptosis.

To prevent this cell death it is vital to give thiamine first to enhance the utilization of the glucose supplemented to form ATP and prevent the generation lactic acid that may accelerate cell damage in the brain. In chronic alcoholism the degree of cell damage is high owing to thiamin deficiency. This will cause cognitive impairment as well as poor musculoskeletal coordination. The alcohol addict will risk death when the deficiency in thiamine is too severe. It is however good to note that thiamin deficiency cannot be corrected by single IV administration of thiamin. It will take long to correct the deficiency.

Finally, Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we are committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of addiction. Call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Thiamine before Glucose Always For Alcohol Addiction

IV Amino Acids and Mitochondrial Rejuvenation for Weight Management

October 1, 2014

Use of IV Amino Acids and Mitochondrial Rejuvenation for Weight Management

The holiday period usually presents one big problem to many people: unplanned for gains in body weight. There is good news, however. You can successfully manage your weight during this period by preparing thoroughly for it. And you can prepare by two main methods: use of IV amino acids and mitochondrial rejuvenation. We shall look at both methods in detail in the sections that follow.

What is IV vitamin and amino acid therapy?

This is a special form of therapy in which essential nutrients like vitamins, amino acids and others are carefully mixed and injected directly into the system of an individual as a way of treating a wide range of diseases and improving the general state of health.

The effectiveness of this therapy is a result of several factors. To begin with, the amino acids and other nutrients that are introduced to the body in this therapy are in a simple form that is required by the body. What this means is that once the nutrients find their way into the body, they are immediately absorbed and utilized for maximum effect.

You can contrast this with what happens when you rely entirely on your diet for supply of the nutrients. When this is the case, the process that the nutrients have to be taken through before being made readily available to your body is long and winding. First, the food has to be digested. This usually takes some time. Second, the absorption process has to take place successfully for the nutrients to be made available in your system. This process is raft with a number of shortfalls. Your body may have its own conditions which hamper the rate and extent of digestion and absorption of nutrients. All these contribute to a low level of intake of nutrients in your body.

Amino Acids and Mitochondrial Rejuvenation

However, the fact that this therapy entails direct administration of a high concentration of vitamins, amino acids, calcium and other nutrients to your system makes it quite effective and useful. Also, effectiveness and usefulness the therapy is enhanced by the fact that it can be tailored to your individual needs.

What is mitochondrial rejuvenation?

Your body functions properly because of the energy that is produced in mitochondria, special organelles in your body cells. When the mitochondria are functioning properly, you feel energetic and in good shape all the time. However, a decline in their form and activity is immediately felt in the form of fatigue and general decline in vitality.

To correct this, rejuvenation of the mitochondria is necessary. This is an essential process for one to remain generally healthy. When there is biogenesis of the mitochondria, an individual is left feeling healthy and younger. This plays an important role in helping you manage your weight as well

Role of mitochondria in overall health of an individual

There are several ways in which the condition of the mitochondria is directly related to the general state of your health. For example, the process of aging is directly linked to damage of the mitochondria in the body cells. A high rate of mitochondrial damage has been identified as one of the main causes of aging in individuals.

Second, degeneration of mitochondria has been identified as one of the main and common characteristics of many forms of chronic diseases. Debilitating conditions created by diabetes and cancer can be attributed to the high rate of damage of mitochondria in the body cells of the patient.

Third, the damage of mitochondria and the consequent degradation of the health of an individual have been identified as a result of destruction of the internal structure of the mitochondria. The mitochondria are highly complex organelles made up of intricate structures. It is the destruction of the internal structures that renders the entire mitochondria non-functional, thus setting the stage for the undesirable health effects that follow.

This underscores the importance of well functioning mitochondria in the health of an individual.

How IV Amino acids and mitochondrial rejuvenation help in weight management

There are several ways in which this happens. First, since one of the many benefits of the IV amino acids therapy is in enhancing the overall repair and activity of the body cells, it is useful in enhancing the rate of repair of the cell mitochondria in your body. Therefore, getting this therapy can play an important role in helping you manage your weight through the holiday.

Second, the process of managing your weight requires a careful balance between the amount of fat and muscles. On one hand is the need for speedy burning of fats to ensure that excess fat does not accumulate in the body and lead to unnecessary gain of weight. On the other is the need to build up lean muscles at a fast rate to ensure that the weight of the body remains within the desired levels.

At the heart of all these processes is the role of the mitochondria. Their perfect functioning determines how well these processes take place, therefore determining how well you manage your weight. Since the IV amino acid therapy has been known to provide to the body essential nutrient, some of which are quite necessary for proper functioning of the mitochondria, it can be said that the therapy is quite useful in rejuvenating the mitochondria. This, by extension, will help you successfully manage your weight through the holiday season.

The sole goal of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is to help you achieve and maintain optimum health and wellness. That is why we have designed our services in such a manner that your needs take the center stage. Therefore, feel free to contact Dr. Dalal Akoury, a renowned medical practitioner, for a consultation session on how to tackle any particular health condition. She will ensure that you have your health in perfect condition. We are located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Use of IV Amino Acids and Mitochondrial Rejuvenation for Weight Management

The Importance Of High Dose Vitamin C In Balancing The Adrenals

September 2, 2014

Vitamin C Plays an Important Role in Balancing Adrenals Prior To Addiction Recovery Program

What are adrenals?

They are also referred to as adrenal glands or suprarenal glands. They are small triangular glands, which are located on top of both kidneys in our bodies. These glands play a vital role in our bodies, since they are responsible for regulation of the functioning of our bodies and minds. They are part of the endocrine system, which is branded, “policemen” in our bodies.
What is the function of these adrenals in our bodies?

The reason why adrenals are regarded as very vital in our bodies is because they produce chemicals that maintain life. Death becomes the only option for a person, when the adrenals fail to work. The chemicals which are produced by the adrenals, convert what is eaten by a human being (which is useless to our bodies) into substances which are useful to our bodies. These substances are the ones which facilitate body functions such as growing, changing and provide tools necessary for repairing and rebuilding of body tissues.

Another importance of proper functioning of adrenals is that, they produce very important hormones. One of these hormones is the cortisol, which is a hormone known to regulate physical stress, mental activities, emotion etc. when the adrenal glands are not functioning well, they may lead to insufficient cortisol hormones supply and hence the person is faced with stress among other symptoms.

Is adrenal fatigue real?

This fatigue is a reality. It is a collection of symptoms which come as a result of adrenal glands functioning below the required level. This fatigue in most cases is depicted by intense stress, which can hardly be reduced by sleep. Sleep is a common problem in people with imbalance in adrenal glands. This lack of sleep unfortunately triggers fatigue.

This condition of adrenal functioning below the required level is common in drug addicts. When an addicted person becomes a victim of adrenal malfunctioning, it becomes a more serious problem to address. For any successful addiction program, there is a need to first address the problem of adrenal. The regulation of working of the adrenal should even come before the actual addiction recovery program.

What symptoms may indicate malfunctioning in adrenal?

Unlike any other symptoms, the adrenal Symptoms are sometimes very difficult to identify. The problem with the identification of these symptoms is that they may look similar to symptoms of another condition. Therefore, you may need to identify as many symptoms as possible, before you conclude that a given person is a victim of adrenal malfunction.

The following are some of the common symptoms or consequences of adrenals malfunction:-

Continued fall in body temperature. Since adrenals are responsible for regulation of many body functions such as regulation of body temperature, their malfunction may lead to decline in the body temperature.
Body weakness – another common symptom of adrenal malfunction is body becoming weak. This is sometimes related to stress, but when adrenals fail to work for long period, it becomes difficult for the person to remain off the bed for more than an hour in a day. Such a person will remain on the bed, since he/she feel his/her body totally weak.
In some cases, there may be un-explained hair loses.
Digestion failure may also occur
Memory loss is also a possibility
Feeling of frustration
Mental depression
Low blood pressure may occur
Excessive feeling of hunger may also be evident

Why is high dose Vitamin C important in preparation for addiction recovery?

When a person is an addict, there is likelihood that the addictive substance has caused damage on some body organs. These damages must be repaired, for the addiction recovery process to be successful. Likewise, when a person is faced with malfunction of adrenals, there is need to urgently get assistance to restore the glands to their normal functioning states. This restoration can be done medically or by use of nutrition.

The medical way of preparing body or assisting body in recovery, is sometimes not considered the best option, considering the possibility of side effects from the drugs or addiction from the drugs in the long run, leading to dependency on the drugs. Many people prefer the nutritional way of restoring the adrenals to their functional state due to a number of benefits it has over any other method. Vitamin c is an essential vitamin for balancing adrenals and thus any diet targeting to balance the adrenals should contain sufficient vitamin c.

High Dose Vitamin C The following are some of the benefits of vitamin c, when it is used to prepare body and balance adrenals prior to addiction recovery treatment:-

High dose vitamin c is quickly used during stress. This factor makes it helpful when countering adrenal fatigue. The level of vitamin c is supposed to be kept high, since researches have shown that the rates of utilization of vitamin c are very high during the stressful moments, regardless of the source of stress.
Vitamin C has been proven to be very powerful in fighting infections and also boosting the general body immunity. Researches have shown that, when a person is a victim of adrenal fatigue, as the levels of vitamin C decline, the immune system also declines in the same manner. This means that the administration of high dose vitamin C improves the immunity of the body, as the levels of vitamin increase. For instance, “Vaslev and Komar (1998) determined that a dose of 300mg of vitamin C resulted in a more rapid recovery of a depressed T-lymphocyte”
Vitamin C is vital in pre-addiction recovery, as it play a key role in removing toxins from the body. When a person is addicted of a given drug, it is very likely that the person will be either stressed or depressed. The stress reduces the levels of vitamin c in our bodies, hence leaving us with insufficient vitamin c to remove toxins from our bodies. This is because chronic stress lowers the levels of glutathione, a very important substance in removing toxins from our bodies. This is why it is very important for a person who is addicted to be subjected to high dose vitamin c before the actual recovery program begins.
Vitamin c is very low in toxicity. This factor makes it possible for a person to take it in large quantities, improving the immunity drastically.

Are you thinking of how you can get help on balancing adrenals? Are you an addict and you are looking for a natural way of gradually recovering from the addiction? Awaremed Resource and Wellness Center is your solution. Call us today or visit us at www.awaremednetwork.com.

Vitamin C Plays an Important Role in Balancing Adrenals Prior To Addiction Recovery Program

Manage Addiction: Drug Addiction Withdrawal Diet

August 10, 2014

Drug Addiction Withdrawal Diet

What is a withdrawal diet?

A withdrawal diet refers to a program of food(s) which have been devised to counter the effects caused by the addictive drugs in the addict’s body. The nutritional values of the foods form the basis on which the diets are chosen from. These foods provide the body with ingredients which it requires to fight the effects of the drug such as craving for the drug and side effects during the period of recovering from addiction. Another important role of the diet should be to help heal the damaged parts of the body or organs.

Before a diet is devised to help in recovery from addiction, there is need to first understand the substance which is causing the addiction. This will help to assess the harm it is likely to cause in the body and the various organs likely to be affected. The most affected body organ by almost all the addictive substances is the brain. Brain controls the functioning of all the other body organs and if it is affected by the drug, the functioning of the other body parts may change. A good recovery diet should focus on the affected areas and restore them to their functional states.

How do I understand the effects of a drug addiction?

Before choosing a diet, it is important to first understand the effects that the addictive substance has to our bodies. Most of the addictive substances have two major effects on our bodies. These are:-

The substance itself may affect the body, due to its chemical compounds.
The substance addiction may cause negative lifestyle changes, such as irregular eating, poor dieting, uncontrolled consumption of the addictive substance despite negative effects it has, among other effects.

What should my diet include to help me in recovery?

In the process of recovery, you may not be able to reverse all the damage caused by the drug. The good thing though is that a good nutrition can go a long way towards rebuilding a body that is stronger, healthier and even more attractive. There are key nutrients that these foods should have, in order to be able to offer the recovering power needed. In this guide, we will look at the general important nutrients which can help you recovery from varieties of addiction from different drugs. The following are some of these nutrients:-

Take foods rich in protein- proteins are the building blocks for our brains. Any recovering brain should therefore be supplied with sufficient amount of proteins. In the cases when the drug has affected the liver, if not too badly damaged, quality protein can help make it work efficiently. The choice of these proteins is equally important, as you should choose proteins that are easy to digest. Such sources of easily digestible proteins are fish, poultry and beans. Apart from the easy to digest proteins, the withdraw diet must include abundant potassium. For the potassium eat lots of easiest protein to digest and
also if you’re a vegan take a few spoons of amino acid powder with your meals. What I recommend is cooking tasty chicken vegetable soup with lots of ginger etc.
Take foods rich in fiber – most of the addictive substances, especially alcohol interferes with your digestive system, fiber intake is vital during recovery. Try to gradually start replacing your floor foods with whole grain foods. Foods such as brown rice, black beans, peas, artichokes and whole grain pasta will provide your body with valuable roughages for restoration of your digestive system functioning.
Try going decaf – it is a fact that the caffeine which is found in drinks such as sodas, tea and some other drinks is stimulating. While you are trying to recover from a stimulant addiction, it may trigger hard to resist cravings due to moods fluctuations. This makes it difficult to avoid taking the drug. It is also important to note that the stimulant found in such drugs can also be a habit forming and addictive. Avoid them!

Withdrawal Diet

As much as possible, avoid sugary foods and refined carbohydrates – in the same way as caffeine, sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause mood fluctuations hence causing harder to resist cravings for the substance. They also have another disadvantage in that they give your body empty calories hence making you less likely to eat nutrients that your body desperately needs.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants – these nutrients play a big role in restoring your immune system. They do this by protecting cells from free radical damage that can lead to cancer. Foods rich in these nutrients are fruits and vegetables. Consider including some of the following fruits in your diet:- apples, strawberries, blueberries etc, or vegetables like; broccoli, peppers, carrots etc in every daily meals.
If your addiction had something to do with the diet you were taking, consider a diet do-over: look back and see the damage that the addiction has caused to your body and see whether it was triggered by your diet. If the diet played a role, consider completely doing and overhaul and begin eating healthy. Ensure that you are supplying your body with the correct nutrients that it requires.

Are you struggling with recovery from addiction? Or are you an addict and you feel it’s time to seek your help? All you need to do is to call or visit: Awaremed wellness and resource center (www.awaremednetwork.com)

Drug Addiction Withdrawal Diet

Tag Archives: Nutrition