Alcohol Affects Estrogen Levels

Friday, August 27, 2010 by Kimberly Day
Numerous studies show that women are markedly less able to tolerate alcohol than men. Women metabolize alcohol slower than men, thus it takes longer to clear out alcohol’s toxic effects.

Alcohol is particularly problematic for women with estrogen dominance, as it increases estrogen levels, and is associated with fibroids, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, and the development of breast cancer. Plus, it may inhibit ovulation. Moreover, excess alcohol can tax your liver, making it more difficult to detoxify excess estrogen, thus allowing more free estrogen to be circulated in the blood. This can lead to a whole host of issues for estrogen dominant women.

Plus, alcohol worsens menopause symptoms, including hot flashes and mood swings. It is particularly pronounced in women who suffer from night sweats and insomnia. And, alcohol is a diuretic. This means that overconsumption can lead to dehydration of your skin and tissues, as well as loss of essential minerals through urination.

For more information on foods that affect estrogen levels and other hormone issues, visit Dr. Lark’s Web site.

Two More Reasons to Quit Conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy

Thursday, August 19, 2010 by Susan Lark


Considering how much news comes out on the consequences of taking conventional hormone replacement therapy, I think it is important to stay abreast of the latest research on the subject. Ovarian cancer and asthma are just two more reasons to choose natural hormone therapy methods, like bioidentical hormone replacement.

A study of nearly a million women showed that even if hormone replacement therapy is taken for less than a year, and even if it’s low dose, it brings a significant increase in ovarian cancer risk. That’s irrespective of dosing frequency (daily vs. cyclic), mode of delivery (skin patch, pills, vaginal preparation, or hormone intrauterine device), and whether the formula’s estrogen is countered by progesterone. The cause-and-effect relationship between hormone replacement therapy and ovarian cancer was confirmed by the finding that after a woman has been off of it for two years, her increased ovarian cancer risk drops back to her original risk level. Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest of a woman’s hormone-sensitive cancers.

As for asthma, it has been known for several years that conventional hormone replacement therapy significantly increases a woman’s odds of developing asthma after menopause, even if she has no respiratory allergies. In a recent study of nearly 60,000 asthma-free women entering menopause, taking conventional hormone replacement not only increased their risk of developing asthma by 20 percent, but that risk rose to 54 percent if the hormone therapy consisted of estrogen without progesterone. And, if a woman already had some form of allergies before starting estrogen replacement therapy, her risk of developing asthma went up by a whopping 86 percent.

All the more reason to use natural hormone replacement therapy, or safe, effective alternatives for menopause releif, like black cohosh and the many other nutrients I discuss in this blog!

 

Acupuncture for Wrinkle Free Skin

Friday, July 23, 2010 by Susan Lark
My patients and female friends are constantly asking me about natural ways to create wrinkle free skin. I've written about many natural beauty care products and options in my blog, but one therapy that I am finding increasingly more effective is acupuncture!

I wrote yesterday about how helpful acupuncture can be for the relief of menopause symptoms and estrogen dominance, but it has been shown to also improve blood flow and the thickness, tone, elasticity, and smoothness of facial and neck skin through stimulation of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts have a few jobs, but one of the most important is they produce collagen to keep the skin nicely plumped and supported.

You can find a acupuncturist in your area here. And for more information on anti-aging skin care, be sure to visit my Web site.

Understanding Estrogen

Friday, July 23, 2010 by Kimberly Day
Estrogen is the “queen bee” of the female hormones. As one of the two major female hormones, it is an especially important factor in health for women. When many women enter their menopausal years, it’s as if they cross over an invisible line in their lives.

As a result of the decline in their estrogen levels, these women find that many of the functions needed for peak performance, which had formerly been effortless, seem to evaporate or diminish. While women often do complain of menopause symptoms that are strictly physical—such as vaginal dryness, more frequent bladder and vaginal infections, and dryness of the skin—they complain just as often about menopause symptoms that impair their job performance, social relationships, and even their ability to take pleasure in day-to-day activities.

The negative effects of the natural decline in female hormone production during menopause are not uncommon. Menopausal symptoms are so common in the United States that 80 to 85 percent of American women experience them to some degree. A small number of these women are lucky enough to have mild symptoms, such as occasional hot flashes over a period of a few months to a year. However, the majority of women have menopause symptoms that are bothersome enough to cause them to seek the help of physicians or complementary health care practitioners, or to seek solutions on their own by reading books and articles and exploring the use of natural hormones, vitamins, and herbs to relieve their symptoms.

For more information on menopause symptoms or other issues related to female hormones, visit Dr. Lark’s Web site.

What Are Sex Hormones?

Tuesday, July 20, 2010 by Kimberly Day
Sex hormones belong to a classification called steroid hormones, which are all derived from cholesterol, a waxy, white, fatty material found in all cells of the body. Other steroid hormones are the stress hormones, the glucocorticoids, and the mineralocorticoids. The steroid hormones are made in the adrenal glands, as well as the ovaries. Within these tissues, cholesterol is converted to hormones through a number of intermediary steps, leading to the final production of three major sex hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

While women produce all three major sex hormones, the female hormones estrogen and progesterone predominate, supporting normal functioning of the reproductive tract and menstrual cycle. The ovaries and adrenals also make small amounts of male hormones, or androgens. Although they are only secreted in tiny amounts, androgens play a vital role in the female libido, or sex drive, as well as helping to maintain bone mass. The sex hormones also help to determine the physical characteristics, such as skin texture, muscle tone, and body shape.

For more information on estrogen levels or other issues related to female hormones, visit Dr. Lark’s Web site.

Acupressure Exercise #3 for Menopause Relief

Sunday, July 11, 2010 by Susan Lark
This acupressure exercise relieves menopause hot flashes, and is also excellent for a variety of skin problems.

1. Sit on the floor with your knees bent. Hold each step for one to three minutes.
2. With your left hand, hold your left calf. With your right hand, hold your right calf.
3. Next, cross your arms under your knees and hold each calf with the opposite hand.

For more information on menopause relief, effects of menopause, or menopause related problems, visit Dr. Lark's Web site. While there, you can also sign up for Dr. Lark's FREE eLetter or monthly newsletter.

Another Reason to Take Fish Oil

Friday, July 9, 2010 by Susan Lark
According to a new study in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, taking fish oil can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

Researchers had about 35,000 women fill out questionnaires, which included questions about their past and present supplement use. About 8 percent of the respondents were taking or had taken fish oil at some point. Over the next six years, 880 women got breast cancer. Researchers found that the women who were taking fish oil when the study began had a reduced risk of one type of cancer--invasive ductal carcinoma, which is the most common form.

I recommend fish oil to treat and prevent a wide variety of health conditions and complaints. Just some of the reasons to take fish oil include natural appetite control; regulation of hormones, including estrogen dominance; creating wrinkle free skin; and alleviating perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes. I am so pleased that fish oil is starting to be recognized as a breast cancer preventive, too!

I recommend taking a minimum of 1,000 mg of fish oil per day.

For more information on menopause relief, effects of menopause, or menopause related problems, visit my Web site. While there, you can also sign up for my FREE eLetter or monthly newsletter.

Microderm for a Wrinkle Free Face?

Saturday, July 3, 2010 by Kimberly Day
I am a huge believer in using the best natural skin care…and then I turned 40. Suddenly, I started getting paranoid that my face was going to look like a road map and that my pores would become the potholes on that road.

As I looked into amping up my skin care regimen, I was hard pressed to find safe, natural alternatives. Then I came across microdermabrasion (microderm) and decided to give it a try.

Microderm is used primarily to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and reduce pore size. Okay, I was listening. The procedure itself involves a suction cup and what feels like sand to exfoliate the skin at a deeper level than most over-the-counter products can achieve.

I signed up for two sessions at a local medispa and discovered two things:
  1. It is natural, in terms of no chemicals are used.
  2. The person running the machine makes ALL the difference in the world.
I had the exact procedure performed by two different people and my results were dramatically different (think better) with the second person. My skin was smooth, soft, my pore size was reduced, and it actually seemed to glow. Best of all, the effect lasted a few weeks.

If you are looking for a chemical-free way to enhance your anti aging anti wrinkle regimen, I recommend giving microdermabrasion a try. My only caveats are to avoid the procedure if you have sensitive skin and to do your research regarding technicians.

For more information on skincare or to sign up for Dr. Lark’s FREE eLetter or monthly newsletter, visit Dr. Lark’s Web site.

Best Natural Skin Care Diets

Thursday, July 1, 2010 by Kimberly Day
There was a great article in the most recent issue of Elle magazine. They looked at several of the top natural weight loss plans on the market and had experts comment on how each individual diet affected the skin.

They looked at the Atkins diet, South Beach Diet, vegan diet, Mediterranean diet, raw diet, and low-fat diet. I immediately guessed that the Mediterranean would be their best natural skin care diet and I was right.

The Mediterranean diet is chock full of great essential fatty acids (keeps skin moist and helps attain a wrinkle free face), antioxidants (fights off free radical damage), and great lean proteins (maintain collagen and skin tone).

The vegan and raw diets are good in that you get lots of essential fatty acids to promote wrinkle free skin, as well as antioxidants to fend off those pesky free radicals. However, both diets run the risk of being dangerously low in protein. If you follow either of these natural weight loss programs, be sure to include lots of plant-based proteins such as beans, nuts and nut butters, and organic tofu once or twice a week.

The South Beach was next. The lack of sugars is great if acne is an issue, plus cutting sugar helps promote collagen production. The author suggests taking essential fatty acids and increasing water intake to prevent dehydrating the skin during the first two weeks of the program, when so many fruits and veggies are off the table (pardon the pun).

Low-fat weight loss plans are inherently bad for the skin by their very name…low fat. Your body needs healthy fats (i.e. essential fatty acids) to retain hydration and suppleness. If you insist on following this type of natural weight loss plan, add lots of fish to your diet and include a fish oil supplement.

Last was the Atkins diet. The author referred to this plan as “disastrous for the complexion,” due to the excess protein (causes calcium to plummet) and the acidity of the diet, which wreaks havoc with the skin. Not to mention the overabundance of saturated fat, which can lead to breakouts. Forgo this natural weight loss plan and opt instead for other, more skin-promoting programs like those listed earlier.

For more great weight loss and skin care tips, visit Dr. Lark's Web site. While there, you can sign up for her free eLetter, subscribe to her newsletter, check out her lastest products, and get more weight loss and beauty information.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite--Step 5

Monday, June 28, 2010 by Susan Lark

Step 5 to Cellulite Free Skin: Professional Treatment

Every so often, it's nice to be pampered--especially when the treatment results in cellulite free skin! When it comes to reducing the appearance of cellulite, you can indulge in a professional treatment called VelaSmooth, which is the first FDA-approved noninvasive medical treatment for cellulite reduction. It uses a combination of radiofrequency and infrared emissions. During the 30-minute session, the system mechanically manipulates, massages, and vacuums the skin, all to increase circulation and metabolism, stimulate fibroblast activity for increased collagen production, and enhance distribution of fat cells.

Natural Skin Care Recipes: Breakfast

Saturday, June 26, 2010 by Kimberly Day
Don’t have the time to sit down to hot breakfast? These easy, beauty-enhancing breakfast options are all rich in the natural skin care ingredients that keep your hair and skin silky smooth, protein to even your blood sugar levels to help with natural weightloss, and fiber to protect you from heart disease.
  • Hard-boiled egg with mixed berries and glass of almond milk
  • Coconut yogurt with half a banana and ground flaxseed
  • Whip up a delicious fruit smoothie:. Put a cup of almond milk, 1/2 cup mango, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/4 cup ground flax, and 1/2 cup of crushed ice in a blender. Blend and enjoy!

Natural Skin Care Recipes: Soups

Friday, June 25, 2010 by Kimberly Day
The best natural skin care around is hydration. In addition to drinking the recommended eight glasses of water a day, you should also eat foods high in water and mineral content. An easy way to do this is with soup.

To help you out, I’ve included my two favorite natural skin care recipes for summer soup.

Strawberry Soup
Serves 6    

2 pints strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 cup coconut yogurt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup rice milk
¼ cup xylitol
  1. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Serve chilled.

Watermelon Gazpacho
Serves 6    

6 cups watermelon, cubed
¼ cup orange juice
2 tablespoons xylitol
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
  1. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Serve chilled.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite--Step 4

Thursday, June 24, 2010 by Susan Lark

Step 4 to Cellulite Free Skin: Boost Your Collagen

It takes great nutrition to produce the abundant, strong, and healthy collagen that supports beautiful, smooth, cellulite free skin.

To reduce cellulite, the collagen-boosting nutrients you should be taking daily include:

  • Silicon (4 mg)
  • Vitamin C (1,000 mg)
  • Biotin (2,500 mcg)
  • Bioflavonoids (100–300 mg)
  • Rutin (400 mg twice daily)
  • N-acetyl glucosamine (500 mg), and
  • Alpha lipoic acid (25 mg)
Without all these nutrients, your body will still create collagen, but it will be of inferior quality and easily broken down. Often, a good-quality multivitamin will contain many of these nutrients.

In addition, studies show that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) increases collagen levels while also keeping fat cells from accumulating more fat and becoming larger. I recommend 3,000 mg of CLA daily, in divided doses and taken with meals. Try Tonalin CLA  or TonaLean-3.


Natural Skin Care Recipes: Fish

Thursday, June 24, 2010 by Kimberly Day
It’s no secret that essential fatty acids (EFAs) help create moister, softer skin and shinier hair. For women at midlife and older who tend to have drier skin to begin with, it may take a little longer to replenish the moisture content. The process may take as long as three to six months.

A delicious way to ensure that you are getting enough EFAs in your diet is to eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially cold-water fish, such as salmon, trout, or halibut.

To help you do this, I’ve included three great natural skin care recipes…one for breakfast, one for lunch, and one for dinner. Enjoy!

Fabulous Fritatta
Serves 2

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
½ onion, chopped
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 can wild salmon
½ teaspoon dill
Black pepper to taste
  1. Heat oil in 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add onion and cook until soft.
  3. Add eggs, salmon, dill, and pepper. Stir often and cook until eggs are done.
  4. Serve warm.

Ensalada Mista
Serves 4    

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Braggs Liquid Aminos
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon dried mixed herb blend
1 head romaine lettuce
4 red potatoes, boiled, peeled, and diced
2 hard-boiled eggs, cut in half
8 ounces lima beans, cooked
8 ounces artichoke hearts, drained
8 asparagus spears, cooked and drained
1 can tuna, drained
  1. Mix olive oil, Braggs Liquid Aminos, salt, and mixed herb blend in small bowl and set aside.
  2. Divide lettuce evenly between four plates.
  3. Top each plate with one potato, one egg half, 2 ounces lima beans, 2 ounces artichoke hearts, 2 asparagus spears, and ¼ can tuna.
  4. Drizzle about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dressing over each salad and serve.

Halibut Curry
Serves 4

2 teaspoons sesame oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 cup red pepper, chopped
1 cup red onions, chopped
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 teaspoons curry paste
½ teaspoon ground cumin
4 teaspoons tamari sauce
1 tablespoon xylitol
22 ounces coconut milk, divided
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
4 6-ounce halibut steaks
olive oil
3 teaspoons sesame seeds
2 cups quinoa, cooked in 2 cups water, 2 cups coconut milk
  1. Preheat broiler.
  2. Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium high heat.
  3. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Add pepper and onion and cook 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in curry powder, paste, and cumin and cook 1 minute.
  6. Add tamari, xylitol, and coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
  7. Add cilantro and immediately remove from heat.
  8. Brush fish with remaining teaspoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  9. Place on broiler pan brushed with olive oil and broil for 8 minutes (or until fish flakes easily).
  10. Place fish on top of quinoa and top with sauce.
  11. Serve hot (each serving ½ cup quinoa, one steak, ½ cup sauce).

How to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite--Step 3

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 by Susan Lark

Step 3 to Cellulite Free Skin: Cool Down the Inflammation

Biopsies of cellulite show that, unlike fat in other areas of the body, the fat within cellulite is inflamed. Research on diabetics has clearly established that the high-carbohydrate diet of affluent cultures not only predisposes a woman to diabetes but also profoundly increases her circulating levels of inflammatory compounds, increasing her risk of developing cellulite.

To dampen inflammation and, as a result, reduce the appearance of cellulite, adopt a Mediterranean-type diet that’s rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, raw nuts, and the occasional cold-water fish like salmon, trout, and tuna.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite--Step 2

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 by Susan Lark

Step 2 to Cellulite Free Skin: Boost Your Cardio and Metabolism

Increasing your lean-to-fat ratio requires gaining muscle first, which naturally makes fat melt away. So engage in muscle-building exercises at least two to three days per week. 

In addition, boosting your metabolism is important because, as your metabolism ramps up, your body’s sensitivity to insulin—which interferes with fat breakdown in cellulite-prone areas—sharpens, and circulating insulin levels go down. Enhanced metabolism also increases fat loss throughout the day, even when you’re idle.

To increase oxygen supply, boost your metabolism, and reduce the appearance of cellulite, engage in aerobic exercise for at least 45 minutes, at least six days a week.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite--Step 1

Monday, June 21, 2010 by Susan Lark

Cellulite is a misunderstood condition. Here are some common myths debunked:

Myth #1: Cellulite is due to obesity.
No, it isn’t. It’s true that increased fat can accentuate cellulite’s appearance. But even slender, fit female athletes can have cellulite.

Myth #2: Cellulite is caused by advancing age. No, it isn’t. It occurs in up to 98 percent of women over 20.

Myth #3: Cellulite is abnormal fat tissue. No, it isn’t. It’s a connective tissue disorder that happens when strands of the connective tissue “fishnet,” which normally hold subcutaneous fat smoothly in place, break. Fat then bulges through the breaks and creates that lumpy look.

Myth #4: Cellulite is inherited. Only in the sense that being female is inherited. There are several contributing factors, including insulin resistance, lack of exercise, and the hormonal peaks and valleys associated with menstruation and pregnancy.

Knowing this, I am going to give you five steps you need to know to be cellulite free. These steps can be used in addition to the other tips Kimberly and I have given you on this blog, including dry brush massaging and using my latte lather.

Step 1 to Cellulite Free Skin: Hormone Balance

I briefly touched on the connection between cellulite and estrogen levels here. To reduce the appearance of cellulite, some of the best hormone-balancing supplements you can use include black cohosh, genistein, and hops.





 

Best Natural Weight Loss Plan

Saturday, June 19, 2010 by Kimberly Day
To get great natural weightloss results that last, eat close to the earth.

To truly lose weight and keep it off, you don’t need to look to the latest fad diet. In fact, you shouldn’t look forward at all. Instead, look to our past for the most effective natural weight loss plan.

You see, your body is designed to eat the way our ancestors ate—close to the earth, consuming lots of whole fresh foods. This includes:
  • fruits and vegetables;
  • whole grains;
  • legumes;
  • raw seeds and nuts;
  • cold-water fish such as salmon and tuna;
  • free-range poultry; and
  • plenty of water.
Fruits

Consume fresh, in-season fruits whenever possible. Try to eat locally grown fruits in season, as they’ll be fresher and riper, and be sure to wash all fresh fruits before eating them. Eat the fruits whole so you retain the nutrients in the skin. That means no fruit juices…too much sugar.

Vegetables

Try to eat a combination of raw and steamed vegetables. They’re fresh and contain the highest levels of vitamins. Wash your vegetables well, and leave the skin intact because it is loaded with nutrients.

Legumes

Think beans and peas. Legumes are excellent sources of low-fat protein, particularly when combined with whole grains. They’re also great sources of fiber, and their complex carbohydrates are broken down slowly in the body.

Whole Grains

Whole grains contain fiber, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins such as B complex and E, and numerous minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese. They are also excellent sources of lignans, plant chemicals that act like mild estrogens in women, helping balance your estrogen levels, thus contributing to weight loss. Stick to brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa.

Fish/Poultry

Both fish and poultry are excellent sources of high-quality protein. Many types of fish are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for controlling numerous reproductive and inflammatory processes. Because of this, fish such as salmon, tuna, and halibut can be eaten two to three times a week as entrées.

Water

Water is not only a natural weightloss secret, but is also the best natural skin care secret around. Water facilitates toxin elimination, helps you maintain healthy glowing skin, and acts as an appetite suppressant. For optimal hydration, you need at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day,apart from any other liquids you’re drinking.

Natural Skin Care Recipe for Glowing Skin

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 by Susan Lark

Walk through any department store and you're bombarded with skin care products that claim to rejuvenate, rehydrate, replenish, and more. But if you turn that jar around and look at those products' ingredients, you'll find that most of them are impossible to pronounce...so how are you supposed to feel comfortable about what you're putting on your body?

Luckily, you don't have to spend money on a jar of chemicals to achieve incredible, wrinkle free skin. All you need to do is take a short walk to your kitchen.

Fruity Facial

All women want a wrinkle free face, along with freedom from acne, age spots, fine lines, and dryness. I love this natural skin care recipe so much because it contains avocado, a fruit high in iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E. And they are rich in oils that rejuvenate the skin, reduce eye puffiness, and leave skin soft, smooth, and nourished.

Combine:
1/2 cup non-instant oatmeal
1 cup mashed avocado
1-2 tablespoon honey

Blend ingredients until desired consistency. Apply mixture to skin and let dry for about 15 minutes. Rinse off.

Recognizing National Women’s Health Week

Monday, May 10, 2010 by Susan Lark

Between taking care of their kids and families, working, and handling various errands, women usually have to-do lists a mile long.

When you look at your to-do list, how many of those things involve doing something for yourself? For instance, when was the last time you had your hair cut, or your nails done, or--even more importantly--a physical exam? If you can't remember the last time you saw your doctor, it's time to add "yearly physical," complete with all the appropriate screenings and tests, to the very top of your to-do list. Since this is National Women's Health Week, now is as good a time as any to put yourself--and your health--first.

What tests and screenings you have done depend on your age and overall health. But, in general, you want to ask your doctor about:
 

  • A blood pressure check
  • A blood cholesterol screening
  • A gynecological exam that includes a pap smear, pelvic and breast exam, and bone density testing
  • Breast cancer screening using thermography, which I strongly prefer over mammography
  • Thyroid hormone testing
  • Diabetes testing
  • A skin exam to look for signs of skin cancer
You can also ask about colon cancer screening if you're over 50 or if you have significant family history. And if you're in premenopause or are experiencing signs of menopause, you can talk to your doctor about specific tests that check your female hormones, particularly your progesterone and estrogen levels.

Here's to your continued good health!