Healthy Anti-Aging Resources
Live Life to the Full and Stay Younger Longer
-
Dr. Gundry’s Diet Evolution
Filed under Book ReviewsDec 7I have been immersed in Dr Gundry’s book ‘Diet Evolution’ for 2 days.
Dr Steven Gundry is one more highly qualified medical specialist who is on the prevention (not survival) wave.

Dr Gundry explains clearly how our genes work in relation to our need for food. He explains why our genes have responded to our changed diets in our Western world, which has created so much chronic disease (heart disease, cancer, arthritis, strokes, diabetes). He advocates removing grains (eg flour and cereals) sugar and sugar substitutes from our diet, and to eat more raw food.
The book is optimistic – it is possible to trick our genes into reversing chronic disease. Dr Gundry provides patient testimonials of people of all ages – some with obesity and some ‘normal’ weight.
Dr Gundry provides eating plans for each phase, as well as what I think is the most crucial – an eating plan for the rest of our life.
Dr Gundry recommends that we eat meat that has grazed on plant food (not factory fed grain) to ensure that we humans get all the nutrients we need. You may be surprised to learn that we not only get protein from meat – plant food contains protein too. He also advises topping up with nutritional supplements and provides dosage recommendations.
This is a book for people who are serious about getting healthy for life and/or longevity because it does take dedication and willpower to change from our lazy habits. But it is so worth it, because the people who have already made the change are not only enjoying true health, they have more energy and are getting more enjoyment from living.
Tagged as: 000000, Amazon, Arthritis, As1, Asins, Bc1, Cereals, Chronic Disease, Dedication, Diet, Diets, Dosage Recommendations, Dr Steven, Evolution, Evolution 2, Fc1, Frameborder, Genes, Grains, Gundry, Heart Disease, Heart Disease Cancer, Lc1, Longevity, Meat Plant, Medical Specialist, Nutrients, Nutritional Supplements, Obesity, Patient Testimonials, Plant Food, Prevention, Protein, Raw Food, Rcm, Rest Of Our Life, Strokes, Sugar Substitutes, Survival, True Health, Willpower -
Nov 4
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe visual loss in individuals over 50 years of age. Previous studies suggest that high intakes of oily fish and antioxidant nutrients have been associated with a protective effect against AMD.
The Rotterdam Study is a prospective cohort study ongoing since 1990 in the city of Rotterdam in The Netherlands. The study targets cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic, neurological, ophthalmic, psychiatric, dermatological, oncological, and respiratory diseases. Recent study published in Archives of Ophthalmology investigated whether dietary nutrients can reduce the genetic risk of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) conferred by the genetic variants CFH Y402H and LOC387715 A69S in a nested case-control study.
Researchers assessed dietary intake of 2167 individuals (>=55 years) from the population-based Rotterdam Study at risk of AMD, using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and genetic variants were determined. Incident early AMD was determined at 3 follow-up visits (median follow-up, 8.6 years). The synergy index was used to evaluate biological interaction between risk factors; hazard ratios were calculated to estimate risk of early AMD in strata of nutrient intake and genotypes.
Five hundred seventeen participants developed early AMD. Significant synergy indices supported the possibility of biological interaction between CFH Y402H and zinc, β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) and between LOC387715 A69S and zinc and EPA/DHA. Dietary intakes of zinc in the highest tertile, as well as high dietary intakes of β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and EPA/DHA, were associated with reduced risk of early AMD for the CFH Y402H genetic variant. The highest intake of zinc and EPA/DHA reduced the risk for early AMD in people with LOC387715 A69S genetic variant.
High dietary intake of nutrients with antioxidant properties reduces the risk of early AMD in those at high genetic risk. The study authors further suggested that clinicians should provide dietary advice to young susceptible individuals to postpone or prevent the vision-disabling consequences of AMD.
Source:
Ho L. et al; Arch Ophthalmol 2011 Jun; 129(6):758-66Tagged as: Age Related Macular Degeneration, Antioxidant Nutrients, Antioxidant Properties, Archives Of Ophthalmology, Case Control Study, City Of Rotterdam, Dietary Intakes, Dietary Nutrients, Epa Dha, Food Frequency Questionnaire, Genetic Risk, Genetic Variant, Genetic Variants, Lutein Zeaxanthin, Oily Fish, Oncological, Prospective Cohort Study, Respiratory Diseases, Rotterdam Study, Tertile -
They Live Longer
Filed under Book ReviewsNov 2They Live Longer by Harry Mouratidis, MSc and Dr George Price, FRCPC

Earlier this year, Harry Mouratidis asked me to review his book, They Live Longer – the secrets of healthy 90 year-olds. For anyone who is searching for the “elixir of life”, then this book certainly provides some answers. Reading about people who are in the 90’s and 100’s and are still healthy, active and enjoying life is an inspiration.
One of the main stand outs of this book for me is that most of the wonderful youthful nonagenarians who were interviewed have an engaging attitude – and I believe that it is mainly the strength of their beliefs that have kept them youthful for their age.
As Harry states, synergy – the result of more than one factor certainly does have an influence. A combination of a healthy diet, daily exercise, participating in their community and with their families, hard work, expectations, avoiding stress, being a master of your own destiny and positive thinking all does have an effect.
The authors back up the delightful wisdom provided by the interviewees with scientific research – which provides the reader with the knowledge to incorporate into their own life. Included are the 7 steps of THE MASTER LONGEVITY STRATEGY.
How many longevity factors can you tick? The Longevity Pyramid
This book may be purchased from They Live Longer
-
Thirty-one Skin Care Myths
Filed under Skin care and beautySep 11We do have to take care that what we believe is correct. So to help you wise up, this article has been written by Bea Kinnear Your Skin & You 5th Edition.

1. Facial exercises tone facial muscles and make a person appear younger.
The face is the only part of the body where muscles are attached directly to the skin; there are no facial ligaments and tissue. Constant facial exercise and tugging contribute to additional lines. Actually, wrinkles often form along expression lines caused by facial movements. You would never want to do anything that moves the facial skin, or over manipulate the skin, especially as it ages. It would create more wrinkling, increasing the loss of elasticity in the skin.²
2. Vitamin E minimizes scarring.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant and helps build skin, but there is no evidence that it does anything to help with scarring. There is even some research that suggests it may have a negative effect on scarring.
3. Cucumbers help reduce puffiness around the eyes.
The principle ingredient in cucumbers is 90% water with the balance being inert fiber. They can be soothing and, with moisture, hydrate skin temporarily. The same results can be obtained from a cold compress without the mess of the cucumber. You are better off to eat it rather than put it on your face.
4. Skin pores open and close.
Pores are openings in the skin that allow oils (sebum) to reach the surface. If pores are larger, this can be due to dead cells, genetics or scarring from squeezing blemishes.
5. The higher the skin protection factor (SPF) rating, the better.
SPF ratings, soon to be revised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only refer to protection from UVB rays. A person needs sun protection that has chemical and physical blockers, plus antioxidants. A higher SPF also gives a false sense of security and introduces more chemicals to the body. Plus, an SPF of 50 is only marginally more protective than a 40 or a 30SPF. Sunscreens need to be reapplied every 90–120 minutes. People just don’t do that and pick higher numbers thinking it will give them more time in the sun with more protection. Don’t forget sweat and water removes sunscreen.
6. Layering several products with SPF ratings increases protection.
You are only protected to the extent of the higher rating of one product. A foundation with an SPF of 10, moisturizer with an SPF of 15 and a sunscreen with an SPF of 20 does not yield an SPF rating of 45. In this example the SPF 20, if put on last, is the protection.
7. Topical creams containing collagen can replace collagen.
There is a lack of impartial, empirical evidence that the topical application of collagen or elastin can penetrate the dermis, even when using nanotechnology. They can provide moisturization to the epidermis, but only injections are conclusively effective. Don’t always trust the advertising.
8. Preservatives in skin care products are bad.
Preservatives help prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and other organisms that can not only deteriorate a product’s effectiveness and spoil the product itself, but also allow harmful bacteria to get on or in the skin. Checking out the preserving used is very important especially if the products are all natural or organic.
9. Packaging is not important.
Packaging in skin care is vitally important—not for aesthetic reasons—but to protect the efficacy of the ingredients. Wide-mouth jars, transparent containers and pumps that are not airless all pose problems in keeping ingredients safe and potent.
10. Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne.
Eating chocolate does not cause acne. Hormonal factors, bacteria and skin cells are at the root of problematic skin, and stress can exacerbate flare-ups. Some individuals may have allergic reactions to foods that could cause inflammation, as well. The main key is controlling increased levels of the enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase that does or will produce excessive sebum in the pores.
11. Natural and organic products are always better.
Buyer, beware! Many natural and organic products are not as they claim. Plus, many times, active ingredients have to be synthesized to be bioavailable and efficacious. Synthetic compounds can actually be identical to those found in nature and be more effective. Natural vs. laboratory-processed should not lead to an up or down decision about whether a product is good or bad. Not all chemicals are bad, and not all natural or organic ingredients are good.
12. Using larger quantities of a product will yield better results.
Less is more. Normally, a pea-sized amount of facial product will do the trick. Excessive amounts can cause your skin problems and waste money.
13. Blackheads are caused by improperly cleansed skin.
Blackheads or comedones are caused by clogged pores, and excessive scrubbing can irritate and further inflame skin. Blackheads often contain, bacteria, oil, and dry and dead skin cells that need to be removed. Products that help dissolve sebum are the most effective.
14. Drying problematic or oily skin clears up acne.
The opposite is true. When skin becomes overly dry, an environment is created in which the skin is signalled that is too dry and produces more oil. Use drying products sparingly, and look to lightly moisture oily skin. The goal is to keep skin balanced.
15. Get a base tan to prevent burning before going on vacation.
Any tan is a scar, and there is no such thing as a healthy, safe tan. Self-tanners are the safest way to obtain tanned skin, if that is your desired look.
16. All sun damage to skin occurs before 18 years of age.
Sun damage continues to occur throughout life, although recent information suggests less than 50% of sun damage happens before a person is 18. ² It is never too late to protect your skin.
17. Indoor tanning is safe.
The argument that tanning beds and booths do not cause skin mutations that may cause cancerous lesions to develop is patently false. UVA rays found in indoor tanning lead to deeper, more harmful skin damage. You do not need to have a sunburn to create damage to skin cells. Tanning beds or lamps puts your skin within inches of the harmful rays.
18. Antioxidants reverse wrinkles.
Antioxidants are essential in fighting free radical formation and are important in helping prevent skin damage, but they cannot make present wrinkles go away.
19. Skin damage and signs of aging can be cleared up quickly.
If a product sounds too good to be true, you can bet its claims are false. The damage did not happen overnight, and it cannot be magically repaired. Expect at least three skin cycles—a cycle can be between 21–40 days, depending on age—to begin to see measurable results. 3
20. All alcohol in skin products is bad.
Some compounds that contain alcohol can act as emollients, which can decrease the skin’s water loss. Cetyl, benzyl and oleyl alcohol are examples of good alcohols. It is important to know what comes before the OH in chemical compounds.
21. Sun exposure will improve acne.
Sun exposure can hide the appearance of acne for awhile, but will lead to skin damage, pigmentation and drying that signals the skin to produce more oil.
22. Alcohol abuse can cause your nose to become red and bulbous.
The intake of alcohol can temporarily dilate blood vessels and make skin appear flushed, but in most cases, a large, inflamed, red and bulbous nose is a result of rosacea.
23. Skin repair only happens at night.
A good night’s sleep is certainly helpful to skin health; however, skin repair is ongoing. Inadequate sleep can cause stress, skin puffiness and can slow the natural development of collagen. Although a well formulated night cream will assist is providing skin repair.
24. Skin care products can last three or more years.
Despite a number of claims to the contrary, most skin care products lose a great deal of their potency within 12 months. It is best to use the entire contents within one year because preservatives do not last forever and ingredients can get contaminated with bacteria, or they can evaporate. Especially in jar lid type containers.
25. Strong scrubs, soaps and abrasives are good for your skin.
Be careful how you wash your face. Too much scrubbing or too many abrasive products can remove protective oils, create tiny micro tears and contribute to aging, irritated skin. Less is more, and a gentle detergent free cleanser and light moisturizer work well for most people.
26. Vitamin A thins the skin.
Actually, the reverse is true. Skin can become thin due to the lack of vitamin A because it helps to create new, healthy and normal skin cells. Vitamin A is arguably one of the most important skin care ingredient. It is one of the few—if not the only—ingredient that is backed by more than 50 years of objective, scientific research supporting its efficacy.
27. The only form of vitamin C that works is L-ascorbic acid.
L-ascorbic acid only remains in its most potent state for a limited time. A new era in vitamin C formulations, one of the best antioxidants for your skin, has arrived. There are several forms that have been developed that are not water-based, which means they can better penetrate the skin and remain more potent for longer periods of time.
28. There is one antioxidant ingredient that is the best.
Every year, there is a hot, newly discovered antioxidant that is touted as the best, but this is not true. A cocktail of antioxidants provides better results than just one. Seek products containing a plethora of antioxidants.
29. Skin care products don’t need all those ingredients we see on the labels.
An inert cosmetic product (no real efficacy) based on one or a couple of ingredients at the most turns out to simply not being well-thought-out. Where would all the innovation be? Where would all the efficacy be? Where are the ingredients your skin needs to help it be healthy?
30. All Chemicals are dangerous.
Our bodies, themselves are composed of chemicals and everything we put in or on our body is composed of chemicals. With the right knowledge of chemistry, Cosmetic Scientists can find out which of these chemicals are safe, effective and actually good for us.
31. Cosmetic Claims are Always True.
As a consumer you need to be a “Super Detective”. You need to look at all skin care product advertising as a super sleuth finding clues to a crime. Why; because ads are not always honest about their claims or the impression they want planted for your mind to receive. A classic example of this is a product “lifting” your skin. No skin care cream anywhere can lift skin. Only a plastic surgeon can do that for you. Yet over and over again we see advertisements that will offer this or leave you with that impression as part of the creams name. Some will come right out and declare their cream will lift your skin. That is not true or legal. One would suspect they find the risk, the massive sales are worth the fines. You will also see other bold statements that loose the wrinkles without the need of injections, or your eye wrinkles (crows feet) are gone in seconds. They even show pictures to prove this! They are not gone, the ingredients inflame the skin to swell and when that swelling has gone down the wrinkles are still there. As the consumer you need to be smarter than the Marketing Agency’s that get paid huge amounts to twist and fool the public with words of promise that public so wants to hear.
“Separate Truth From Hype”
Have a Sensé-tional Day!
Bea Kinnear, Author
References
1. LS Baumann and J Spencer, The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic
appearance of scars, Dermatol Surg, 25(4), 311–5 (Apr 1999)
2. WF Berfeld, A lifetime of healthy skin: implications for women, Int J Fertil Womens
Med, 44(2), 83–95 (Mar/Apr 1999)
Tagged as: Blemishes, Cucumber, Dead Cells, Edition 1, Elasticity, Expression Lines, Facial Exercise, Facial Exercises, Facial Movements, Facial Muscles, Facial Skin, False Sense Of Security, Food And Drug Administration, Food And Drug Administration Fda, Kinnear, Ligaments, Principle Ingredient, Sense Of Security, Skin Protection, Sun Protection, Uvb Rays -
Aug 14
On the 5th May 2011 I find out that I have an ‘under-active’ or ‘low’ thyroid (also called hypothroidism).
Read my post: How to support your thyroid
My symptoms (and there are many others): Being overweight and feeling the cold terribly (it is now winter in New Zealand).
I had no idea that my thyroid was not healthy, but once I found out it explained why I find it difficult to release weight (my metabolism was not working correctly).
The program I was put on involved taking my usual nutritional supplements (advanced quality multi minerals/vitamins, vitamin D3, CoQ10, vitamin C, Calcium/Magnesium tablet, grape seed extract and omega-3 capsules) and adding in Iodral (iodine). Once the Iodral is finished, I have been advised to eat seaweed (add to food, sprinkle on salads) to keep up my iodine levels.
I set a goal to walk for one hour every day using wrist and ankle weights (I did not achieve that every day – more like 4 out of 7 days due to the winter weather and other commitments).
I ensured that I was drinking 1 1/2 litres of water daily.
I avoided products containing soy.
Three months later and my thyroid is ‘normal’.
This means that I now will find it easier to release the 10kgs of fat that has been clinging to my body.
My goal is to release fat so that I can reach a healthy weight by Christmas Day 2011 and then I can wear a beautiful dress I have hanging in my wardrobe, that at present is too small for me.
I am looking forward to letting you know when I have reached that goal.
Tagged as: Being Overweight, Calcium Magnesium, Cholesterol Levels, Christmas Day, Commitments, Congestive Heart Failure, Grape Seed, Grape Seed Extract, Heart Disease, Heart Failure, Hypothyroidism, Iodine, Low Glycemic Diet, Low Thyroid, Mayo Clinic, Metabolism, Minerals, Naturopath, Notice Changes, Nutritional Supplements, Omega 3, Ray Strand, Salads, Seaweed, Three Months, Thyroid, Thyroid Gland, Thyroid Hormone, Thyroid Symptoms, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Wardrobe, Winter Weather, Wrist And Ankle Weights -
Omega-3 protects the heart
Filed under Health Research NewsJul 8
A fish-rich diet of the Eskimos’ benefits the HeartAlthough 70% Alaskan Eskimos are overweight or obese, they did not show the same risk factors for heart disease as the US population. They also had a lower prevalence of diabetes. The latest study suggested that an Omega-3 rich diet may offer protection against some of the harmful effects of obesity.
It has been known that Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with favorable, and obesity with unfavorable, concentrations of chronic disease risk biomarkers.
In a cross-sectional study, the researchers analyzed data from 330 people living in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta region of south-west Alaska, who typically consume around 20 times as much omega-3 fats from fish as the average American. They have similar overweight and obesity levels to those in the US overall but their prevalence of type 2 diabetes is significantly lower, at 3.3% versus 7.7%.
The researchers examined whether high eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid intakes, measured as percentages of total red blood cell (RBC) fatty acids, modify associations of obesity with chronic disease risk biomarkers.
The study found that those with the highest levels of the omega-3 fish oils docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid had the lowest triglyceride and C-reactive protein levels. High RBC EPA and DHA were associated with attenuated dyslipidemia and low-grade systemic inflammation among overweight and obese persons. This may help inform recommendations for Omega-3 fatty acid intakes in the reduction of obesity-related disease risk.
Source:
Z Makhoul et al; European Journal of Clinical Nutrition; advance online publication 23 March 2011; doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2011.39Tagged as: 3 Fatty Acids, C Reactive Protein, Chronic Disease Risk, Cross Sectional Study, Delta Region, Effects Of Obesity, European Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, Obesity Levels, Omega 3 Fats, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Omega 3 Fish Oils, Overweight And Obesity, Prevalence Of Diabetes, Protein Levels, Red Blood Cell, Rich Diet, Risk Factors For Heart Disease, Systemic Inflammation, Yukon Kuskokwim Delta -
Jun 30
How do we find out if our thyroid is healthy? I had given no thought to this question so was surprised to find out that I have an ‘under active’ or ‘low’ thyroid (also called hypothroidism).
According to Doctor Ray Strand, Hypothyroidism or under active thyroid occurs when the thyroid gland is destroyed or is not producing needed amounts of thyroid hormone. This condition has also been called myxedema due to the potential harm possible to the body when there is no thyroid hormone. Patients can become edematous (filled with fluid), weak and fatigued, intolerant to cold, experience abnormal weight gain, notice changes in their skin and hair, and may suffer from total body pain. They can also develop congestive heart failure as well as significant increase in their cholesterol levels.
Learn more: What does the thyroid do and where is it located?
My main symptom is being overweight (which of course leads to other problems like diabetes, heart disease and cancer), the other symptom is that I feel the cold terribly (it is now winter in New Zealand). There are other symptoms so the best thing to do is to get screened. (List of symptoms from the Mayo Clinic here.)
There are two ways to get the health of our thyroid checked out – the usual way is by a blood test. But this may not be as accurate as a Thyroflex test - in this video, Naturopath David Holden explains the Thyroflex test.
The other test that I had done was the VLA Test and that indicated that I need to exercise more to build up more muscle. My healthy low-glycemic diet and the supplements that I take have kept me in good health – so the ‘only’ thing I need to work on is exercise.
The nutritional supplements to support a healthy thyroid are advanced quality multi minerals/vitamins, vitamin D3, CoQ10, vitamin C. Plus “Iodral” with supervision from your doctor or Naturopath. I also take a Calcium/Magnesium tablet, grape seed extract and omega-3 capsules. I am ensuring that I am drinking 1 1/2 litres of water daily and avoiding soy products for the time being.
My blood test results showed that my blood sugar levels are slightly elevated – again exercise is the key here too.
The exercise I enjoy is walking (so much so, I have a website ‘Short Walks in Auckland‘), however I hate walking in the cold and wet of winter. But I must get out walking every day for one hour – so I will.
My goal is to release fat so that I can reach a healthy weight by Christmas Day 2011 and then I can wear a beautiful dress I have hanging in my wardrobe, that at present is too small for me.
I am looking forward to letting you know when I have reached that goal.
This is a photo of me on holiday in Australia last week:
Tagged as: Auckland, Australia, Being Overweight, Blood Sugar Levels, Blood Test, Blood Test Results, Calcium Magnesium, Cancer, Cholesterol Levels, Christmas, Christmas Day, Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetes, Exercise, Free Recipes, Good Health, Grape Seed, Grape Seed Extract, Health, Heart Disease, Heart Failure, Holden, Hypothyroidism, Leads, Low Glycemic Diet, Low Thyroid, Mayo Clinic, Minerals, Naturopath, New Zealand, Notice Changes, Nutritional Supplements, Omega 3, Profes, Ray Strand, Supplements, Sympton, Thyroid, Thyroid Condition, Thyroid Gland, Thyroid Hormone, Two Ways, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Walks, Wardrobe, Weight Management Program -
Jun 8
As of 8th June 2011, officials still do not know what is causing the E.Coli outbreak – initially it was thought to be cucumbers, then salad produce, then bean sprouts….But the message is relevant – Do we need preservatives in skincare?Are 100% All Natural Skin Care Products Really Safe?
This article has been written by Bea Kinnear Your Skin & You 5th Edition.
There is currently a massive scare in Europe concerning the contamination of cucumbers by a very virulent bacterium, a variant of Escherichia coli (commonly referred to more simply as E. Coli).
There is a full report on the BBC web site, but the issue is that there have been over 1,200 confirmed of suspected cases of E. coli in Germany so far, and 18 people have actually died. Cases are also being reported in the UK, Sweden, Denmark and The Netherlands.
The bacterium infests the gastrointestinal tract, and can lead to Haemolytic-uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS causes kidney problems and is potentially fatal. More deaths are expected, because many sufferers have already lost kidney function, and more cases are likely before this can be stopped.
The sickness is not contagious, but may be passed on by an infected person preparing food for others.
Several countries have already removed cucumbers from the shops, when they have been imported from suspect sources, amongst them, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria and France. Russian officials are even talking about banning ALL vegetable products sourced from Europe!So what is the connection between contaminated cucumbers and cosmetics?
This awful situation in Europe demonstrates the severe problems that can occur when certain bacteria get into the food chain as a result of contamination. Foods that are unpreserved are particularly susceptible, although it is not usually necessary to preserve this type of food, but there are clearly potentially fatal consequences when this happens.More and more people are demanding that food be free of preservatives for various reasons and, by a leap of logic, also demand that cosmetics be free of preservatives. Whilst it would not be accurate to suggest that preservatives are totally without risk in either food or cosmetics, there is a massive difference in exposure between the two applications.
The most common issue with cosmetic preservatives is irritation, but this only occurs in a tiny minority of the population (despite claims to the contrary), and the point of ingredient labelling of cosmetics is to enable those with identified sensitivities to avoid products containing the “rogue” ingredient(s). Sensitisation can be a much worse condition than just irritation but this, fortunately, tends to affect an even smaller minority of the population.
In the seemingly desperate rush to get away from conventional preservatives, many companies either feel forced to use materials that are much less well-characterised in terms of toxicity and human exposure, or they actively choose to use this tactic as a marketing “advantage”, and broadcast their stance (often by also casting aspersions on conventional preservatives for good measure) in order to attract consumers.
There are several potential risks involved in failing to preserve a cosmetic properly. These are mostly aesthetic – discoloration, off-odour, visible growth (the black fungus, Aspergillus brasiliensis –often seen in bathrooms – is an excellent example), creams separating out, etc, but there are also health risks involved in applying microbially contaminated products to the skin, especially if the skin is damaged or in poor condition. One bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can cause permanent blindness if sufficient numbers enter the eye, and this is a common bacterium, although I am not aware of any proven cases of blindness due to use of contaminated cosmetics, but it remains a theoretical possibility.
So far, there have been no major issues uncovered with these new approaches to preservation but, as this tactic increases in popularity, the chances of contamination of cosmetics causing a real problem to human health increase.
I would not be so foolish as to claim that there could be problems on the scale that currently exists in Europe with cucumbers, as it is highly unlikely that deaths would ever result from a contaminated cosmetic product, but an increased risk of adverse effects remains, and consumers need to be aware of the risks that some companies are taking with their health – often the very same companies who are claiming that their products MUST be safe, because they are natural!
In the use of preservatives, the benefits vastly outweigh the tiny risk. Preservation should not be optional, it is essential.
Bea Kinnear, Author
Your Skin & You 5th Edition
Article posted June 6, 2011 Personal Care Truth or ScareTagged as: All Natural Skin Care Products, Bacterium, Bbc Web Site, Bean Sprouts, E Coli, E Coli Outbreak, Escherichia Coli, Fatal Consequences, Food For Others, Gastrointestinal Tract, Kidney Function, Kidney Problems, Kinnear, Natural Skin Care, Natural Skin Care Products, Plusone, Russian Officials, Skin Care Products, Sweden Denmark, Type Of Food, Vegetable Products -
May 26
Dietary supplement use in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration progression
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the developed world among people aged 65 years or older. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study Group (AREDS) has found that high-dose vitamin supplementation may have a role in preventing the progression of Category 3 and 4 age-related maculopathy.
Oxidative damage has been implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD, secondary to the retina’s high consumption of oxygen, its high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and its exposure to visible light. Over the last decade, nnumerous cross-sectional and cohort studies have investigated the role of antioxidant supplementation in preventing age-related maculopathy. The largest randomised controlled trial, undertaken by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Group, compared antioxidant and zinc supplementation to placebo. The AREDS Group demonstrated a statistically significant odds reduction for the risk of progression to advanced AMD and reduction in the rate of at least moderated visual acuity loss with the use of tablets containing antioxidants plus zinc.
A recent study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal compared dietary antioxidant, zinc, and copper intakes of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States to determine the difference between the actual and suggested AREDS intakes for these nutrients. The total median intake of vitamins A, C, and E; zinc; and copper is analysed from the most recent nutrition data published by the four countries. Forty multivitamin brands and 32 individual nutrient brands were analysed.
Results from this study revealed that the median intakes of antioxidants, zinc, and copper were comparable across the four countries, but substantially lower than the AREDS-recommended intakes to reduce the risk of progression to advanced AMD. Sixteen of the 40 multivitamin preparations contained all recommended nutrients. The study authors suggested that dietary supplementation is required to achieve the AREDS nutrient intake recommendations. This may be achieved by using any combination of multivitamin and individual supplement preparations available.
Source:
Aparna Raniga & Mark J Elder, Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association, 24-July-2009, Vol 122 No 1299Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is strictly educational. It may not be used to promote USANA products, nor is it intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, please consult your health care professional. This information may be copied and freely distributed only if all text remains intact and unchanged.
Tagged as: Age Related Macular Degeneration, Areds, Category 3, Cohort Studies, Dietary Supplement, Eye Disease, Intakes, Last Decade, Macular Degeneration, Multivitamin, Multivitamin Brands, New Zealand Medical, New Zealand Medical Journal, Nutrition Data, Pathogenesis, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Randomised Controlled Trial, Visual Impairment, Vitamin Supplementation, Zinc Supplementation -
May 10
Stay up-to-date with Healthy Aging News Updates.
I post new information about longevity and nutrition from various sources, so that you can access it all in the one place.
If you have a good source of reliable information and would like to see it included, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Healthy Aging Resources : on Facebook Healthy Aging: on Posterous




