Summer Beauty Foods: Tomatoes

July 11, 2012 by Guest Blogger • Comment

This week’s summer beauty food is one that you most likely already have in your anti-inflammatory kitchen. These fruits (botanically speaking) are used in recipes all around the world, especially along the Mediterranean. They also vary in shape, size, and color. In France they are sometimes called the pomme d’amour, meaning the “love apple,” which you’ll be calling it too once you find out about all of its wonderful benefits.

Tomatoes have the highest concentration of lycopene, one of the many phytonutrients found in this food, which also contributes to their vibrant redness. Here are a few ways your body will thank you for eating them:

This anti-oxidant is essential in helping fight against cancerous cell formation and other health related problems.
A single tomato can provide up to 40% of your daily vitamin C requirement, another nutrient that helps fight off free radicals. This in turn helps your skin repair itself (especially from sun damage), and you know what that means—smoother and more radiant skin.
Eating tomatoes daily protects your bones. A study showed that post-menopausal women developed higher levels of oxidative stress and unwanted changes in bones when they eliminated lycopene-containing foods from their diet. So lycopene it up!
They are a heart healthy food: reducing cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

According to a recent study, the variety of tomatoes also plays a role in their antioxidant capabilities. However, this is up and coming research and the benefits of this marvelous food is being looked into further.

Lucky for you, you can reap the benefits of tomatoes in a variety of ways. Enjoy them fresh or even cooked! Cooking them actually increases the lycopene’s bioavailability fourfold. Tomatoes are also great in homemade masks for sunburns, brightening and smoothing skin, and even reducing blackheads. Also, get some extra vitamin D in your day by going outside and growing your own tomatoes organically. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

How do you enjoy tomatoes?

Katharina Knoll, a Manhattan-based food and art enthusiast has prepared a series of anti-inflammatory recipes celebrating simple, rustic foods. Enraptured by the intersection of health and nutrition, Kat is the founder and director of Behind Foods. Follow Kat on her blog, Katharina’s Food Adventures, and keep in touch through her Facebook fan page and Twitter

Strawberries vs. Inflammation

June 26, 2012 by Guest Blogger • 1 Comment

Whenever summertime comes around, one thing I notice people always getting excited over are the seasonal fruits. Especially strawberries. Research consistently finds strawberries as one of the best antioxidant sources among commonly eaten food. Here are some of the outstanding health and beauty benefits:

Antioxidants: Strawberries contain a chemical compound called phenols. Anthocyanins, a particular phenol found in the pigment of this fruit’s skin are thought have potent disease fighting benefits.

Anti-Inﬂammatory: The phenols in strawberries also ﬁght against inflammation, a factor found in all diseases from acne to diabetes to cancer. They’re also a great source of manganese, which also lessens cellular inﬂammation—a contributor for various cardiovascular diseases.

Anti-Cancer: The combination of antioxidant and anti-inﬂammatory properties found in strawberries, are known for defending against cancerous cells. Nutrients like vitamin C, folate, and the ﬂavonoids quercetin and kaempferol all provide anti-cancer benefits.

Balance Blood Sugar Levels: Researchers have found that the polyphenols present in strawberries can also reduce blood sugar elevations from simple sugar. Studies have shown that consuming about one cup of fresh strawberries at least 3-4 times a week can regulate blood sugar response. That’s a very positive note to take for anyone with type-2 diabetes.

To reap maximum benefits, enjoy strawberries raw (not cooked/baked) and as fresh as possible. Strawberries start to lose their nutrient value after two days, not to mention flavor as well.

How do you incorporate strawberries into your diet?

Food Additives to Avoid

May 25, 2012 by DR. NICHOLAS PERRICONE • 2 Comments

Recently, the fast food industry has come under attack for some very unpleasant facts about what might be lurking in your hamburger. It doesn’t end with just a burger. Here are some of the top food additives to avoid.

Hidden Sugars – Sugar comes in many forms. Therefore it is very important to learn to recognize that there are many forms of sugar; in fact, the word “sugar” may or may not appear on the label at all. Look for: white sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar, confectioner’s sugar, invert sugar, raw sugar, beet sugar, turbinado sugar, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, dextrin, honey, maple, evaporated cane juice, malt, molasses, dextrose, fructose, sucrose, fruit juice concentrate, glucose, maltose.

Artificial coloring – synthetic food dyes are unnecessary and are either toxic or possible carcinogens, which mean that they may promote cancer.

Aspartame and all artificial sweeteners, including saccharin – these are dangerous excitotoxins with many negative effects.

BHT and BHA – used to preserve fats and oils. Studies indicate that they may be carcinogenic.

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) – used in citrus flavored sodas and banned in more than 100 countries. It has been linked to damage in the major organ systems. Apparently the FDA does not require that it be listed on labels – so avoid any citrus flavored sodas (such as lemon or lime) as it is a good bet that BVO is included.

Carrageenan – stabilizer and thickening agent; found in everything from ice cream to yogurt. May be a carcinogen and is linked to toxic hazards, including ulcers and cancer; In addition to suppressing immune function, carrageenan causes intestinal ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease in animals and some research indicates that carrageenan is associated with causing cancer in humans.

Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils – these are the infamous trans fats directly linked to heart disease. The FDA published a paper stating that if people in the US stopped eating trans fat there would be 30,000 to 100,000 less deaths per year from CHD. Trans fats are also linked to breast and colon cancer, atherosclerosis, elevated cholesterol, depressed immune system, and allergies.

Nitrates – form powerful cancer-causing agents in stomach; are found in smoked foods such as deli foods, cured meats, bacon, hot dogs, pepperoni, sausage, etc.

MSG – A dangerous excitotoxin that may cause headaches, itching, nausea, nervous system and reproductive disorders, high blood pressure; pregnant, lactating mothers, infants, small children should avoid MSG; allergic reactions common; may be hidden in infant formula, low fat milk, candy, chewing gum, drinks, over-the-counter medications. Look for the following ingredients that contain MSG:

Monosodium Glutamate	Calcium Caseinate
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein	Sodium Caseinate
Hydrolyzed Protein	Yeast Extract
Hydrolyzed Plant Protein	Textured Protein (Including TVP)
Plant Protein Extract	Autolyzed Yeast
Hydrolyzed Oat Flour	Corn Oil

Neotame – related to aspartame, but allegedly more toxic.

Olestra – this fat substitute causes gastrointestinal distress. Also lowers absorption of carotenoids, nutrients that lower our risk of cancer and other fat-soluble nutrients.

Potassium bromate – bromate causes cancer. Potassium bromate is used in bread making.

Sulfites – can cause dangerous allergic reactions – often found in wine as well as salad bars.

What food additives do you avoid?

The Cheapest Health Food You Aren’t Eating

April 17, 2012 by Guest Blogger • 1 Comment

Desiree Nielsen is a registered dietitian and nutrition operations manager for a small chain of organic and natural food stores in Vancouver, Canada. Passionate about plant-based diets for more vibrant health, Desiree believes that food should not only nourish your body but also feed the soul. When she isn’t chasing around after her toddler, Desiree is a sought-after speaker and blogger.

A staple of traditional cuisine, Barley is an inexpensive (a 4 lb bag can cost as little as $4-$7) yet highly nutritious grain. Usually relegated to the dustiest of bulk bins, barley is an anti inflammatory superstar that serves as an ideal substitute for rice, pasta or couscous when following Dr. Perricone’s 3 Tier Approach to healthy aging. Some benefits include:

Feel fuller, faster: Early research has shown that when the indigestible parts of barley are fermented in the gut, hormones called GLP-1 may assist in lowering blood sugars and improving feelings of satiety (aka, helping you feel satisfied on less food).

Stabilize blood sugar & lower cholesterol: The soluble fibre in barley helps keep blood sugars in check by slowing down the rate at which sugars are absorbed into the blood stream. It helps lower blood cholesterol by binding it in the gut and carrying it out of your system.

Boost energy levels: Barley is rich in the trace minerals manganese and copper and anti-oxidant selenium, which is a co-factor for the anti-oxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase – just what you need to keep that energy flowing!

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s barely recipe. What are your barely preparation tips or recipes?

A Longer, Healthier Life, as easy as NBC

June 27, 2009 by Dr. Perricone • 4 Comments

For many years, researchers in the field of aging believed that the only way you could increase lifespan was by caloric restriction (CR). This is because low caloric intake will improve blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, thereby helping to prevent one of the most dangers pitfalls of aging, obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Recommend calorie deficits are approximately 250 – 500 calories, about 30% less food than we would normally eat. While this is an effective strategy, you won’t be incorrect when I state that is not overwhelmingly popular.

However, there is good news on the horizon. The nutritional supplement, niacin bound chromium (NBC) appears to produce similar effects when compared to caloric restriction.

Niacin Bound Chromium (NBC) for Life Extension
My colleague at Georgetown University’s School of Medicine, Dr. Harry Preuss, recently alerted me to very new and exciting findings. Animal studies found that chromium polynicotinate, also known as niacin-bound chromium (NBC) increased the average lifespan by twenty percent compared to animals taking a placebo. The NBC helps to lower the levels of circulating glucose (sugar) in the body. One of the reasons I advocate eliminating (as much as possible) sugar and simple starches from your diet is because high levels of circulating glucose in the body increase the presence of free radicals, which are the primary cause of metabolic disorders which can lead to diabetes. Scientists have repeatedly demonstrated that diabetes represents a premature form of aging, because of the damage caused by the excessively perturbed glucose-insulin system. This is really exciting news and one of the first strategies (other than caloric deprivation) shown to positively impact life-span

Chromium is a very important trace mineral that promotes normal insulin function and is essential for proper protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. As any anti-aging scientist well knows, elevated levels of insulin and blood sugar significantly accelerate cellular aging. Research now shows that the type of chromium known as NBC has a superior anti-aging and safety profile.

Extensive clinical and basic research utilizing a unique form of oxygen-coordinated niacin-bound chromium—generally known as chromium nicotinate or polynicotinate (trade name ChromeMate®) has shown that the niacin-bound form of chromium is the superior form (some forms have a worrisome profile, therefore I recommend utilizing the ChromeMate® brand for both safety and efficacy).

This form of NBC provides significant health benefits to those with diabetes and with metabolic syndrome and is, indeed, the most optimal form of chromium available as a dietary supplement.
The main benefits of NBC include:
• Promotion of proper insulin function and normal blood sugar levels
• Promotion of healthy blood cholesterol levels, normal blood pressure, and cardiovascular health
• Promotion of healthy body weight and lean body mass

Preserving Lean Muscle Mass
As we age we gain body fat and lose muscle mass. Fortunately there are several key nutrients that help us preserve lean muscle mass, such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and chromium.

Experts in the field of nutrition report that the general population of the United States is deficient in chromium–and it should come as no surprise that low levels of chromium are associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease—both of which are endemic in developed countries.

In a placebo-controlled, cross-over study, Dr. Preuss and a team of researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center showed that overweight African-American women consuming 600 mcg of chromium as niacin-bound chromium trade name ChromeMate® for 8 weeks had a significant loss of body fat and sparing of muscle (lean body mass) compared with a prior placebo period of the same duration. Increased fat loss was also observed among women who were randomized to consume chromium first, followed by placebo, suggesting a carry-over effect of the supplementation on fat loss. No adverse effects were observed.

Studies have also been published noting that increased consumption of sugar (and related sweeteners) depletes our body stores of chromium, placing us at further risk for hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia (too much blood sugar, too much insulin).

In a perfect world, we would avoid refined sweeteners. Realistically we know that we all succumb to sugar’s siren song on occasion, therefore remember to make sure that you take a chromium supplement to prevent depleting your body’s stores of this important nutrient.

As always I welcome your comments and suggestions,

Nicholas Perricone, MD, FACN, CNS

Stress and Your Health: The Body-Mind Connection

June 6, 2009 by admin • 7 Comments

Susan Boyle made people all over the world smile and cry when she achieved her dream of singing on Britain’s Got Talent. Sadly, what should have been the greatest moment of her life nearly overwhelmed her, and she ended up being hospitalized for stress and exhaustion. Most people are familiar with how tension and anxiety feel, but you may not know about the long term effects stress can have on your health. Even in the absence of an acute breakdown like Boyle’s, continued exposure to stress may be drastically impacting your body.

Our emotional well being is a finely balanced thing; any significant change in your life or routine, whether good or bad, can be enough to upset that balance. Moving to a new house, worrying about excelling at your job, illness in the family, or even just an upheaval in your schedule can set off the series of chemical reactions we call stress. It results from the release of hormones like adrenalin and glucocorticoids, and is related to the more primitive fight or flight response.

This response evolved in our ancestors as a protective mechanism to help us run for our lives in the face of serious danger. The hormones raise blood pressure, energize muscles, hyper-focus the mind, and dampen temporarily non-essential body functions like memory, reproduction, and digestion. The problems arise when the same chemical reaction intended to save us from rampaging wild animals kicks in as a result of the daily, and comparatively minor, pressures of life. The hormones that would help save your life in the short term begin to do damage over time.

You’re likely to notice the emotional aspects of stress like anxiety and depression first, but the physiological side-effects can be even more wide ranging. Sudden spikes in your level of tension can contribute to headaches, insomnia, digestive issues like heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome, skin rashes, changes in menstrual patterns, and sexual dysfunction. Sustained stress weakens your immune system to make you more susceptible to infectious diseases, increases your risk of heart disease, and may play a role both in infertility and certain cancers like breast and ovarian.

Knowing what stress is doing to your body, you owe it to yourself to be proactive. There are things you can do to help turn the body-mind connection in your favor:

Start by getting more exercise. The endorphins released during physical activity are natural mood boosters.
Seek out activities that are relaxing to you. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, knitting, reading, or dance, the key is to prioritize whatever helps you unwind and to do it on a regular basis.
Nurture your connections with other people. Research shows that individuals with strong social support systems and emotional ties to others suffer less from stress-related diseases. Oxytocin, a hormone related to love, nurturing, and bonding is another natural happiness aid.

Since a calm mind and a healthy body go hand in hand, when you learn to manage your stress, you’ll not only feel better right away, you’ll be investing in every aspect of your well-being. Then whatever life throws your way, you’ll be strong enough, physically and emotionally, to weather the storm.

The 10 Sins of Skin Aging

May 21, 2009 by admin • 8 Comments

Pro-Inflammatory foods (sugar and starches)
Foods can be pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory. Avoid pro-inflammatory foods—these will promote wrinkles, a host of diseases, accelerate aging and cause the storage of body fat. Eating pro-inflammatory foods such as sugary and starchy foods shows up on the skin as a loss of radiance, dark circles under the eyes, the loss of tone, puffiness, an increase in fine lines and wrinkles, the loss of facial contours and increased pore size. These foods can also exacerbate acne, which is a systemic, inflammatory disease. I am not exaggerating when I say that sugar can rob you of your youth, health, and beauty.

Excessive exposure to the sun.
Although we have all heard it a million times, excessive sun exposure will accelerate skin aging and cause skin cancer. We need to get some sun in order to absorb Vitamin D and keep our bones strong and healthy. However, baking out in the hot sun at the beach or by the pool is very destructive to your skin, as well as to your immune system. Excess sun exposure will cause photoaging, resulting in the following:

Loss of skin elasticity
Thinner, more translucent-looking skin
Wrinkles
Dry, rough, leathery skin
Broken capillaries on the face
Freckles,
Liver spots on the face, back of hands, arms, chest and upper back
Spots or blemishes on the lower legs and arms
Skin Cancer

Stress
Of all the destructive, pro-inflammatory and pro-aging forces I have observed as a physician, nothing compares with the negative effects of stress. Stress causes certain hormonal changes in your body, which rapidly alters the function of the cells in your vital organs. Not surprisingly, these effects are reflected in the appearance of your skin.

Stress causes the release of the hormone cortisol. When we have large amounts of cortisol circulating in our blood streams for extended periods of time, it is extremely toxic. Our brain cells, or neurons, are extremely sensitive to the effects of cortisol. When it is circulating at a high level, cortisol causes brain cells to die. Excess cortisol can destroy your immune system, shrink other vital organs, decrease your muscle mass, and cause thinning of the skin, accelerating skin aging and wrinkling and making blood vessels under skin more prominent.

Smoking Cigarettes and/or exposure to second hand smoke
Cigarette smoke is highly damaging and aging to skin. When we inhale just one puff of a cigarette, over a trillion free radicals are produced in our lungs, which then trigger an inflammatory response that circulates throughout our body. When we inhale tobacco smoke, the result is activation of white blood cells which line our arteries, causing an inflammatory response, predisposing us to heart disease.

In addition, there is a tremendous inflammatory response in all organs of the body —including the skin. Cigarette smoking depletes the skin of oxygen and vital nutrients including Vitamin C, critical in keeping skin youthful, moist and plumped up. Tobacco also acts as a vasoconstrictor, which means that it causes constriction of blood vessels. This reduces local blood flow to an area, and temporarily raises blood pressure. When the blood flow is reduced to the skin it results in a gray, pallid, lifeless and unhealthy looking complexion. Smoking also causes dry, leathery looking skin, premature deep lines, wrinkles and loss of radiance.

Excess Alcohol
People generally think that alcohol is bad for the skin just because it dehydrates the body. They incorrectly assume that increasing our water intake will counteract the problem. Unfortunately, alcohol creates inflammation throughout the body including the skin, resulting in effects that far outlast dehydration. The metabolites of alcohol are molecules known as aldehydes. Aldehydes are destructive in that they cause damage to the cell plasma membrane, as well as other parts of the interior of the cell.

Alcohol causes small blood vessels in the skin to widen, allowing more blood to flow close to the skin’s surface. This produces a flushed skin color and a feeling of warmth which can lead to broken capillaries on the face. The alcohol-induced dehydration also makes the skin more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

Dullness, enlarged pores, discoloration, sagging and lack of resilience are some of the short and longer term effects. Because alcohol alters blood flow to the skin, it will give you an unhealthy appearance that can last for days. An occasional glass of red wine can confer some health benefits for a number of reasons. But as with everything from eating to exercise, moderation is the key. Too much alcohol is highly destructive.
Lack of sleep
A good night’s sleep will ensure that you awake refreshed, looking radiant and youthful. Adequate sleep is vital to avoid eye area puffiness and maintain vibrant skin. When we look at the hormone parameters during sleep, we find that sleep turns down the negative effects of cortisol and the “bad” neurotransmitters, like epinephrine and norepinephrine that can be elevated during stress. Growth hormone is released during sleep—and growth hormone is the youth hormone. The hormone melatonin is also released, which has a positive effect on the immune system and the skin. It is during sleep that we rebuild energy reserves and regenerate the body as our cells undergo a process of repair. Studies also show that inadequate sleep leads to unwanted weight gain and a craving for fat laden and carbohydrate-heavy foods.

People who exercise regularly enjoy improved sleep quality. They fall asleep more quickly, sleep more deeply, awaken less often, and sleep longer.
Lack of Exercise
There are mountains of studies proving that exercise can take off pounds, reduce incidence of heart disease, lower blood pressure, improve mood, solve sleep problems, and even cut risks of certain cancers. Exercise will also ensure that you have beautiful skin. Studies have indicated that exercise benefits the skin in much the same way it improves bone and muscle quality. Without regular activity, bones become fragile and muscles atrophy. When the skin of those who exercise regularly is examined under a microscope, the impact of their high fitness levels is clearly apparent. The clear skin is thicker and has more and healthier collagen, the fibers that give the skin its strength and flexibility. Exercise increases circulation and gives the skin a healthy and radiant glow. As long as we use moderation and don’t overdo it, exercise of almost any kind has a powerful, positive, and anti-inflammatory effect on all our cells.

Not eating enough protein
This ongoing lack of protein is first notable in the face, as the features become soft looking. The sharp definition, contoured cheekbones and that great jaw line all becomes blurred. When the supply of protein is depleted, the body is then forced to feed upon itself. This causes both tissue and muscle to breakdown. Protein cannot be stored in the body. Because it is essential for cellular repair, the days that we don’t eat enough protein are the days that we are accelerating aging.

Going fat free
Healthy fats, especially omega 3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fat, have powerful anti-inflammatory effects improving skin’s moistness, texture, suppleness and smoothness. We need good fats, such as those found in salmon, sardines and other cold water fish, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado and açai (a Brazilian berry whose fatty acid ratio resembles that of olive oil). These “good” fats will help us absorb nutrients from our vegetables and fruits, keep our cells supple, our skin glowing and wrinkle-free, our brains sharp and our mood upbeat. We also need dietary fat to burn fat.

Not drinking enough water
Remember these key facts: Water is important—If you do not drink water, your organs and cells cannot function. You don’t have to overdo it—but if you don’t drink water, you cannot metabolize fat, nor can you flush wastes out of the cells.

A dehydrated body provokes the development of aging, inflammatory compounds. Water has great anti-inflammatory properties and will help you skin to be radiant, soft and supple—the key difference between a grape and raisin is water.

Try Perricone Cold Plasma to reduce the 10 signs of aging.

Top 10 Food Additives to Avoid

May 21, 2009 by admin • 3 Comments

Hidden Sugars – Sugar comes in many forms. As you might assume, when we eat sugar it raises our blood sugar, and chronically high levels of sugar in the blood lead to the creation of the sugar bonds known as AGEs. Therefore it is very important to learn to recognize that there are many forms of sugar; in fact, the word “sugar” may or may not appear on the label at all. Look for: white sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar, confectioner’s sugar, invert sugar, raw sugar, beet sugar, turbinado sugar, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, dextrin, honey, maple, evaporated cane juice, malt, molasses, dextrose, fructose, sucrose, fruit juice concentrate, glucose, maltose.

Artificial coloring – synthetic food dyes are unnecessary and are either toxic or are possible carcinogens, which means that they may promote cancer.

Aspartame and all artificial sweeteners, including saccharin – these are dangerous excitotoxins with many negative effects.

BHT and BHA – used to preserve fats and oils. Studies indicate that they may be carcinogenic.

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) – used in citrus flavored sodas and banned in more than 100 countries. It has been linked to damage in the major organ systems. Apparently the FDA does not require that it be listed on labels—so avoid any citrus flavored sodas(such as lemon or lime )as it is a good bet that BVO is included.

Carrageenan – stabilizer and thickening agent; found in everything from ice cream to yogurt. May be a carcinogen and is linked to toxic hazards, including ulcers and cancer; In addition to suppressing immune function, carrageenan causes intestinal ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease in animals and some research indicates that carrageenan is associated with causing cancer in humans.

Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils – these are the infamous trans fats directly linked to heart disease. The FDA published a paper stating that if people in the US stopped eating trans fat there would be 30,000 to 100,000 less deaths per year from CHD. Trans fats are also linked to breast and colon cancer, atherosclerosis, elevated cholesterol, depressed immune system, and allergies.

Nitrates – form powerful cancer-causing agents in stomach; are found in smoked foods such as deli foods, cured meats, bacon, hot dogs, pepperoni, sausage, etc.


Monosodium Glutamate	Calcium Caseinate
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein	Sodium Caseinate
Hydrolyzed Protein	Yeast Extract
Hydrolyzed Plant Protein	Textured Protein (Including TVP)
Plant Protein Extract	Autolyzed Yeast
Hydrolyzed Oat Flour	Corn Oil

Sulfites – can cause dangerous allergic reactions

The Science Behind Pigment Corrective

May 19, 2009 by admin • 5 Comments

Pigment Corrective is a powerful treatment that helps to reverse the signs of hyper-pigmentation or brown spots resulting from sun damage or chronological age. By lightening and brightening the skin’s appearance, it imparts a more youthful, radiant complexion.

Independent clinical studies demonstrated extraordinary results:

• 100% reported a decrease in the appearance of new brown spots
• 96% reported their skin appeared brighter

How is it unique?
Pigment Corrective is safe and effective. Regular use improves the appearance of brown spots and hyper-pigmentation, while brightening the skin’s appearance with Pycnogenol® and Vitamin C Ester. It also helps tone skin, improves elasticity and smoothes the appearance of lines and wrinkles with DMAE.

The science
Pycnogenol® is sourced from maritime pine trees in the South of France, known for their centuries-old healing properties. It improves skin health and collagen renewal, while providing potent antioxidants to brighten skin.

Pigment Corrective complements any skincare regimen and can be used in combination with your favorite Perricone Products to help reduce the appearance of age spots. The topical cream is most effective when used with Pigment Corrective dietary supplements. Both of these will be made cheaper with Perricone coupons.

How to Avoid Swine Flu and Other Viruses

May 6, 2009 by admin • 1 Comment

Concern over the threat posed by the H1N1 swine flu is returning to reasonable levels, but there’s a useful lesson to take away from all the coverage. Though we haven’t figured out how to cure viruses, there are a number of easy and efficacious steps you can take to reduce your chance of getting colds and flu in the first place. Indeed, most of what you can do to avoid getting viruses are the kind of good health practices you should be engaging in anyway.

The first thing your doctor, your mother, and recently, even President Obama tell you to do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands frequently, and they’re all totally right. Every time you shake someone’s hand, touch a doorknob, or pick up the coffee pot at work, you may be exposing yourself to a bevy of germs. Thankfully, it’s not necessary to permanently don gloves to keep your hands clean. You don’t even need antibacterial soap. Copious amounts of running water and vigorous rubbing with regular soap for 20 seconds will do the trick.

Though soap and water are always the best option, keeping a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer around can give you extra protection. Also, even if you’re vigilant about keeping your hands clean, try to avoid touching your eyes and nose. These are the primary routes by which viruses can enter your body.

Hand washing is great at keeping bugs out, but a strong immune is still your primary line of defense. An often-overlooked way to strengthen your immune system and keep from getting sick is to get plenty of sleep. A recent study at Carnegie Mellon showed that people who slept less than seven hours a night were three times more likely to catch a cold than people who slept eight hours or more. Obviously, a well-rested immune system is one that’s best equipped to keep you flu-free.

Other than getting enough sleep, the best boost you can give your immune system comes from the same big three that benefit your body in general: eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, get moderate exercise, and work to reduce stress. Just as balanced nutrition that’s heavy on good fats and antioxidants and regular exercise pump up your immune response, stress can impede your body’s ability to stay well.

Thus, the good news is, most of what helps you avoid both seasonal colds and flu and new bugs like H1N1 are things that work you keep you healthy all time. And even if you do get sick, you can rest assured that a your robust immune system will help your body heal itself and get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.