Testosterone and Growth Hormone: an original study
Background: Age-related declines in testosterone and growth hormone (GH) are associated with increased adiposity and decreases in lean mass and bone mineral density (BMD). A long-term retrospective study examined the effects of testosterone and/or GH supplementation on body composition and quality of life (QoL).
Methods: A database survey assessed the records of 91 men and 97 women (ages 25–82) in treatment groups based on their hormonal status: dehydroepiandrosterone but no hormonal supplementation (control); testosterone only (Tes); GH only (GH); and testosterone plus GH (Tes+GH).Pre- and post-treatment assessments recorded changes in fat and lean mass, BMD, and QoL.
Results: After an average of 3 years of treatment, weight decreased in women in the control and Tes+GH groups but remained stable in men in all groups. Tes and Tes+GH produced statistically signifi cant increases in lean mass, reductions in fat mass, and improvements in BMD in both sexes; GH produced similar changes in women. QoL and mood improved in all groups. Treatments were generally safe and well tolerated.
Conclusions: In this retrospective survey, treatment with testosterone and/or GH was associated with favorable effects in men and women across a wide age range. Keywords: testosterone, growth hormone, body composition, quality of life.
Background
Since the second century, when Galen observed that castration led to declines in sexual function and general health and recommended eating animals’ testicles as a way to improve vitality, medicine has progressed to a point where isolated and purified testosterone can be used clinically. Today, however, the goal is not only to enhance libido and sexual function, especially in men, but also to optimize body composition – to offset age-related hormonal changes that may contribute to reduced bone mass (osteopenia), reduced muscle mass (sarcopenia), and increased adiposity. Increased visceral adiposity has been associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and other types of morbidity (Nicklas et al 2004; Lebovitz and Banerji 2005; Jensen 2006).
Testosterone levels are positively correlated with measures of body composition
such as bone mineral density (BMD) and lean muscle mass. Improved BMD
is associated with a decreased risk for osteoporosis and fracture. The correlation between testosterone levels and lean muscle mass is seen across a wide range of age and health status (Bross et al 1998). Optimal lean mass is associated with increased strength and coordination and reduced injury from falls. Reduced body fat is associated with decreased actuarial health risk, especially for coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The most obvious beneficiaries of testosterone supplementation would be hypogonadal men. All patients in this reported study in the testosterone-only group had been diagnosed as hypogonadal when they began testosterone treatment. Because testosterone levels generally decline as men age, with free testosterone concentrations declining by about 50% between age 25 and 75,elderly men are at higher risk of becoming hypogonadal. The over-65 male population is expected to double (to over 31 million) by 2030, with the incidence of low testosterone levels increasing from 30% in the seventh decade of life to 70% in the eighth decade (Hijazi and Cunningham 2005).Accordingly, it is important to understand whether testosterone supplementation improves measures of health.
As in men, androgens in women affect body composition, mood, libido, and general well-being. Defi ciency in young women may result from ovarian or adrenal dysfunction, hypothalamic amenorrhea, ovarian failure, oophorectomy,
or wasting from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Deficiency in testosterone may occur secondary to use of estrogen, oral contraceptives, or corticosteroids. However, this condition is diffi cult to recognize (declining libido may be the only symptom), and the few data on testosterone therapy
in premenopausal women reveal mainly the expected adverse effects of reversible hirsutism and acne; more data are needed to identify women who would be candidates for testosterone therapy and to establish therapeutically useful regimens in this population (Kalantaridou and Calis 2006).
Like patients who have low androgen levels, individuals with growth hormone (GH) deficiency have increased adiposity. All patients in this study who received GH had clinically documented GH defi ciency. Results of studies
designed to determine the effects of GH on body composition in deficient adults have been mixed. Various trials have shown improvement in BMD in men (Bravenboer et al 2005; Snyder et al 2007), decreased fat mass and increased
lean mass in both men and women, along with signifi can't improvements in serum lipids but not in BMD (Hoffman et al 2004), and benefi cial reductions in waist:hip ratio and serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (Franco et al 2006).
The objective of the retrospective survey of clinical data was to assess the effects of testosterone and GH supplementation on body composition and quality of life (QoL) in men and women who had been diagnosed as defi cient in androgens and/or GH across a wide age range.
Methods
This study examined the records of patients treated at the Cenegenics® Medical Institute (Las Vegas, NV) during the period 1999 to 2006.
The records of 91 men were assessed in the following treatment groups: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; an adrenal precursor to both estrogens and androgens) but no testosterone or GH (control; n = 31; age range 40–82);
testosterone only (Tes; n = 17; age range 40–79); GH only (GH; n = 20; age range 42–70); and testosterone plus GH (Tes+GH; n = 23, age range 36–81).
The records of 97 women were assessed in the same defined treatment groups: control (n = 27; age range 25–60); Tes (n = 26; age range 38–69); GH (n = 12; age range 42–71); and Tes+GH (n = 32, age range 29–75).
The average length of treatment was 3 years.
Table 1 outlines the hormonal regimen used in male and female patients with their consent after explanation of clinical and laboratory goals to be achieved.
Measures of body composition (BMD and body mass index) and QoL were compared in patients who received hormonal treatment versus patients who received DHEA supplementation but no hormonal treatment. Other therapies,
given adjunctively as needed to optimize clinical and laboratory parameters, included DHEA, thyroid hormone, melatonin (for antioxidant and sleep-stabilizing properties), human chorionic gonadotropin in men (to facilitate weight loss and stimulate endogenous testosterone production), and
estradiol and progesterone in women.
In addition to the hormonal regimens, all patients were placed on a low-glycemic diet to improve the lipid profile and increase insulin sensitivity and an exercise program to increase lean muscle mass and decrease fat mass.
All patients had comprehensive baseline and annual physical examinations as well as laboratory assessments at 4- to 6-month intervals. Dual X-ray absorptiometry scans were obtained annually to assess BMD at the hip and lumbar spine; fat mass and lean muscle mass were also assessed
annually. QoL outcomes were rated using standardized scales (the Beck Depression Inventory and the Holmes and Dickerson linear analog self-assessment scale) to assess mood and functionality.
Data were expressed as the mean ± standard error. Between-group differences were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. For correlations, Pearson’s test was used for normally distributed data; otherwise,
the Spearman rank test was used. All hypothesis tests were twotailed, with statistical signifi cance assessed at p 0.05 with 95% confi dence intervals. The statistical software used was SPSS 11.5 for Windows (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA).
Results
Serum testosterone
Among men, there were no significant changes in weight (pre- and post-treatment), and there were no significant changes between the different groups.
Table 1 Hormonal regimens; in addition to the use of testosterone and GH, other hormonal treatments were offered as needed to achieve normalization of clinical and laboratory status
Therapy (route) Goal Measurement
Testosteronea, men (intramuscular) Concentration (±12.5%) representing 66th percentile for 40-year-old men
Total: 700–900 ng/dL
Free: 130–200 pg/mL
For clinically documented hormone deficiency
Testosterone, women (transdermal or sublingual) Upper 33% of normal range for premenopausal women
Total: 52–70 ng/dL
For clinically documented hormone defi ciency
Human growth hormone (subcutaneous) Upper 40% of normal range for ages 39–54 years Rise of 100% in insulin-like growth factor 1, but not above
360 ng/mL
For clinically documented hormone deficiency
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (oral) Upper 30% of normal range for young adults Sulfated DHEA:
470–619 μg/dL in men
280–380 μg/dL in women
(Figure 1). In the control group, mean total testosterone increased from 545 ng/dL pretreatment to 687 ng/dL post-treatment (p 0.03), and free testosterone rose from 107 to 119 pg/mL (nonsignifi cant). In the Tes group, the corresponding increases in total and free testosterone were 538 to 927 ng/dL (p 0.002), and 94 to 167 pg/mL (p 0.002). In the GH group, the increases were 596 to 707 ng/dL (nonsignificant) and 110 to 156 pg/mL
(p 0.006). In the Tes+GH group, the increases were 526 to 814 ng/dL (p 0.002) and 88 to 126 pg/mL (p 0.03).
Among women in the Tes, GH, and Tes+GH groups, increases in serum testosterone were significant but of considerably smaller magnitude.
Body weight
Among men, there were no signifi cant within-group or between-group changes in weight. Mean weight across all groups remained stable within the range of 192 to 198 lbs (87–90 kg) over the course of the trial. However, among women, mean weight between treatment groups was more diverse at baseline (138–155 lbs, or 63–71 kg), and treatment resulted in more notable weight
decreases in the control and Tes+GH groups (4.8% and 3.2%, respectively).
Body composition
Lean mass increased signifi cantly with Tes (3%) and Tes+GH (6%) in men, and with Tes (2%), GH (13%), and Tes+GH (3%) in women (Figure 2). Among men, the increase with Tes+GH was significantly greater than with any other
regimen.
Total body fat was signifi cantly reduced with Tes and Tes+GH in men, and with Tes, GH, and Tes+GH in women; the percentage change was substantially greater in men.
QoL outcomes
Although none of the groups showed any notable abnormalities at baseline, scores on standard measures of mood, functionality, and quality of life showed improved status over the course of treatment.
Safety
Physical and laboratory assessments and recording of adverse effects indicated that the study treatments were generally well tolerated. Among the men, mean levels of prostate specifi c antigen (PSA) showed statistically nonsignifi cant increases from baseline to post-treatment with all regimens (from 1.05
to 1.40 ng/mLwith Tes, from 1.03 to 1.20 ng/mL with GH, and from 1.04 to 1.14 ng/mL with Tes+GH).
Discussion
This study showed that supplementation with testosterone or GH or both, in conjunction with benefi cial lifestyle changes in diet and exercise, produced statistically signifi cant changes in measures of body composition. Treatments were generally well tolerated.
To place these findings in perspective, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials of testosterone therapy in over 1000 middle-aged and aging men (mean age 64.5 years) found that treatment resulted in a 6.2% reduction in total body fat and a 2.7% increase in lean mass, marginal improvement in strength, significant increase (3.7%) in BMD at the lumbar spine but not at the femoral neck, and reductions in cholesterol, especially in men with lower testosterone concentrations at baseline
(Isidori et al 2005). Those fi ndings are generally consistent with the changes noted in the present study, which included men and women spanning a wider age range. However, another systematic review of the literature questioned the
benefi t of testosterone supplementation in men with normal testosterone levels (Krause et al 2005).
Testosterone supplementation by any route of administration (intramuscular, oral, or transdermal) increases BMD by increasing formation and decreasing resorption of bone, with theoretical but as yet unproven reduction in
fracture risk (Köhn 2006). In a 1999 report, individuals with lower pretreatment serum testosterone concentration showed greater changes in lumbar spine BMD during the first 3 years of treatment (Snyder et al 1999). This fi nding
is supported by another study in which men with borderline hypogonadism showed only limited benefi t from one year of testosterone therapy (reduction in body fat mass but no significant increase in BMD or lean muscle mass); however, extending the treatment might yield more robust effects
(Merza et al 2006).
One of the most important reasons for studying the effects of testosterone treatment is that testosterone therapy also has benefit in terms of cardiovascular health. If changes in body composition measures provide a surrogate measure for decreased cardiovascular morbidity, clinicians would
have a valuable tool for determining which patients to treat and guidance for determining treatment end points. A casecontrol study showed the risk of severe atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in men varied inversely with total
testosterone; risk was 5-fold higher among men in lowest quartile than among men in highest quartile (Chute et al 1987). A large-scale survey in 1132 men aged 30 to 79 years revealed a signifi cant inverse relationship between blood
pressure and levels of testosterone (p 0.001 for both systolic and diastolic pressure), but no such correlation was seen with other hormones (Khaw et al 1988). The reduction in body fat mass associated with testosterone therapy,
along with possible stabilizing effects on blood glucose, has obvious benefi cial implications in terms of lowered risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease (Köhn 2006). It is noteworthy that the present study
showed not only reductions in total body fat with testosterone and GH, but also reductions in truncal fat, which in excess is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance.
Another potential benefi t of testosterone therapy may be decreasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. GH is believed to have neuroprotective effects, directly or in conjunction with insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1; a polypeptide produced mainly in the liver in response to stimulation by GH). In a
study of lean elderly subjects, low testosterone availability secondary to high levels of sex hormone binding globulin was associated with a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (Paoletti et al 2004). Although the exclusion of heavier
patients may limit the applicability of these findings and the root problem was not absolute testosterone defi ciency but excessive binding leaving inadequate free testosterone, there may be a role for testosterone supplementation in patients considered at risk. The QoL measurements used in the present study may provide a useful clinical measurement of cognitive function. Recent reviews on this topic concluded that supplementation may minimize cognitive loss in testosterone-deficient elderly patients at risk (Beauchet 2006) and that supplementation may be more benefi cial in elderly men than in elderly women (Hogervorst et al 2005).
With reference to GH, a meta-analysis of 10 randomized trials in 458 patients with GH defi ciency showed that the mean change in BMD at the lumbar spine was signifi cant at 6 and 12 months, and more strongly signifi cant at 18 and
24 months; however, the magnitude of these changes was small and of uncertain clinical relevance (Davidson et al 2004).
The idea of combining hormonal and bisphosphonate therapy is an attractive approach to improving BMD. A long-term controlled study in 30 adults with GH defi ciency showed that the combination of GH and alendronate was
highly effective in patients with osteoporosis (Biermasz et al 2004). In contrast, a study in 149 men showed testosterone and alendronate were comparably effective, but the combination offered no additional benefi t over monotherapy with either agent (Welch et al 2007).
The role of DHEA supplementation to improve BMD is unclear. In a randomized controlled one-year trial in 140 men and women (aged 60–88 years) with low levels of sulfated DHEA at baseline, supplementation resulted in signifi cant
improvements in BMD at the spine among the women and at the hip in both sexes (Jankowski et al 2006); however, another double-blind trial in elderly men and women showed limited benefi t after two years of treatment (Nair et al 2006).
In this trial, the only statistically signifi cant changes seen in the control groups receiving DHEA were an increase in total testosterone in men and an increase in BMD at the hip in women. In this trial, the only statistically signifi cant changes seen in the control groups receiving DHEA were an increase in total testosterone in men and an increase in BMD at the hip in women.
One special population that merits mention is men at increased risk of prostate cancer, as there may be concern about the safety of testosterone supplementation in these patients. Although castration has been associated with regression or retardation of advanced prostate cancer, it does not
automatically follow that restoration of normal testosterone levels in hypogonadal men increases the risk of carcinogenesis. In fact, a detailed review on this subject concludes that increased risk is associated with low rather than high levels of testosterone (Raynaud 2006). In the present study, PSA levels increased with GH and/or testosterone, but the increases were clinically as well as statistically insignificant, as all of the post-treatment values remained well within the normal range (0–2.5 ng/mL). Obviously, men with an established
history of prostate cancer would not be considered candidates for treatment.
From the present study, the finding that total and free testosterone increased across all treatment groups in men, including the control group, indicates that the basic regimen of diet and exercise with DHEA and adjunctive hormonal correction as needed was also effective, although the magnitude of the increase was greater in the Tes and Tes+GH groups. Testosterone improved to target ranges with all active treatments except Tes+GH; in this group, the
baseline level of free testosterone was unusually low and the post-treatment value, although representing a statistically significant increase, fell just short of the lower limit of the target range.
The study left several questions unanswered. Among the women, weight decreased more in the control group than in the Tes+GH group, which strongly suggests the value of lifestyle change and the need to encourage compliance with diet and exercise; however, it is not clear why this effect was not seen in men.
Another gender issue is the unusually large increase in lean mass seen with GH therapy in women but not in men. Nor is it clear why women but not men on the control regimen showed an unhealthy increase in trunk fat despite
the reduction in overall fat mass.
DHEA supplementation changes androgen/estrogen ratios differently in men and women, which may explain our results. There are signifi cant increases in estrogen levels in men, but not much increase in testosterone. For women,
DHEA increases androgens but does not have much effect on estrogens (Arlt et al 1999, 2001; Barnhart et al 1999). In our study, DHEA did affect testosterone levels in men.
The main limitations of this study are its design as a retrospective database survey and the lack of stratification of outcome data by demographic variables other than gender and by concurrent treatment modalities. Moreover, although
diet and exercise counseling was provided to patients, it was not feasible to determine the compliance rates. Although the current findings are intriguing, they do not distinguish results in younger versus older patients or in patients with different levels of endogenous hormones and different measures of
body composition at baseline. Nevertheless, the results of this investigation are important considering the relative paucity of long-term data (follow-up 1 year) on outcomes with similar treatment strategies. As additional longer-term retrospective data become available for hormone-defi cient patients, studies that evaluate correlations between administration of hormones and specific health outcomes will provide clinicians with more precise guidance on which patients to treat and which clinical parameters to use as treatment end points.
By using surrogate measures, such as body composition changes, clinicians may be able to more predictably reduce cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Randomized controlled prospective clinical trials are planned, with larger populations followed for even longer periods, which may further clarify the proper role of hormonal supplementation as part of a comprehensive
program to preserve vitality throughout life, improve identification of suitable candidates for treatment, and establish optimal individualized regimens.
Conclusions
For patients with clinically documented low androgen levels, testosterone supplementation, alone or in combination with GH (only used in patients who had been diagnosed with adult GH defi ciency), produced clinically signifi cant changes in (1) lean body mass, (2) Beck Depression test, (3) change in total
body fat, and (4) BMD at the hip in both men and women across
a wide age range. These results indicate that hormonal supplementation
can augment the benefi ts of lifestyle change.
Wrinkle Treatment – Finding the Best Alternative to Lose Wrinkles
Undergoing wrinkle treatment is the best way to lose your wrinkle problem. If you want safe and effective results you could go for some surgical procedures only after having some consultation with your physician. There are also over-the-counter products that are available in the market.
· Surgical wrinkle treatment Surgical wrinkle treatment should be done by no other person but your doctor. No other person could do the procedures for you. You may want to have consultation before undergoing any of the following:
· Collagen injection. This is used to plump up an area of the skin and remove wrinkles. This method restores youthful look to the treated area.
· Botox injection. This is an injection involving a form of botulism being injected to the forehead area and near the eyes. This is being done to paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles in the area.
· Laser-Skin Resurfacing. This treatment is designed to remove layers of skin and improves the look of the skin by revealing the healthier, tighter skin beneath the surface.
· Plastic Surgery. This treatment is a traditional method of fighting wrinkles. It literally pulls the skin tighter to get rid of the wrinkles. The most common form of plastic surgery is removing excess skin under the eyes.
All-Natural Facial Wrinkle Treatment
One of the best ways to treat wrinkles is to do it the natural way. This natural way of treating wrinkles can be found in the garden or even in your own kitchen. Going the natural way to treat wrinkles and other skin problems are proven to be safe and effective like the drug-based medications that are prescribed by experts. The following are some example of natural products that can be used in treating wrinkles:
· Oatmeal. This food when mixed with water or milk becomes a gentle exfoliating facial mask. It does not cause irritation and it seals the moisture of the skin, thus giving it a smooth and supple look.
· Avocado. The natural oil of this fruit penetrates the skin and gets down deep where the skin needs it most. Mash some of this fruit and spread it all over the face then rinse it after 10 minutes. The result is a smooth and soft skin and reduced wrinkle lines.
· Cucumber. The extracts of this vegetable are cooling and gentle to the skin, especially the one surrounding the eyes. People use this to reduce puffiness and inflammation under the eye as well as for lightening of dark circles.
While medical procedures are proven to be effective at reducing wrinkles, many people feel that it is best to result to natural means. People are more practical now because they seek not only the advice of the experts in treating their skin problems but they go for the conventional way.
Anti Wrinkle Cream - Knowing What To Buy
US Army has Anti-Aging Projects – Next Big Future
US Army has Anti-Aging Projects - Next Big Future
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US Army has Anti-Aging Projects
Next Big Future, CA Mitochondrial insufficiency due to aging is directly correlated with reduced ATP production which in turn reduces physical and cognitive performance capabilities in humans. Highly qualified and very experienced soldiers regularly leave the Army because ... Army Looks to Keep Troops Forever Young |
Natural Organic Antiaging Skincare Foods - Best Syndication
 Best Syndication |
Natural Organic Antiaging Skincare Foods
Best Syndication, CA Antiaging! What if there were certain foods you could eat that would prevent aging. Would you do your best to consume these foods? What about foods that make you age faster? Would you avoid these foods? Taking care of your skin starts with decent ... |
Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine Offered by The American Academy ... - PR.com (press release)
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Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine Offered by The American Academy ...
PR.com (press release), NY The Aesthetic Anti-Aging Fellowship was created in recognition of the need to establish best practice standards in aesthetic medicine. The fellowship will enable medical professionals to learn the theory of aesthetic health and receive individualized ... Global Experts to Convene in Dubai for Second Anti-Aging Congress |
Americans Still Spending Money on Anti-Aging Products - NTV
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Americans Still Spending Money on Anti-Aging Products
NTV, NE Surprising results from a new survey of 1000 women show that despite the state of the economy, they are not giving up their anti-aging skin routine! In fact, many continue to spend thousands of dollars for their favorite at home treatments, ... |
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Tonic youth
Chicago Tribune, United States Very obsessed, as indicated by a proliferation of skin care products that include anti-aging claims (one in four) and the fact they have finally edged out skin cleansers to be the top facial skin care seller, according to recent data from consumer ... |
LED Lights Ineffective As Anti-Aging Tool, Testers Say - KETV.com
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LED Lights Ineffective As Anti-Aging Tool, Testers Say
KETV.com, NE ... which really bothered my eyes," said tester Angela Diegel. But testers did find some improvement with the Evis MD Facial light and the Tanda Regenerate Anti-Aging Starter Kit. Mostly, though, the devices were time-consuming, testers said. Anti-aging Skincare Review: Youthful Skin at Every Age |
What Can Be Done About Aging? Resveratrol
There are a chunk of people who are really optimistic about their living, and aren't just ready to give their lives away. In addition, people that belong to this group are constanly looking a healty substitute to make their life better, and of course healthier.
Most of us are not aware of the potential advantages of drinking red wine. However, wine is the sole reason that the french people enoy a low rate of coronary disease even though they eat a large quantity of foods with lots of calories. Couple of years ago, a French team did a research, and found out that men who were regularly taking wine, at least twice per day, were 50% less prone to a second heart attack as compared to the non-drinkers.
Previous studies done on small worm species, yeast, and fruit flies showed that compound Resveratrol which is an antioxidant originated in grapes, specially the red ones, is indeed a compound which has life extending or reducing aging qualities.
Generally red grapes are used in the production of red wines. Therefore it is now understood that drinking red wine regularly is quite good for your health in part because of resveratrol..
Lately, in a scientific study out of Italy, the antioxidant resveratrol was used to test the antiaging qualities on a variety of tropical fish. Amazing results were witnessed where the fishes lifespan was increased up to 50%.
Organic compound resveratrol, which is located in the grape skin to shield them from any disease, is hauled out from grapes though a process of making wine. The wine produced, then can act as a preservative for the extracted resveratrol, and thwarts its oxidation to help with aging wine properly and protect from toxins. This is basically the same way resveratrol benefits antiaging in the same way. Just drinking grapde juice and eating raisins for instance don't have the same effect; the later does not contain much resveratrol.
Another resveratrol review test was that the fish which was given resvy supplements as their food not only lived longer compared to other of its kind, but also resided in a livelier manner and exhibited improved memory response tests. Also, the neurons that are located in their brain were not decaying as quickly post-mortem.
Scientists have now been able to pinpoint and extract the anti-aging element in red wine so you can reap the antiaging benefits of resveratrol without the harmful effects of alcohol.
So, red wine should be considered a great source of nutrients because it can increase HDL cholesterol, prevent cancer, decreases Alzheimer's symptoms, reduces fat levels, and lowers the rish of cancer and more.
Information on How to Get Rid of Bags Under the Eyes
The first time you encounter someone, the eyes are commonly what you observe immediately about the other person. That's why many can't help but be a little annoyed when they've got baggy eyes; to the other person, they look exhausted and older than their actual age. And naturally, they want to get rid of bags under the eyes. Do you want to learn how to get rid of bags under the eyes like most people do? Of course you do, we all get them at some point in our lives.
Some people frequently interchange the terms puffy eyes and baggy eyes. While the two conditions may be similar, they do have differences. Puffy eyes are caused chiefly by fluid retention. They don't last long and compared to eye bags, they are much easier to cure. However, eye bags are mainly the result of aging. The bags under the eyes appear when the fatty tissue that borders the eyes start to droop. The fatty tissue can no longer be supported by the skin that lost its elasticity due to age. Getting bags under eyes is extremely frustrating as we can usually conclude that some of the signs of our body aging are now starting to show up.
Natural remedies used for puffy eyes could help relieve eye bag problems although the consequences are very short-lived. You can encourage good blood flow in the eye area by splashing cold water on your face when you wake up in the morning. Also try tapping softly on your lower and upper eyelids to spread out the fluids that have collected around the eyes.
You could also place a gel-filled eye mask (chilled teaspoons will do) over closed eyes for several minutes. Alternatively, you could use tea bags dampened with cold water. Tea contains tannic acid, which helps the skin become taut, as well as lessen the swelling around the eyes. It's also a good idea to use eye firming cream as it can keep the skin flexible and improve fluid drainage. By adding an appropriate eye cream with the best ingredients for puffy eyes, you can ensure improvement - in your looks and self-esteem.
Some people opt for collagen gel treatments or botox injections in order to get rid of bags under the eyes. You get eyes that look younger and more wide awake although this is only a short-lived fix.
Surgical eyelift is a permanent result to get rid of bags under the eyes. Only a surgical procedure can reverse the process of baggy eyes. Termed as blepharoplasty, this an operation uses laser for reshaping the lower and upper eyelids by taking out the excess skin and fatty tissue from the eye area.
Blepharoplasty is a more expensive option to get rid of bags under the eyes and it is not ordinarily paid for by insurance. The only instance when blepharoplasty will be covered by insurance is if an ophthalmologist diagnoses that your vision is severely impaired by your sagging eye bags and that the surgery is the only way it can be corrected. It's a good idea to speak with your physician to see if blepharoplasty is the right option to get rid of bags under your eyes.
Resveratrol Basics
This article goes through the basic information on resveratrol and trans-resveratrol. If you have never heard of resveratrol before this is a great place for you to start.
Resveratrol: What Is It?
Resveratrol or trans-resveratrol as it is sometimes called, is a phytoalexin which is naturally produced by a variety of plants when under attack by pathogens like bacteria or fungi. Resveratrol is also produced through chemical synthesis from Japanese knotweed. Resveratrol has also been discovered in the skin of red grapes and is also a constituent of red wine.
Where is resveratrol naturally found?
The Resveratrol comes two main sources: the skin of red wine grapes and from japanese knotweed. Advances in scientific processes now allow resveratrol to be syntheticaly created and it can be extracted from natural sources too.
Resveratrol one big scam?
Like so many things, there are a large number of products that are marketed falsely but resveratrol is widely accepted element that produces winderful results for humans in the proper aounts. And there are companies that provide a good product well worth the price.
Why do so many different tv shows talk about the anti-aging effects of resveratrol?
The reason for all the discussion surrounding resveratrol and anti-aging is that there have been several scientific studies that have suggested that resveratrol energizes a set of genes that slow the aging process among other things. Read more…
Why can’t I just start drinking lots of red wine instead of taking capsules?
Well, you certainly can drink red wine, and that would be great, but only because red wine is quite tasty, not because you will be able to ingest large enough amounts of resveratrol. Red wine does not have much concentrated resveratrol. When you compare resveratrol in supplement form with resveratrol in red wine you find that you would need to drink at least several bottles per day to get a similar amount.
CosMedix Skin Care and Peels
The Cosmedix philosophy is based around the principle that inflammation is the core cause of all skin conditions. Traditional skin care lines have used ingredients that create inflammation. Cosmedix have taken it a step further by not only removing the irritants but making the active ingredients less irritating as well. The process is called Chiral correction. This process has won a Nobel Prize, it is one of the top brands in North America and Australia, one of the very few approved by the FDA.
Cosmedix innovative, non traumatic peels succeed by stimulating gentle healthy change deep in the dermis (skin) to create a beautiful renewed complexion. You can achieve maximum results with minimum down time. A CosMedix peel regenerates the skin. Traditional chemical peels consist of chemical solutions applied to the skin which result in flakes or blisters that eventually peel off. This painful old technology destroys healthy tissue forcing the body to heal itself again. CosMedix Chirally correct peels are associated with better ingredients less downtime and fewer side effects. Safe enough to be repeated bi-monthly if needed and require no anaesthetic.
CosMedix Peels can be used to treat:
ACNE, AGING SKIN, DULL WEATHERED SKIN, EXCESSIVE SEBATIC OILS, ACNE SCARRING, BLACKHEADS AND WHITEHEADS, BLOTCHY PIGMENTATION, STRETCH MARKS, SUN SPOTS, DARK SKIN DISCOLOURATION, AND WRINKLES.
Cosmedix offer correct peels categorised as “today’s peels” and “tomorrow peels”.
Cosmedix Today’s Peels: can be used without any prior skin preparation.
CosMedix Purity Peel for acne, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, clears the skin of acne, controls sebaceous activity, reduces inflammation and exfoliates.
Cosmedix Benefit Peel for - acne, aging, gentle enough for rosacea and hypersensitive.
It delivers a blend of nourishing and stimulating ingredientsinto skin layers. The best all round peel for all skin types and conditions.
Cosmedix Blueberry Smoothie for - oily, acned skin, also effective for sun damaged skin.
Invigorates and exfoliates the skin with the use of gentle acid and active blueberry extracts.
CosMedix Pomegranate Peel for - Hyperpigmentation and sun damage.
Supports the life of healthy cells and infuses skin with antioxidants to prevent free radical damage.
CosMedix Blueberry Jessner Peel for - acnes, mature and aging skin, hyperpigmentation.
An acne drying treatment that reduces fine lines and improves the appearance of mature skin. It also modifies and lightens epidermal pigmentary disorders.
CosMedix Tomorrow’s Peels: need 10 to 30 days advanced skin preparation.
CosMedix Deep Sea Peel for - Hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, acne, mild acne scarring, sun damage, premature aging. Relies on the healing power of the ocean to stimulate deeper cellular turnover and generate collegen.
CosMedix Timeless Peel for - Hyperpigmentation, acne, acne scarring, premature aging.
This peel dramatically reduces the visible signs of aging, contains 30% Chirally corrected L-retinol A to generate immense skin composition and elasticity.
The importance of good skin nutrition combined with a good skin care routine. You will always get advice for your diet and lifestyle when treating your skin with Cosmedix. A few healthy changes will make your treatments and their results last a life time.
Removing toxins and bringing balance to your diet, you will achieve a healthy restored glow to your skin. Not many people realise that acne is often cause by an impaired digestive function and colon problems. Cosmedix have a range of products designed to treat these problems and remove the build up of toxins as well as normalising the body’s pH levels.
Cosmedix cruelty-free product do not contain any of the following:
• Glycolic Acid
• Fragrance
• Dyes
• Mineral Oil
• Parabens
• Benzoyl peroxide
A Cosmedix treatment is a life style change not just a quick fix. Your treatment will be designed for you individually. With step by step instructions and good advice. Start by completing a life style and health questionnaire, have a discussion about your skin care goals, and have a skin evaluation, followed by a treatment and if needed plan for future treatments.
Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine Offered by The American Academy … – PR.com (press release)
Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine Offered by The American Academy ... - PR.com (press release)
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Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine Offered by The American Academy ...
PR.com (press release), NY The Aesthetic Anti-Aging Fellowship was created in recognition of the need to establish best practice standards in aesthetic medicine. The fellowship will enable medical professionals to learn the theory of aesthetic health and receive individualized ... Global Experts to Convene in Dubai for Second Anti-Aging Congress |
Americans Still Spending Money on Anti-Aging Products - NTV
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Americans Still Spending Money on Anti-Aging Products
NTV, NE Surprising results from a new survey of 1000 women show that despite the state of the economy, they are not giving up their anti-aging skin routine! In fact, many continue to spend thousands of dollars for their favorite at home treatments, ... How to stop worrying about aging |
Natural Organic Antiaging Skincare Foods - Best Syndication
Best Syndication |
Natural Organic Antiaging Skincare Foods
Best Syndication, CA Antiaging! What if there were certain foods you could eat that would prevent aging. Would you do your best to consume these foods? What about foods that make you age faster? Would you avoid these foods? Taking care of your skin starts with decent ... |
Use creams and serums instead of botox to stay forever young - Chicago Sun-Times
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Use creams and serums instead of botox to stay forever young
Chicago Sun-Times, United States But there are plenty of lower-cost products, and other anti-aging alternatives that we'll show you next week in Part 2. The main thing to remember is to ask for samples before purchasing. Then do some researching for readers' reviews on the Web. ... |
The Gum Disease-Heart Health Connection - Stop Aging Now
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The Gum Disease-Heart Health Connection
Stop Aging Now, DC The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Maintaining good oral health will help you keep your smile intact as well as your health. Good oral hygiene, regular check-ups and getting optimal nutrition can save your teeth and your life. |
Info on How to Get Rid of Dark Circles
It can be embarrassing to be out in public with dark circles around the eyes. Know that these dark eye circles are more than a simple discoloration of the skin. They are in reality bloated tiny capillary vessels that are noticeable through the fragile layer of skin surrounding the eyes. A number of things can cause the appearance of those dark circles, but the good news is that you can do something to prevent those dark circles. Here are a number of tips on how to get rid of dark circles: Applying these tips on how to get rid of dark circles will get you back to feeling young and confident again!
1. Don't try to rub your eyes. It's easier said than done, however, especially when your eyes are itching or irritated. If you can do it, though, keep from rubbing your eyes. Rubbing will irritate your eyes more and bruise or break the minute capillaries beneath the skin, and result into those unattractive dark circles.
2. Another practical tip on how to get rid of dark circles around your eyes is to get adequate rest and sleep nightly. Your blood circulation slows down when you're burned-out and not able to get adequate sleep and as a result, your skin will turn pale. Those dark circles become even more visible on pale skin.
3. Eat healthy and keep your body well-hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. Dark circles under your eyes can also be due to vitamin deficiencies so eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
4. Do you smoke? Here's an effective way on how to get rid of dark circles: stop smoking. Smoking has been found to lead to a number of vascular problems, making the tiny capillary vessels in the surrounding area of the eyes to look darker and bluer under the skin. In addition, nicotine can cause damage to your skin and hasten the aging process. If you can kick the habit, we can pretty much promise you'll struggle with dark circle issues less.
5. If the discoloration under your eyes is due to allergic reactions, identify the allergens and stay away from them. Seasonal allergies can be treated with over-the-counter medications, and you can also ask your doctor to prescribe a stronger medicine for you or give you an allergy shot.
6. Start an eye skin care routine that includes using eye cream that has vitamin K and retinol. Those dark circles can be an indication that you are deficient in vitamin K. Research studies reported noteworthy improvements in the puffiness and discoloration of many patients that used skin creams with these two ingredients. You may need to use an eye cream every day and for a longer period if you want results. But, nevertheless, using an eye cream specifically designed with ingredients for dark circles under eyes, you'll be able to see the difference in a few short weeks.
7. If the above tips on how to get rid of dark circles fail, you can camouflage the dark circles with makeup. Apply a yellow or peach-tone concealer on the dark circles. Don't use a pink-tone concealer because it will only make those dark circles more pronounced. Make sure to dust your concealer with translucent powder.
The Dance of the Free Radicals and Antioxidants
These days the catch word in the health and wellness industry is the often-heard antioxidant term. It probably sounds like “antioxidants for your health, for longevity and anti aging, for living healthy lives”. But do you know what these antioxidants are? How they work? Logical conjecture would most likely lead you to conclude that antioxidants combat “oxidants” in the body. But how do they work? What is the antioxidant oxidant battle really about? Let’s delve deeper into cell oxidation and free radicals.
It’s interesting to note that the entire issue of cell “health” in the body really boils down to bioelectric imbalances. And this imbalanced cell degradation usually happens at the time of energy production by the cells. Atoms or molecules in our bodies that somehow lose an electron become unstable, making them a free radical, or an “oxidant”. They will then try to take another electron from its immediate surrounding in an attempt to stabilize again. In doing so it has made the nearby molecule also unstable, or a free radical. It too will search to replace its missing electron by doing the same thing. The free radical action becomes a chain reaction. This reaction leaves cellular damage in its wake, causing the aging of a cell and in extreme cases, a cancerous cell.
Free radicals tend to be derived from the oxygen molecule because it has a higher tendency to lose an electron. It is a paradoxical molecule because we need it to survive and metabolize food into energy. But when it becomes a “reactive oxygen species” it creates cellular damage in its wake.
About 5% of the energy produced by the mitochondria in our cells is turned into free radical oxygen molecules. The mitochondria are our bodies’ energy factories. They take the nutrients from food and create water and energy in our bodies. Unfortunately, they are also a source of free radical creation. The other source or cause of free radicals in the body is when there is any kind of trauma happening upon the body such as an infection.
It’s amazing how such an integral molecule for our survival, can also be a harbinger of cell destruction. But nature has substances that counteract the damaging effect of free radicals. These are the antioxidants. These compounds can come from our diet or can be ready made by our own bodies. They can be vitamins, enzymes or amino acids.
Free radical damage to the cell is very complex. Scientists at first believed that free radicals damaged the cells by attacking the nucleus. It was discovered later that the damaged began initially at the lipid filled cell wall. The free radical destabilizes the oxygen in the cell wall creating oxidized fat. This fat then proceeds to attach the interior of the cell and the DNA through proinflammatory chemicals that keep on being propagated through the chain reaction of free radicals. Free radicals cause cell inflammation that in turn causes aging of the cell. Antioxidants can stop free radicals before they even reach the cell membrane, minimizing cell inflammation.
Enter the Anti Oxidants
Most of the antioxidants needed to stop free radical damage can be found in specific nutritional foods. But the human body also makes its own defense against free radicals.
The main antioxidant created by the human cells is called Glutathione. It is released by the cells when there’s a free radical attack. It is a tripeptide consisting of 3 different amino acids. These are glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It is considered to be the “Master Antioxidant”. It detoxifies at the cellular level, and it also boosts the immune system.
When cells undergo too much inflammation and oxidation, the body’s levels of Glutathione are used and then depleted to de-oxify the free radicals that caused the cell inflammation. Glutathione is made in the body by the cells. There are natural substances in the form of supplements that you can take to increase Glutathione production. There are also a few pharmaceuticals that can also help create it. This antioxidant is the most powerful created by humans, so it is beneficial to increase its production.
Increasing Glutahione production the natural way really simply involves eating the right vegetables. These vegetables contain high concentrations of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) which increase Glutathione production in the cells. The vegetables that contain ALA are tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, rice bran, peas, cauliflower, kale, bok choi, cress, mustard, horse radish, avocados, red beets, rosemary, grape seed extract, bilberry extract, and pine bark (which has Pycnogenols), and turmeric.
Supplements to also improve the production of Glutathione are B vitamins, and Dimethylglycine or DMG for short.
Other Antioxidants
There are many different substances in food that offer antioxidant protection. Some of these by name are cartenoids, xanthophylls, flavonoids, flavon-3-ols, catechins, resveratrol, indoles, glucosinolates, omega 3 fatty acids. Even some vitamins and chemicals are considered antioxidants such as vitamin E, sulfur, and vitamins A, C, B and D. The list goes on and it would be quite a long article to go into all of them.
In conclusion, all anti oxidants have three things in common. One-They are more attractive to free radicals than the surrounding tissue so that the free radical can be contained and diffused before they damage the cell. Two- They have to be non toxic to the body. Three- They have to be able to be fat soluble in order to be able to penetrate the cell plasma membrane, and be able to stop any damage of it. The free radical damage begins at the cell plasma membrane and it triggers damage from there to the entire cell.