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Beauty-Inside and Out
by author Cindy Mortimer

Beauty doesn’t have to come at the cost of a surgeon’s scalpel. There are healthy strategies that keep you feeling good, and the natural outcome of feeling good is looking good–no matter what your age.

Speaking to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in 2002, Dr. Karen E. Burke stated that antioxidants, such as selenium and vitamins A and C, were the most effective elements in fighting sun damage to the skin. Some of the best sources of selenium, a mineral that helps preserve skin elasticity and protects the body against skin cancer, are seafood, garlic, and eggs.

The AAD (2002) maintains that vitamin C not only repairs sun damage, but also slows the effects of aging on the skin. Food sources high in vitamin C are citrus fruits and vegetables such as broccoli.

Dr. Burke also reported that supplementation with natural vitamin E reduces wrinkles and improves skin texture. Important sources of Vitamin E include vegetable oils, grains, nuts, dairy products, and meats.

Dealing with Dreaded Cellulite

There is no easy way to get rid of cellulite. Dermatologist Dr. Mitchel Goldman stresses that cellulite is simply one way many women naturally store fat. He reports that cremes and mechanical massage, so far, have not been found to be successful in eliminating the lumpy tissue. What does seem to be effective is diet and exercise.

Says Dr. Goldman, “If someone loses a lot of weight and exercises regularly to tone up, this person would likely find an improvement in cellulite.”

Comparing Apples and Pears

According to Dr. Marie Savard, a woman’s body shape can determine her approach to health maintenance. In her article, “Five Tips for Harnessing the Power of Body Shape” (witi.com), Dr. Savard describes two different body shapes: the apple and the pear.

Apple-shaped individuals tend to have a greater risk of heart disease, diabetes, and breast and endometrial cancers. For apples, Dr. Savard recommends a diet containing moderate amounts of healthy fats (olive or canola oil) and fibre-rich complex carbohydrate(whole grain bread, brown rice and pasta, fruit and vegetables).

Pear-shaped women store body fat mainly on their hips and thighs, whereas apple-shaped women tend to gain weight higher on their torsos. Pear-shaped individuals run a greater risk of osteoporosis, varicose veins, and emotional problems. Dr. Savard recommends that pear-shaped women follow a low-fat diet that is rich in calcium and low in salt.

Eating well, exercising, and taking the right supplements help promote a healthy body–and a healthy look. Why not be beautiful inside and out?

Herbs: The Power in Your Beauty Products

Aloe: anti-inflammatory, cleanser, natural healer, and moisturizer

Camomile: anti-inflammatory, astringent, calmative, cleanser, healing properties, and moisturizer

Eucalyptus: astringent, cleanser

Ginseng: astringent, calmative, cleanser

Goldenseal: astringent, healing properties

Horsetail: astringent, calmative, cleanser, healing properties

Lavender: anti-inflammatory, astringent, calmative, cleanser, natural healer, and moisturizer

Nettle: astringent

Sage: calmative, cleanser, natural healer, moisturizer, softener

Witch hazel: anti-inflammatory, astringent, cleanser, healing properties, softener

Cindy Mortimer is a kinesiologist living in Toronto.

Source: alive #288, October 2006

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Dean Ornish is a high-profile name where alternative medicine is concerned. A 30-year veteran of North America's controversial diet wars, Ornish is consistently lauded by the scientific community for his work in reversing heart disease and other illnesses through dietary and lifestyle changes.
Mineral Ascorbates
Burgeoning rates of geriatric conditions such as osteoporosis have sparked an interest in mineral supplements and their absorption rates. But which mineral forms are best, and how do we get the most bang for our buck from mineral supplements?
Cheap Winter Thrills
With the bracing chill of winter in the air and several inches of inviting fresh powder on your local ski hill, global warming may seem like a distant memory. Unfortunately, cashing in your paycheque for shiny new winter sports equipment won't stop those polar ice caps from melting.
New Year's Workout
Change is one of those words that often evokes powerful emotions, both scary and exciting, all at once. Change can mean different things to different people, but come New Year's, the number-one change that most people try to implement in their lives is better health and fitness.
Feed Your Skin, Starve Your Wrinkles
Allison Tannis is well on her way to becoming a household name among healthy Canadians. With a background in nutraceuticals (food with medicinal benefits), Tannis is also a dynamic educator and author.
This Might Save Your Life
"I'm going to call an ambulance, I told my patient, a woman in her early 50s. She knew that something was wrong, but I knew she wasn't convinced that her symptoms were serious. Most women, and many men, aren't aware of the more subtle signs of a heart attack.
Fertility
You've been trying and trying, but your dream of having a child just hasn't come true. Along with the longing to hold your own little one in your arms come some nagging questions.
Varicose Veins
I was sitting and chatting with my friend Tania, when she suddenly interrupted me. "You shouldn't sit like that you know, she said, pointing at my crossed legs. "You're going to give yourself varicose veins.
Let’s Talk About SEX...
We can talk about sex, but with increased rates of low libido, are people actually “doing it”?
Roll Safely
The sun is shining and the kids run outside to play. They joyfully grab their bikes, scooters, skateboards, or in-line skates without a care in the world, and they’re off. Kids are so excited about moving that they don’t think about staying safe.
Age-defying antioxidants
Though aging may be inevitable, how we age depends on how we treat our bodies and our skin. With proper care and nourishment, skin can remain healthy and beautiful well into the later years.
Get Active!
Here is a simple guide to help you get and stay on the exercise track so that you can reap the many benefits of physical activity.
Complexion Tips
It’s true: we really are what we eat! Grab a fork and let’s dig into five foods that can brighten any complexion.
Vacation Without the Spread
Vacations are often a time to kick back, soak up the rays, and unfortunately, sometimes gain weight. When you’re on a tropical cruise or frolicking between cafés in Provence, it’s much too easy to forget about your commitment to a healthy lifestyle and just give in to your new surroundings.
Overcoming common barriers to getting active
Sometimes the reasons people cite for being inactive are just excuses, but research also tells us that there are barriers to physical activity that many of us face across the country.
Man alive—and kicking!
While we may be able to point out our Achilles tendon, we may not know where our Achilles heel is. A slight vulnerability—an inflexible shoulder or bad posture at our desk—could lead to injury. The key to prevention, and to successful recovery, is identifying our weaknesses and accepting that none of us is invincible.
30 days to a new you
One month may seem like a short amount of time, but there’s much you can do for your health in just four short weeks. Take 30 days to change your life—and improve your health—by trying something new.

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