Archive for January 6th, 2010
The Truth about Milk Thistle Side Effects
Let me tell you a quick story. No milk thistle side effects have yet to be reported in clinical studies. Something negative could come up in the future, but it is not likely to. The seeds of the plant have been used for hundreds, if not thousands of years as liver tonics.
A 2000 review published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality concluded that the effectiveness of the plant extract for protecting the cells of the liver or treating liver diseases had not been “clearly established”. In 2005, the Cochrane research group reported that more good quality clinical trials were needed.
For doctors treating patients with hepatitis C or other diseases that do not respond well to drugs, waiting for more trials is not an option. Their patients could be dead from liver failure by the time the studies were completed.
The active components of the seeds have been identified. Silymarin is the major component. It contains a number of different metabolites, including Silibinin.
In laboratory, animal studies and a number of small clinical trials, silymarin or Silibinin has been shown to have anti-viral, anti-oxidant and liver-protective activity. Good results have been seen in the treatment of gallbladder disease, cirrhosis and jaundice, as well as hepatitis.
So, there are no negative milk thistle side effects, but there may be positive ones. For example, the health and appearance of the skin may improve.
The antioxidant activity of other plants has been investigated for the ability to protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by exposure to sunlight. Although silymarin has yet to be used in these studies, other antioxidants have proven beneficial.
Antioxidants may not be the proverbial fountain of youth, but it does seem that keeping the body’s antioxidant status high is a good choice, if you want to live a long healthy life.
If you experience any negative milk thistle side effects, you should look at the quality of the supplement you have been taking. It could contain the roots, stems or flowers of the plant or the entire plant ground up.
The plants are cultivated in several parts of Europe, specifically for use in the supplement industry. But, not all supplements contain the European variety.
Regulations concerning the use of toxic pesticides and herbicides have been in place in Europe for quite some time. Regulations in the US have yet to catch up. So, if you experience negative milk thistle side effects, it could be because of pesticide or herbicide residue.
The things that you should notice are higher energy levels and better looking skin. Your doctor would need to evaluate other health benefits. If you are suffering from a liver disease, it is important to discuss the supplements that you take with your doctor. Because of the beneficial effect on the liver, the extract can inhibit the activity of certain drugs.
Now you know. Most drugs are metabolized by the liver and are recognized as toxins. Since, the positive milk thistle side effects are to protect against toxins, they interfere with drug metabolism. So, be cautious and be well.
You can learn more insights by visiting my web site and discovering more natural ingredients I personally use daily.
Laurel is a long time user and passionate advocate of natural skin care products. Visit her site now to discover cutting edge, anti-aging skin care products she recommends after extensive research: . Article Source:
Learn about Milk Thistle Silymarin Content
Did you know the milk thistle silymarin content varies from one seed to the next? So, logically, the concentration present in the extracts varies. Since it is the active component of the seeds, it is important to find out what concentration is present in the supplement you are about to take.
Manufacturers have different standards for measuring the concentration of active components. Some of them take an average. Others measure the minimum amount that will be present and include that figure on the label. So, it is important to find out what standard the manufacturer uses for measuring.
In the better supplements, 65-85% of the total is silymarins. There are a number of different silymarins, including Silibinin A and B. In vitro studies, animal research and a few clinical trials indicate that silymarins have properties that protect the liver from toxins.
There are many toxins in the environment. Heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides are among the ones that we cannot always avoid. Alcohol and drugs are among the ones that we can avoid, if we try.
There are beneficial effects of alcohol and drugs, when used in moderation or under a doctor’s supervision. But, even when they are used correctly, they can cause damage to the cells of the liver. The milk thistle silymarin component can help protect against that damage.
Some of the clinical trials were done to see if the extracts could protect against damage done to the organs by chemotherapy. The side effects caused by chemotherapy can be as disabling as the cancer, itself.
In the trials, researchers found that extract did protect the organs from damage and actually helped to fight the cancer. Some researchers are calling it a promising new cancer treatment, but there is more research to be done, before the mainstream medical community will accept the findings. There’s no doubt about that.
In addition to investigating the milk thistle silymarin content, before you , it is important to learn about the bioavailability of the supplement. Silymarins have low bioavailability when taken orally, according to researchers. To me and you, that means that very little of the active compound makes it to the bloodstream.
Research has shown that co-supplementation with other nutrients, lecithin, for example, increases the absorption of the silymarins by tenfold. Some manufacturers post information about the bioavailability of their supplements on their websites.
If you are interested in milk thistle silymarin benefits, you might also be interested in things that you can do to protect the health of your liver. One is to avoid skincare products containing toxins.
As you may be aware, toxins can penetrate through the skin and enter the bloodstream. It is the liver’s responsibility to clear those toxins from the blood, which means they can begin to build up in the liver over time.
There are many toxins found in skincare products, including the supposedly natural ones. Your best bet is to look at the ingredients carefully and then do your own research.
Make no mistake about it. With the right milk thistle silymarin concentration and the avoidance of toxins, you should be able to keep your liver and other bodily organs in good shape for life.
You can learn more insights by visiting my web site and discovering more natural ingredients I personally use daily.
Laurel is a long time user and passionate advocate of natural skin care products. Visit her site now to discover cutting edge, anti-aging skin care products she recommends after extensive research: . Article Source:
Discover Many Milk Thistle Uses
Here’s a quick look at the milk thistle uses. You may be surprised by how many there actually are. But, it is not unusual for a plant extract to be accompanied by so many benefits.
The active components of this plant are called silymarins. Silibinin is the term sometimes used by researchers. It is a complex compound that is partly flavonoid and partly lignans.
Flavonoids are best known for their antioxidant activity. Collectively, they are sometimes referred to as vitamin P, but they include a wide range of micronutrients, such as quercetin, rutin, catechins, hesperidin and resveratrol. They are responsible for the plants flavor and partially responsible for the color.
Lignans are antioxidants, too. They belong to a group called phytoestrogens, literally plant estrogens. Research indicates that phytoestrogens are beneficial for reducing menopausal symptoms.
Helping to correct hormonal imbalances is one of the milk thistle uses. For a woman going through menopause, that could mean a reduction in symptoms ranging from hot flashes to constipation. For someone suffering from PMS, it could mean improved mood throughout the month. There is also reason to believe that phytoestrogens may help protect against the increased risk of heart disease that is found in post-menopausal women.
Phytoestrogens and flavonoids may be beneficial for the skin’s health and appearance for a number of reasons. The causes of wrinkles and an aged appearance include decreased collagen production and free radical damage. Antioxidants and other nutrients have been shown to stimulate collagen production and repair free radical damage.
In post-menopausal female alopecia or hair loss, decreased estrogen production is believed to play a role. Increased phytoestrogen intake may help to prevent or even reverse the hair loss.
Flavonoids have been the subject of numerous studies, because they have the ability to modify the body’s reactions to allergens, viruses and carcinogens. This expands the milk thistle uses to include anti-allergen, anti-viral and anti-cancer.
It is hoped that increased intake of dietary flavonoids will reduce a person’s risk of heart disease and cancer. So, we may feel better for life and look better, too, if only we eat a few more plant foods.
But, to be honest, it is not always possible to get much of the active flavonoids or lignans by eating the natural foodstuff. That’s why we have dietary supplements. They don’t take the place of a healthy diet. They complement it and provide an added bit of insurance.
The best known milk thistle uses are to protect the liver from toxins. The seeds have been used as a liver tonic for centuries. The ability to extract the active components and concentrate them has made them even more beneficial. The seeds are tiny. So, you wouldn’t get much silymarin from one or two little seeds.
All of the benefits mentioned here are dependent upon the quality of the supplement. If the manufacturer makes every effort to provide the highest quality, then you should see the benefits.
Now, that you know a little more about the milk thistle uses, you might also want to learn about choosing healthy supplements and good skincare products.
To learn more about unique ingredients for healthy skin, and other incredible substances you’ve probably never heard of, visit my website today.
Laurel is a long time user and passionate advocate of natural skin care products. Visit her site now to discover cutting edge, anti-aging skin care products she recommends after extensive research: . Article Source:
Oily Skin Care – Five Simple Tips to Take Care of Your Skin
This article, as you can easily guess, talks about oily skin care. If you have oily skin and wondering how you can take care of it, this article is a must-read for you. I am going to give you some simple yet effective tips on how to take care of your skin properly.
The biggest misconception about oily skin is that a lot of people actually think that they need to get rid of the oil on their skin surface completely. So, they use oily skincare products that contain harsh chemicals which make their skin dry. If used regularly, such products could damage the skin badly and lead to aging skin problems. So, what do you need to do? Let me tell you.
- Stop using soap. It removes the essential moisture from your skin and dries your skin excessively. Dry skin, according to dermatologists, is just as bad as oily skin. So, avoid soap and use a mild cleanser which can gently cleanse your skin while retaining the essential moisture.
- Avoid using oily skincare products that contain alcohols or mineral oil. Alcohol tends to dry your skin and irritate your skin. Mineral oil, on the other hand, tends to strip the natural oils from your skin and make you vulnerable to premature aging.
- Avoid taking showers in hot water as it tends to dry your skin. Instead, shower and bathe in tepid water. Wash your face at least twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Avoid eating too much fast food and eat a well balanced diet. Exercise regularly. These are some of the simple things you can do to improve your skin condition.
- Go for oily skin care products that contain kaolin, a special type of green clay found in New Zealand. It is known for its balancing effect on the skin. It gently absorbs the excess oil, grime, and dirt while retaining the essential moisture to keep your skin soft and supple.
- Use organic oily skincare products that contain natural emollients like Crodamol OP and maracuja. These substances can soothe your skin and make it soft and supple without clogging the pores. Using such a product regularly can improve your skin condition considerably.
And that brings me to the end of this article folks. I hope it gave you a good idea of oily skin care. So, follow the tips mentioned in the article and take good care of your skin.
You do not need to be bogged down by aging skin. There are effective natural ingredient solutions for your wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots and eyes bags. Linda Lee has been a practitioner of anti-aging methodologies since 2005. Read more about what she shares at her website: . Article Source:
Fall Skin Care – 3 Things You Should Have
The fall season is especially critical for your skin. This is because the low humidity levels and chilly winds pull out moisture from the skin and leave it dry and parched. Therefore, it is important to use quality skin care products and take very good care of your skin.
Here are some essential skin care products that will help you beat the drying effects of the fall season and make sure that your skin remains healthy and flawless.
Facial Scrub
Exfoliation is absolutely essential during the fall season to scrub off the dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface and reveal the new, healthy skin cells from underneath. Regular exfoliation keeps the cell regeneration process in check and accelerates the cell turnover. Also, the active ingredients of other skin care products are able to penetrate better. Eventually, it refines the skin tone and makes the skin smooth and supple. Try Skin Care Heaven Anti-Aging Exfoliating Scrub. This scrub releases energy in the form of heat to rejuvenate while exfoliating the skin. This scrub contains green and white tea to produce powerful antioxidants into the skin while helping to correct sun damage. This is an all-in-one cleanser and scrub that helps to improve mature and dehydrated skin.
You can use Obagi Nu Derm Exfoderm Forte, an amazing exfoliating lotion that contains alpha-hydroxy acids in a special base that smoothes and tones damaged skin. It is ideal for normal to oily skin. People with dry skin can use Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm that uses phytic acid.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are great skin care ingredients that neutralize the damage caused by free radicals. In addition, they also prevent against UV rays of the sun and pollution. Green tea is a great source of antioxidants. Use Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser. It is great for all skin types, even very sensitive Skin! It a gentle foaming cleanser with green tea extract to soothe the skin. Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser cleans the skin without ripping away essential nutrients. Also try Skin Care Heaven Green Tea Soothing Serum. It reduces the signs of fine lines, wrinkles and pore size. This Product contains green tea and caffeine which are both high in antioxidants. The caffeine enhances the antioxidant properties of the green tea making this product anti-aging and anti-inflammatory.
Anti-Aging Skin Care Products
In order to prevent and delay the signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines, sagging skin and age spots, you need to start using anti aging products. With age, the collagen and elastin fibers within the skin cells deplete as a result of which the skin starts to sag. Anti aging skin care products contain powerful ingredients that help to stimulate collagen production within skin cells. Try Kinerase Brightening Anti-Aging System. It helps with reducing wrinkles, evening skin tone removing age spots and reducing acne scarring leaving your skin luminous and refreshed.
In order to compensate for the lack of moisture, it is important to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. Follow a diligent skin care regimen and make sure your skin remains healthy and flawless throughout the fall season.
Naomi Andrews is an eminent esthetician and skin care professional. She ran a medical spa in Maui for almost 3 years before she shifted to San Diego. She has developed valuable knowledge about skin care including and . Article Source:
Skin Care Without Skin Care Products – In 6 Easy Ways
Skin care is an essential part of your daily routine that helps keep your skin healthy and flawless. However, skin care can often get expensive as you use specialized skin care products to address your skin concerns. So, here are some no-cost tips that will help you treat your skin without having to splurge on expensive skin care products.
Steam your Face
Steam opens up the skin pores and helps to flush out toxins and blackheads from within. It also increases circulation and helps in the deep cleansing of the skin. Just boil some water over the stove and transfer the contents in a large bowl. Then hold your face against over it for about 5-7 minutes. You can also cover your head with a towel in order to prevent steam from escaping. Steaming your face also helps the skin absorb the active ingredients of the products more effectively.
Massage your Facial Muscles
While applying your skin care products, make sure you massage your face for a couple of minutes daily. Not only is it relaxing but it also improves the circulation, stimulates tissues and releases facial tension. As a result, your skin appears more plump and supple.
Apply Moisturizer on Damp Skin
Before applying moisturizer, make sure you wet your face. This is because moist skin absorbs moisturizers better. Just splashing some water on your skin makes a huge difference to the results delivered by your moisturizer. Remember to use a suitable moisturizer as per the season. For winter, use rich creamy moisturizers like Skin Care Heaven Green Tea Soothing Cream while in the summer shift to something light and oil-free like Skin Care Heaven Anti-oxidant Oil-Free Moisturizer.
Exfoliate your Lips
Exfoliating your face is not enough. Your lips need some care too. Just take a little bit of your scrub and rub it over your lips as well. But take care what product you use. Certain scrubs can be quite harsh on your skin. Use something like the Skin Care Heaven Anti-Aging Exfoliating Scrub. It contains green and white tea to produce powerful antioxidants into the skin while helping to correct sun damage. It can used on the skin as well as on the lips. Or else, you can use your toothbrush to brush away the dead skin cells on your lips. However, don’t forget to follow up with a good lip balm.
Cleanse your Face Twice a Day
This step should never be overlooked. Cleanse your face at least twice a day – once in the morning and once at night. Women with oily skin can cleanse once in the afternoon as well to control the oiliness of the skin. For this, it is advisable to invest in a good cleanser. Select a cleanser that contains potent ingredients that remove all the dirt, debris and dead skin cells from within the pores without leaving your skin dry.
Use Warm (Not Hot) Water
remember to turn down the heat in your shower while taking bath, hot water showers may feel good but the hot water removes moisture from the skin and leaves it dry. Therefore, keep the water lukewarm and apply a rich moisturizing lotion immediately after you get out of the shower. Try Kinerase Daily Defense Lotion with SPF 30. It not only moisturizes the skin but also protects against any sub damage. It contains an active ingredient called Kinetin which helps to improve the texture and tone of the skin along with improving fine line and wrinkles.
Naomi Andrews is a professional esthetician and has worked with several spas and medical spas. She believes that skin care doesnt necessarily have to be an expensive affair and suggests and to women. Article Source:
It is Possible to be Acne Free Forever
Maybe you already know me. I do not give advice about everything found out there. The question is: Do you or someone else you know suffer from Acne and have those ugly pimples in the face?
Have you spent hundreds of dollars along your life using cosmetic products without getting rid of the problem? The definitive cure is in a book!
Read on and take your own conclusions. I am so sure that you will be in joy!
Acne is defined as a skin disease that involves the hair and oil glands. It is characterised by pimples, black/white heads, reddishness and cysts. Face acne can spoil your appearance to a great extent and body acne can really ruin your day by making you very uncomfortable.
Acne is a menace. However, it’s not something that cannot be tackled. There are loads of acne skin care products around. We can classify acne skin care products into 3 broad categories:
- Preventive or general acne skin care products
- Over-the-counter, specialised acne skin care products
- On-prescription acne skin care products.
The general acne skin care products are the ones that are used as acne-prevention measure. These include cleansers, make-up removers and similar products that help prevent acne. In the real sense, these products are just those that should anyway be part of your daily routine.
Then there are specialised acne skin care products that are available over-the-counter i.e. without the need of a prescription. These include products like vanishing creams which extract the extra oil from the skin. Most of these acne skin care products are based on benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, both of which are the enemies of bacteria (and hence acne).
On-prescription acne skin care products are the ones that are prescribed by a dermatologist. This can include ointments that can be applied on the affected area or oral antibiotics or just any topical treatment. Dermatologist could also suggest a minor surgical procedure to remove the contents of pustules. However, never try to squeeze or do this by yourself, it can lead to permanent damage of your skin. Your doctor could also prescribe a hormone-based treatment (since hormonal changes are also known to cause acne). Such acne skin care products are known to be very effective in some cases.
So, with all those acne skin care products, tackling acne is not that difficult.
As you can see all the three categories explained above seem to be expensive enough to take into account a cheaper but yet effective way to get rid of acne forever.
Learn How to Eliminate Acne FOREVER. This easy-to-read E-book Will Give you all the medical
treatment necessary (at home) to get rid of those spots in your face. Imagine not having those pimples anymore!!
Imagine having that clean face, with that fresh looking and being admired by everybody!
Yes, You Have The Key To Change The Way You Look And Feel About Yourself…Right Now
I definitely assure you that you will get answers to this common questions:
- Get rid of acne
- Acne cure
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- How to clear acne
You will get these immediate benefits:
- Your face will change in few days
- You will Look better
- You will Have more confidence
- You will attract sights wherever you go
- You will rejuvenate your spirit
- You will have a clean and beautiful skin
I so confident you will contact me again to tell me your experiences.
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Jose Vasquez is a Maintenance Engineer and specialist in statistic studies for large engines. He writes articles about several topics like health, latest news, science and technology, movies reviews. The link related to this article is: Article Source:
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