Nutrition for Back Pain
American Association of Neurological Surgeons:
High-Dose Omega-3 Oils used to Treat Non-Surgical Neck and
Back Pain
Doctors Guide, April 20, 2005
By Cameron Johnston
“Investigators at the University of Pittsburgh have treated
chronic pain patients with high doses of omega-3 fatty acids – the
ingredient found in many cold-water fish species such as salmon.”
“The researchers say their findings suggest that this could be
the answer to the adverse effects seen with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), including cyclooxygenase (COX)-2
inhibitors, which have been associated with potentially catastrophic
adverse effects.”
Dr. Joseph Maroon, neurosurgeon and specialist in
degenerative spine disease at the University of Pittsburgh reported
the findings April 19th at the 73rd meeting of the American
Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Patients who took high doses of omega-3 oils were impressed
enough with the outcomes that they chose to continue using the
oils and forego the use of NSAIDs.
The 250 study patients suffered from chronic neck or back
pain but were not surgical candidates, and they had been using
daily doses of NSAIDs.
After 75 days of taking high doses of omega-3s, 59% had
stopped taking prescription drugs fro their pain.
“88% said they were pleased enough with the outcomes that
they planned to continue using the fish oils.”
“No significant adverse effects were reported.”
1
Spine Pain and Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
Dan Murphy, DC
Cox enzymes convert the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid into the proinflammatory
pain producer prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).
Arachidonic Acid AA 20:4n-6 + (Cox 1 Cox 2 Cox 3) à Prostaglandin E2 à Pain
Most cox-enzyme inhibiting pain drugs known as non-steroidal antiinflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit both cox-1 and cox-2 enzymes. However,
blocking the cox-1 enzyme resulted in significant bleeding problems. A study
published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1999 (1) noted that
prescription NSAIDs for rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis alone conservatively
accounted for a minimum of 16,500 fatal bleeding deaths per year in the US, which
is the 15th leading cause of death in the US.
It was thought that if a drug could be developed that blocked only the cox-2
enzyme, there would be fewer bleeding problems / deaths while maintaining
significant pain reduction. Starting in 1999, the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) approved three such cox-2 enzyme inhibitors, Bextra, Vioxx, and Celebrex.
On September 30, 2004, Merck, the maker of the cox-2 inhibiting drug Vioxx,
pulled this product from the marketplace because it tripled or quadrupled the
incidence of heart attacks and strokes. Bextra had already been pulled from the
market for the same reason, and the FDA issued a “black box” warning (strongest
possible warning against using the product without actually removing the drug from
2
the marketplace) against the drug Celebrex. Published accounts suggest that the
drug Vioxx resulted in 56,000 fatal heart attacks / strokes in the 5 years it was on
the market (see reference #2 for review).
The scrutiny concerning the dangers of the cox-2 enzyme inhibiting drugs
expanded to all NSAIDs, including those sold over-the-counter. An article published
in 2005 notes (3):
More Pain Relievers Called Into Question
Study Stirs Concern About Heart Safety of Over-Counter Drugs
Associated Press
April 19, 2005
By Marilynn Marchione
“With prescription drugs Vioxx and Bextra already pulled from the
market, a study has raised disturbing questions about the heart safety of
over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil, Motrin and Aleve.”
Those taking the “drugs for at least 6 months had twice the risk of
dying of a heart attack, stroke or other heart-related problem.”
The study was released at an American Association for Cancer
Research conference in Anaheim.
“The findings add to the suspicion that the heart risk extends beyond
the so-called COX-2 drugs – Bextra, Vioxx and Celebrex – to the larger
family of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or
NSAIDs, which include naproxen, ibuprofen and virtually all other overthe-
counter pain relievers.”
“’To the best of our knowledge, these are the first data to support
putting a [black] box warning on NSAIDs, not just COX-2s’ said Dr. Andrew
Dannenberg, a CornellUniversity scientist who helped do the study.”
“The NSAID users were dying at twice the rate of the others from
heart related problems.”
“Risk was highest among ibuprofen users who were nearly three
times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than non NSAID users.”
It is clear, that a non-drug approach to pain management is imperative. Dr.
Joseph Maroon, neurosurgeon and specialist in degenerative spine disease at the
University of Pittsburgh reported on such a non-drug alternative to the treatment of
chronic spine pain on April 19th at the 73rd meeting of the American Association of
3
Neurological Surgeons. A review of his research was published the following day,
and notes (4):
American Association of Neurological Surgeons:
High-Dose Omega-3 Oils used to Treat Non-Surgical Neck and Back Pain
Doctors Guide, April 20, 2005
By Cameron Johnston
“Investigators at the University of Pittsburgh have treated chronic
pain patients with high doses of omega-3 fatty acids – the ingredient found
in many cold-water fish species such as salmon.”
“The researchers say their findings suggest that this could be the
answer to the adverse effects seen with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), including cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors, which have
been associated with potentially catastrophic adverse effects.”
Patients who took high doses of omega-3 oils were impressed enough
with the outcomes that they chose to continue using the oils and forego
the use of NSAIDs.
The 250 study patients suffered from chronic neck or back pain but
were not surgical candidates, and they had been using daily doses of
NSAIDs.
After 75 days of taking high doses of omega-3s, 59% had stopped
taking prescription drugs for their pain.
“88% said they were pleased enough with the outcomes that they
planned to continue using the fish oils.”
“No significant adverse effects were reported.”
This omega-3 research by Dr Maroon was published in the medical journal
Surgical Neurology in April 2006. Comments from the abstract include (5):
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory: an alternative to
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center
The use of NSAIDs are associated with “extreme complications,
including gastric ulcers, bleeding, myocardial infarction, and even deaths.”
4
“An alternative treatment with fewer side effects that also reduces
the inflammatory response and thereby reduces pain is believed to be
omega-3 EFAs found in fish oil.”
At an average of 75 days on fish oil, 59% discontinued taking their
prescription NSAIDs for pain and 88% stated they would continue to take
the fish oil.
“There were no significant side effects reported.”
“Our results mirror other controlled studies that compared ibuprofen
and omega-3 EFAs demonstrating equivalent effect in reducing arthritic
pain.”
“Omega-3 EFA fish oil supplements appear to be a safer alternative to
NSAIDs for treatment of nonsurgical neck or back pain.”
The ratios of the various omega-3 essential fatty acids is important
(ALA/EPA/DHA plus GLA, etc.). I use those from Nutri-West along with their
necessary double bond protective co-factors (Nutri-West: 800-443-3333).
References
1) Wolfe MM, David R. Lichtenstein DR, Singh G; Gastrointestinal Toxicity of
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs; New England Journal of Medicine; Volume
340 Number 24; June 17, 1999; pp. 1888-1899.
2) Murphy D; Cox Inhibitors and the FDA; January 2005.
3) Marchione M; More Pain Relievers Called Into Question: Study Stirs Concern
About Heart Safety of Over-Counter Drugs; Associated Press; April 19, 2005.
4) Johnston C; American Association of Neurological Surgeons:
High-Dose Omega-3 Oils used to Treat Non-Surgical Neck and Back Pain; Doctors
Guide, April 20, 2005.
5) Maroon JC, Bost JW; Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory:
an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain; April
2006;65(4); pp. 326-31.
Chiropractors and Low Back Pain
The Lancet
July 28, 1990, p. 220
The editors of THE LANCET review the June 2nd 1990 British
Medical Journal article by Meade: Low back pain of mechanical origin:
randomized comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatient
treatment. The study used 741 patients. They note:
The article “showed a strong and clear advantage for patients with
chiropractic.”
The advantage for chiropractic over conventional hospital
treatment was “not a trivial amount” and “reflects the difference
between having mild pain, the ability to lift heavy weights without extra
pain, and the ability to sit for more than one hour, compared with
moderate pain, the ability to lift heavy weights only if they are
conveniently positioned, and being unable to sit for more than 30
minutes.”
“This highly significant difference occurred not only at 6 weeks,
but also for 1, 2, and even (in 113 patients followed so far) 3 years
after treatment.”
“Surprisingly, the difference was seen most strongly in patients
with chronic symptoms.”
“The trial was not simply a trial of manipulation but of
management” as 84% of the hospital-managed patients had
manipulations.
“Chiropractic treatment should be taken seriously by conventional
medicine, which means both doctors and physiotherapists.”
“Physiotherapists need to shake off years of prejudice and take on
board the skills that the chiropractors have developed so successfully.”
Excessive Exercise Causing Free Radicals
“In his book The Antioxidant Revolution, Kenneth Cooper, MD
emphasizes that excessive exercise is a major cause of oxidative
stress.”
“He became very concerned when he began seeing several of
his super exercisers who had been coming to his aerobic center in
Dallas dying from heart disease and cancer at an early age.”
When we exercise excessively, the production of free radicals
goes off the graph, or in other words it increases exponentially.
“Dr. Cooper started the exercise craze back in the early 70’s
when he coined the term aerobics.”
“He has never recommended excessive exercise to his patients;
however, he had previously not discouraged it either.”
“Now he believes it is potentially harmful to your health and
should only be done by the serious, competitive athlete who is taking
large amounts of antioxidants in supplementation.”
Dr. Cooper informs his exercise patients “they should be taking
adequate levels of antioxidants in supplementation all the time.”
“On the day that they exercise, he feels they should actually
increase the amount of antioxidants they are taking.”
Bionutrition
The Amazing Health Benefits of Nutritional Supplements
Ray Strand, MD
Comprehensive Wellness Publishing
1998
Page 14
Peanuts, Peanut Butter, Aflatoxin, and Cancer
“The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 oils is terribly important to health.”
“The worst offenders are safflower oil and peanut oil (with extremely high
omega-6 to omega-3 ratios), cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil,
and corn oil.” p. 51
“Peanuts are forbidden. They are not nuts at all; they are legumes—and
legumes contain lectins and other antinutrients that can adversely affect
your health.” p. 126
The Paleo Diet
Loren Cordain, PhD
Professor in the Health and Science Department at Colorado State Univ.
Wiley, 2002
•••••••••••••••••••••••••
Aflatoxin is a mold toxin. p. 5
“Aflatoxin has been called one of the most potent carcinogens ever
discovered.” p. 5
“Peanuts often were contaminated with a fungus-produced toxin called
aflatoxin.” p. 34
Aflatoxin “was said to be the most potent chemical carcinogen ever
discovered.” p. 34
Peanuts and corn are the foods most contaminated with aflatoxin. p. 35
“All 29 jars of peanut butter we had purchased in the local groceries were
contaminated with levels of aflatoxin as much as 300 times the amount
judged to be safe in US food.” p. 35
The worst, moldiest peanuts are “delivered to the end of the conveyor
belt to make peanut butter.” p. 35
The China Study
T Colin Campbell, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at CornellUniversity
Co-author of the largest and most comprehensive epidemiological study
ever published of human health and nutrition, the China Study.
Benbella Books, 2004
124 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health |
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Contributed by Nancy Appleton, Ph.D., www.nancyappleton.com
Author of the book "Lick The Sugar Habit" In addition to throwing off the body's homeostasis, excess sugar may result in a number of other significant consequences. The following is a listing of some of sugar's metabolic consequences from a variety of medical journals and other scientific publications. Sugar can suppress the immune system Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in the body Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection (infectious diseases) Sugar causes a loss of tissue elasticity and function, the more sugar you eat the more elasticity and function you loose Sugar reduces high density lipoproteins Sugar leads to chromium deficiency Sugar leads to cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostrate, and rectum Sugar can increase fasting levels of glucose Sugar causes copper deficiency Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium Sugar can weaken eyesight Sugar raises the level of a neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine Sugar can cause hypoglycemia Sugar can produce an acidic digestive tract Sugar can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline levels in children Sugar malabsorption is frequent in patients with functional bowel disease Sugar can cause premature aging Sugar can lead to alcoholism Sugar can cause tooth decay Sugar contributes to obesity High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis Sugar can cause changes frequently found in person with gastric or duodenal ulcers Sugar can cause arthritis Sugar can cause asthma Sugar greatly assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections) Sugar can cause gallstones Sugar can cause heart disease Sugar can cause appendicitis Sugar can cause multiple sclerosis Sugar can cause hemorrhoids Sugar can cause varicose veins Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraceptive users Sugar can lead to periodontal disease Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis Sugar contributes to saliva acidity Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity Sugar can lower the amount of Vitamin E in the blood Sugar can decrease growth hormone Sugar can increase cholesterol Sugar can increase the systolic blood pressure Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children High sugar intake increases advanced glycation end products (AGEs)(Sugar bound non- enzymatically to protein) Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein Sugar causes food allergies Sugar can contribute to diabetes Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy Sugar can contribute to eczema in children Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease Sugar can impair the structure of DNA Sugar can change the structure of protein Sugar can make our skin age by changing the structure of collagen Sugar can cause cataracts Sugar can cause emphysema Sugar can cause atherosclerosis Sugar can promote an elevation of low density lipoproteins (LDL) High sugar intake can impair the physiological homeostasis of many systems in the body Sugar lowers the enzymes ability to function Sugar intake is higher in people with Parkinson’s disease Sugar can cause a permanent altering the way the proteins act in the body Sugar can increase the size of the liver by making the liver cells divide Sugar can increase the amount of liver fat Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney Sugar can damage the pancreas Sugar can increase the body's fluid retention Sugar is enemy #1 of the bowel movement Sugar can cause myopia (nearsightedness) Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries Sugar can make the tendons more brittle Sugar can cause headaches, including migraine Sugar plays a role in pancreatic cancer in women Sugar can adversely affect school children's grades and cause learning disorders Sugar can cause an increase in delta, alpha, and theta brain waves Sugar can cause depression Sugar increases the risk of gastric cancer Sugar and cause dyspepsia (indigestion) Sugar can increase your risk of getting gout Sugar can increase the levels of glucose in an oral glucose tolerance test over the ingestion of complex carbohydrates Sugar can increase the insulin responses in humans consuming high-sugar diets compared to low sugar diets High refined sugar diet reduces learning capacity Sugar can cause less effective functioning of two blood proteins, albumin, and lipoproteins, which may reduce the body’s ability to handle fat and cholesterol Sugar can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease Sugar can cause platelet adhesiveness Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance; some hormones become underactive and others become overactive Sugar can lead to the formation of kidney stones Sugar can lead to the hypothalamus to become highly sensitive to a large variety of stimuli Sugar can lead to dizziness Diets high in sugar can cause free radicals and oxidative stress High sucrose diets of subjects with peripheral vascular disease significantly increases platelet adhesion High sugar diet can lead to biliary tract cancer Sugar feeds cancer High sugar consumption of pregnant adolescents is associated with a twofold increased risk for delivering a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant High sugar consumption can lead to substantial decrease in gestation duration among adolescents Sugar slows food's travel time through the gastrointestinal tract Sugar increases the concentration of bile acids in stools and bacterial enzymes in the colon Sugar increases estradiol (the most potent form of naturally occurring estrogen) in men Sugar combines and destroys phosphatase, an enzyme, which makes the process of digestion more difficult Sugar can be a risk factor of gallbladder cancer Sugar is an addictive substance Sugar can be intoxicating, similar to alcohol Sugar can exacerbate PMS Sugar given to premature babies can affect the amount of carbon dioxide they produce Decrease in sugar intake can increase emotional stability The body changes sugar into 2 to 5 times more fat in the bloodstream than it does starch The rapid absorption of sugar promotes excessive food intake in obese subjects Sugar can worsen the symptoms of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Sugar adversely affects urinary electrolyte composition Sugar can slow down the ability of the adrenal glands to function Sugar has the potential of inducing abnormal metabolic processes in a normal healthy individual and to promote chronic degenerative diseases I.V.s (intravenous feedings) of sugar water can cut off oxygen to the brain High sucrose intake could be an important risk factor in lung cancer Sugar increases the risk of polio High sugar intake can cause epileptic seizures Sugar causes high blood pressure in obese people In Intensive Care Units: Limiting sugar saves lives Sugar may induce cell death Sugar may impair the physiological homeostasis of many systems in living organisms In juvenile rehabilitation camps, when children were put on a low sugar diet, there was a 44% drop in antisocial behavior Sugar can cause gastric cancer Sugar dehydrates newborns Sugar can cause gum disease Sugar increases the estradiol in young men Sugar can cause low birth weight babies |
Antioxidants Extend Lifespan |
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Roundworm Study Suggests Antioxidants Can Retard Aging In apparently the first-ever demonstration of a substance significantly increasing life-span, researchers have found that drugs that mimic some natural antioxidants are able to extend the life-span of worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) by nearly 50%. Researchers hope that the synthetic antioxidants are someday able to boost or enhance the human body's responses to oxidative stresses as well, and could possibly prolong human life and help to slow or reverse age-related degenerative conditions. The scavenging compounds also restored normal life spans to a subgroup of nematodes that would otherwise have aged and died prematurely due to a genetic defect linked to oxidative stress. The drugs, produced by Massachusetts-based Eukarion, are synthetic versions of the oxygen-free radical scavengers superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. "These results suggest that endogenous oxidative stress is a major determinant of the rate of aging," write Simon Melov, PhD, and colleagues from the Buck Institute for Age Research in Novato, Calif., U.K.'s University of Manchester, and Atlanta's EmoryUniversity. Common and more well-known antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, work by interrupting chain reactions that would otherwise result in oxidation of cells caused by release of substances, from cell membranes. "Antioxidants like vitamin E are called chain-breaking antioxidants, because they react with one of the species that's going to propagate and stop the chain reaction. So instead of a process that might involve a hundred molecules, if you have vitamin E around it might stop after only five, so it inhibits oxidation by breaking the chain, preventing the propagation of chain reactions," Dr. Irwin Fridovich, PhD, professor of biochemistry at Duke University said in an interview with WebMD. In contrast, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and their synthetic mimics work by removing free radicals such as superoxide (O2-), a species of O2 with a negative electrical charge, because its has picked up an additional electron. O2- and other reactive oxygen species are continually being made in the body as byproducts of normal metabolism According to one of the researchers, the big advantage to the synthetic compounds used in the study is that they catalyze a reaction that degrade the free radicals but leave the drug essentially untouched. "So what happens is that you don't need [an enormous] amount of compound to have a dramatic effect, because as long as the compound is in the body, it will constantly be degrading the oxygen radicals but itself be reconstituted," Dr. Fridovich says. Co-author Bernard Malfroy, PhD, chief executive officer of Eukarion, the Massachusetts-based company developing the antioxidant compounds used in the study, suggests oral forms of the drugs also might benefit people with neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. According to the study's authors "It appears that oxidative stress is a major determinant of life-span and that it can be counteracted by pharmacological intervention." Science 2000 Sep 1;289:1567-1569 |
Lean Means Longer Life |
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Researchers at the National Institute on Aging say they have preliminary evidence that biological markers that help rodents live much longer than normal may have the same effect on humans. Even if the evidence proves to be correct - which is not certain - it is unknown how much longer people might live. The biological markers - lower temperature, lower insulin levels and a steady level of a steroid hormone called DHEAS - all occur in restricted-diet rodents that live about 40 percent longer than other rodents on a normal diet. The same biological markers have now been found in men who are living longest in a continuing study in Baltimore on human aging. This means that the biological characteristics of animals that are on calorie-restricted diets seem to apply to longevity in people. The results should be considered "preliminary" and that nobody should start starving in hopes of living longer. Instead, he said, the study gives only tantalizing hints that are worthy of further investigation about helping people to extend life. Other experts said the study offers new hope about science some day finding ways to slow aging and extend life. The study doesn't absolutely prove anything, but it suggests that the same mechanisms that operate in calorie-restricted animals can operate in humans. The researchers drew their preliminary conclusions from the combination of studies on aging rodents, a 15-year study on aging monkeys, and the continuing project called the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, which follows the life span of people. The monkey study, conducted at the National Institute of Aging, is designed to test the longevity effects of calorie restriction on a subhuman primate that is closer biological relative to humans than are rodents. The study started in 1987, but since Rhesus monkeys can live for 25 years, it may take four or five years more before the results are final. Statistically, at least half of the monkeys will have to complete their normal life span before the data is considered significant. The same is true of the Baltimore study on aging people. The researchers gathered preliminary conclusions by looking at early trends in the deaths of both the monkeys and the men. The researchers also divided men in the Baltimore study into two groups based on measurements of the key biomarkers - temperature, insulin and DHEAS levels - that were characteristic of the superaged lab rodents. The men whose biomarkers were similar to those of the calorie-restricted, long-lived rodents were dying at a much slower rate than were men with other biomarker measurements. None of the Baltimore study's men is known to be on restricted diets, but clearly some are enjoying the same life span benefit that calorie restriction gave the laboratory animals. Researchers are not sure why. In the monkeys on reduced feeding since the study started are dying at a rate that is about half that of the monkeys receiving a full food ration. He said all of the animals are fed the same nutritionally balanced food, but the longer-lived group gets 30 percent less. Although the findings suggested that a diet restriction of 30 percent or 40 percent could extend life, this is not practical for most people and could be unhealthy. ScienceAugust 2, 2002;297(5582):811 |
The Six Things You Can do to Have Truly Younger Looking Skin |
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If you want to have soft, smooth, younger looking skin, then read on. The following information is just what you need to get the skin you’ve always wanted, no matter what your age. Limit Intense Sun Exposure Exposing your skin to intense sunlight for an extended period of time may result in sunburn, which you always want to avoid. Sunburned skin is more susceptible to damage and may age more quickly. During the hottest hours of the day, typically this is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., be sure to limit your sun exposure by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or other protective clothing, particularly during the summer months. Using sunscreen is not a good way to limit your sun exposure; in fact, sunscreen is one of the LAST things you want to put on your body. Sunscreen is a toxic chemical that can cause problems in your system and increase your risk of disease. Remember that sunlight is not something to be avoided. You need sunlight in order to stay healthy. The key is to gradually build up your resistance to the sun by going out slowly in the beginning of the season, perhaps 10 minutes at a time to start, and always avoid getting burned. Avoid "Yo-Yo" Dieting A recurrent cycle of gaining and losing weight will cause your skin to stretch and become less elastic. As you age, this loose skin will be more prone to sagging and wrinkles simply by the force of gravity. However, remaining overweight will also contribute to older looking skin, as excess fat can accumulate around your chin, neck and cheeks as you age. Maintaining your ideal weight will keep your skin firm and Coconut Oil Using virgin coconut oil as you would any lotion is an ideal way to rejuvenate skin. Not only does it prevent the formation of damaging free radicals and protect against them, but also it can help to keep the skin from developing liver spots and other blemishes caused by aging and overexposure to sunlight. Coconut oil keeps the skin’s connective tissues strong and supple, which helps to prevent sagging and wrinkles, and in some cases it might even restore damaged or diseased skin. Coconut oil will not only bring temporary relief to the skin, but it will aid in healing and repairing, unlike most lotions. The coconut oil can help bring back a youthful appearance to your skin by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. The skin will become more evenly textured with a healthy "shine." And the coconut oil will penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and strengthen the underlying tissues. Naturally, you need to choose a high-quality coconut oil that is free of chemicals and is not bleached or hydrogenated, all of which can irritate your skin, if you want to experience the maximum healing effects. Relax Your Facial Muscles If you frown (or smile broadly) often, over time lines will form where the muscles tend to contract. Try to become aware of any tense muscles in your face and make a conscious effort to relax them. Similarly, sleeping on your face may cause wrinkles to appear over time because of the continuous pressure and pulling of your facial skin. Try sleeping on your back or varying your sleeping positions so that you don’t create permanent creases in your skin. Get Plenty of Omega-3 Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to healthy skin, but unfortunately most people are seriously deficient. Making sure you get enough omega-3 in your diet, by taking fish oil or cod liver oil regularly, will help to keep your skin looking vibrant, young and healthy. Omega-3 fats help to normalize skin lipids and prevent dehydration in the cells. This keeps skin cells strong and full of moisture, which can help to decrease the appearance of fine lines. Fatty acid deficiency can manifest in a variety of ways, but skin problems such as eczema, thick patches of skin, and cracked heels are common. Plus, omega-3 fats may have an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to calm irritated skin, giving you a clear, smooth complexion. Aside from taking a high-quality fish oil or cod liver oil (now is the time when most will want to switch to cod liver oil). Although I don’t recommend eating most commercial fish due to mercury contamination. Wild salmon from the cold, pristine waters of Alaska, often prove to be free from harmful levels of mercury and other toxins when tested. If you choose to eat fish from another source, please be sure it has been independently lab-tested and found to be safe to eat. Avoid Cigarette Smoke Whether you smoke yourself or are around people who do, cigarette smoke exposes you to damaging free radicals that will accelerate the aging process by damaging the microcapillaries in the skin. This limits the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients, which accelerates wrinkling and aging. Antioxidants, such as those found in fresh vegetables and fruit like organic blueberries, can help to fight free-radical damage and will naturally promote healthy, young-looking skin. A diet with plenty of vegetables will also provide plenty of micronutrients and antioxidants, which will limit damage from the sun and accelerate the skin’s repair processes. |
