Monthly Archives: October 2020

Why Sweating is Good for Your Skin

is-sweating-good-for-your-skin

“A sweaty body is a healthy body.” 

Whether or not that statement is actually true, physical education teachers around the world have shouted it to thousands of kids as they’ve run laps over the decades. And while the claim is not at all specific in how sweat might help the skin, it just feels right. But is it? 

Turns out, sweating is good for the skin in primary and secondary ways. We’ll start with the secondary. Most of us sweat profusely when we exercise. And exercise, it has been shown, stimulates the skin to grow in more healthy ways, particularly in the ways that the effects of aging accumulate over time. This is due to many causes not directly related to sweat, but because sweat is so closely associated with vigorous exercise. We can at least affirm that the old saying of “a sweaty body is a healthy body” is at least partially correct. 

So exercise is healthy for the skin – no surprise there. But in what ways might sweating be directly healthy for our skin? For this insight, we’ll look to the book “The Beauty of Dirty Skin: The Surprising Science of Looking and Feeling Radiant from the Inside Out” by doctor Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist. Dr. Bowe says: 

“Sweat contains natural alternatives to antibiotics called antimicrobial peptides. The specific antimicrobial peptide in sweat, dermcidin, is pumped onto the skin via the sweat glands and coats the skin, thereby providing protection against infection from other microbes and harmful germs.”

Microbes and germs, another study reminds us, are responsible for numerous skin problems, including pimples, boils, impetigo, and folliculitis. We learn from Dr. Bowe that by sweating with regularity, we can counteract some of the effects that these natural microbes have on our skin’s health. 

Perhaps this is one of the reasons that saunas have been so popular for centuries. Although the notion of “sweating out toxins,” Dr. Bowe reminds us, is for the most part a myth. 

So sweat is good, but is too much sweat a bad thing? Dr. Bowe has information for us once again. She says, “If sweat sits on the skin too long, it can irritate the skin. Specifically, the ammonia and urea in sweat can cause irritation and inflammation if left on skin too long. The sodium in sweat can dehydrate skin if left too long on the surface, and the evaporation of sweat from skin can aggravate people prone to eczema.”

So there you have it. Sweating is good, and you should do it in dedicated workouts regularly. But also make sure that you hit the showers after working out at the gym. 

Of course, there are some skin challenges that go along with sweating. Because you’re likely not going to the gym right now because of Covid-19, you may be forced to work out outside. Outdoor workouts mean fending with the elements: the sun, the cold, the wind, and the dry (or excessively humid) air. Any of these factors can damage your skin. Fortunately, there are ways to give back what the stress of any workout takes from our skin. 

Cosmesis Healing Vitamin K Cream from Life Extension , Jade Facial Travel Kit – Normal to Dry Skin from Jadience Herbal Formulas, and Balancing Day Lotion will each have a restorative effect on your skin, whether you’re recovering from a workout, or are merely wishing to moisturize after a cleansing shower. Whatever the case, we hope you find that sweat helps your skin, and that you find a way to get sweaty that works perfectly for your situation.

Joint Support Supplements to Complement Your Physical Therapy

joint support supplements for physical therapy

Learn about joint support supplements for physical therapy.

Without fail, at some point in our lives most of us will start to have problems with our joints that may need to be looked at by a medical professional. Your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy, possibly in conjunction with other therapies, to help strengthen the muscles around your weak joints to reduce pain and improve function. What they should also be telling you, is how proper nutrition and joint supporting supplements can play a major role in your success during physical therapy.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment plan designed by a licensed medical professional to help develop, maintain, and restore function to one or more body parts after an injury, surgery, or deterioration due to age or a chronic condition. You will probably need several physical therapy sessions, which may include light aerobic activity, muscle training, stretching, and pain relieving exercises. Physical therapy can help with a variety of different conditions, and the benefits include:

  • Pain Management
  • Increased Mobility
  • Increased Flexibility
  • Recovery from Stroke or Paralysis
  • Recovery from Injury
  • Improved Balance

Joint Supplements and Physical Therapy

Nutrition can have a major impact on your success in physical therapy. Studies show that patients who consumed fewer inflammatory foods, such as sugar, and increased muscle supporting foods such as lean protein, had much more success in recovery and function after physical therapy. Joint support supplements can also make a huge difference. Here are some of our favorites that you can use on their own, or in conjunction with physical therapy.

Joint ReVITALIZER by Klaire Labs – This supplement contains hydrolyzed collagen, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid that work together for superior joint protection and connective tissue health.

Advanced Inflammation Support by Klaire Labs – Joint pain is often caused by chronic inflammation. This supplement can help control that with a blend of anti-inflammatory herbs like stinging nettle, holy basil, ginger, and boswellia.

Glucosamine & Chondroitin by Vital Nutrients – Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are essential for building the protein molecules responsible for giving cartilage its strength and resilience.

Pure Omega Plus Omega-3 Fish Oil by NutraGen –  This blend combines the benefits of fish oil with inflammation reducing turmeric, astaxanthin, and vitamin D3.

Classic Protein by Sunwarrior – Up your protein intake for bone and muscle growth with a high-quality protein powder.

Physical therapy is a safe, effective, and all-natural way to get rid of pain and increase your mobility. Just make sure you’re following guidance from a medical professional and increase your chances for success with a proper diet and joint supporting supplements. Good luck!

The Dangers of High Cholesterol: What You Need to Know

dangers of high cholesterol

Learn about the dangers of high cholesterol.

The dangers of high cholesterol are real. But, many people either don’t pay attention to the warnings, or don’t realize how their lifestyle choices may have a negative impact on their health, one that can have serious consequences. Let’s focus on how to become more aware of your cholesterol intake and how to treat it if it is high.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is naturally made by your liver. Your body needs it to build cells, meaning it’s crucial to our health. We also get cholesterol from the foods we eat, most notably from meat and dairy products. The problems with cholesterol start when we take in more cholesterol through our diet than we need. This can cause narrowing of the arteries which constricts blood flow and make your heart work harder than it’s supposed to.

There are two types of cholesterol that you need to be aware of:

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) – This is the type of cholesterol that can form fatty wax deposits known as plaques in your arteries, putting you at risk of heart disease and stroke. The plaque in your arteries begins to build up and the arteries start to harden, causing them to narrow, which blocks the blood flow in and out of your heart. When you hear people refer to “bad” cholesterol, they are referring to LDL.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) – This is known as the “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is essential to the healthy function of your body. It transports excess cholesterol through our blood to our liver, so that they can be removed from the body.

Regulating Your Cholesterol

So, now that you know the good and the bad of how cholesterol works in our bodies, how do you make sure you are lowering the bad, while keeping the good? Well, there are a number of factors that can lead to high cholesterol. Some we can control, others not so much.

Here are the most common factors leading to high cholesterol:

  • High cholesterol runs in your family (it can be genetic)
  • Being overweight
  • Not exercising regularly
  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Eating foods loaded in saturated fat and cholesterol (such as full-fat dairy products, butter, and fatty meat)
  • Age

The first step in regulating your cholesterol is visiting your doctor to have yours tested. There are no symptoms of high cholesterol, so you’ll need to be your own advocate.

Lowering Cholesterol

If it turns out that your cholesterol is high, here are some things you can do to help lower it:

  • Eat a diet low in salt with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Lose excess pounds and maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Avoid foods high in animal fats and use good fats in moderation.
  • Use cholesterol supporting supplements such as CholestStall by Zahler.
  • Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes.
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Manage stress (try meditation or relaxation with essential oils).
  • Take a high quality daily multivitamin.

High cholesterol is definitely something you want to stay on top of. After age 40, men and women should have their cholesterol levels checked annually. Staying on top of your cholesterol before you have problems is as easy as making a few lifestyle changes that could potentially lead to a happier, healthier life in the future.