Singapore Beauty Guide » Nutrition

Anti-aging at Aesthetics Congress Singapore

Sylvia — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:29:14 +0000

Last weekend I attended the Aesthetics Asia congress in Singapore. Here are some of the recommendations and new developments in the field of anti-aging.

Sun protection

As expected there was a lot of emphasis from many physicians to protect your skin from the sun. This is especially true for younger people as appearantly most sun damage to the skin takes place before the age of 18. Wearing a sun block every day is key even when you are spending most time indoors (but are still exposed to sunlight through the window).

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin was featured as an effective supplement for anti-aging. Astaxanthin is a colourful, lip-soluble pigment and naturally found in yeast, salmon, shrimp and crayfish. It is an antioxidant that may be beneficial in cardiovascular, immune, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Some research has also shown its potential as an anti-cancer agent and that it can protect body tissues from oxidative damage.

Melatonin

The usefulness of the natural hormone melatonin was discussed as a beneficial supplement for anti-aging. Melatonin can help to correct sleep disturbances, fatigue and anxiety, which tend to occur more as we age and is believed to slow down the biological clock. Higher dosages may lead to vivid dreams so adjust your dosage when this occurs. A low dosage of 0.5 mg can already be very effective. Some countries only allow the use of melatonin on prescription basis but in Singapore it is freely available in many pharmacies and also frequently used as a way to overcome jetlag.

Human growth hormone

Human growth hormone was discussed as a way to slow changes associated with aging. Since this hormone drops sharply with age it can be beneficial to supplement it. Benefits can include increased bone mass, increase in skin thickness and skin collagen, improved cardiac and lung function, increased muscle mass, decrease in body fat and increased vitality.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol was highlighted as a possible new powerful miracle molecule for anti-aging. It could act as a calory restriction mimic (which would mean you still get the benefits of calorie restriction for anti-aging without the actual calorie restriction itself). Although many anti-aging benenfits have been shown in research with aninmals, these results have not yet been replicated by humans. Numerous studies are currently underway to establish benefits.

TA-65®

A new anti-aging pill was discussed that can lengthen telomeres. Short telomeres are believed to increase aging and the risk of cancer and TA-65 TA-65 can activate the enzyme telomerase which can lengthen your telomeres. Check this website for more info. This website also contains useful info on telomeres.

10 best foods for high metabolism and energy

Sylvia — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 04:57:34 +0000

I often get asked how I can maintain my weight. People may see me eating sweets, never skip dessert and never worry about dieting. I always thaught I may have lucky genes, which may be true, but as I get more educated on food I also realise that I have a lot of the right foods in my diet, which increase my metabolism and provide me with all-day energy.

Which foods and beverages increase my metabolism and give me energy?

1. Nuts

I like to eat nuts as a snack and they are extremely healthy for you. Although I prefer cashew nuts for a snack, almonds are actually the best energy food, so I mix them (grinded) in my muesli each morning. Almonds contain a lot of the good fats, fiber and protein. Don’t take too many of them though as they are high in calories.

2. Green tea

I’m also a very keen tea drinker and my tea of choice for its anti-aging benefits is green tea. It contains anti-oxidants and also helps to burn fat! In addition it reduces my food cravings and helps to decrease risk of cancer.

3. Natural Yoghurt

Another thing I eat every day is Yoghurt. I have always felt that eating some yoghurt after a meal helps speed up digestion as it containts many pro-biotic cultures. In addition it also provides me with calcium and protein.

4. Salmon

I don’t eat meat but do eat a lot of fish and one of my favorites is Salmon. It contains a lot of the healthy omega-3 fats that help with the breakdown of unwanted fatty tissues and promotes metabolism. Additional benefits are that omega-3 fats help combat inflammation of the joints and improves circulation.

5. Whole grains

Not always easy to get here where I live but I do like to eat real whole grain bread. Wholegrains give you lots of energy and will make you feel “full” so you don’t feel the need to eat shortly afterwards.

6. Water

A recent study has proved that drinking water before your meal (half an hour before) will help you lose weight. (I will write more about this study later). It is believed that it increases your metabolism, while it can also help to feel satisfied with your meal earlier. Drinking a lot of water throughout the day helps transport all the nutrients through your body and helps to eliminate toxins which results in you feeling more energised.

7. Salads

I eat some raw food, usually salad, every day. Eating raw vegetables stimulates your metabolism and of course they are very low in calories. Another benefit is that you can eat as many as you like, so you will feel fullfilled at mealtime much quicker.

8 The good fats

You will need to make sure to only use extra virgin olive oil or canola oil when cooking and your dressings. These contain the healthy omega-3s.

9. Spinach

I eat a lot of vegetables and one of my favorites is spinach. It does not have its good reputation for nothing. Amongst other things it contains a lot of antioxidants that help to protect your body to fight diseases and skin aging. Of course it has a lot of iron, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. Spinach is great to eat as cooked food but also raw in salads.

10 The perfect morning muesli

I make my morning muesli myself so that I can be sure that it contains only healthy, energy giving ingredients. It’s critical to start the day with a breakfast that is nourishing and gives you energy. Here is what’s in my muesli: whole oats, rolled oats, sunflower seed kernals, pumpkin seed kernals, cashews, almonds, sesame seeds, coconut and apricots.

Include some of these foods in your diet and I can assure you your energy and metabolism will go up and your weight down!

P.S.: For more information on high energy foods, I recommend Dr Sandra Cabot’s Boost Your Energy: Fine Tune Your Body & Mind

Discover the Best Foods For Better Skin And Anti-Aging

Detox retreat in Thailaind – an experience

Sylvia — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 02:36:16 +0000

In my previous articles Detox Diet good for you? and The benefits of detox retreats I talked about the benefits of detoxing and why I was going to a detox retreat. Well, I’ve been and the experience has been great. So here is my review.

I went to the Atsumi detox retreeat in Phuket, Thailand for a total cost of $1403. This included 5 nights accommodation in a self-contained cottage and the full 4-days full fast detox retreat program. I brought some extra cash with me but did not use it as, of course, I couldn’t use if for food and my culimas and massages kept me busy all day!

It is relatively small retreat in the south of Phuket about 10 min drive from Nai Ham Beach. On the first morning you will receive an induction to the program where you will be explained what to do. Basically the detox program comprises of calimas (self-administered colinics), mud shakes consisting of Bentonite clay and psyllium and nutrients supplements. You are presented with a schedule of when to do and take these. Each evening you will also receive a clear vegetable broth which was to become the highlight of my day!

To read of my experience each day please read my daily detox reports: detox day 1, detox day 2, detox day 3, detox day 4.

I have found the detox program relaxing and informative. As you can do the culimas yourself it is very discrete and I found them too be relaxing. I loved my daily massage and steam bath and in between I spent time swimming, watching movies (dvds are available at the retreat) and reading.

The end result has been that I have lost 2.5 kg and feel cleansed and refreshed. I have come back with renewed enthusiasm and motivation to eat healthier to protect my body from too many toxins. My skin feels clean and soft.

All in all I can say that his has been a good experience which I will likely repeat. I cannot yet judge the long-term effects but will report on those in the future. Meanwhile enjoy my detox reports and let me know what you think!

Want to lose weight? Keep a weight diary!

Sylvia — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:55:21 +0000

Losing weight is never an easy task. Of course you can go on a detox diet and lose some kilos fast but that can only get you so far.

Now research has shown that it actually helps to keep a diary while you are trying to lose weight. If you monitor your daily food intake and results, it works as a great motivator even on those days when it is hard to stick to the program. Other good motivators that help with losing weight and sticking to your program are consulting with a counsellor on a regular basis and dieting together with friends.

Detox retreats – what are the benefits?

Sylvia — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:55:13 +0000

In our last article on detox dieting and detoxification you learned how a a detox diet can help make you feel healthier. But how about taking a detox retreat? Spend a whole week (or more!) getting healthier and lose weight in the process. Let’s see what a detox retreat is and how you could benefit from it.

What is a detox retreat?

A detox retreat is a place where you can fast and cleanse your body of physical and emotional toxins that accumulates from modern stressful lifestyles. You can opt for a 4, 7 or 10 program where you will eat limited food and have colonic irrigation treatments on a daily basis. A good retreat will also provide yoga classes, daily massages, a fasting consultation, a fasting guide and notes, and other relaxing and enjoyable activities like walking or fitness classes. Detox retreats have become increasingly popular and you will find them all over the world.

Why do I need to fast?

Today’s life is fast, with fast food made for immediate consumption, vegetables that contain pesticides and meat that contains many preservatives or is injected with antibiotics. Processed food is also loaded with saturated fat, sugar and salt.

If you combine the over-consumption of these with stress and the pace we live at, it is no wonder that toxins accumulate in the body and often makes us fat. When the body is overwhelmed by these excess toxins, they bypass the elimination channels and are directly stored in fatty tissues under the skin, to prevent them from entering the blood stream.

As toxins continue to build up, new cell formation is disrupted and your immune system is weakened. By fasting or drastically restricting the amount of calories eaten even for a short time – you can rest your digestive system and cleanse your elimination channels. If you have excess weight it will help you to lose this weight fast.

How will I cope with the fasting?

I’m not sure but I’ve been told that it is not as hard as it seems. Many people don’t experience any hunger at all as they just feel so much better. You will still drink a lot of water and will be provided with all necessary nutrients through herbs and special drinks. Most good retreats will also provide good supervision through experienced staff.

So what will you do all day?

The beauty of a detox retreat is that fasting is combined with activities like yoga, massage or even dancing so the whole process can be fun and relaxing. Plus, you will have time to relax, reflect and catch up on your reading.

In summary what are the benefits of visiting a detox retreat:

You will lose weight fast and safely
It will strengthen the immune system
It can help with insomnia
It can clear congestion and improve functioning of the digestive tract
It helps reduce chronic ailments like asthma and colitis
It helps with anti-aging
It improves skin condition and results in a radiant complexion
It increases energy and general zest for life
It may get you off junk food!
It will help you to lead a healthier and more balanced life.

I’m going to try it out! Stay tuned, subsribe to the RSS feed or become a fan on our facebook page and you will find out how I did! If you want to find a great yoga or detox retreat, then here is a website with the best yoga and detox retreats.

My detox retreat experience >>

Detoxing and detox diets – Will it help?

Sylvia — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 07:56:00 +0000

Have you heard of detoxing? It’s becoming increasingly popular as a way to quickly lose weight, get healthy again or just as a way to cleanse your whole body and mind and have a fresh start. But what exactly is it? And how should you detox?

I decided to write a short series on this as i have decided to go on a detox retreat myself. I will give you a full writeup on detox retreats soon, but today I will present you with an article of Dr Yeoh about detoxing with Neera Detox.

An article by Dr Isabelle Yeoh

Are you struggling with excess weight or not feeling quite yourself? Perhaps it is time to detoxify and cleanse your body of toxins and waste products. Find out how a detox diet can help. In the process lose weight and defy the aging process!

Why should you detoxify?

Life is lived the fast way. We don’t always take time to eat properly and even if we do, many food products have been treated with harmful pesticides. Meat may be contaminated with antibiotics, preservatives or growth hormones. Foods that we love to eat like pizza, pasta and burgers are full of sugar or have too much salt or saturated fat. Add a daily dose of stress to all of this and toxins are easily build up and accumulate.

Rather then being eliminated, some of the toxins get stored directly in fatty tissues under the skin. This is how the body prevents them from entering the bloodstream. If toxins continue to build up new cell formation is disrupted and this can weaken your immune system, which can lead to a wide range of health problems from sinusitis, acne, viral infections and migraines.

How do you know that you have too much toxic buildup?

Common first signs of toxic buildup are:

weight gain
aches and pains
constipation or diarrhoea
acne
chronic fatique
and depression.

So how can we detox?

Detoxification is done naturally by the body every day. However, when we overeat the body gets overloaded and cannot cope. The more you eat the more metabolic waste you produce. It is a known fact that if you reduce the amount you eat, you reduce stress on the body, thereby decreasing the chance for developing disease, and you live healthier.

If you include fasting on a regular basis you can slow down the aging process by lowering your body’s metabolic waste. An added benefit is that fasting will help you lose weight as well which will improve your general health.

Why do I need to stop eating while detoxifying?

These are the main reasons that it is recommended not to eat while detoxifying:

The chemicals and additives that the food contains will hinder your ability to release toxic buildup in your body.
Eating requires too much energy from your body! When you give your digestive system a rest, the body begins to heal.
When you stop eating, the body will need to get its energy from somewhere else and it will start to burn your damaged cells and fat for fuel. This will promote the disposal of metabolic waste and new (healthy) cell formation, rejuvenating your body.

How can Neera Detox help with your detox diet?

In order to make sure that your body still gets the necessary nutrients for proper functioning you can cleanse with the help of Neera Detox. Neera Detox is a detox diet that supplies your body with 400-500 calories rich in minerals, trace elements and simple sugars. It consists of taking 3 ingredients in a pleasant drink: maple syrup, cayenne pepper and lemon, to enrich your body and flush out harmful toxins.

It helps to give you all the nutrients needed for proper functioning while not burdening the digestive system so it can rest. It also provides a liquid medium to flush away the toxic substances in your body and acts as an internal detergent to dissolve excess fat. The cayenne pepper speeds up metabolism and promotes circulation. Its main ingredient Madal Bal Syrup, a special blend of organic tree syrup from the sap of 5 types of trees, provides energy and is mineral-rich containing vitamin C and essential minerals like potassium, manganese, sodium, calcium and zinc.

How to Consume?

Just mix the syrup with distilled water, fresh lemon juice and organic cayenne pepper to make a refreshing, palatable drink.

Top 3 reasons why you should cleanse with the Neera Detox kit:

For fast weight loss.
For more energy.
For a healthy lifestyle.

Dr Isabelle Yeoh from IYAC Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Clinic at Camden Medical Centre Singapore specialises in aesthetic & anti-aging treatments like fillers, botox, laser hair removal, ipl and laser skin treatments, therapeutic facials, detoxification programs, hormone balancing and weight control. The clinic also stocks a complete range of natural skincare products, detox diet products and supplements.

Next installment in the Detox series: Detox retreats – What are the benefits?

Keeping weight off when you are aging

Sylvia — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 04:06:35 +0000

Maintaining or losing weight when you are aging is getting harder all the time. Now new US research has shown that older women will need to get AT LEAST one hour of exercize each day if they don’t want to gain extra kilos.

This is nearly triple the amount of daily exercising previously recommended by US health authorities, which makes maintaining a healthy weight an increasingly tough challenge.

Read the original article

Weight loss through lowering fat intake is not enough

Sylvia — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:42:42 +0000

My personal theory has always been that it is important to limit the amount of fat consumed each day in order to avoid weight gain. But, according to a research by Dr. Nita Forouhi of the Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK, just reducing the amount of fat will not necessarily lead to weight loss.

Instead it is important to limit the TOTAL calorie intake, including sugars, alcohol and other providers of calories.

Interesting, but I will not break my (perhaps bad) habit of eating too many carbohydrates any time soon. I feel that as long as I limit my fat intake, I think I’ll be fine.

Read the original article

10 most popular and bestselling beauty books

Sylvia — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:59:57 +0000

What’s hot in the world of beauty today? I thought it would be a good idea to see what beauty tips and resources people are really looking for at the moment. So check out these 10 popular beauty books. And if you like them your can order them conveniently online through Amazon.

Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin: learn all the make up secrets from prominent makeup artist to the stars Kevyn Aucoin. Learn how to create different looks and apply make-up like a pro.

How to Never Look Fat Again: Over 1,000 Ways to Dress Thinner–Without Dieting, by Charla Krupp: practical tips on how look great without starving yourself.

Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin: learn all the make up secrets from prominent makeup artist to the stars Kevyn Aucoin. Learn how to create different looks and apply make-up like a pro.

Bobbi Brown makeup manual, from everyone to beginner to pro, by Bobbi Brown: we all know Bobbi Brown’s popular makeup products. In this book she will reveal all her extensive knowledge on how to apply makeup, how to find the right type of foundation for your skin and how to achieve immaculate eye makeup.

The complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood: in our article on massage and aromatherapy we explained the beneficial effects aromatherapy can have. In this book you will learn how to incorporate aromatherapy into every day life and how you can use more than 500 recipes using essential oils as alternatives to human-made health, beauty, and cleaning products.

You: being beautiful. The Owner’s manual to inner & outer beauty, by Micheal F. Roizen: in this book Roizen examines what defines beauty. You will discover why beauty isn’t as much about your vanity as it is about your humanity. You will get an informative look at the three levels of beauty and find out how they all work together to form a complete and authentic YOU. It’s about looking beautiful, feeling beautiful, and being beautiful.

Eating for beauty, by David Wolfe: I believe that a healthy diet is one of the most imporant things you can do for your body and beauty. David Wolfe is a nutrition expert that will guide you on how you can cleanse, nourish and beautify by using the benefits of a fresh-food diete. This book is about how to become more beautiful, not just how to maintain beauty or even slow the aging process. It is about rejuvenation at the deepest level, and the enjoyment of life.

Style Evolution – How to create ageless style in your 40s and beyond, by Kendall Farr: Coping with changes (sloppiness) in your body when you’re over 40 can be a challenge. To the rescue comes Kendall Farr who will offer practical advice and tips on how you can dress optimally when you’re over 40. Learn what does and doesn’t work for various body shapes.

Asian Faces: the essential beauty and makeup guide for Asian Women, by Taylor Chang-Bahaian: learn from established makeup artist Taylor Chang-Bahaian how to best apply makeup on asian faces. Find advice on how to work with your face shape, how to select the right products for your dkin tone and how create the illusion of flawless skin.

The smart women’s guide to plastic surgery, by Jean Loftus: find real answers for all your questions regarding plastic surgery procedures. Find out how to plan for surgery, what to ask your doctor, possible risks, and how to speed up your recovery.

The new science of perfect skin – understanding skin care myths and miracles for radiant skin at any age, by Daniel Yarosh: This book is about the New Skin-Care Revolution. This book promises to tell you what really works and what doesn’t. You will learn about the true breakthroughs in today’s skin-care science and the techniques that can truly rejuvenate skin.

A good nigh’s sleep to benefit beauty

Discover the Best Foods For Better Skin And Anti-Aging

Sylvia — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:51:44 +0000

It isn’t difficult to have a smooth glowing skin that doesn’t age rapidly if you eat the right foods. So what are the best foods to eat for better skin and prevention of anti aging?

Yogurt – It is rich in calcium, vitamin A and D. It has healthy properties for a smooth skin. However, make sure to select a low fat or non fat variety if you don’t want to gain pounds in the process.

Cottage cheese - This has selenium which works wonders for your skin. Cheese is also rich in vitamin D and calcium. With a little help you can even make cheese at home!

Soy milk - The name is “milk” but it isn’t a dairy product. It is a rich source for vitamin A, B2 and B1. It is especially useful for you if you are not tolerant to lactose. It will take care of your calcium and protein needs also!

Strawberries – Ellagitannins, anthocyanins and phenols are abundant in strawberries. They prevent your skin from oxygen damage and also protect your skin cells from damage.

Sunflower seeds - Just a handful of sunflower seeds are enough to take care of your vitamin E and vitamin B1 needs. It is rich in healthy oils.

Salmon – Salmon is considered to be one of the super foods and it is great for your skin too. It is rich in fatty acids which prevents your skin from drying.

Turkey - It is amazing but true, but turkey has a high level of selenium and protein, and at the same has low levels of fat. It also has zinc, iron, and vitamin B. Include it in your sandwiches for a great looking skin.

Walnuts – A great food for vegetarians. It has the same omega fatty acids that are found in salmon.

Flax seeds – They can be eaten whole, grounded or in oil form. The seeds have many types of fatty acids which are great for your skin and diabetes and cholesterol too!

Almonds - Eating a few almonds per day can do wonders for your skin. They are rich in monounsaturated fat, magnesium, and vitamin E and also some protein. Almonds are low in calories and are filing too.

Brazil nuts – The high contents of vitamin B and A make these nuts great anti-aging food. They work wonders for your nails and hair too!

Plums and prunes - They are rich in vitamin C and have high levels of antioxidants. These help in clearing radicals present in the body and the skin.

Avocados - These are rich sources of oleic acid and vitamin K. These two improve your skin health and prevent aging.

Tomatoes - Found everywhere around us, tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and A.

Spinach – Spinach is rich in vitamins A, B and E which nourish the skin.

Sweet potatoes – All your needs of vitamin A are taken care of by these and are a great alternative to your usual potatoes.

Carrots - They have Vitamin C and A, and are great for your skin.

Water - Water is the elixir of life and skin, to prevent it from drying up.

Green tea - It has high levels of polyphenols, which is an excellent anti-aging agent.

Black tea - Like green tea, black tea also goes a long way in preventing your skin from aging. It has thearubigens and theaflavins which help you in maintaining healthy skin.

Include these 20 best foods for better skin and anti aging for a great looking youthful skin! For more anti-aging tips and anti-aging nutrition, visit anti-agingweb.com