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Many people love and drink green tea, and just as many love and practice Yoga. But few see the harmonious connection that links these two. Although the green tea ceremony originated in Japan and yoga is an ancient practice from India, these two "rituals" have many similarities. Which ones? We will show you here.

Green tea and yoga are perfectly coordinated health rituals. So yoga is perfect for health and vitality. It increases flexibility and endurance, helps against stiff and aching muscles, relieves tension throughout the body, improves sleep, strengthens immunity and inner peace.

To help you make the connection between yoga and green tea here are 10 surprising facts about what exactly the two have in common.

"Rituals" that focus on harmony.

Yoga originated as a way to attain spiritual enlightenment, a state in harmony with the gods. Today it is practised as a method to promote balance between body and mind. Harmony is also an essential part of the tea ceremony. This always includes, for example, serving sweets to balance the bitter taste of green tea.

Both are based on traditions from distant times.

Yoga was developed more than five thousand years ago in India to achieve spiritual enlightenment. At that time, yoga was only allowed to be practised by religious leaders and gurus, who used mantras, hymns and religious rituals for it in addition to the exercises. Only in recent years has the practice of yoga acquired the health significance it has today.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a traditional Japanese ritual that originated when tea was first brought to Japan from China in the 8th century. Like yoga, it originated as a religious ceremony, but quickly spread to everyday life as people became aware of its benefits.

Both help to stay relaxed.

Yoga consists of a series of slow stretching and strengthening exercises that help to focus on breathing and posture. It helps reduce daily stress and teaches us to stay in the present moment. After the yoga practice, a Japanese aromatic green tea enhances relaxation even more.

Tools for top energy!

Physical activity stimulates the blood, improves blood flow to the brain and lungs, so you stay more alert and energised. It has been proven that with the help of a yoga session you get a feeling of vitality and develop more energy. Green tea also supports you before and after the yoga class with its invigorating effect.

Beneficial for healthy joints!

Yoga ensures that we improve flexibility and keep joints healthy thanks to gentle stretching. It also includes strength exercises that increase bone density. After the Yoga training, where the joints and muscles are significantly stretched, a cup of green tea is beneficial and supports the benefits of yoga training.

Yoga relieves physical pain.

Yoga has been shown to alleviate many painful chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer and certain autoimmune diseases. Green tea after yoga has a calming effect and thus promotes general well-being.

Both help to maintain vitality.

Overall, improved blood circulation, heart and joint health and mental health resulting from regular yoga practice helps the human body live significantly longer and feel younger.

Strength and flexibility training in a regular yoga class helps burn fat and calories, but it is important to know that there are many different types of yoga exercises that more or less suit your different needs. Some focus more on strength, while others include cardio elements. The emphasis on meditation and concentration also shifts to your dietary choices. Paying attention to your thoughts and actions will also make you more aware of what nutrition is good for your body.

Natural prevention

Stress, poor diet, excess body fat and a weakened immune system are risk factors for developing serious diseases. Regular yoga practice helps reduce the risk of many diseases by lowering stress levels and keeping the body and immune system in shape. Green tea can also have a positive effect as a support and additional protection for the body, similar to yoga, due to its high antioxidant content.

DRINK GREEN TEA

Green tea has been cultivated for thousands of years for its beneficial properties. Not only is green tea full of antioxidants, it also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that relaxes and clears the mind by increasing alpha wave activity in the brain. Its relaxing effect on the nervous system is also believed to increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the body.

OPEN YOUR CHAKRAS

Meditation and yoga lower cortisol levels by stimulating the secretion of serotonin and endorphins. These activities also stimulate the production of oestrogen, a hormone that not only influences mood but also orchestrates a woman's menstrual cycle.

What can we conclude from this?

Although they come from two very different cultures, their connection and intertwining is amazing. In short, the yoga practice and the green tea ceremony have more in common than you first thought. Both promote harmony and relaxation, keep your body healthy, energetic, fit, young and pain-free, fight serious illnesses and even work together to improve overall physical and mental well-being through their positive effects. More and more yogis are taking advantage of the benefits of adding green tea to their personal yoga practice and have even started offering green tea in their yoga classes. Increasingly, time at the end of classes is used to drink green tea together. This activity is reminiscent of the original tea ceremony where green tea was shared in company rather than alone. Although separated by time and distance centuries ago, these two ancient traditions now benefit from being combined in the modern world.

And don't forget to take a deep breath, be grateful and share kindness throughout the day. Namasté!

 

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26091183/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193654/

 

Cellulite consists of fat that is applied to the Connective tissue presses. This process leads to the formation of unsightly dimples. Many women suffer greatly when they are affected by this. About 85-98% of women over 20 have some degree of cellulite. And it can affect any part of the body that contains subcutaneous fat. But the most common is the gluteo-femoral region, the region of the legs and abdomen. In these regions, the number of fat cells is up to five times higher. And more fat tissue also means a higher propensity, Orange peel skin to develop.

Cellulite has the characteristic appearance of an orange peel. Although it is not a problem specific to overweight women, weight gain increases the risk of developing cellulite. The lymphatic and microcirculatory system of the skin and the excess of subcutaneous fat tissue are responsible for the formation of cellulite.

Cellulite affects all layers of the skin: Epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The female hormone oestrogen plays an important role in the formation of cellulite. Oestrogen stimulates the storage of fats needed during menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding. But progesterone contributes to the formation of cellulite, fluid retention and weight gain. It is necessary to distinguish it from obesity, which is caused by an increase in fat cells (adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia).

WHY DOES CELLULITE DEVELOP IN WOMEN?

Women have an anatomically unique skin structure on which cellulite easily develops. The connective tissue in the areas where cellulite normally appears is weak or thin, so that accumulated fatty tissue becomes visible through the skin. Vascular changes and possible inflammation can also be responsible for the formation of cellulite.

The skin affected by cellulite has irregularities (the appearance of an orange peel), enlarged skin pores or skin discolouration (colourless or hyperpigmented). It loses elasticity and the skin bulges with a fine-grained appearance. Changes that often feel painful.

THERAPEUTIC GOALS

There are a large number of preparations, creams and ointments on the market that are mainly phytopreparations in their composition. They contain medicinal substances and extracts of various medicinal herbs such as ivy or caffeine.

It is almost impossible to treat cellulite without using extra energy, which acts on and into the skin in different ways. There are different treatments for this: Cavitation, liquid gas, liposuction, ultrasound, carbon dioxide therapy, cold therapies and therapies with drugs that affect the local fat metabolism and reduce and remove cellulite.

However, exercise, proper diet and weight loss still remain the best methods to fight cellulite. Reduce the body fat that causes cellulite and strengthen the muscles that give the body a firm and smooth surface.

EXERCISES AND A HEALTHY DIET HELP AGAINST CELLULITE

A healthy lifestyle improves metabolism, which can help you prevent the formation of cellulite and improve the way your body processes and stores fat.

Controlling the metabolism in adipocyte fat cells, hips and thighs is very important for preventing and reducing cellulite. The nervous system sends impulses to the tissues that control metabolism and calorie burning. The higher the level of your nervous system in the body, the more calories you will burn every day.

The control of fat deposits varies depending on the area of the body. For example, abdominal fat is broken down more quickly due to the higher density of adrenaline hormone receptors. Fat cells in the buttocks and thighs are less sensitive to adrenaline, which increases the development of cellulite.
Not every sport supports the fight against cellulite. But there are a few favourites that improve blood circulation and speed up the metabolism: fast walking, running or swimming.

Running in particular can help get rid of that pesky cellulite! If you stick to your sports programme, you will quickly notice results. But running is not enough. You need to pay attention to a healthy diet and high-quality, natural supplements that will help you fight cellulite. Only then will you notice a big difference.

HOW TO REMOVE CELLULITE NATURALLY:

1. hydration:

Start by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, as good hydration gives the skin a healthy glow and beautiful texture and supports the detoxification process. It is advisable to drink the first two glasses on an empty stomach as soon as you get up. You can add lemon slices or grated ginger to speed up the detoxification of the body. Remember that dehydration is one of the main causes of cellulite.

2. detoxification:

Before you start hydrating your skin and body, you need to detoxify and cleanse the body of toxins. These contribute greatly to the formation of cellulite. They are toxins that accumulate in our body, more specifically in our fat cells, and that we absorb through food, water and air.

The best way to get rid of these harmful substances is to eat more unprocessed foods, organic fruits and vegetables, while reducing your intake of sugar and salt. Try drinking a healthy smoothie made from lettuce, kale, apples, mint leaves and strawberries for breakfast in the morning (or instead of breakfast).

3. vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids:

Omega-3 fatty acids stimulate the development of collagen and balance hormones, reducing inflammatory processes in the body. In this way, they reduce the appearance of cellulite. Omega-3 fatty acids are best consumed through dietary supplements or nuts, fish (tuna, sardines, herring, salmon, mackerel, trout), cold-pressed oil, green vegetables, etc. Sun and fish oil are also excellent sources of vitamin D. In the winter months, when the days are shorter and darker, vitamin D should be supplemented by high-quality Food supplements be supplied.

 

4. hormonal balance:

Hormones and a person's hormonal status play a key role in the appearance of cellulite. Hormone balance improves overall health while helping to reduce cellulite in the body.

5. bioactive collagen peptides:

A 2015 study showed that bioactive collagen peptides work effectively on the dermal extracellular matrix of the skin to help reduce cellulite. They directly stimulate the extracellular matrix that forms the skin, rather than acting as single anti-cellulite preparations that usually only deal with excess fat and drainage.

6. silicon:

Silicon is equally important for beauty and healthas it binds heavy metals to itself and eliminates them from the body. This is the reason why we should not allow a deficit of this "natural cleanser". With Silicon the accumulation of aluminium in the body is prevented. According to some studies, the accumulation of aluminium in the brain triggers Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, the amount of silicon in the body decreases with age.

7. anti-cellulite massage:

Very popular and one of the best methods in the fight against annoying cellulite. The anti-cellulite massage provides real results if you use it regularly. Remember: keep at it, massage constantly and your skin will thank you!

CAN YOU DEFEAT CELLULITE?

Yes! If you follow the above tips and rules carefully, you can reduce or even eliminate it. Cellulite is unfortunately a typical female feature and biology does not always follow fashion. Lead a healthy life, exercise regularly and stay disciplined. This way you will definitely get the problem under control.

 

Sources:

https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-conditions/cellulite

https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/70/6/1040/4729179

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4685482/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3056430/

 

Photos:

Shutterstock Africa Studio / Stock photo number: 676358500

Shutterstock Nishihama / No. 592030826

Author: Nina Devrnja, PhD of Biology

Silicon is the second most abundant element in nature after oxygen and the third most abundant trace element in the human body (8). Silicon is rarely found in pure form in nature, but mainly as oxygen-containing Silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2) and silicates (other compounds containing silicon and oxygen). The use of silica is widespread in the food and beverage industry, where it is used as a food additive, anti-foaming agent or dough modifier.

Beverages (water, coffee, beer) are the main source of silica in the human diet (up to 50 %), followed by cereals and cereal products, fruits and vegetables (1, 2). Dietary intake of silica in the Western population is about 20-50 mg/day, while the estimate for China or India is about 200 mg/day (3, 4, 5).

What are the health benefits of silicon?

Although silicon was not recognised as a prominent nutrient for humans for a long time, nowadays there is a growing interest in its positive effects on human health. There are studies supporting a possible role for silicon in atherosclerosis and hypertension, diabetes, bone and connective tissue diseases, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's) and other ailments that are particularly prevalent in the elderly population.

In the human body, silicon is present in concentrations of 1-10 ppm in Hair, Nails and the epidermis of the Skin present (9). Most of the silicon present in the blood is filtered by the kidneys. The levels of silicon in the blood correlate with the levels in the urine (24).

Silicon is a Mineralwhich plays an important role in bone formation. Osteoporosis is a major cause of mortality in the elderly. It is defined as a progressive skeletal disorder characterised by low bone mass and bone deterioration (10). Calcium and vitamin D have been the focus of dietary prevention of osteoporosis, but also the Silicon supplementation has been increasingly researched after several studies in animals showed dysfunctions in bone and connective tissue (11, 12).

The study by Moukarzel et al. has shown a direct correlation between silicon intake and bone mineral density (13). Another clinical study (Eisinger and Clairet (14)) confirms that dietary silicon administration induces a significant increase in femoral bone mineral density in women. Another study published in 2005 showed an increase in bone formation markers, i.e. collagen synthesis, and a significant increase in bone mineral density (15).

The relationship between Oestrogen, the Bone health and the Silicon metabolism was researched by Macdonald and his colleagues. They concluded that dietary silicon interacts with oestrogen and thus positively influences bone health (16).

Some researchers suggest that silica protects against aluminium by reducing its absorption and/or increasing its excretion. A subsequent study showed that drinking up to 1 L of silicon-rich mineral water daily for 12 weeks promoted the excretion of aluminium in the urine in both the control group and the group of Alzheimer's patients. An increase in cognitive performance was observed in 20% of the participants (17).

Does silicon help with hair growth?

Collagen fibres are essential components of the Connective tissue and are present in large quantities in the skin, bones and joints (23). Silicon is already used surgically, for example in tissue engineering to regenerate tissues. Silicon is crucial for the optimal synthesis of collagen, and a silicon deficiency could lead to a decreased Skin elasticity and wound healing.

It is also a crucial element for healthy hair, as a higher silicon content in the hair fibre leads to less hair loss and increased shine. Silicon is also an important mineral in the nails. By improving the quality of nails, it also indirectly acts as a protector against nail infections (18). Degenerative changes associated with ageing caused by UV radiation, smoking, pollution and inadequate nutrition lead to a sharp decrease in collagen and elastin (20).

One study (Akazaki and co-workers) showed that collagen degradation in the skin after the age of 21 is about 1 % per year, resulting in loss of skin elasticity, reduction in thickness and depth of wrinkles (21). Unfortunately, these changes are even more pronounced after menopause, causing about 30% of collagen loss in the skin in the first 5 years, which is also related to the age-related decrease in bone mineral density (22).

Since silicon is important for collagen synthesis, activates hydroxylation enzymes that are important for the formation of the collagen network, and improves the firmness and elasticity of the skin, it can be used as a potential means of improving and Prevention of skin ageing serve.

But don't confuse silicon with silicone, a group of plastic-like materials that contain silicon, oxygen and other chemicals. Silicone is used to make breast implants, medical tubing and other medical devices.

How safe are dietary supplements with silicon?

Significant amounts of silicon are present in some foods, but sometimes it is in an insoluble form and cannot be absorbed directly in the gastrointestinal tract. There are various forms of silicon supplements, but with large differences in the bioavailability of silicon, ranging from less than 1% to 50% depending on the chemical form (6, 19).

Silicon supplements usually contain silicon in the form of orthosilicic acid or other forms that are presumably modified to be water-soluble, absorbable and bioavailable.

Increased bioavailability of silicon in combination with MTC oil

As already mentioned, elemental silicon exists primarily as silicon dioxide/silicic acid. As it is poorly soluble in water, it has poor bioavailability. Supplementation with MCT oil is a valuable way to increase the bioavailability of silicon.

MCT oil is a dietary supplement consisting of medium-chain triglycerides, the fats found naturally in palm and coconut oil. MCTs are lighter, easily digested and metabolised more quickly because their molecules are smaller relative to the other types of fat.

MCT oil could also be a good source of energy. It contains fatty acids that reduce the growth of bacteria and yeast in vitro, has potential antimicrobial activity (25, 26) and could also help control blood glucose levels (27).

Bioavailability and retarding effect through surface activation

The SAM (Surface-Activated-Minerals) process brings silicon dioxide back to life. A new, fascinating technology from the Institute Dr. Rilling Healthcare GmbH makes it possible to transform silicon into its original, small-molecule form by activating the surface. Figuratively speaking, the reaction potential is released by breaking down the macroscopic mineral silicon dioxide into silicic acid.

This significantly increases the surface area of the silicon dioxide and in contact with water or body fluids, these units can dissolve as silicic acid molecules. The resulting high bioavailability of the SAM silicon in the cell and in the tissue is made possible in this way and its effectiveness is noticeably increased.

The secret of success: The silicon processed with this special procedure is transformed into bioactive silicon with high surface activity. As a result, the silicic acid is actually absorbed in the body and can act in the cells. Biological processes such as cell build-up, cell renewal and cell metabolism can thus be activated and stabilised.

Regarding the safety of silicon, the FDA generally considers silicon dioxide safe for human consumption.

Sources:

4. Jugdaohsingh, S. H. Anderson, K. L. Tucker, H. Elliott, D. P. Kiel, R. P. Thompson, J. J. Powell, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2002, 75, 887-893.
5. Chen, P. Cole, L. Wen, Comm. Int. Nutr. 1994, 124, 196-201.
6. Jugdaohsingh, J. Nutr. Health Aging 2007, 11, 99-110.
7. Barel, M. Calomme, A. Timchenko, K. De Paepe, N. Demeester, V. Rogiers, P. Clarys, D. Vanden Berghe, Arch. Dermatol. Res. 2005, 297, 147-153.
8. Jugdaohsingh, S. H. Anderson, K. L. Tucker, H. Elliott, D. P. Kiel, R. P. Thompson, J. J. Powell, Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2002, 75, 887-893.
9. L. Smith, Trace Elements in Man and Animals, Vol. 8, Eds M. Anke, D. Meissner, C. F. Mills, Kluwer, New York, 1993, 1091-1093.
10. Russell, Rheum. Dis. Clin. North Am. 2010, 36, 665-680.
11. Carlisle, J. Nutr. 1980, 110, 352-359.
12. Carlisle, J. Nutr. 1980, 110, 1046-1056.
13. Moukarzel, M. Song, A. Buchman, M. Ament, J. Am. Coll. Nutr. 1992, 11, 584.
14. Eisinger, D. Clairet, Magnesium Res. 1993, 6, 247-249.
15. Spector, M. Calomme, S. Anderson, R. Swaminathan, R. Jugdaohsingh, C. Van Hoorebeke, J. Powell, J. Bone Mineral Res. 2005, 20, S172.
16. Macdonald, A. Hardcastle, R. Jugdaohsingh, W. Fraser, D. Reid, J. Powell, Bone 2012, 50, 681-687.
17. Davenward, P. Bentham, J. Wright, P. Crome, D. Job, A. Polwart, C. Exley, J. Alzheimer's Dis. 2013, 33, 423-430.
18. Wickett, E. Kossmann, A. Barel , N. Demeester, P.Clarys, D. Vanden Berghe, et al. Arch Dermatol Res. 2007, 299, 499-505.
19. Sripanyakorn, R. Jugdaohsingh, W. Dissayabutr, SH. Anderson, RP. Thompson, JJ. Powel, Br J Nutr. 2009, 102, 825-34.
20. Fanian, S. Mac-Mary, A. Jeudy, T. Lihoreau, R. Messikh, JP. Ortonne, et al. Clin Interv Aging. 2013, 8, 1527-37.
21. Akazaki, H. Nakagawa, H. Kazama, O. Osanai, M. Kawai, Y. Takema, et al. Br J Dermatol. 2002, 147, 689-95.
22. Sumino, S. Ichikawa, M. Abe, Y. Endo, O. Ishikawa, M. Kurabayashi, J Am Geriatr Soc. 2004, 52, 945-9.
23. Shuster S, Med Hypotheses. 2005, 65, 426-32.
24. Berlyne, AJ Adler, N. Ferran, S. Bennett, J. Holt. Silicon metabolism, Nephron, 1986, 43, 5-9.
25. Ogbolu, AA. Oni, OA. Daini, AP. Oloko, J Med Food. 2007, 10, 384-7.
26. Shilling, L. Matt, E. Rubin, MP. Visitacion, NA. Haller, SF. Grey, CJ, J Med Food. 2013, 16, 1079-85.
27. Eckel, AS. Hanson, AY. Chen, JN. Berman, TJ. Yost, EP. Brass, Diabetes. 1992, 41, 641-7.

 

Photos:

Averie woodard on Unsplash

Tim Mossholder from Pexels

There are few people who do not like sweets. Sweets may not satisfy hunger, but sweets are delicious and make you want more. There is a reason for this, because our ancestors already knew that something that tastes sweet is not poisonous.

Bitterness on the other hand, warns us that a food may be inedible or spoiled. Nevertheless, moderately bitter is healthy. By eating bitter foods, we absorb the beneficial ingredients of bitter substances.

What are bitter substances? And why are they important?

Bitter fruits and vegetables are an important source of Vitamins, Trace elements, Dietary fibre and Antioxidants. All this keeps our Nutrition healthy and balanced. There are several reasons why it is good, bitter Integrate herbs and foods into your diet.

Researchers studying the bitter compounds found in plants have made a strong case for using medicinal bitters for the health of the Digestive organs as well as for many other health benefits.

If you belong to the group of people who like this flavour, consider yourself lucky. We will explain why in the following lines.

Why do we taste bitter?

The importance of bitter taste is reflected in the extensive and complicated way our body recognises bitter substances. The bitter taste we taste is only the beginning.

Most scientists agree that our ability to recognise bitter flavours is based on a defence mechanism against toxic substances.

In nature, bitter and sour tastes are often associated with harmful plants and fruits. But many of the healthy foods we consume contain different flavour profiles, including bitterness. So the defensive notion of bitter receptors is only part of the story.

Bitter taste receptors

You may remember the diagram of the receptors on the tongue from school days. But when it comes to bitter taste, the idea that certain areas of the tongue correspond to certain tastes is outdated. We now know that our ability to sense taste is much more complex.

Researchers have found that natural receptors for bitter taste are found throughout the digestive tract. Research into bitter taste and how our receptors respond to bitterness is expanding our knowledge of how bitter foods affect digestion. In fact, the benefits of bitter digestive substances seem to be just the beginning of a long list of how they interact with our bodies.

Wolfgang Meirhoff's research at the German Institute of Human Nutrition has significantly changed the understanding of how our bitter taste receptors function. His work has shown that these unique taste receptors, called TAS2R or T2R, can detect over 100 different bitter taste profiles.

These bitter receptors mediate various activities in the nervous, vascular and endocrine (hormonal) systems. This means that the bitter substances we ingest - whether from the foods we eat or from toxic substances - trigger reactions through our nervous and circulatory systems.

The unique nature of these receptors also means that bitter substances can influence how and when certain hormones are released.

Bitterness is not always harmful and some bitter substances have a positive effect on health. Here are three of the most important benefits of bitters:

• Bitter substances stimulate bile secretion, which is responsible for the further elimination of toxic substances from the body.
• They also improve the production of gastric acid, which speeds up digestion.
• Bitterness can create a feeling of satiety that prevents overeating.

But let's focus on the first benefit mentioned that bitter substances offer us: the removal of toxic substances from the body or detoxification.

What does Detox mean?

Detox means cleansing the body of toxic or unnecessary substances. A healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetable juices, relaxation exercises and baths should collect and eliminate harmful substances and toxins via the excretory organs (liver, kidneys, intestines and skin).

Nowadays, our bodies absorb so many toxins and pollutants that they cannot fully eliminate them without ingredients that promote and accelerate cleansing. In addition to an unhealthy diet full of additives, we consume harmful fats, sugar, nicotine, alcohol, environmental toxins and even stress every day.

Various detoxification methods have been developed to remove toxins and cleanse the skin, lymphatic system, intestines and internal organs.

How does the detox treatment work?

A detox treatment begins with bowel emptying. This is followed by days of juice drinking, during which only fruit and vegetable juices are drunk in addition to plenty of water and herbal tea, in order to stimulate the metabolism and digestion. In the following days, it is recommended to eat high-fibre foods consisting exclusively of fruit and vegetables or juices made from raw vegetables.

As with classical fasting, solid foods are gradually reintroduced. All this can be accompanied by treatments such as massages and baths to stimulate detoxification. Sauna, yoga and long walks in the fresh air also enhance the detoxifying effect. There are no set guidelines for the duration and frequency of detoxification treatments. Some people detox regularly at least once a week, others once a month and even less frequently.

It's time for spring cleaning!

After a long winter of being less active and eating rich foods, it is recommended to do a thorough "spring clean". With the following recipes, we help you to simply press "restart" to activate your energy.

Detox smoothies are used to detoxify the body and relieve and eliminate bloating and constipation. These five meals can be taken in one day and then we return to our normal diet. You can drink it every time you have problems with digestion. And you can also designate one day a month to cleanse your body from the inside.

5 BEST SPRING SMOOTHIES FOR DETOX

 

1. "Orange" Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 3 carrots
• 1 pepper
• 1 cucumber
• 1 green apple
• ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon omega-3 oils

This smoothie improves the function of your liver and thus helps to maintain your health.

 

2. avocado, kiwi and celery smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado
• 1 kiwi
• 1 piece celery
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
• a handful of fresh mint leaves
• freshly ground pepper
• a little sea salt
• 1 tablespoon omega-3 oil

Chop the fruit and vegetables before putting them in the blender. Mix them together with the seeds, mint and spices.

Avocado is rich in antioxidants and vitamins E and C. The phytonutrients found in kiwi serve to protect the DNA chain, remove free radicals and improve cardiovascular health. Celery protects you from various inflammations of the intestinal tract, while mint supports the digestive system as a source of magnesium, iron and calcium.

 

3. green super smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2 handfuls spinach
• 1 teaspoon spirulina
• 1 teaspoon wheatgrass powder
• Half cucumber
• 1 teaspoon matcha tea
• 1 teaspoon acai berry
• ½ fresh lemon
• One teaspoon honey
• Water

Slice the lemon and add the other ingredients. Then mix everything together. The perfect smoothie to cleanse the body full of vitamins and minerals.

4. green banana breakfast with dandelion leaves

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped young spinach leaves
• A handful of young dandelion leaves
• 1 banana
• 1 carrot, peeled and cut into pieces
• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 3/4 cup ice
• 2 teaspoon honey

Place in a blender and chop completely.

 

5. green chard shake

A chard shake keeps you full and is easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• A handful of fresh chard
• A handful of rocket
• 2 fresh green apples
• 1 tablespoon mixed seeds
• Saka walnut
• 2 cups water or almond milk
• 1 tablespoon omega-3 oil

Cut the chard in half, leaving only the soft parts. Put everything in a blender and mix.

Chlorophyll, which gives chard a beautiful green colour, promotes the elimination of heavy metals from the body through the urine. Through the blood, chlorophyll oxygenates the tissues and enables the elimination of toxins through respiration.

Spring detox is your chance to wake up and rejuvenate your body for the new season. So let's get to work, start fresh and cleanse your body and your life in spring. Make the choice to be radiant and healthy. You now have the perfect smoothies to do just that.

 

Images:

liza54500/shutterstock - 406506031

Jan Sedivy on Unsplash

Alisha Mishra from Pexels

Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist from Pexels

Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels

The Fasting as a method of hygiene for body and mind, leading to improved health and prolonged life, has been known since ancient times. It was part of religious life in ancient Byzantium to improve people's health, strengthen the character of monks, think more clearly and prolong life. Modern research has also shown that Hunger improves memory and the ability to learn. "Sometimes it is useful to starve and fast. Only then is the body really cleansed." - Dr Osumi

In 2016, Yoshinuri Osumi received an award for his study of the Calorie reduction and proved that starvation for up to 12 hours and longer can accelerate the process of Autophagy triggers in the body. Autophagy is when our body starts to "eat" itself by breaking down proteins and other components for recycling and energy production. It is a process of renewing the organism because starvation gives the body more time to get rid of toxins and "bugs in the system".

This process leads to weight loss, increased immunity, killing of bacteria, viruses and tumour cells, improvement of brain function and ultimately prolongation of life. This renewal process is very important for the survival of all organisms, not just humans. Yoshinuri has proven that this process exists in all organisms on the planet

"His findings have led to a completely new paradigm for understanding how cells process their contents. They have also paved the way to understanding the essential role of autophagy in many physiological processes, such as adaptation to hunger and the body's response to injections," the Nobel Committee said in 2016.

Basics of Autophagy / Intermittent Fasting

Autophagy is the process of recycling unnecessary parts of cells, i.e. any "junk" that has accumulated in them. The word after which the process is named comes from two Greek words that together translate as "self-eating".

First, let's clarify the terminology. Calorie restriction or fasting is the same as starvation, which means going without food for at least 14 to 16 hours during the day. Why so much? Because it takes your body about 12 hours to exhaust the glycogen reserves (energy stores) in your liver and enter ketosis. Ketosis is a state where the body uses fat or fat from the body or internal organs as the main source of energy to create energy.

Entering ketosis is necessary to start the process of autophagy in your body. Then the organism starts to remove the broken cells. Under the microscope you can see the killing of bacteria, viruses and tumour cells. Autophagy is therefore the process of renewal of the organism on a cellular level.

"Autophagy" in Greek means "self-feeding".

Autophagy was previously thought to be non-selective in the sense that it affects the whole organism. But Yoshinuri's work has proven that it is a very selective process and that it only occurs when there is a defect, protein damage or excessive protein accumulation. In other words, autophagy does not eat your muscles, but is concerned with correcting cell proteins that are not as they should be.

Intermittent fasting: effects and benefits

Dr Osumi's colleagues also claim that autophagy protects the body from premature ageing. It can even rejuvenate, thanks to the process of producing new cells and removing defective proteins and damaged intercellular elements from the body while maintaining health.

„Weight loss and physical activity reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, sleep apnoea and some cancers. Intermittent fasting seems to be as beneficial for these diseases as any other type of diet that reduces total calories," says Dr Manpreet Mundi of the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota, USA).

Intermittent fasting is good for many people, but not for everyone. Skipping meals may not be the best way to maintain weight if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Or if you have kidney stones, diabetes or other health problems. For this reason, it is always advisable to consult your doctor first before deciding on a diet.

"Every cell in our body has the function of autophagy and each of these cells has its own function. Therefore, it is important to understand the connections. The problem can occur when the process of autophagy increases. Therefore, I think it is necessary to further study the communication between cells to deal with autophagy," Dr Osumi explained.

How much are we allowed to eat?

Although this diet is based on a time limit, total calorie intake is the first condition that affects whether the body reduces, maintains or gains body weight. It is much easier to maintain a calorie deficit with a time limit on food consumption. But if you eat too many calories, the positive results will not happen.

Some popular types of interval fasting:

- Alternative fasting during the day - Eat normally one day and fast or eat only a small meal (less than 500 calories) the next day.
- 5: 2-Fasting - Eat as usual five days a week and fast the remaining two days.
- Daily time-limited fasting - Eat normally, but only eight hours a day. For example, skip breakfast, eat once for lunch and dinner until 8pm.

Insufficient fluid intake: The most common mistake in dieting

Water intake is especially important during fasting. The body can go a long time without food, but not without water. If you forget to drink, headaches, dizziness and nausea are possible, which are solely due to the dehydration of the body. It is necessary to drink 3-4 litres per day, distributed in smaller amounts, continuously throughout the day.

If you forget water and take 2 litres in 5 minutes at the end of the day, you are not doing your body any good.

When it comes to Intermittent Fasting, strict adherence is very important for successful weight loss and is also key to avoiding weight gain. Each person's experience with Intermittent Fasting is individual and different styles suit different people.

What is allowed to be eaten?

It is very important to pay attention not only to when we eat, but also to WHAT WE EAT. Science has identified a number of foods that promote autophagy. Here is a brief overview of the main nutrients that help trigger autophagy:

BOLD - Consuming high-quality natural fats instead of carbohydrates provides the body with a smooth pathway to enter autophagy more quickly, as it can burn glucose stores faster. The keto diet is also based on this principle.

BERBERIN - A powerful anti-inflammatory found in the bark of certain plant species. It helps balance blood sugar levels and can regulate AMPK, an enzyme that affects metabolism and improves insulin sensitivity.

BERGAMOT - A type of citrus fruit from Italy. Potent polyphenols in the bark have been studied for their effects on cell health.

Conclusion

Important to know: Intermittent fasting should be stopped if you are not completely healthy. Fasting is also not good for pregnant women or children as their bodies are developing and growing.

Eat 6-8 hours a day and plan the fast and meals as you go. Eat more vegetables and high quality foods (foods with high nutritional value) after the end of the daily fast, consume protein in any form and high quality natural fats.

Exercise, as exercise speeds up the autophagy process. And of course, don't forget to hydrate. Whether you started Intermittent Fasting to lose weight or to feel better and live healthier.

Don't give up too quickly, give it a try. And who knows, you might just integrate this new way of eating into a new lifestyle.

"Life is a balance between protein synthesis and degradation." - Osumi Yoshinuri

You can read a more detailed list with tables about Intermittent Fasting and Autophagy in this article:

Intermittent fasting: what types are there?

 

Sources:

https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2016/press-release/

http://www.ohsumilab.aro.iri.titech.ac.jp/english.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3491655/

https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=MR%2FN010876%2F1

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/intermittent-fasting/faq-20441303

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322293#seven-ways-to-do-intermittent-fasting

 

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For many women the Menopause a spectre. But it doesn't have to be. With the right background knowledge and treatment tips on how the woman and also the man can get through the menopause well, you can sit back and relax. We have put together an overview of what you should know about the menopause and an absolute specialist, Dr Armando Farmini from Salzburg, was consulted with his experience. So: Get menopause out of the taboo corner!

When does the menopause usually start?

Menopause occurs when a woman has not menstruated for 12 consecutive months and can no longer conceive naturally. There are many factors that determine when the menopause begins, including genetics and the health of the Ovaries. The average age for the menopause is actually 51 years. The perimenopause (pre-menopause) is a time when your hormones start to change in preparation for the menopause. It can last from a few months to several years.

For many women, the perimenopause begins sometime after the mid-40s. Other women skip the perimenopause and enter the menopause all of a sudden. In about 1 per cent of women, menopause starts before the age of 40, which is called premature menopause or primary ovarian failure. About 5 percent of women reach menopause between the ages of 40 and 45. This is called early menopause.

Most women start experiencing the first symptoms of menopause about four years before their last period. Symptoms often last until about four years after a woman's last period. A small number of women experience menopause symptoms for up to 10 years before it actually occurs. And 1 in 10 women experience menopause symptoms for 12 years after their last period.

The 3 phases of the menopause

This new stage of life can be divided into three stages: During the Perimenopause your periods become irregular. The period may be delayed, the bleeding may become heavier or you may miss one or more periods altogether. The Menopause is defined as the absence of menstruation for a whole year. And the Postmenopause refers to the years after the menopause has occurred.

What is the difference between menopause and menopause?

A woman comes into the Menopausewhen their ovaries start to become less female reproductive hormones to produce. The so-called menopause, i.e. the transition from the fertile to the infertile phase of life, begins around the age of 45 to 55, earlier for some women, later for others.

Menopause, on the other hand, is a clearly defined point in time during of the menopause, namely, in medical terms, the last menstrual period followed by no further bleeding for a year.

Why does the menopause happen?

Menopause is a natural process in everyone's life. In women, it occurs when the ovaries produce less reproductive hormones. The body starts to change because it has to begin to cope with the decrease in various Hormones to cope. These declining hormones are:

• Oestrogen
• Progesterone
• Testosterone
• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinising hormone (LH)

There is also a loss of active ovarian follicles that produce eggs and allow menstruation and fertility. Most women first notice that their periods become more irregular. This usually occurs sometime in the mid to late 40s.

In some other cases, menopause is triggered by external factors or caused by injury or surgical removal of the ovaries and associated pelvic structures (even prematurely).

What are their symptoms?

For many women, medical treatment for menopause is not necessary. But menopause can also cause unpleasant symptoms. Factors that affect ovarian health, such as cancer, a hysterectomy or certain lifestyle habits can increase them. Read on to find out what you need to know about menopause symptoms.

An estimated 75 percent of women experience menopausal symptoms. The Most common symptoms of menopause can be:

• Hot flushes
• Insomnia
• Dry skin, mouth and eyes
• Vaginal dryness
• Weight gain & reduced muscle mass
• Depression & Anxiety
• Concentration difficulties & memory problems
• Decreased libido or sex drive
• Hair loss
• Increased hair growth on other parts of the body (face, neck, chest).
• Sensitive breasts
• Palpitations
• Painful or stiff joints
• Reduced bone mass

Complications that can occur more frequently during the menopause:

• Painful sexual intercourse
• Slowed metabolic function
• Osteoporosis or weaker bones
• Mood swings
• Periodontal disease
• Urinary incontinence
• Heart or blood vessel diseases

How is the menopause diagnosed?

"There are three types of diagnostics," explains Dr Armando Farmini, gynaecologist and specialist in bioidentical hormone therapy. "What does the patient tell me? What does the patient look like and what are the lab results? You can tell an incredible amount from a person's appearance. The connective tissue, the eyebrows or the skin show me a lot in advance about the condition of the person who comes to my practice." The lab results usually confirm what the body shows and what the patient says.

Tests can be helpful to indicate perimenopause, which can also have negative health effects. Your doctor may order a saliva or blood test that measures the level of certain hormones, usually FSH and a form of oestrogen called oestradiol. A consistently elevated FSH blood level of 30 mIU/ml or higher, combined with the absence of menstruation for a year in a row, is usually confirmation of menopause.

What are the treatment options for complaints?

Going into the menopause does not automatically mean that you have to see your doctor. Whether you need treatment depends on one crucial factor: Do you have symptoms or are you symptom-free?

Seek medical help if your symptoms are bothersome or affect your quality of life. Hormone therapy can be an effective treatment to reduce or manage various symptoms. These include hot flushes, vaginal atrophy or osteoporosis. Other medications may be used to treat more specific symptoms of menopause, such as hair loss or vaginal dryness.

The importance of progesterone

Progesterone is a very important hormone, but only one piece of the hormonal puzzle that the body needs. It keeps the balance with many other hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, insulin. Without the valuable progesterone, no balanced hormone therapy can take place. But why do progesterone preparations creams sometimes not work?

"It's the processing," Dr Farmini comments. "All hormones given transvermally must be highly micronised (reduced in size). An important point for hormone therapy to work well is the right amount of hormone. And here there is no set dosage." This has to be determined gradually by the doctor until the patient is symptom-free.

By the way, according to Dr. Farmini, the best way to take progesterone is as a cream. As capsules, the hormone passes through the gastrointestinal tract into the liver. This means that there is no optimal utilisation of the progesterone.

Natural remedies & tips to get through the menopause better

Basically, you can increase your well-being with a healthy lifestyle. But practical tips can also help to make everyday life as pleasant as possible. So here are a few ideas to help you get through the menopause more easily.

Stay "cool

Wear loose, layered clothing, especially at night and in warm or unsettled weather. This can help you manage hot flashes. Keep your bedroom cool and avoid heavy blankets at night to reduce the risk of night sweats.

Movement is "King

Exercise and reduce your daily calorie intake by 400 to 600 calories to control your weight. It is also important that you exercise for 20 to 30 minutes a day. You will get more energy, sleep better, your mood will rise and you will feel better overall in your skin.

Say it!

If mood swings and depressive moods are bothering you, don't take it on yourself. Get support by communicating your needs more. Talk to a therapist or psychologist about your feelings. You should also try to talk to your family and close people about how you are feeling.

Pay even more attention to your diet!

"Fast, quick and busy" used to be considered a sign that we were in demand and in the middle of life. That has changed. For some time now, mindfulness and awareness have been "the new sexy". Use this phase of your life to look even closer. How high quality is your diet? What eating habits are robbing you of energy? Pay attention and put quality on your plate.

Supplement your diet and take calcium supplements, Vitamin D- and magnesium supplements to reduce your risk of osteoporosis and improve your energy levels and sleep. Studies also recommend herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms caused by oestrogen deficiency. Nutrients that may help include flaxseed, melatonin, soy and isoflavones. Talk to your doctor about supplements to help with your individual health needs.

Give your skin the care it needs

Menopause is no reason to get worry or grief lines. On the contrary: as always, it's the inner attitude that counts and a confident and relaxed appearance makes you attractive, no matter what year of birth is on the certificate. Rather, now is the time to check your care routine with even more love for yourself.

Apply moisturisers daily to reduce dryness of the skin. You should also avoid excessive bathing or swimming as this can dry or irritate your skin.

Hands off nicotine and too much alcohol

Nicotine is not really good in any phase of life. But if you haven't quit smoking yet, you should consider quitting at the latest during the menopause. Cigarettes aggravate the symptoms during the menopause. This also applies to passive smoking. Heavy alcohol consumption can additionally increase the risk of health problems during the menopause.

Drink enough and the right stuff!

Especially during the menopause, you should make sure to drink enough. This means drinking two to three litres of fluid a day, such as mineral water or healthy, sugar-free and fresh juices. Drinking not only helps the general metabolism, but also counteracts dehydration of the skin.

A recent study also shows what women should drink before the onset of menopause: Tea! Previous research has indicated that tea consumption is associated with better bone density in post-menopausal women.

A new observational study published in the journal Nature Communications was published, shows that women Before menopause have to start drinking tea for significant differences to occur. It is interesting that no tea variety stood out in particular, but that the positive effect on the bones was observed independently of the tea.

Off into the spotlight of life!

Remember: Every person, every body is different and reacts individually to external influences. Therefore, let your doctor help you to get through the menopause more easily.

The symptoms of menopause are as varied as the people who experience them. And there are just as many ways and means with which you can face them in a relaxed way. Every body is different. Take advantage of this phase. If in the earlier stages of your life the focus was on other people, your job or the children, then perhaps now is a time to set off on the most exciting journey of discovery of your life: To yourself!

 

Sources:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-021-00856-y

https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2021-03-09/temp-title-593183/?widget=listSection

https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2644382/

 

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