June 2008 Its Time To Get Ready For Summer

SUN PROTECTION TIPS:

The National Cancer Institute estimates that up to 50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once. Overexposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation is the primary cause. The good news is that most skin cancer can be prevented if detected and treated early.

Sunscreen is of great benefit for protecting the skin if you will be outdoors for more than a few minutes or at midday. Consumer Reports recently studied a variety of sunscreen products and cautions that you should look for a product that protects against both UVA (these are the rays that can cause wrinkles/aging) and UVB (the rays resposible for burning). A product that received their highest rating was Neturogena's Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen. I must add a note of caution here as there are many who suggest that sunscreen, as well as other personal care products, contain cancer-causing toxic chemicals. One suspect ingredient is oxybenzone, which is found in almost 600 sunscreen products. Natural News.com is a great website with lots of information about this and other health topics: http://www.naturalnews.com.

According to Healthy Edge magazine adding antioxidants and protective phytochemicals can help prevent skin cancer and keep the skin firm and healthy. They suggest that one of the latest breakthrough ingredients to hit the kun care market is astaxanthin. This antioxidant is supposed to provide the same benefits as eating one to three pounds of salmon a day. Dermatologists compare it to a sponge as it can help to absorb damaging UV rays, and reduce the pain and inflammation that occur with sunburn.

Other supplements they suggest may be beneficial include:

• Beta carotene which may help prevent DNA mutations triggered by the sun
• Coenzyme Q10 fights free radicals and increases oxygen to the cells
• Green Tea has antioxidants, anticarcinogens, and anti-inflammatory properties
• Lutein (in dark, leafy greens) protects agains some damaging effects of sun exposure
• Lycopene (in red foods like tomatoes) helps prevent UVB damage
• Omega 3 fatty acids (cold-water fish) reduces UV-related skin inflammation and help protect cells
• Pycnogenol is an antioxidant that appears to reduce skin damage
• Vitamin A (take as mixed carotenoids and use topically in skin care) fights free radicals released by sun exposure and topically promotes healing
• Vitamin C (take with bioflavinoids and use topically in skin care) fights free radicals released by sun exposure
• Vitamin E (use in supplements and topically in skin care) fights free radicals released by sun exposure and topically promotes healing

WEIGHT LOSS TIPS:

More than 66% of Americans are considered to be overweight or obese. Summer is a great time to put together a strategy for losing weight, although any time of year is a good time to lose weight as when body fat increases so does the risk for disease.

There are many reasons so many folks struggle with their weight:

• Highly processed foods destroy enzymes needed for digestion of nutrients and fiber
• Larger portions that restaurants serve encourage us to eat more
• Many people eat only one good meal a day, which leads to snacking and overeating
• Added chemicals can cause health issues and metabolic stagnation

Experts suggest we should eat 4-6 times per day (every 3-4 hours) and include fiber foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains to help keep blood sugar stable and food cravings to a minumum. And eating wholesome, nutritious foods also helps to provide enzymes and nutrients to help energy cycles work better, including the ability to burn fat.

Whole Foods has a wonderful brochure, Reshaping Weight Control, full of lots of great strategies for effectively losing weight. Here are some tips from the brochure, you can also visit www.wholefoods.com or your local Whole Foods store to pick one up:

• It takes time to put on the pounds, and time to lose them. About 1/2 to 2 pounds per week is considered a safe rate of weight loss.
• For healthy weight loss digestion and metabolism need to be working like clockwork. Things that will help to keep your system healthy and balanced include: Fiber helps to balance blood sugar, control hunger and keep the intestines clean and comes from plant foods like vegetables, beans, whole grains, fruits and seeds. Essential fats like Omega-3 and monunsaturated essential fats support healthy metabolism, blood sugar levels and feelings of fullness - try flaxseed oil or fish oil, fish and walnuts. Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria essential to intestinal health, thus digestion are a few of the crucial substances that will keep them ticking.
• Don't skip meals - if you do or don't eat enough or often enough, your metabolism will slow down and burn less fat and calories.
• Depriving yourself of certain foods makes it more likely you will binge on those things later because your body requires a balance of nutrients, including good fats and good carbohydrates.
• If you don't exercise your body may replace lost muscle with fat as you regain weight.
• Drink lots of water to battle hunger, keep cells and systems working properly and wash away toxins. Add lemon to aid digestion.
• Learn to destress as studies show that stress contributes to unhealthy weight patterns.(See Stress, Relaxation Techniques , Meditation , Healthy Breathing )
• Choose low GI (glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food causes blood sugar levels to rise) foods and cooking methods. For more GI info: wholefoodsmarket.com/wholebody/wellness.
• Eat less and chew more - overeating and not chewing enough inhibits digestion by limiting the effectiveness of stomach enzymes in breaking down food.