1. Epidermis
This is the outer layer of your skin. This protects the inner layers to whatever the environment may cause them. This seemingly tough outer skin is caused by the movement of keratinocytes, the cells of the epidermis, from its bottom part to the top. As a result, a large dose of keratin is produced. But when these cells reach the top, they actually flake off. So if you see scaly types of skins, it means that something went wrong in this process.

2. Dermis
This is the skin’s second layer. This contains its structural elements, which is the connective tissue. There are actually many types of connective tissue. Each type acts for different functions. Some samples are the collagen. This gives the skin strength. The glycosaminoglycans are the proteins that give turgor to skin. The elastin fibers create the elasticity of your skin.
Between dermis and epidermis is the dermal-epidermal junction. This is an important feature as it interlocks and form fingerlike projections which are called rete ridges. These will increase the area of the epidermis which is exposed to the blood vessels and need nutrients. The blood vessels in the dermis give out such nutrients to the epidermis through the rete ridges.

3. Subcutaneous tissue
This is the skin’s bottom layer. And the subcutaneous tissue contains the fat cells. You know what those cells are for? They supply insulation to your body and they also make your skin full and plump.

Presenting the Wrinkles

How do wrinkles form and develop as people age? Through time, the epidermal cells will become thinner. As a result, you will also look thinner. The epidermal cells will also be less sticky. This means that that there are more chances for the moisture on your skin to be released than maintained, which causes dryness. The decrease in the epidermal cells is actually 10 percent per decade. And as people age, they divide slower. For this reason, the skin cannot cope up quickly as it used to repair itself.
In the dermal layer, less collagen is being produced. The elastin fibers also wear out. Such factors will cause the skin to sag and wrinkle. The rete ridges, meanwhile, will flatten out. This will cause the skin to be fragile. And so the nutrients that the epidermis needs will not be met accordingly.

The fat cells in the subcutaneous layer get thinner as people age. This results to more wrinkles and sagging. It is a complex process that all people will go through as people age. You can use moisturizer while you are young and take good care of your skin to slow down this process. But you have to admit that there will come a point wherein you will not only face a wrinkle in time, but other kinds of changes in your features as well. That is okay. The important thing is that you age gracefully so that people will perceive you as beautiful inside and out.

The commercial marketplace is overflowing with a large number of diet supplements and weight loss options. But natural options are the safest way to shed pounds. Dieticians and nutritionists recommend natural weight loss diets to people who are health conscious.

People who follow a diet of raw fruits and vegetables for weight loss are less prone to heart disease, stroke and cancer. Vegetarian weight loss programs can be structured using a point system so that vegetables are a “0”, fruits are between 1-3 points and nuts and seeds rank higher because they are higher in calories and fats.

The desire for a lean healthy body must include regular intake of water, the right foods and regular exercise. Like in any other program large helpings of high-fat protein sources such as peanut butter, nuts and cheese can cause vegetarians to gain weight.

Instead of using peanut butter or nuts as snacks, use whole grain snacks, fruit and vegetables during the day. Using a vegetarian weight loss program does not ensure automatic weight loss. Write down a record of everything you eat during the day to keep a handle on your eating habits. Keep watch on everything that isn’t raw fruit and vegetables.

Plan your meal choices during the day since last minute choices are usually higher in calories. Those chips, cookies, power bars and candy, although meatless, are higher in calories, sugar and fats. Use a daily multi-vitamin to fill in the gaps.

There are convenience foods sold in the grocery store that fit a vegetarian weight loss program. Check out the health food store and watch the calories, sugars, fats and oils in the products. Do not resort to junk foods. When all else fails apples and bananas are convenient, filling and full of good nutrition.

You can also put together pre-made bags of your own trail mix. Include almonds, raisons, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds for a healthy nutritious snack. Try to eat only raw and organic nuts and seeds for the best flavor and fuel.

Preparation of your vegetarian weight loss program can be just as important as the foods you eat. Grocers now carry vegetarian burgers that can be microwaved as opposed to fried. Frying foods is just as dangerous as eating meats because of the increased animal fats and the processing that vegetable oils and lard go through to make them palatable. Try to eat as much raw foods as possible to help your digestive system.

Choose a vegetarian weight loss diet; it’s a natural and healthy weight loss option to add to your weight loss arsenal. If done right you’ll see some fast weight loss initially, you’ll feel better and have more energy to boot.

Circuit training combines aerobic and anaerobic activities for a workout that builds muscle and burns fat at the same time. In one thirty minute session, you can work your entire body. Many health clubs have circuit stations where several people can participate at the same time. The key to success is that you keep moving without a break so the heart rate stays elevated to burn fat.

Here’s how it works. Aerobic activity is alternated with strength training. For example, you can perform one minute of stationary bike riding with one minute of bicep curls. After another minute of biking, you can switch to another body part for strength training, like leg curls. If you want more aerobics, increase to five minutes of aerobics for every one or two minutes of weights.

Want to get in on this type of training without joining a gym? Here’s some ideas:

1. Get a DVD. There are exercise videos that highlight circuit training. If you are new to the concept, these can help you learn to alternate aerobics with weights in a smooth transition. From there, you can create your own workout regimen.

2. Push-ups. You don’t need any equipment to perform this exercise. Your own body weight is used. Push-ups strengthen the muscles of the chest and abdomen, as well as the triceps muscles.

3. Jumping jacks. You did them as a kid, but they get harder as you get older. Because both your arms and your legs are moving, you get your heart rate up quickly. And, you can do it anywhere: in the elevator, on vacation, during television commercials.

4. Crunches. To perform abdominal exercises, you only need the floor and proper form. As you gain strength, you’ll be able to crunch harder and longer. Add a twist at the top to work the oblique muscles. If you have back problems, you can get the same results by using a fitness ball.

5. Dumbbell. Free weights offer a greater range of motion and are not bulky like machines. After your aerobic phase, you can quickly pick up a set of dumbbells to perform rear leg lifts, triceps curls, deltoid lifts, lat rows, military presses, squats and lunges.

If your looking for a good workout; then I suggest circuit training in your home for an overall body workout that burns fat and builds muscle.

Hot baths do warrant a word of caution before we continue here.  Check the temperature carefully. While we say “hot bath” the water would feel better if it was warm to the touch but not scalding. It is hard to relax when you are sustaining third-degree burns.

Also, if you suffer from any condition where hot baths are contraindicated, don’t attempt them. This goes for pregnancy as well as if you have circulatory issues. You don’t want to faint and fall as you get out of the tub, because this can cause serious injury.

With that said, let’s return to the benefits of a hot bath. It is not just the water alone but what you add to it that can help with such conditions as:

* Anxiety and stress
* Colds and sinus issues
* Sore, aching muscles
* Dry, itchy skin

The steam coming off of the water acts like a humidifier. If you close your bathroom door and let the room fill up with steam as you run the bath, you are on your way to a soothing experience.

For stress and anxiety there are certain herbs that have been used for centuries as calming agents. Take lavender, for example. It is known to soothe the mind and in turn, relieve stress in the body.  Using lavender oils and bath salts in your water will help your stress to ebb away. Your problems won’t disappear but you will be better able to handle them.

Using eucalyptus will help with that pesky cold you feel coming on. Again, the humidifier effect of the water and the eucalyptus can help to open nasal passages for freer breathing.

Your body can build up toxins from simple daily life. Soaking in a bath with Epsom salts can help to leech these toxins out of your system. Hot water helps to dilate blood vessels for better blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Muscles benefit from this because they are able to relax which aids in recovery from soreness.

Using bath oils helps to moisturize your skin. In the winter, this is especially important as skin tends to be on the dry side.  If you have dry skin, you won’t need to soak as long in the water, but soothing oils will nourish your skin as you bathe.

Ready to soak your cares away? A hot bath may be just what the doctor ordered.  Besides the candles and soft music, try a few bath salts, scented oils and herbs to heal whatever might ail you.

Special Treats for After your Bath:

Would you like to repair cells and fight the free radical damage to your skin? Venus Naturals makes a 100% all-natural intensive cream with Rosa Mosqueta from the Andes Mountains in Chile. It reduces and eliminates stretch marks and brown age spots on photo-aged or sun-damaged skin.

Since I began using Invisi-vein with Calendula extract and essential oils, I have noticed the varicose and spider veins in my legs are a lot less noticeable and are flattening out. My legs have more energy and stamina. This product was highlighted in the November, 2006 issue of Canadian Living Magazine by writer Julie Hunter. If you have tired, achy legs check this out!

For a healthy adult, with no other underlying medical conditions, who receives a moderate amount of exercise daily, a calorie is a calorie. Research has shown that individuals who follow a typical vegetarian diet will consume approximately 500 fewer calories daily than those individuals who eat meat. And, that individuals who eat a vegetarian diet will actually consume more food than nonvegetarians.However, the definition of a vegetarian diet is that the individual no longer eats meat, and for some, meat products. This does not mean that individuals completely cut out white flour, sugar or processed foods, all of which are high in dense calories and are related to disease and illness. Even vegetarians can eat the wrong types of food which can lead to weight gain. For instance, chips, cookies, power bars and candy all qualify as vegetarian foods and yet are high in calories, sugar and processed chemicals.

Research has also shown that individuals who follow a low fat, plant-based diet plan will have a greater degree of success at weight loss and improve their insulin sensitivity than those who follow a diet which includes both meat and vegetables. This research was published in the September issue of The American Journal of Medicine.
Other studies show that obesity and individuals who suffer from being overweight are less prevalent in populations which follow a plant-based diet. For instance, a study from Tufts University followed 55,000 Swedish women and found that 40% of the meat eaters were overweight while only 29% of the vegetarians were.

On a worldwide basis researchers have found that vegetarian populations experience lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and other life-threatening illnesses.

Because the vegetarian diet consists of complex carbohydrates the individuals who eat a vegetarian diet are often feeling full longer than those who eat simple carbohydrates. By enjoying an unlimited servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other healthy foods individuals who eat at vegetarian diet often are able to lose weight without feeling hungry.

It is important for you to remember that even vegetarians will also suffer from being overweight and obese if they enjoy eating pasta, crackers, cookies, chocolate, sweets and large amounts of soda .

The true benefit from eating a vegetarian diet does not come just from eliminating meat but also from eliminating processed foods, simple sugars and incorporating a greater number of complex carbohydrates into your diet plan.
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The ideal time for you to eat your pre workout meal is an hour before you start. If you plan to work at a low intensity level, you should keep your pre workout meal down to 200 calories or so. If you plan to exercise at a high level of intensity, you will probably need your meal to be between 4,000 and 5,000 calories.

Those of you who are doing a cardio session will need to consume a mix of 2/3 carbs and 1/3 protein. Doing so will give you longer sustained energy from the extra carbs with enough protein to keep your muscle from breaking down while you exercise.

For resistance exercise, you’ll need to eat a mix of 1/3 carbs and 2/3 protein, as this will help you get plenty of energy from the carbs to perform each set you do and the extra protein will help keep muscle breakdown to a minimum while you exercise.

Eating after you exercise is just as important as your pre workout meal. Anytime you exercise, whether its cardio or resistance, you deplete energy in the form of glycogen. The brain and central nervous system rely on glycogen as their main source of fuel, so if you don’t replace it after you exercise, your body will begin to break down muscle tissue into amino acids, and then convert them into usable fuel for the brain and the central nervous system.

Keep in mind that mostly during resistance exercise, you’ll break down muscle tissue by creating micro tears. What this means, is that after a workout, your muscles will instantly go into repair mode. Protein is the key here for muscle repair, as you don’t want muscle breaking
down even further to create fuel instead of lost glycogen.

Once you have finished a cardio session, you’ll need to consume mainly carbohydrates, preferably those with high fiber. Rice, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta, and northern fruits are excellent sources. Also, try to consume 30 – 50 grams of there types of carbs after you exercise. After your cardio workout, it is fine to eat within 5 – 10 minutes.

Once you’ve finished a resistance workout, you will need to consume a combination of carbs and protein. Unlike cardio workouts, resistance workouts will break down muscle tissue by creating micro tears.

You’ll need protein as this happens to build up and repair these tears so that the muscle can increase in size and strength. The carbs will not only replace the lost muscle glycogen, but will also help the protein get into muscle cells so it can synthesize into structural protein, or the muscle itself.

After you complete your resistance exercise, wait for up to 30 minutes before you eat, so that you won’t take blood away from your muscles at too fast a rate. The blood in your muscles will help the repair process by removing the metabolic waste products.

Colds and flu are similar in that they’re both respiratory illnesses. They also have some of the same symptoms. While there are similarities, such as both being viral infections, there are also differences. Symptoms from colds generally begin slowly and consist of runny or stuffy noses, wet or productive coughs, mild fatigue, and slight body aches. Flu, on the other hand, makes itself know quickly (often within three to six hours); symptoms include fever, more severe body aches, chills, moderate fatigue, dry or burning cough, severe chest congestion, and headache.

Obviously, preventing a cold is preferable to treating one and you can do much to reduce your chances of catching a cold: washing your hands with hot soapy water, avoiding touching your eyes or nose, getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet. In fact, adding vitamin and mineral-rich super foods to your daily diet can be your front line to avoiding a cold this season.

Start by incorporating more immune-boosting foods such as garlic, onions, mushrooms, fish, oats, tea, and even Mom’s home-made chicken soup. You could also include vibrant fruits such as blueberries, oranges, raisins, and kiwi fruit. California avocados, ginger, horseradish, and turmeric round out the foods you’d want to add to increase your immune system. Of course, you’d be hard-pressed to find a recipe that incorporated all of these foods at once, and you probably wouldn’t want to.

It’s also important to eat more magnesium-rich foods, and adding them into your diet really isn’t difficult. These would include dried apricots, leafy green vegetables, sesame seeds, black beans, broccoli, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, cooked spinach, whole grain cereal, and whole wheat bread. Having enough magnesium is essential for over 325 different biochemical reactions in your body, including producing energy from the foods we eat, enabling muscles to relax, and regulating blood pressure.

When taking magnesium, it is also helpful to increase calcium intake as calcium will enable more of the vitamins and minerals to enter the bones. Calcium-rich foods such as almonds, tofu, plain yogurt, oats, and seafood can easily be used in a daily diet. If you have a cold already, you may want to avoid the obvious calcium food – milk – as it can make post nasal drainage worse.

Try tomatoes, tuna, natural peanut butter, bananas, cantaloupe, kiwi, citrus fruits, brown rice, oatmeal, flaxseed, black beans, and lentils. These are high in vitamins B6 and B12 which may help you recover from a cold quicker.

There are many people who believe it’s easier to get the vitamins and minerals you need from over-the-counter products. You can do that, but you can also eat some of these super foods to keep colds away this winter. Let’s face reality, super foods taste better than the nutrients which come out of a bottle, so you’ll also be able to enjoy getting and staying healthy during this cold season.

When you get a cut, what do you do? Most people head to their medicine cabinet or the store for something to heal the cut. Before going there, consider a more natural remedy that could be around your house or as close as the neighborhood health store.

Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years to treat everything from cuts to digestive ailments. Before there were proper manufactured medicines like we have today, there was the earth and the bounty it provided. The earth is still here and the herbal remedies are just as useful today. Herbal remedies have fewer side effects than some more modern products, and work for people with tons of allergies to medications.

Here are four common types:

1. Tea tree oil – this essential oil has been called a quintessential treatment. Tea tree oil stimulates the immune system by attacking bacteria, viruses and fungi that invade the body through all sorts of means. It can be applied to a cut to encourage healing and scar tissue formation. As soon as the wound has begun to heal, apply the oil directly to the area instead of using a bandage. The wound can heal naturally and get air at the same time.

2. Calendula – this is the name of a plant that is similar to marigolds. The leaves and the petals have been used to heal wounds. Calendula cream is sold over the counter as an anti-itch and anti-inflammatory for poison ivy. Cuts can get dry as they heal and cause itching. Inflammation makes a cut itchy and red also. A salve can be applied to healing cuts to moisturize the skin and kill any bacteria still lingering. Don’t apply calendula to infected or weeping wounds.

3. Aloe Vera – the aloe plant has long been a staple for healing. It is great for burns but also for cuts. As a cut heals it can also hurt. Taking a piece of the succulent aloe plant and rubbing it on a cut encourages circulation and healing. The juice of the plant also reduces inflammation and pain.

4. Myrrh – this plant is mentioned in the Bible. In ancient times it was used as a healing agent. The sap from the tree is beneficial as an antibacterial agent. Applying myrrh to a cut helps to speed healing in the body.

When you get a cut, consider how you will treat it to get the best and fastest healing possible. Herbal remedies allow for healing in a natural way without extra ingredients and chemicals.

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The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health covers topics such as:

* The Macrobiotic way of eating
* The energy of food
* Diet and development of disease
* The natural approach to healing
* Various conditions and disorders and how to balance them through diet
* Describes Yin and Yang conditions
* Way-of-life suggestions
* And more

Menus and recipes can easily be incorporated into your daily healthy cooking. The section on home remedies offers valuable advice on how to use macrobiotics to treat various conditions.
The recommended reading list gives information on Macrobiotic-related books.
The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health is an excellent guide on the basics of a macrobiotic diet and lifestyle.

Where to buy A Macrobiotic Way to Total Health: Amazon Books