by Dr. Gupta & Alexa Baeva with additional writing by Deb Gibbons
Dr. Gupta is one of the world’s leading practitioners of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy.
Over the years, consumers have been introduced to many different forms of beauty and health enhancers. Whether they be chemical or natural treatments, products or ‘breakthrough’ technology, consumers have been advised on so many different services and options, it is difficult to know which ones are really effective, and overall, the least damaging.
We have compiled a simple list of natural ways to improve your overall health and beauty, as well as to introduce contributing advanced developments and technologies.
DIET
Diet is a major contributing factor to overall health and natural beauty. There are four main areas to remember when focusing on your diet:
Sugar Intake
Western diet is a major cause of chronic low grade inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation contributes to indigestion, low immunity, accelerated aging , as well as overall decrease in skin and hair health. Sugar, as well as other processed, refined foods, is full of calories, yet contains little to no minerals and vitamins. As you first begin to cut down on your sugar intake, cravings may seem irresistible. However, after a few days on low sugar diet, cravings will fade, and healthier looking skin will follow.
Healthy Fats
Fatty acids are needed to maintain immunity and healthy skin regeneration. Omega – 3 Fatty Acids are essential for good looks of the skin and hair, and show numerous other health benefits, such as protection against heart disease. The best sources of Omega – 3 are fatty seafoods (salmon, mackerel, anchovies), unsalted roasted walnuts, dark green leafy vegetables, blueberries, avocadoes and ground flaxseeds.
Protect the Gut with Probiotics
Probiotics help to fight the damaging effect of inflammation to a staggering degree. They improve absorption, making sure that all the right nutrients get to your skin, while reducing rates of allergic reactions, and removing obstacles to healthful skin regeneration. Fermented foods such as yogourt, kefir, miso, kimchi, tempeh and kombucha are great sources of beneficial bacteria. Another alternative is supplemental probiotics, which have to include Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus.
…colourful fruits and vegetables contain natural pigments which act as anti-oxidants in our bodies…
Eating a Rainbow Variety
According to the Canadian Food Guide, your plate should resemble a ‘rainbow’, with an equal portion of each food group represented. Colourful fruits and vegetables contain natural pigments which act as anti-oxidants in our bodies, counteracting the damaging effects of inflammation and toxicity. Each colour group shows its own special health benefits, so make sure your plate resembles a rainbow, quite literally.
Dr. Gupta
Alexi Baeva
Hydration
Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Water regulates body temperature and is essential for toxic waste removal. It comprises 30% of your skin, and helps to keep it plump and moist. Intake of 2-3 L of pure water per day is recommended.
LIFESTYLE
De-Stress
Stress is a major trigger for internal inflammation and can lead to muscle tension, restlessness, loss of sleep and much more. Ways you can reduce your stress are calming and stretching activities such as yoga, Tai-Chi and meditation. These types of relaxation allow for a healthy energy flow in the body, as well as restoring the nervous system to its parasympathetic state (necessary for regeneration). Another technique that can be used anywhere is controlling your breathing. By focusing on breathing, or enticing it through walking, and even swimming, these methods aid in restoration of balance and de-stress. No person is the same, so you may need to try a few different techniques to find which one is the most effective relaxer and de-stressor for you.
Stop Smoking
Enough said.
Keep moving!
Exercise improves circulation and boosts your metabolism. It causes endorphine release, keeping you in high spirits and shedding those extra pounds.
Temperature Contrast
One of the most widely known, but underrated forms of natural beauty maintenance is hydrotherapy. Alternating hot and cold temperatures has incredible health benefits for your skin. One of the best ways to do this is with a ‘Contrast Shower’. Take a hot shower for 3 to 5 minutes, and alternate with a cold one for just one minute. Do 3 full cycles to enjoy the healt benefits.
VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS
Vitamin D
The ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ is produced in your skin upon exposure to UV light. Long Canadian winters make most of us vitamin D-deficient, thus requiring additional supplementation. This vitamin is critical for immune health, as well as proper cell regeneration.The recommended daily dose of Vitamin D is at least 600IU – 800IU.
Zinc
Zinc is known for its benefits for the skin and sexual health. It can significantly reduce acne and skin irritation, and accelerate wound healing. Zinc deficiency causes hormonal imbalance, manifesting as decreased testosterone and low sex-drive. Zinc is also important in the pathway to produce collagen, keeping the skin young. The daily recommended dose of Zinc in deficient populations is 40mg per day.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are truly Beauty vitamins. They are composed of a group of 8 different vitamins working together to maintain health and vitality. Vitamin B slows down skin aging, accelerates metabolism and energy production, and minimizes acne and skin inflammation. It is possible to get all nevessary B vitamins via a healthy whole food diet, including the whole rainbow of fruits and vegetables. B50 Vitamin Complex can aid in getting the necessary vitamin requirements if they are lacking in your diet.
Vitamin C
An essential anti-oxidant, Vitamin C is crucial for maintaining strong immunity and fighting infections. Few people are aware that vitamin C makes up the skin collagen chain and strengthens elastin fibers, making your skin toned and youthful.
NAC
N-Acetyl-cysteine, or simply NAC, is an essential precursor for the most powerful antioxidant in the body, glutathione. It recharges vitamins, repairs cellular DNA and helps to eliminate toxic waste material. Scientists are starting to discover the incredible effects of NAC for skin and hair, including combating hair loss and slowing down skin aging.
…the newest technology in skin repair and skin regeneration has finally come, in the form of ‘PRP’ – Platelet Rich Plasma…
‘PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
The newest technology in skin repair and skin regeneration has finally come, in the form of ‘PRP’ – Platelet Rich Plasma. Known by some as the ‘Vampire Facial’ or ‘Vampire Facelift’, this procedure uses the body’s own ability to regenerate connective tissue to decrease the signs of aging, smooth away fine wrinkles, improve overall complexion, reduce pore size and diminish scars. As we age, our bodies slow down the rate of collagen production, causing sagging of skin, fine lines and small wrinkles, as well as for some people dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. PRP can reverse some of this by stimulating natural collagen production. Best of all, it is non-surgical and very safe. Traditionally used for orthopaedic and dental treatments, this new natural treatment is now being used for cosmetic and aesthetic purposes.
This new advancement uses a simple technique to acquire the platelets from your blood. A small amount of the patient’s own blood (20cc) is used. The extracted blood is then spun down in a special centrifuge (high speed rotator using centrifugal force to separate substances) to extract the Platelet Rich Plasma from the rest of the blood. Once the PRP is extracted, it is activated and ready to be used for treatment.
The PRP is injected into the desired area activating the healing process. The platelets release multiple growth factors, triggering a tissue response, stimulating the production of collagen, improving blood supply and attracting stem cells to the treatment area.
Consequentially, new collagen is developed. With time, as the collagen remodels and shrinks, it evokes tightening, smoothening and firming, which softens wrinkles and decreases pore size. It also can thicken the layer of collagen in the skin which helps correct skin tone and colour, decrease dark circles due to thinning skin, as well as improve overall texture and elasticity. Treatment is also applicable for sun damaged skin, acne scars and many more skin related issues.
Treatment results are long lasting, with benefits noticed within a couple of weeks. Usually 2-5 treatments are recommended about 4-6 weeks apart (varies on desired results, age and current health of skin). Effects will be most noticeable after 6 weeks.
Platelet Rich Plasma treatment is also used for hair loss and hair thinning treatment. The same application applies, with treatment focused on strengthening hair follicles and improving blood supply, as well as stimulating hair growth.
You can call or visit Dr. Gupta’s offices at:
Cloud Care Clinics
55 Dundas Street East, 2nd Floor
416 361-1000
