Sunday, January 10, 2010

Over 40 Stars Anti-aging Beauty Secrets

Hollywood stars over 40 have quite the arsenal of celebrity beauty secrets for staying young and looking great. Just to name a few, think of the classic Sophia Loren (76) and Catherine Deneuve (67). To add to this list, think of others such as Suzanne Somers (63), Raquel Welch (66), Meryl Streep (60), Julianne Moore (49), Helen Mirren (65), Julia Roberts (43), Nicole Kidman (43), Jennifer Lopez (41), Patricia Clarkson (50), Monica Belluci (46), Sharon Stone (50) and Selma Hayek (43). What all these stars have in common is that they are looking terrific for their age.

Now, granted, all of these women were born with great bone structure, and they have taken care of themselves throughout their lives. Thirty is no longer what 30 used to be and neither is 40 or 50 or 60 or even 70. They all share the same celebrity beauty secrets as far as healthy eating, regular exercising and working out and visiting the right anti aging spas. No doubt, with the cash on hand, they also have the opportunity to purchase wonderful anti-aging skin care, spa treatments, facials, etc.

But if you take a look at their photos, their celebrity beauty goes beyond diet, exercise, private trainers, healthy eating, plenty of water, expensive moisturizers and anti aging treatments.

These stars are going above and beyond the basic beauty routines which all of us can do if we want to look great over 40 years of age.

They are all making use of every form of plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery that the rich can afford. There are so many new techniques in both plastic and cosmetic surgery these days. Some cosmetic surgery procedures are not that expensive and are within the reach of us mere mortals. Granted, when you have to repeatedly have some things done such as Botox or other cosmetic injections which can become expensive over time, the costs add up.


Suzanne Somers, whose looks are her industry of writing award winning books on anti-aging and selling anti-aging and natural organic cosmetics, she has to look good. She eats right with her Somersizing diet, practices yoga, dresses well, uses bioidentical hormones and takes about 65 nutritional supplements each day.

Raquel Welch also does yoga everyday and wears any one of her fabulous wigs. At 66 years old, she has all the anti-aging tools at her finger tips. Experts will say that she’s had lots of cosmetic fillers, cheek enhancements and lip injections.

Some of these Hollywood stars should slow down their anti-aging surgeries though. Nicole Kidman should slow it down. It is obvious that only her lips and eyes move in her face. It should serve as a warning to us that you can have too much cosmetic surgery. No one wants to be branded a “cosmetic surgery junkie.” You want your anti aging treatments to look natural, emphasis on the word “natural.”

Many of the cosmetic surgery procedures are excellent, leaving you looking relaxed, fresh and like you’ve just returned from a vacation. You can bet that everyone in Hollywood that still looks great is doing it. From Cher, Jane Fonda, Michelle Pfeiffer, Demi Moore, they’ve all had a “gentle tweaking.” And it is not only the female stars that are using these anti-aging treatments.

Many of the male actors are also going for youthful looks. Jon Bon Jovi, and Michael Douglas, to name a few. Everyone in Hollywood is doing it – using plastic and cosmetic surgery to enhance their looks and hang onto youth for just a little bit longer. If you are considering anti aging cosmetic surgery, I can just one of the best anti aging tips for you here. Always use an accredited plastic surgeon with a great reputation and for heaven’s sakes, don’t overdo it. The key is to stay natural as you age. Age gracefully!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Can I use DHEA as an anti aging supplement?

DHEA is widely sold all over the place as an anti-aging supplement and also to prevent a number of medical disorders. Others claim that regular intake of DHEA can increase energy and strength. So far the clinical research shows that DHEA can reverse, prevent aging or increase energy and is best used for older people whose DHEA levels are low. Even the people who claim to have taken DHEA for years have gone on to become old and develop wrinkles.

So what is DHEA?

Our body does make DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone in the adrenal glands. These small glands are located on top of each kidney. All the DHEA made by the body is used up to make other hormones like the male and female sex hormones, including testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. Today, synthetic DHEA is readily available in many health food stores and consumed by thousands of people. In some European countries and Canada one requires a prescription to get DHEA.

In humans, DHEA levels gradually increase from puberty till about the late 30s and then start to decline. The decline in DHEA levels is said to be part of generalized aging. The decline in DHEA occurs at the same time as decreased muscle mass, reduced bone density and slowing of mental performance. Because of these observations, many people have been recommending DHEA levels to slow down the aging process.

However, people who have taken DHEA for decades have not shown any decline in aging and have continued to grow old just like everyone else. However, they appear to look well, sleep better and have a surplus of energy. A few studies have shown that DHEA in women may increase bone density and limit osteoporosis, improve concentration and cognition. However, these are not universal findings and only seen in less than 5 percent of women.

Moreover these results have not been reproducible nor have they been consistent. However, many of the older stars in Hollywood are using DHEA and it appears to help them look younger and stay healthy, Suzanne Somers, for instance.

In a recent study done at the Mayo clinic, researchers showed that DHEA supplements taken for 2 years had a few anti aging benefits. DHEA improves some symptoms in menopausal women. There is good evidence that DHEA can help adrenal insuffiency, high cortisol, depression and sleep problems. At the moment the evidence for DHEA an as anti-aging pill are not conclusive and there is the chance one risks developing some side effects. The most common side effects reported after taking DHEA include:

- Reduction in the good cholesterol
- Increased facial hair
- Oily skin
- Acne

The long term side effects of DHEA are not known. However, there is a strong belief that prolonged use of DHEA can lead to excess levels of estrogen and testosterone. There is concern among health care experts that these elevated levels of sex hormones after the age of 50 may predispose the individual to a higher risk of breast, uterine or prostate cancer.

So this is the known data on DHEA. There are many alternative health care practitioners and anti aging fanatics who advocate use of DHEA as an anti-aging hormone. For those who would like to use the supplement, take note of its side effects and talk to people who have used the product.

Moreover, the DHEA on sale does vary both in quality and quantity. And there is the ever present risk that fakes and counterfeits may exist. Before you begin to take DHEA, you must get a blood test to measure the DHEA in your system t see if you require DHEA supplements.

As well as taking DHEA supplements, eat healthy, incorporate regular exercise into your daily life, don’t smoke, limit stress and get a health check up every now and then.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

13 Reasons Why Chocolate and Anti Aging are Related

I thought I’d give you one of the most delicious anti aging tips I could ever give you, especially for the chocolate lovers among us! Did you know that you can safely eat dark chocolate (also known as cacao) within reasonable amounts and benefit in your battle against aging? The following tips are 14 reasons why you can eat dark chocolate and why it’s good for you: polyphenols, and antioxidants.

1) Dark natural chocolate supports healthy glucose levels:
The modern western diet has caused a surge in the number of people with diabetes. Research has shown that dark chocolate affects glucose blood levels in a positive way.

2) Cacao Promotes Cardiovascular health:
Eating cacao has a positive effect on heart and blood vessels, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and controlling inflammation.

3) Cacao maintains the power of your brain:
The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties are believed to help protect the brain and promote healthy cognitive and mental functioning. Cacao also effects mood in a good way. Who is not happy when eating chocolate?

4) Anti aging benefits:
High grade dark chocolate (cacao) is a marvelous source of anti-oxidants and other nutrients which help diminish the signs of aging.

5) Dark Chocolate is full of Anti oxidants:
Dark chocolate is full of anti oxidants including epicatechins, flavanols, and anthocyanins.

6) Dark Chocolate Protects the Skin:
The anti-oxidants in cacao can protect the skin from radiation and help to move the blood flow to the skin.

7) Cacao helps your Teeth:
Research has shown that the flavanols will protect your teeth in various ways.

8) Cacao elevates mood:
Cacao increases the manufacture of serotonin, dopamine, anandamide and theobromine which enhance mood. This is probably the reason we feel good when we eat dark chocolate.

9) Dark chocolate helps support healthy inflammation:
Cacao is full of polyphenols which assist with healthy inflammation in the body.

10) Cacao increases energy:
Cacao is full of nutrients which help the body to use energy correctly, without having to eat unhealthy sugar laden snacks.

11) Dark chocolate is delicious:
We can’t argue here - a worthy treat.

12) Dark Chocolate is easily absorbed:
Dark chocolate is easily absorbed by the body when the chocolate is organic.

13) Dark chocolate helps control weight and appetite:
Because of its ability to improve mood, cacao can also help to control appetite and cravings.
Treat yourself to a piece of it today. Dark chocolate has been linked to optimum weight control.

So now you have these anti-aging tips on how dark chocolate can help you fight aging naturally. Be sure to buy organic dark chocolate and don’t eat too much if you are watching your weight. Who would have ever thought that dark chocolate sweetened naturally could help you so much? There are also some organic brands of chocolate out there that have nuts and fruits in them. Yum!