poor circulation Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Treating the Root Cause of Toenail Fungus

AHA Publisher — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 07:00:46 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Does Tea Tree Oil Work for Nail Fungus? Tea tree essential oil is pitted against the antifungal cream lotrimin for the treatment of fungal nail infection, but what about treating the underlying cause? Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of our nails, usually the toenails, but sometimes the fingernails. It is characterized by nail discoloration, deformity, detachment, thickening, crumbling, and ridging. You can see an example of onychomycosis at 0:19 in my video Does Tea Tree Oil Work for Nail Fungus?. The reported prevalence is estimated to be about 1 in every 25 people, though it’s more common in older individuals—one in five individuals over 60 years of age and half of those older than 70 years. Unfortunately, it’s really hard to treat. The fungus can hide deep inside the nail, so it can remain protected from the blood supply on one side and any treatment you apply topically on the other. Therefore, “recurrence after treatment is common due to residual hyphae or spores that were not previously eliminated” even if you had been able to beat back the fungus. Many of the systemic oral treatments can be toxic, and “many topical applications require long treatment courses, which may limit patient compliance, especially in patients who want to use nail polish for cosmesis or camouflage” to cover it up. Given all the problems with prescription antifungals, there has been “a renewed interest” in natural remedies. If tea tree oil can affect athlete’s foot and dandruff fungus, what about nail fungus? A study combining the antifungal drug in Lotrimin cream with tea tree oil seemed pretty effective. “After 16 weeks, 80% of patients using medicated cream were cured, as opposed to none in the placebo group,” so we know the drug and tea tree oil were better than no treatment, but what about compared to each other? A head-to-head study compared tea tree oil with clotrimazole, a common antifungal drug. In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, patients received twice-daily application on the nail of either the drug or pure tea tree oil over a six-month period. Debridement was performed every few months, where some of the fungal mass was debulked, scraped, or ground off. As you can see at 1:56 in my video, after six months, the drug completely wiped out the fungus in only about 1 in every 10 cases, but the infection looked better, with partial or full resolution of the appearance, in the majority of subjects either from the doctor’s assessment or the patient’s own assessment. And the tea tree oil? It did just as well as the drug! “The two preparations were comparable in efficacy of cure, clinical assessment, and subjective improvement. Their cost is also comparable.” “For patients desiring a ‘natural’ treatment for tinea pedis [athlete’s foot] or onychomycosis [nail fungus], topical tea tree oil is a reasonable alternative to prescription or over-the-counter antifungals.” Speaking of natural treatments, how about a truly natural treatment? “One potential reason for the poor long-term benefits of any therapy [for nail fungus] is that it may be treating only a manifestation of underlying disease(s), such as generalized immune suppression or peripheral micro- or macrovascular disease.” Maybe fungal nail infections are just a manifestation of poor peripheral blood circulation that would normally allow your body’s natural defenses to keep the fungus from taking root in the first place. There was a non-English language study of 400 patients that “looked at the ‘relationship between blood circulation of the skin and the development of fungus disease’ and found a greater than 50% reduction in blood flow in patients with tinea pedis [athlete’s foot] and onychomycosis [nail fungus] as compared with patients without these disorders.” If fungal nail infections are just “a symptom of an underlying process, then treatment aimed at eradication of a pathogen may be unrealistic.” No wonder the fungus so often just grows right back. A more appropriate goal may be to give up and live with it. Hold on, though. If it’s a circulation problem, why not try to improve the circulation? We’ve known since the 1950s that you can effectively switch peripheral artery circulation on and off like a light switch within days by switching people between a low-fat, plant-based diet and the more conventional diet that contributed to the problem in the first place. You can see an interesting graph on this below and at 3:50 in my video. Interested in learning more about improving peripheral circulation? See my video Benefits of Beans for Peripheral Vascular Disease. What about other fungal infections? Check out Does Tea Tree Oil Work for Dandruff and Athlete’s Foot?. KEY TAKEAWAYS Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of our nails, is characterized by discoloration, deformity, detaching, thickening, crumbling, and ridging, and may affect about 1 in 25 people, typically older adults. The infection is difficult to treat as the fungus is deep inside the nail, protected from the blood supply on one side and any topical treatment applied on the other. As well, systemic oral treatments can be toxic. Combining Lotrimin cream, an antifungal drug, with tea tree oil was effective in 80 percent of patients after 16 weeks, compared with none in the placebo group. In a head-to-head study of tea tree oil with clotrimazole, a common antifungal, the two preparations were comparable; patients wanting a “natural” treatment for athlete’s foot or nail fungus may consider topical tea tree oil over prescription of over-the-counter antifungals. Might there be a relationship between poor circulation and the development of fungal disease? A study found a greater than 50 percent reduction in blood flow in patients with athlete’s foot and nail fungus. Switching to a low-fat, plant-based diet can improve peripheral artery circulation, compared with a more conventional diet that contributes to the problem. To read the original article click here.

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How to Get Rid of Cellulite — 6 Natural Treatments

AHA Publisher — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 07:00:20 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Cellulite removal treatments are growing in popularity as more and more people struggle to maintain a healthy weight and look for ways on how to get rid of cellulite. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2019 over 2.6 million cosmetic surgery procedures were carried out in the U.S. alone — including over 265,000 liposuction procedures, many of which were performed to remove cellulite. Although they might sound like the perfect quick fixes, liposuction and laser cellulite treatments are not simple means of going from a size 16 to size 6 overnight. The ASPS itself even states, “Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite — the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips, and buttocks — or loose saggy skin.” How can you get rid of cellulite? Nothing can substitute for eating an anti-inflammatory diet and getting enough exercise. Just as with other signs of aging, if you want to reduce cellulite, first and foremost focus on maintaining a healthy weight throughout your adult life. Then, certain topical treatments may help dimply skin become less noticeable and improve skin’s overall appearance. What Is Cellulite? Cellulite is the appearance of lumpy or dimpled “cottage cheese skin,” which predominantly develops on the legs (especially the thighs), butt, stomach and the back of the arms. Some also refer to it as “orange peel skin” because it looks like the tiny bumps that form on the outside of citrus fruits. Basically, cellulite forms when globules of fat develop under the skin and push up against the connective tissue, forming an uneven, “mottled” look to the skin. There are three types cellulite with different severities, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the factors that contribute to this condition are a lack of exercise (a sedentary lifestyle), hormone changes and — you guessed it — a poor-quality diet. It’s possible to develop cellulite at any age, but it tends to get worse as someone gets older due to increased fatty deposits (and often a higher body weight). This condition is more common in women than men, with about 90% of women having some measure of cellulite, particularly as they age and the skin loses its elasticity. However, even teenagers dealing with weight and hormonal changes can deal with this skin concern. Cellulite is not serious or harmful, and therefore many choose to just simply leave it alone. Meanwhile, others become very bothered by unsightly cellulite, especially following life circumstances such as weight gain/loss or pregnancy — or in the summer when it’s common to reveal more skin. Causes What is the main cause of cellulite? Several primary factors contribute to the developmentof cellulite, including: Weak collagen structure of the skin, which leads to skin thinning and loss of elasticity Genetic factors Poor diet Fluid retention Dehydration Lack of circulation (blood flow) Being overweight Hormonal changes, including in estrogen and cortisol Lack of physical activity Some other factors that can cause skin changes, such as cellulite, sagginess, wrinkles and formation of dark spots, include: hormonal imbalances high amounts of stress existing medical conditions, like autoimmune disease or diabetes allergies smoking too much sun exposure other causes of toxicity While the connection between dealing with stress and developing cellulite may seem far-fetched, science has shown that all of the factors above increase inflammation and contribute to signs of aging. For example, according to a research study published in the Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, cellulite can be caused by increased levels of catecholamines due to high stress and raised cortisol levels. Things like stress and a poor diet also cause your body to slow down production of collagen, which is crucial to keep skin looking young. In fact, it’s now believed that collagen (a type of structural protein that forms skin’s layers) plays a big role in regulating cellulite. Dysfunction of collagen-rich fibers called fibrous septae seem to form cellulite dimples, so these are now the target of most professional cellulite treatments. How to Get Rid of Cellulite Can you get rid of cellulite once you have it? Unfortunately, it seems that the answer is not completely. As one 2019 review explains, “Despite multiple therapeutic approaches that attempt to treat cellulite, no procedures have been proven successful long term.” Considering all the lifestyle factors that affect the appearance and health of your skin, it’s understandable why intensive cellulite treatments — including noninvasive devices, such as massage or radio/acoustic frequency, laser and light-based treatments, liposuction, topical creams, injections, and carboxy therapy — are popular options. Unfortunately, these are not long-term solutions for keeping skin looking healthy. In order for some of these cellulite treatments to work — such as submission, vibrational therapy, wave therapy or lasers — ongoing treatments might be needed for many months on end or else results can diminish within six months to one year. How should you tackle cellulite then? As one study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science puts it, “Reducing adipogenesis (fat storage) and increasing thermogenesis (burning fat through body heat) appear to be primary routes, while also improving the microcirculation and collagen synthesis.” Here are the top six all-natural ways to help reduce the appearance of cellulite: 1. Eat a Healthy Diet Can cellulite on your legs go away? Losing weight and then maintaining a healthy body fat percentage may help reduce the appearance of cellulite on your legs or elsewhere. Some of the top foods for decreasing or preventing cellulite are: Flaxseeds — Flax is great for skin health and general health as it modulates estrogen levels and may also increase collagen production. You can sprinkle flaxseed on your breakfast, in your smoothies or simply eat the seeds by themselves. Hydrating foods — Because dehydration can lead to bloating and dry skin, try to eat more naturally hydrating foods. These include fresh veggies and fruit, especially melon, berries, cucumber, celery, citrus fruits and fresh herbs. Making Cellulite Slim Down Juice at home is a great way to consume a bunch of these at once. High-fiber foods — These include vegetables, nuts, seeds and berries. Fiber helps cleanse the colon, curb hunger, support your metabolism and balance hormones. High-fiber foods containing lots of antioxidants, such as leafy greens or berries, are also beneficial because of their ability to decrease free radical damage (which ages skin). Clean protein sources — High-quality protein foods, like grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, pastured eggs, wild-caught fish and organic protein powder, can support a healthy metabolism and aid in cellulite reduction. Ideally, aim to consume at least three to four ounces with every meal. Potassium-rich foods — Flushing excess fluids and waste out of cells can help reduce cellulite. Green leafy vegetables, avocados, bananas, coconut water and cultured dairy are all high in potassium. Healthy fats — Coconut and wild-caught fish contain fatty acids that promote healthy tissue. Consume one tablespoon daily of extra virgin coconut oil and one serving of wild-caught fish (or 1,000 milligrams of fish oil) daily for the best results. Kelp — Kelp contains a compound called “fucoxanthin,” which is found in chlorophyll-bearing green plants and supports metabolic and skin health. Try sprinkling a small amount onto your savory meals. Water — Wondering if drinking lots of water is really that important for reducing cellulite? Yes! Water keeps skin hydrated and helps flush out toxic compounds. Aim to drink eight to 10 glasses of fresh water daily. Well-hydrated skin looks more even, with less of a lumpy, dry or aged look. Try to avoid or reduce these foods, which may cause or worsen cellulite: Sugar and salt — If you think your diet has no effect on cellulite, think again! Here’s why: Sugar causes fluid retention, inflammation and storage of body fat — all of which can increase the appearance of cellulite. Read labels, and aim to reduce or remove added sugar. Limit your sodium intake as well, because salt is one of the main causes of water retention. Stick to a healing diet for best results, which is low in both sugar and salt. Refined flour and refined grain products — These break down quickly into sugar and are high in calories. Food allergens — Foods like gluten, A1 casein found in most dairy, shellfish and peanuts can cause allergies or inflammation in some. These have negative effects on skin health, like potentially decreasing circulation and interfering with normal nutrient absorption. Trans and hydrogenated fats — These are generally unhealthy and found in processed foods. 2. Consume More Collagen Connective tissue – including the layers of the skin – is composed of collagen. When the skin is strong, cellulite appearance is diminished. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and needed for skin’s elasticity, youthful texture and strength. One of the best ways to get more collagen is from consuming bone broth, which also has amino acids like glutamine. Bone broth contains the amino acids called proline and glycine that make up collagen, along with important trace minerals and even antioxidant compounds. The collagen in bone broth can strengthen skin tissue and help reverse the underlying the causes of cellulite. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that patients taking 2.5 grams of bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) experienced “significant decrease in the degree of cellulite and a reduced skin waviness on thighs … regular ingestion of BCP over a period of 6 months led to a clear improvement of the skin appearance in women suffering from moderate cellulite.” As expected, the results were most impressive in women who were overweight. 3. Take Anti-Cellulite Supplements Certain supplements and nutrients can help keep your skin in tip-top shape: Bromelain and proteolytic enzymes — These systemic enzymes have been used with great success to fight inflammation and dissolve gatherings of cellular tissue. According to findings published in Biotech Research Journal, “studies demonstrate that bromelain exhibits various fibrinolytic, antiedematous, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.” Uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, gallstones and cellulite may all be broken down more easily and eliminated with help from enzymes. Enzymes such as bromelain, serrapeptase and nattokwinase all have the ability to dissolve fibrinogen (the tissue that holds these unwanted formations together). Kola — This extract has been the subject of many cellulite studies and has shown some positive results. This is a caffeine-free herb that has relaxing properties and can be taken before bedtime. It works by helping improve the elasticity of the skin, while also making it thicker. Green coffee extract (which contains caffeine), African mango and fucoxanthin are additional supplements that offer similar benefits as those above. Caffeine has been shown to stimulate circulation and potentially help with fat-burning, so sources of caffeine are found in many cellulite supplements. 4. Exercise Regularly Can exercises get rid of cellulite? Although long-distance cardio can be of value in boosting your metabolism and helping prevent obesity, doing interval training (also known as burst training) will likely be much more effective. That’s because intervals are more effective at adding muscle to your frame and helping tone you all over. In 2011, a report published in the Journal of Obesity stated, “Emerging research examining high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) indicates that it may be more effective at reducing subcutaneous and abdominal body fat than other types.” Here are some quick facts and tips to keep in mind so you get the most benefits from your workouts: Look for a program that ideally combines burst cardio and resistance training. Aim for workouts that last between about 20 to 40 minutes a day. Interval or burst training is known to increase metabolism and burn calories long after (24–48 hours) your workout is over (known as the afterburn effect). Interval training incorporates short, intense exercises, such as sprinting, and then returns you to a cool-down period briefly. (This concept is also called high-intensity interval training, or HIIT.) If you’re targeting cellulite on your thighs and butt, try to incorporate moves like squats, lunges, donkey kicks and step backs. Two more effective strategies are weight training and isometric training – such as Barre, BarreAmped and Pilates. BarreAmped...

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