Remember remember!

Have a cracking November 5!

Happy Halloween

Guide to Vitamins

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Relocation Relocation!!

It was time to get outta London however not too far away
So to South Bucks we came and it's adventure all the way!
The kids are in heaven with plenty to do.
And for hubs the commute is bearable too!

So don't neglect your treatment and skincare regimes
It's a doddle down the M4 or 40 if you please.
Postage is possible if you are longing for your creams
Don't hesitate to call me for your anti-ageing needs!


I have relocated to Old Trees, Burnham Village, South Bucks, SL1 7AB
By appointment only at my home.
London appointments by special request with increase in treatment cost.


Website updates in progress....

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Picture by Zoe Macaron courtesy of Pinterest

As the English summer has not even kicked in yet, it's likely that you are!!

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most widespread and prevalent nutritional diseases of the 21st century, yet remains underappreciated with confusion about how it should be managed. 

Although Vitamin D deficiency is classically associated with bone health, low levels are also associated with increased risk of death from common cancers, autoimmune diseases, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure and infectious diseases.  In addition to epidemiological evidence, several studies have found that supplementing with Vitamin D can have striking health benefits.

A must read: 




Info:  Nutri.
Pictures courtesy of pinterest and spirit voyage.

The Truth about Parabens...

I recently had a client ask me to pose a question to Dr Des Fernandes (founder of Environ Skincare), about parabens and the repelling of good and not so 'good' ingredients into our skin.  With his permission I am revealing his response:

"The story that the mischievous internet scare mongers have created about parabens is interesting and annoying.  The most recent and long term study done by the FDA showed that Parabens are one of the least irritating molecules that we use in skin preparations, and finally that allergy to parabens is extremely rare.  There is no evidence that they do any wrong.  Just as well because we all eat parabens every day and if you eat strawberries then you eat them in quite a high dose.  Parabens are natural (does that shock you to discover they are natural?) and found in many foods that we eat uncooked, unprocessed.  We can't escape from them, especially if you eat a healthy diet.  Just as well they are innocuous, don't you think.

When I formulated Environ I would not add any parabens because I mistakenly thought they were major causes of skin irritation.  We don't add parabens to product and actually I believe we don't even have them in our factory.  You will see Parabens listed because in compliance with COLIPA rules we declare all the ingredients of every ingredient and there are some supplied with parabens as the preservative.  Parabens are the major preservatives in medical products an no-one worries about them!

The woman who claimed that parabens caused breast cancer has been roundly criticised and censored for her wreckless and unscientific method.  The whole story is evidence of stupid pseudo-scientific thinking. 
Breast cancer was described as being commonly situated immediately next to the arm bit since about 1848 many years before under arm deodorants..... See Paula Begouin and her comments about Parabens.

Propylene Glycol harmful?  Where is the evidence?  I know oxygen is harmful and I have thousands of papers showing that - but of course in the right dose and under the right conditions  We have to remember that the harmful effects of oxygen are the major reason for ageing and death.  Do those that question the long term harmful effects of propylene glycol in the average doses used in cosmetics have evidence?
The paradox is that people who spread and even believe these rumours are determined that there is a conspiracy to poison mankind with cosmetic ingredients and they are not interested in real scientific evidence!"

Dr Des Fernandes

K Hotel & SPA - London

Nothing like ending  the week end with a good dose of 'spa therapy'! Some serious steam and water therapy were order of the day!
A girlfriend and I headed to a fabulous little urban oasis today called K Hotel & Spa in London's Shepherds Bush. 
Greeted by a very welcoming and informative Kata we were shown around and provided with pristine white waffle gowns, fluffy towels and verruca phobic footwear!
K Spa is fairly small and having arrived early we were fortunate enough to have the wet facilities all to our very selves!
I had kitted us up with exfoliating mitts and face masks for a bit of DIY spa fun in this fabulous contemporary space and we got busy allowing the weeks woes to be washed away. 

After a lengthy steam I hot footed to the Snow room where I wrestled a large stalagmite from the roof to vigorously rub all over me.  GREAT for my sluggish circulation and certainly an immune boost!
Lotions and potions were generously applied and we left rosy and radiant to indulge in coffee and cupcakes before our return to reality!

For more details please go to http://www.k-west.co.uk/kspa.htm

Pictures courtesy of K Hotel & Spa.

Just a tip:
Take a good face mask and hair treatment to apply whilst in the sauna and steam rooms.

Enjoy!

YAY YAY....!!

Have a HAPPY week end!!!

Be Happy!

6.  Take 5-HTP...!
     5- HTP is the pre-cursor to serotonin and when taken daily can increase serotonin levels dramatically.

 

5-HTP Benefits:  (taken from herbwisdom.com)

Most 5-HTP is extracted from the seeds of a woody climbing shrub native to West Africa, called the Griffonia simplicifolia plant.
Widely used to help with obesity (dieting), PMS, migraines, depression, anxiety, insomnia and addictive behaviour. 5-HTP or "hydroxy L-tryptophane" (5-Hydroxytryphophan)  is a naturally-occurring amino acid and  is the precursor and metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan. 5-HTP is converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT), with the help of vitamin B6. This occurs both in nervous tissue and in the liver. 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier  (while 5-HT does not) Supplementation with 5-HTP therefore increases production of Serotonin. Serotonin levels in the nervous system are essential for so many aspects of our daily lives. Serotonin is responsible for feelings of well being, satisfaction and for normal sleep patterns. Obesity, PMS, migraines, depression, anxiety, insomnia and addictive behaviour have all been associated with low levels of serotonin. Prescription drugs that raise serotonin levels are prescribed for all of these problems, but many people believe 5-HTP is a natural way to accomplish the same thing.
Serotonin plays an important role in controlling anger, aggression, body temperature, mood, sleep, human sexuality, appetite, and metabolism, as well as stimulating vomiting. It is thought the hectic modern lifestyle of stress and bad eating habits lowers serotonin levels in the body. It is known that irritability, aggression, impatience, anxiety and worrying cause the body to release serotonin. This Serotonin then needs to be replenished by the body from the food you eat. But Serotonin is not found in large quantities in most diets so the body has to makes it itself from foods which contain L-tryptophan, such as chocolate, oats, bananas, dried dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, meat, fish, turkey, chicken, sesame, chickpeas, and peanuts. Many people therefore crave the foods listed (fats and carbohydrates), especially when stressed, causing weight gain, depression, headaches, and muscle aches.


Clinical studies have shown that supplementing with 5-HTP produces positive results in weight loss, anxiety and depression. It improves sleep patterns and reduces carbohydrate cravings in those on low carbohydrate diets (such as The Atkins Diet). Anyone using a weight loss program similar to the Atkins Diet could experience a reduction in serotonin levels due to the fact that carbohydrates stimulate serotonin production in the body. Serotonin release is triggered by a carbohydrate load (sugar etc.) and it is thought that's why we often crave Carbohydrates under stress as we want to stimulate this serotonin release. When the brain produces serotonin, tension is eased.  Conversely when the brain produces dopamine or norepinephrine (noradrenaline), we tend to think and act more quickly and are generally more alert. Therefore eating carbohydrates seems to have a calming effect, while proteins increase alertness.

Taking 5-HTP supplements can stop this craving for fats and carbohydrates, as well as providing the body with the means to control all those other functions listed above, such as anger, appetite and sleep.

5-HTP supplements are available at health food stores.  Always consult your doctor before taking any supplement if you are on other medications and especially if you are already on antidepressant medication.

Advanced Nutrition Programmes Metabolic Support contains 5-HTP alongside other vitamins and minerals that help balance and control blood sugar levels and over-eating. 

Available from carleyharrison@btinternet.com

Lemongrass lingers....

Trying to cling onto my recent holiday to Thailand, I am burning Lemongrass all over the house and I just can't get enough of its energising aroma let alone the mouth watering dishes it infuses.

While not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), lemongrass reportedly has a wide variety of therapeutic effects. Because the herb has not been studied extensively in people, its effectiveness is based mainly on the results of animal and laboratory studies as well as its centuries-old reputation as a folk remedy. Lemongrass is used to treat nervous disorders and stomach problems. In the Amazon, lemongrass is highly regarded as a sedative tea.
When taken internally, lemongrass has been recommended for stomach aches, diarrhoea, gas, bowel spasms, vomiting, fever, flu, headaches and other types of pain. The herb (or its essential oil) may be applied externally to help treat acne, athlete’s foot, lower back pain, sciatica, sprains, tendinitis, neuralgia, and rheumatism. To treat circulatory disorders, some authorities recommend rubbing a few drops of lemongrass oil on the skin of affected areas; it is believed to work by improving blood flow.
Like many essential oils, lemongrass is also used in aromatherapy.
Add 2 drops to water in an oil burner and inhale something exotic and energising!

Happy New Year!!!




Picture everythingfab.com courtesy of Pinterest