Anti Aging Product for Revitalizing Aging Dull Skin

There are some things that women over 40 will learn how to live with. But fine lines and wrinkles? While there are many anti aging procedures that can firm sagging skin, you know that it is saner to “spend” your paycheck in a retirement plan than to liquidate your monthly bread to banish lines and wrinkles. But one woman over 40 knows that looking young can be easy and even practical. This is her story.

Linda F. of Santa Rosa, CA knew that she has to do something. Her skin felt parched and even looked unbelievably dull, making her wrinkles more noticeable.

One of her friends swears on Renova, a popular prescription cream that claims to reduce fine lines, age spots, and wrinkles after weeks of continuous use. She asked for the price: a few dollars above $150. So she decided to give it a try. The next day, she visited a dermatologist and asked if Renova can work for her. After examination, her dermatologists prescribed a 40 gram-tube of Renova (0.02 percent).

After weeks of using Renova, Linda noticed that glow she hasn’t seen for a while. Within the first month, her skin looked brighter and even rosier. Her skin feels smoother. On the fourth month, the fine lines around her eyes and lips are less noticeable.

Some added benefits: her makeup looks better. She no longer depends on her foundation, and she is now even considering removing her cream color corrector which he has relied on for so long. Aside from reducing lines and wrinkles, Renova also sloughs off dead skin cells: bringing out a fresher, younger-looking skin.

Using Renova, however, makes one anti aging product indispensible: sunscreen. Even Julia Roberts</,a>, who is the freshest face of Lancome, swears by her sunscreen regimen. If you are applying Renova, you absolutely need to use sunscreen, says Linda. To complement your anti aging regimen, look for a sunscreen that has titanium dioxide or zinc oxide and at least SPF 20

Why Do Anti Aging Creams Cost So Much?

To firm skin, women will drive almost instinctively to the nearest beauty to shop and grab some anti aging creams. While we, women over 40 are more than willing to shop for anything that will defy time and keep others guessing, there is that teensy yet logical voice inside us, begging us to use our reasons. Does spending hundreds of dollars for a jar reasonable?

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It’s really up to you to answer this agelong question, but really why do anti aging creams cost so much?

We really can’t see why women over 40 should put a month’s worth of bread on anti aging creams -- no matter how effective they can be. The truth is no product can require you to shell out $100 and even $300 for some anti aging secrets poured into a cream, says Paula Begoun of CosmeticsCop.com. But why do cosmetics companies jack up their prices? Here are their top three reasons:

It costs too much to know what women over 40 think. Marketing to women, especially women over 40, can be really a challenge for a lot of cosmetics companies. To sell to this group of learned market, they have to dig deeper to know what makes them tick. Cosmetics companies spend billions of dollars to know what women will dig -- from ads down to the very subtle scent anti aging creams should give off.

It has to look fancy. Cosmetics companies have to justify why their anti aging creams cost so much. And since they can’t talk all the time, they need something to do the talking effectively. And what a better way to show it than a fancy box and a beautiful glass container?

Women will shop for anything to look young. Yes, we do. There is no point denying this fact. One on end, women over 40 are willing to pay high prices to feel young and look young. On the other are the cosmetics companies more than happy to meet this profitable demand. It is, indeed, one beautiful match.

Many women over 40 equate effectiveness with price. Many among us still believe that products commanding high price are better in quality. But how much truth does it contain? Not much. In fact, you can buy a lot of $15 anti aging products that will work as good as expensive ones.

But what about the ingredients? Pricey products have these sophisticated ingredients that makes it sound so reasonable for the price they are asking. In theory, these products can work. They, in fact, in many clinical trials, have shown to help skin look better. Some ingredients science do back up: vitamin E and vitamin C. For younger looking skin, look for alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).

Maybe they do work, but I believe they still can’t perform miracles, says Begoun. To remove wrinkles, you will definitely need your doctor’s help. If you want a product that can do wonders for your skin, all you need to shop for is a bottle of sunscreen.

The Anti Aging Diet: 10 Anti Aging Foods Women over 40 Should Know

Daisy McFadden of Bronx, N.Y., who will turn 100 this November, believes that her eating habits and everything that goes to her plate has a lot to do with her fulfilling, long life. So the age long question comes to mind, does an anti aging diet really exist?

I look at many products at our market and think how including an anti aging label can help sales. My husband thinks that such strategy will make products fly off the shelves. I am a firm believer of natural anti aging methods, which makes believing in anti aging diet come automatically. With centenarians like McFadden sharing their stories and highlighting the role played by what seemed to the anti aging diet plus the growing number of experts believing that the key to looking young and staying young lies in the food we eat, women over 40 are reconsidering their shopping list.

The Food We Eat

McFadden’s diet resembles that of those who live in Okinawa, Japan, whose community boasts of the world’s largest concentration of healthy centenarians. For years, McFadden wakes up with a bowl of oatmeal, banana, and a glass of cranberry juice. By midday, she prefers a salad of fresh cucumbers, beets, tomatoes, and a serving of white meat. For dinner, McFadden dines with a plate of lean meat and steamed vegetables. Dessert is reserved for a bowl of fresh fruit.

The best anti aging diet follows McFadden’s lead. Dietician Susan Moores of the American Diabetic Association says women over 40 who make healthy dietary choices have the advantage over those who delay this much welcome and even necessary change.

So what food should you load up on? Moores recommend dedicating a shopping cart with these foods and beverages:

1. Fish. Centenarians of Okinawa, Japan know that when it comes to protein the best source ever there is fish -- even better than egg. Cold-water fishes are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and promotes brain function. The American Heart Association encourages women over 40 to eat fish, particularly fatty varieties like lake trout, salmon, and mackerel, at least twice a week.

2. Fruits and vegetables. No anti aging diet is complete without fruits and vegetables. Aiming for variety is one good rule to follow if you want to load up on antioxidants. The more color your fruit and veggies basket has the better. For starters, you want to serve generous servings of broccoli, banana, carrots, oranges, white potatoes,

3. Legumes. We just love this super low-cal and hands-down nutritious treat that comes cheap in spite of its tremendous benefits. For variety, strive to use some of the common legumes you can find in the market: kidney beans, black-eyed peas, navy beans, black beans, pinto beans, and mung beans.

4. Nuts. One of the best snack treats there is, ever, nuts are our favorite source of B vitamins that is undeniably good for your brain and heart. The healthy fats contained in these small wonders aid collagen and elastin in the skin, both of which are keys to a younger looking skin resilient against threats posed by pollution and harmful UV rays.

5. Water. Enjoying three to four glasses of water in addition to other watery foods and liquids not only prevents dehydration but also keeps your body at tip top shape, functioning at its best. For example, water is essential for hydration of muscles, circulation and other organs, and, of course, skin. Essentially, every system in our body depends on water. So drink up for better health.

6. Whole grains. Centenarians of Okinawa, Japan are known for loading up on whole grains than refined grains. At least 3 servings of whole grains everyday provides your body various minerals and vitamins that you can’t have when you go for refined grains like white rice or white bread. Switching to these complex carbohydrates like brown rice and oatmeal provides your body immune system-enhancing phytonutrients and soluble fibers that have been proven to lower blood cholesterol levels.

7. Yogurt. For $3.19 for every 32 ounces, yogurt is definitely a great buy. An 8-ounce of plain, low-fat yogurt delivers a quarter of the daily recommended serving of protein of women over 40. Yogurt has all the benefits of a healthy dairy item minus the fat but plus million of healthy probiotics that promotes good digestion. I know how difficult it is to really enjoy plain yogurt, but it is really better than sweetened ones since the latter contains up to 25 grams of unnecessary sugar per serving.

For Younger-looking Skin

If you are aiming for a smooth, supple, younger-looking skin, here is a list of on-target grocery items that can do wonders for the face and body.

8. Soy. Ever wonder why Asians have great, time-defying skin? A soy-based diet. Women over 40 who include soy in their diet shower their body with super beneficial isoflavone aglycone, which contains estrogen-like and antioxidant effects when it comes to fighting fine lines and wrinkles.

9. Dark chocolate. What a better, more pleasurable way to have a younger-looking skin than eating cocoa made of dark chocolate? In one study, women who drink half a cup of coffee showed a positively glowing skin that lasted for 2 hours. The reason: a better circulation. Research shows that women who drink 1/2 cup of cocoa made from dark chocolate every day for twelve weeks showed better hydrated, supple, smoother, and significantly softer skin.

10. Romaine lettuce. Also known as cos lettuce, adding six leaves of romaine lettuce to your diet provides your body more than 100 percent of DV of vitamin A, which revitalizes the skin by promoting better cell turnover. Unlocking the potassium in this super nutritious veggie also gives your skin a refreshing and much needed boost of oxygen and nutrients.

Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles: 9 Anti Aging Solutions For Smoother Younger Looking Skin

Can over-the-counter creams reduce fine lines and wrinkles? Though women over 40 will reach for retinoids anytime, you must know that our search for anti aging solutions that will reduce fine lines and wrinkles now goes beyond your usual jar of anti aging creams.

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Though my fine lines and wrinkles represent wisdom and experience, to be frank, I would rather not have them. I started splurging on anti aging creams way before I need them. Unfortunately, I didn’t know what to buy then so I end up with innumerable products that look promising but are essentially disappointments.

Unfortunately for us, women over 40, we need to weed through hundreds of procedures and products so we can really get into the good stuff. Many youth-enhancing solutions are unfortunately blown way out of proportion and are even sometimes entirely nonexistent. No matter how disheartening this seems, I know you can appreciate the fact that there are effective anti aging techniques that can reduce -- and even banish -- fine lines and wrinkles.

So what treatments are available for fine lines and wrinkles? We, women over 40, have two options: Cosmetic and medical techniques. Below is a description of time-tested methods and potential outcomes.

Medical Treatments

Retinoid. Primarily sold as an acne medication, retinoid (Renova, tretinoin, Retin-A) hit the market in the 1980s as the very first retinoid developed for this kind of topical application. After months of dominating the market, doctors noticed an unexpected effect among women who tried it: Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Since then, retinoid -- a chemically related compound of vitamin A -- has successfully dominated the market for proven effective medical treatments for fine lines and wrinkles. What is great about retinoids is that it also covers other signs of aging like wrinkling, roughness, and pigmentation. Unfortunately, retinoids produce peeling and redness, making this topical one of the most challenging treatments to stick with.

Wrinkle fillers. One of the most advanced treatments for fine lines and wrinkles are literally within your reach. Think of skin and wrinkle fillers that work instantly -- at least until you wash them off. One of the most inexpensive fillers you can find today is Olay Regenerist Filling + Sealing Wrinkle Treatment ($17 at Amazon.com).

Retinol. A fat-soluble vitamin derived from provitamin carotenoids and preformed retinoids, retinol has been proven to be more effected and more potent than prescription retinoids. Compared to other anti aging solutions for fine lines and wrinkles, retinol is less irritating and is geared towards long-term smoothing because of a more stable formula providing a slow time-release function. What skin experts have in their bags: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Night Cream and L'Oréal Paris Advanced Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Clinical Action.

Moisturizers. We all know what a good moisturizing can do for the skin. But do you know that applying a good moisturizer -- one specifically made for your skin type -- can make your wrinkle less prominent? Well, at least temporarily. So when a moisturizing ad says that it can “reduce fine lines,” well at least you can count on the fact that there is some truth in it.

Cosmetic Procedures

Forget about going under the knife. When it comes to anti aging solutions for fine lines and wrinkles, women over 40 can count on non-surgical procedures that have no downtime and an almost instantaneous effect.

Botox. Best for forehead creases, frown lines, crow’s feet, and the like, Botox is one of the foremost non-surgical anti aging solutions sign up for these days. Formulated from a purified solution of botulism bacteria, Dysport and of course the more popular Botox is injected into the skin in tiny doses, relaxing clenched facial muscles. The procedure causes minimal discomfort and only takes few minutes to get done. Improvements in the skin may vary, though most cases last for several months.

Basic chemical peels. Containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, or trichloro acetic acid (TCA), basic chemical peels essentially utilizes a specific formulation of any or a combination of these acid solutions to reveal smoother, newer, and younger looking skin. Though the application takes as little as 15 minutes, the formula works slowly, revealing improvements in the skin at least four days after it has been applied to the skin. To reduce the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines, a series of treatments may be required.

Microdermabrasion. A less painful and more gentle skin-freshening technique than dermabrasion, microdermabrasion utilizes tiny crystals to blast away dead skin cells, revealing afterwards a tighter, pinkish skin. Irritation usually subsides 24 hours after the procedure. Though subtle improvements in texture and tone can be observed immediately after the procedure, it may take up to 10 sessions before significant difference in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are clearly visible.

Thermage. Perfect to tighten crepe-like, saggy skin, Thermage uses radio frequency to stimulate collagen production all over the face. Though the treatment can be painful, most women over 40 reports significant difference in how their skin looks, particularly the skin around the eye area. Thermage is essentially the only non-invasive procedure that can contour and tighten the skin in a single treatment. Result usually appears four months after the procedure, but the difference in how the skin looks and feels is dramatic.

Nonablative laser. Also known as photorejuvenation and subsurface resurfacing, nonablative laser and other light treatments, such as Fraxel, essentially improves fine and moderately deep skin wrinkles, skin roughness, and dyspigmentation. Unlike full-laser resurfacing that removes the entire epidermis, nonablative laser and light treatments only penetrates the skin without damaging the surface. Though the procedure can be painful (topical anesthetic must be applied), there is little if any downtime.

If you are already decided on signing up with any of these cosmetic procedures, make sure that you consult with board-certified and experienced doctors who specialize in at least two of these procedures. You should not only be aware of the potential benefits of the procedure but of the risks as well.

Anti Aging Solutions to Firm Sagging Skin

What is the secret to a younger looking skin? What does a woman, who has reached the big 4-0, need to do to have firm skin? How do you really get rid of wrinkles? These are but some of the questions we often talk about. And what makes this worse is that whenever I go around the cosmetics counter, I am actually overwhelmed by the number of products, which was changed almost every week. I’ve seen a number of anti aging creams that have been lucky enough to be given a prominent position on the shelf for a year or so, but believe me tons of new products just keep on coming every single week. So what is in store for us, women over 40? Here is our list of what the counter lady (and even your doctor) may offer you for younger looking skin.

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Your mom, during her time, that is, has only one option then: Go under the knife. Well, actually there is a second option, which is really a not-so pretty sight. Think heavy peeling and hyperpigmentation. Today, it is our turn and fortunately we have everything that we need for a firmer skin right at the cosmetics counter. But how can we be so sure that these anti aging solutions really do work? Here is our list of expert-recommended and proven anti aging solutions for a smoother, younger looking you.

Patricia Wexler Intensive 3 in 1 Eye

Smoothening creams were formulated to target glycation, a biological process wherein glucose (also known as sugar) sticks to and breaks collagen down, which essentially leads to sagging. To prevent and even halt the effect of glycation, experts recommend is Patricia Wexler Intensive 3 in 1 Eye Cream ($55.95 at Amazon.com). A firming, anti-wrinkle, and lifting day cream, Patricia Wexler Intensive 3 in 1 Eye Cream is essentially formulated with NiacylTM, MMPi-20TM, and BVOSC to restore youthful-looking contours and support natural skin structure.

Why do we recommend Patricia Wexler Intensive 3 in 1 Eye Cream? Featured in 2005 Time Style and Design, Patricia Wexler Intensive 3 in 1 Eye Cream is one of the few products that are based on recent scientific developments that specifically target a group of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Similar to the effect of LED in inhibiting MMPs, Patricia Wexler Intensive 3 in 1 Eye Cream utilizes MMPi technology in order to exhibit the very same result when applied topically to the skin. The result: A plump, visibly smoother skin. But the benefits simply do not stop there: Clinical studies show that regular application of the Patricia Wexler Intensive 3 in 1 Eye Cream prevents further wrinkling, improves skin tone, and revitalizes elastin and collagen growth. Shop for Patricia Wexler Intensive 3 in 1 Eye Cream at Amazon.com using this link.

Another technology-based formulation to the Wexler product line is Niacyl, a clinically proven ingredient of the Patricia Wexler Intensive 3 in 1 Eye Cream that essentially enhances and boosts the effects of the other ingredients. A potent ingredient to many of Weler’s anti aging solutions, the function of Niacyl is to trigger the skin to produce more collagen and deliver moisture-boosting niacin to the skin cells.

Radiesse

Another option that you may want to look into is Radiesse. Popularly referred to as the wrinkle filler, Radiesse is a comfortable, quick, and simple dermal filler treatment that encourages your body’s own production of collagen to smoothen out wrinkles and other signs of aging. The ideal choice for those who opt for total facial contouring, Radiesse is a minimally invasive procedure with zero downtime, immediately taking effect as soon as the formula is introduced to the skin. Unlike topical anti aging solutions, you need to visit an esthetician or cosmetic surgeon who can perform and has been accredited to provide Radiesse.

Thermage

Other anti aging solutions that are gaining momentum: Thermage. A non-invasive, skin tightening procedure, Thermage is an FDA-approved procedure that utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten and evenly tone sagging skin, loose jowls, and even provides a contouring effect in the jaw and lips.

Each procedure usually costs between $1,000 and $5,000. Though Thermage is a onetime treatment, some patients may need more and even require additional treatments to maintain results. It is difficult to know how long the results can last since it has been approved by the FDA only last 2002, but experts predict that it can range for as little as two years to ten full years.

Demystifying the Best Anti Aging Plan: Seven Pillars of Looking Young, Feeling Young

The best anti aging plan should do wonders for your body, and not only your skin. Here are the seven pillars of the best anti aging plan women over 40 should know.

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Our generation, the women over 40, is just determined to look young and feel young. Instead of feeling guilty about it, I even encourage my friends to do whatever anti aging plan that comes into their mind. Why? Simply because we can’t afford to be timid and shun away from anti aging solutions offering ways to brighten our day just by looking at the mirror. Our generation of women over 40 deserves nothing but the truth and the best.

Aside from anti aging creams, it is important that you employ other anti aging solutions so you can truly achieve what you want. Your concept of what anti aging should go beyond a jar; we have seen a big change, if not a paradigm shift, in the idea of what anti aging is. It is time that you change yours.

Natural Anti Aging Plan

You really don’t have to go to an anti aging center so you can reclaim what time stole from you. The best anti aging plan shouldn’t be difficult, yet it should challenge you. No matter how cliched it may be, I still stand by my belief that the best anti aging plan should encourage you to ditch old ways and misconceptions about looking young and feeling young.

Our thoughts count, and it also affect the quality of our life and well-being. What more if you translate these thoughts into action. Making a small difference in how you live your life, like switching to green tea or doing strength training at least twice a week, will not only improve the quality of your life but may also increase lifespan as well. We all know that eating an apple may, well, keep the doctor away. But do you know that adding apple to your diet can also add at least two years to your life? These small, simple things, when done regularly, translate to wonders.

Forget about deprivation. The best anti aging plan, something that you can really create on your own, will teach you how you can enjoy a healthy, long, and fun life. It shouldn’t require you to do daunting things; instead, a natural anti aging plan, when “planned” right, should come to you, well, naturally. Eastern medicine, particularly traditional Chinese medicine, treats our body as one of the wisest elements there is. Listen to it, and it will tell you how you can look and feel your best.

The Best Anti Aging Plan: Seven Pillars

Your anti aging plan should have the seven anti aging secrets as its pillars: Right diet, soy, anti aging supplements, proper hydration, maintaining a healthy weight, cardio exercise, and strength training. So where does the anti-aging cream come in? Experts do agree that the power of putting on anti-aging cream doesn’t even come close to what any of these anti aging secrets can do for you and your body.

Anti aging foods

I remember reading what Pablo Picasso said on looking young and feeling young, “It takes a long time to become young.” And I certainly couldn’t agree more. And one of the most important anti aging secrets all women over 40 should realize is that there is a lot of eating that needs to be done when one wants to look young. Forget about specially formulated diet plans; when it comes to true anti aging foods nothing can even come close to what Mother Nature has blessed us with.

Eating anti aging foods is really all about eating foods closest to its natural state. Think freshness in all its glory. The goal of anti aging foods is to give you the freshest, tastiest dishes while showering your body with all the nutrients that it needs -- everything from protective plant substances to youth-preserving antioxidants.

Soy

If there is one thing I love about Asian food it is soy. Ever wonder why the Japanese look so young with their ever smooth and luminescent skin? Or how the Chinese manage to maintain their lean physique? Think about the vitality, longevity, and the robust health of people in Asian countries? After years of research, more and more experts are starting to believe that maybe soy is the wonder and even youth food women over 40 are looking for.

An excellent source of protein and dietary fiber, soy is said to ward off age-related conditions, including, but not limited to, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and, of course, menopausal symptoms. But the magic of soy essentially lies in isoflavones, or a group of plant substances linked to a number of health benefits like lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol, slowing down the growth of cancer cells, and even repairing and building stronger bones.

Soy is a great alternative for meat; containing virtually saturated fat and cholesterol, soy is an excellent source of high-quality and low-calorie protein. It is also rich in essential nutrients like calcium, B vitamins, and iron.

Anti aging supplements

With a healthy diet and an overall nourishing lifestyle, many women over 40 ask, “Do I really need to take supplements?” When we say natural anti aging plan, we don’t mean anything superficial; we advocate natural eating, but we certainly are not after ditching anything that has been produced by machines. A natural anti aging plan should include taking supplements for one reason: Because your body is not as efficient as it used to be. While our body produces youth-preserving antioxidants like alphalipoic acid and coenzyme Q10, experts do agree that once women hit the big 4-0, the body starts to slow down its production levels, thereby, leaving us with insufficient amount of these antioxidants.

Anti aging supplements essentially contain larger doses of plant compounds and nutrients than what your diet -- no matter how healthy it is -- can actually deliver. Aside from taking multis, women over 40 need their regular doses of anti aging supplements to aid the body in warding off age-related conditions and free radical damage. When shopping for anti aging supplements, your list needs to have coenzyme Q10, alphalipoic acid, bioflavonoids, flaxseed oil, gingko, vitamin E, vitamin C, pycnogenol, and phosphatidyl serine.

Hydration

Considered by many as Mother Nature’s anti aging tonic, water is needed by our body every second, making us alive, allowing us to breathe. Hydration is essentially the key to almost everything, good things, that happens to our body -- from fending off headaches to keeping our skin smooth and supple. Water also boosts our body’s energy level, helps us focus, and clears our system from harmful toxins that block our body’s energy (or qi to traditional Chinese medicine) channel.

Your healthy weight

We are all different. Our body is carefully created, shaped to become unique, setting us apart from others. No matter how difficult it can be, I always make sure that I look at the scale and not at the TV when checking on my body. I gained a lot of weight when I reached the big 4-0. Well, the truth is, I have accumulated fat over the years and it started when I gave birth to my eldest. I really had difficulty losing my baby pouch, one, because I have to raise my kids and work at least ten hours a day, and, two, because I thought that my body will just naturally take care of it. I guess it didn’t.

Whether it’s a rude joke or simply an evolution blunder, a woman’s weight will always grow parallel her age. Our weight gain is not only an issue of us being too tired to hit the gym or a too good chocolate cake you can’t resist eating but of myriad of things that seem to naturally happen to and within our body. Our metabolism slows down, our muscle mass decreases as we age, and we become, or chose to be, less active.

One of the very first things that you should check is your BMI. A BMI of 25 to 30 is essentially considered as overweight while any reading that goes beyond 30 is categorized as obese. But you shouldn’t stop with BMI. Make sure that you check where the fat has accumulated. Weight circumference, alongside BMI, is used by many health experts in gauging how healthy a woman is. The larger your waist, the higher risk for weight-related disorders like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer.

Find what works for you. We all know that we wouldn’t find this when we look at magazines and TV. Back in my 20s, I have a waist line of 18. Today, I shop for ensembles that will fit my waist of 29 inches. While managing a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, writing online, and running a life insurance agency, I walk everyday and attend yoga classes. I know it wouldn’t be long before I can whittle the extras in my tummy and the number in the scale.

Cardio exercise 

I am guilty of not doing enough cardio exercise to work my lungs and heart. Though I do eight reps of sun salutation (with variations) and do power walk, I know I need to do more to make sure both my lungs and heart are working at its best. But it’s not only the heart and lungs that get happy when I move; aerobics is essentially a low-risk investment that provides tremendous benefits.

The puffing and the huffing can do more good than the sudden shot of pain we loathe when we stretch our body. It boosts metabolism, reduces stress, eases perimenopause symptoms, rewinds your sex drive, gives you energy, and really makes the seemingly difficult task of falling asleep easy. And it only gets better. Cardio exercises have been linked to a number of health benefits, including lowering the probability of weight- and age-related diseases like heart disease, osteoporosis, and arthritis, among others.

Our body is made and created for moving -- even though our lifestyle has creatively engineered beneficial activities out of it. I know I am guilty of this, but when I think of cardio I immediately picture aero classes and treadmills. But it is important for us (and I really mean also me) to realize that we don’t really have to hit the gym to get some heart-pumping action done. I am proposing incorporating cardio exercise to our routine; and by this I mean increasing our level of physical activity. Think about what you do the next day, and simply make those mundane tasks more physical. I enjoy gardening, and every morning I start on a new plot, garden plot, that is, and start to cultivate and prepare the soil for new seeds. I get at least 20 minutes of hoeing (not what you’re thinking, silly) before eight in the morning, and that, for me, is already a good start.

Strength training

I love yoga simply because it engages the whole body and everything I have in me. I consider a power Vinsaya practice (lots of sun salutations with variations) because it’s like doing cardio cycling. I also love yoga for the simple reason that it stretches every inch of me, and since we do a lot of incredibly challenging poses, I thought yoga can substitute for strength training sessions. And I thought wrong.

Yoga maybe an excellent toning tool, but building muscle cannot be accomplished with doing asanas (lesson learned). Strength training is really one thing we, women over 40, can’t afford to miss. The benefits of resistance training really go beyond whittling excess fats. If you’re planning to shape up and finally achieve that leaner physique you’ve always wanted, building muscle is a routine you can’t skip. In fact, it is the key that holds the door for a leaner you.

Aside from trimming excess fats, strength training revs up your metabolism by increasing the amount of muscle in your body. Resistance training also increases your muscle strength, delivers more energy, improves your balance, and even kicks depression.

A natural anti aging plan should have all of these. It should allow you to be and feel your best by doing what the body is naturally created to do. I believe the best anti aging plan should inspire you to listen to your body and learn about its ways. Women over 40 should believe that they have all they need to really look young and feel young. We just need to trust ourselves, get up, and keep moving.

Three Vital Anti Aging Secrets for Women Over 40

Many women over 40 are excited about the latest in anti aging creams and technology. The search for the fountain of youth, which dates as far back as 3500 B.C., and essentially the journey to combat signs of aging appeals to women of all ages. All women who think that a wrinkle there and even laugh lines here look, at the very least, unpleasant to the eye. This desire to look young and even feel young has prompted a rather disturbingly large numbers of capitalists to charge a premium for some sort-of technology that can stop, reverse, and even prevent signs of aging, or as we love to call it “signs of the times.”

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Effective anti aging programs, and everything else that makes sense, will tell you that your journey for an age-defying beauty is an exciting expedition. It isn’t fast, isn’t instant. Knowing what works for us takes time, determination, and, yes even boldness.

Anti aging secrets are not and shouldn’t be secrets at all. They should be readily available to anyone who wants to look good and feel better about themselves. Here are three effective yet simple -- as things should always be -- anti aging secrets for women over 40:

Love your body

Eastern medicine considers our body as a sacred temple, a sacred place where our mind and soul dwells. To reverse and prevent signs of aging, you must first learn to love what you have. Women over 40 are so good at becoming flexible, from their work to what their kids can actually do, but are so uncompromising in terms of what their body can do. They often get sick not because their body is weak but because they don’t listen to their weakness.

Treat your body well and you will experience vitality and the health you have long longed for.

Let all bygones be bygones

Ancient Chinese doctors believe that unreleased emotions brought about by traumatic events were locked up inside the body, manifesting themselves later as symptoms and illnesses. Emotions, though can and are easily dismissed by the highly impersonal relationship we maintained at work, can affect our body and our health. Negativities, often believed to be unwanted emotions, block the body’s energy channels, creating imbalance and often chaos inside.

Live in the present, though it may be difficult. Let go and be free.

Be ready to listen

One of the most difficult things to do is to stop and listen. Many women over 40 consider their body as robot, something that can be programmed to run for as long as the mind wants it to. But like any machine, it requires maintenance and needs to be preserved. But often times, we ignore these signs because we need to keep going: We have projects to attend to, friends to talk to, and family to attend to. How many times in a day do we pause and listen to our body? Chances are good that you even use the hour before bedtime to write your tomorrow’s to-do list. Stop. You don’t really have to do this.

Live your life. But take care of your body by listening to it. How many times in your life do you get to realize that you can actually accomplish more by listening? Many. Listen to your body. You can learn so much from it if only you listen.

Reversing signs of aging can be really challenging for women over 40. In this case, women over 40 can’t afford not to be bold about their choices, the solutions to this issue. You can prevent signs of aging to show on your face, skin, and body.

Stepping on an anti aging program means having sick- and worry-free days. An effective anti aging program goes beyond skin issues and how to erase fine lines. It should tell you how to listen to and trust your body. We have only been given one life, one body. It has been taking good care of you for years, it is time that you recognize that it also needs to be taken care of.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements: Universal Antioxidants in a Bottle

Antioxidants are naturally found in and produced by our body. But health experts insist that women over 40 grab a bottle of alpha lipoic acid supplement. Here's the reason why.

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Alphalipoic acid is a vitamin-like chemical many experts consider as a potent antioxidant. A chemical produced and found in our body -- which essentially shows how great our body can be -- alphalipoic acid functions to break down the food we eat and convert it into something we, women over 40, need to be at our best: Energy. While it is primarily used for the management of diabetes, alpha lipoic acid supplements have been known to prevent certain types of cell damage in our body and recycles vitamin levels like vitamin C and vitamin E, therefore, making them serviceable again. But what makes ALA truly unique is that it is more effective in warding off free radicals than other antioxidants, working efficiently and fighting free radicals in both the watery and fatty parts of the cells.

Alpha Lipoic Acid and Anti Aging

Though alphalipoic acid is produced by the body, it only acts as an antioxidant when there is an excess of it. The body produces too little ALA, really not enough to fend off free radicals caused by the natural oxidation process in our body, environmental or external toxins, and other conditions like stress. And both internal and external attacks made to our cells can really overwhelm our whole body, making our natural free-radical defense system weak and unable to do its job. Free radicals moves and reproduces quickly, damaging and injuring the DNA, which creates the perfect hub for the seed of a disease to grow. And what is worse is that free radicals are industrious, they don’t only damage one molecule but it can actually set off a whole chain reaction.

You need to help your body fend off free radicals by taking alpha lipoic acid supplements. But why this antioxidant when you have so many to choose from? According to the UC Berkley Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements, alphalipoic acid is one of, if not, the most versatile antioxidants, which makes the process of deactivating various types of cell-damaging free radicals in our system relatively easy for our body.

Clinical studies show that ALA prevents cell and nerve damage caused by free-radical attacks. In fact, alphalipoic acid is used and approved in Germany to treat diabetes and its nerve-related symptoms, significantly reducing the numbness, burning, tingling sensation, and pain experienced in the arms and legs. Other uses of alphalipoic acid include the treatment and management of chronic fatigue syndrome, memory loss, eye-related disorders like glaucoma and cataracts, and diseases of the blood vessels and the heart.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Recommended Dosage

ALA comes in tablets and capsules, in 50 to 300 milligrams. The recommended dose is 50 to 100 milligrams a day. For the treatment of type 2 diabetes, including, but not limited to, the treatment and management of symptoms, such as the burning pain and numbness in the arms and legs, the recommended dosage of ALA is 300 to 600 milligrams a day.

The effectiveness of alpha lipoic acid decreases with a meal. It is generally recommended that you take alpha lipoic acid supplements on an empty stomach, or at least an hour before or two hours after mealtime.

Side Effects

Alphalipoic acid is safe for most people. One possible side effects of ALA is a rash, especially when you take it by mouth. Expecting and breast-feeding moms, diabetics, thiamine deficient (or those who drink excessive amount of alcohol), and those with thyroid disease should consult with their doctors first before taking alpha lipoic acid supplements.

Interactions

ALA, which essentially has the same structure as biotin, has been shown to compete with the latter in terms of being transported across layers of cells.

If you are under medications for cancer or diabetes such as Amaryl, Micronase, DiaBeta, insulin, Actos, Avandia, Glucotrol, Diabinese, or Orinase, you may want to observe the effects of alpha lipoic acid to the efficacy of your meds.

Alpha Lipoic Acid 100mg Supplements

When it comes to alpha lipoic acid, less is more. While there may be brands that offer alpha lipoic acid over 500 milligrams per tab, you may want to make sure that you stick to lower doses if you’re not being treated for diabetes or diabetic neuropathy. When taken as a general antioxidant support, you may want to look for alpha lipoic acid supplements offering 50 to 100 milligrams of alpha lipoic acids per tab.

Swanson Ultra Double-Strength R-Fraction Alpha Lipoic Acid

Supplement Facts

R-Fraction Alpha Lipoic Acid: 100 mg

Other ingredients: Rice flour, soybean oil, gelatin, and may contain one or both of the following: magnesium stearate, silica.

One of the most effective alpha lipoic acid supplements under the Swanson Health Products name, Swanson Ultra Double-Strength contains a stabilized form of R-ALA, a natural isomer that is said to be at least 3 times more effective than standard alpha lipoic acid. Compared to conventional ALA brands that contain a racemic (or 50-50) blend of synthetic ALA and R-LA, Swanson’s R-Fraction Alpha Lipoic Acid contains 100% pure R-ALA isomer, the natural, biologically-active form of ALA responsible for bringing in most of what alpha lipoic acid can do for our body.

Studies exploring the benefits of isolating the R-isomer, or the R-alpha lipoic acid, have shown that the antioxidant is highly effective in preventing neurodegenerative diseases by working against oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species. R-ALA has been also proven effective to recycle glutathione, which is considered as the body’s most important antioxidant, according to Alison Palkhivala of WebMD.com.

Source Naturals Alpha Lipoic Acid

Supplement Facts

Alpha Lipoic Acid: 100 mg

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin (capsule), colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate.

Source Naturals Alpha Lipoic Acid contains 100 milligrams of water- and fat-soluble alpha lipoic acids, which is perfect for women over 40 since they need their antioxidants to work more efficiently to combat free radicals. Water- and fat-soluble antioxidants work their way through the watery and fatty parts of the cell, protecting both layers from free-radical damage.

Source Naturals Alpha Lipoic Acid 100mg is suitable for vegetarians as it is free from traces of yeast, dairy, egg, and gluten. It doesn’t contain soy, wheat, salt, sugar, starch, preservatives, fragrance, or flavoring.

Natrol Alpha Lipoic Acid

Supplement Facts

Alpha Lipoic Acid: 100 mg

Other ingredients: Rice flour, gelatin, water, magnesium stearate

Essentially functioning like the rest of the conventional ALA brands, Natrol Alpha Lipoic Acid contains 100 milligrams of alpha lipoic acid needed to produce enough energy for the body to perform its normal functions. But what’s great about Natrol Alpha Lipoic Acid is that the tabs are reasonably sized and coated for easy swallowing, which many women over 50 appreciate.

Natrol Alpha Lipoic Acid doesn’t contain yeast, wheat, corn, milk, egg, soy, glutens, artificial colors or flavors, added sugar, or preservatives. Only $7.99 (60 capsules) at Amazon.com

Bioflavonoids: More Than Just Vitamin C Supplement

We know vitamin C very well. And like many supporting actors and roles, bioflavonoids go unnoticed, continuously supporting vitamin C for making women over 40 stronger. Now we’re giving bioflavonoids the attention it deserves.

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You have read about alphalipoic acid and phosphatidylserine in the first part of our special report on supplements for women over 40 (and we hope you find it useful). As what we have promised, we are providing you the latest news on anti aging supplements, its benefits, and why you need it in your battle against signs of aging. Today, we are dedicating MissVanderbilt.com in exploring bioflavoinoids and supplements containing this antioxidant, how it can help you achieve your anti aging goals, and most importantly how it can make you feel young and look young.

Found in black currants, rose hips, and in the rind of green citrus fruits, bioflavonoids are essentially a group of pigments that give plants, fruits, and flowers their unique colors. Used and known for centuries in alternative medicines, bioflavonoids are famous today for being a sort of enhancer for most vitamin C supplements for women over 40. Better known as an accessory nutrient to vitamin C complex, bioflavonoids are formulated to enhance the effects of vitamin C in the body. However, a growing number of health experts believe that bioflavonoids can play more than just supporting roles. In fact, exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist Dr. Shari Lieberman believes that some bioflavonoids are more potent than acknowledged antioxidants like vitamin C and E.

Anti aging Effects

Bioflavonoids have shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and even cancer. According to the Linus Pauling Institute of the Oregon State University, higher bioflavonoid intake is linked to significant reductions in coronary heart disease. In fact, in the 1996 Finish study on the effects of bioflavonoids on heart health the results strongly support what experts have known all these years: Women who ate the most flavonoids have lowered their risk for heart disease by at least 46 percent than those who ate least.

Two clinical trials exploring the effect of flavonoid-rich foods and beverages on cardiovascular health have found that the daily consumption at least 4 cups of black tea, a beverage greatly favored because of its high theaflavin and thearubigin content, can significantly improve the relaxation or opening of the blood vessels and, thereby, prevent the formation of blood clots that can block the arteries. Bioflavonoids also help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL), preventing it from further oxidizing and sticking to the artery wall.

But one thing that truly intrigued us about bioflavonoids is its antioxidant activities. Daily consumption of bioflavonoids has shown to help cells against the damaging effects of free radicals and reactive oxygen species linked to premature aging, cancer, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. According to one test-tube test conducted at The Linus Pauling Institute-Oregon State University, certain flavonoids boast of higher antioxidant activity, even exceeding red wine, soy, or tea. And the potential health benefits of these antioxidants do not end there -- biolflavonoids have been reported to have anti-allergic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, and antitumor properties.

Dosing

It is important that you strive to achieve balance between your dietary source of bioflavonoids and your chosen supplement. Some common food sources of bioflavonoids include berries, red wine, tea (especially the green and black varieties), soybeans, yellow onions, thyme, parsley, legumes, and soy foods. In its supplement form, which are available in 500 to 1,000 milligrams per capsule, you will find brands that sell single bioflavonoids or in combination with other flavonols like aglycone, rutin, and quercetin.

Bioflavonoids are safe for most people. Though there has been no recommended dietary allowance (or daily value) for bioflavonoids, it is important that you limit your intake of these antioxidants to 1,000 milligrams every day. Is your diet predominantly composed of the common food sources of bioflavonoids? If so, you may want to ask your doctor if you really need supplements to help you achieve the maximum health benefits of this potent antioxidant.

Recent studies show that bioflavonoids, and particularly when taken as a supplement, inhibit the absorption of nonheme iron by the body.

To maximize the effects of flavonoids and the rest of your multis, you may want to program your intake of supplements in your day. Ask your doctor on how you can schedule your multis and other supplements so you can be sure that you will be truly drinking to your health.

Bioflavonoid Supplements

Commercially available bioflavonoids are usually packed with one thing: Potent vitamin C. In fact, it can be quite difficult to find bioflavonoid supplements that feature bioflavonoids as its sole ingredient.

With leading brands like SourceNaturals and Vitamin Shoppe, manufacturing bioflavonoids and vitamin C supplements in one, it is safe to assume that most brands are following this trend. But why is it no pharmaceutical company has dared to separate vitamin C from bioflavonoids to make, well, real and pure bioflavonoid supplements? That’s because, bioflavonoids will always complement vitamin C beautifully. Like gravy to turkey, bioflavonoids simply make vitamin C better. And since they work well together, most experts think separating vitamin C and vitamin-like flavonoid (yes, that’s the proper term) and consuming it individually seemed rubbish.

So does this mean that you should forget about bioflavonoids entirely? Experts recommend you do otherwise. In fact, if you are shopping for vitamin C supplements (see the recommended vitamin C dosage in our multivitamin guide), it is best that you narrow your list to brands that feature vitamin C and bioflavonoids in their label. This is where the Vitamin C Complex comes in. Yes, they may sound like another marketing fad, but experts think that this is simply the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin C.

Source Naturals Activated Quercetin™

Price: $28. 63

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Supplement Facts	Amount per serving	% Daily Value
Vitamin C	646mg	1,076%
Quercetin	1g	+
Magnesium	50mg	13%
Bromelain	300mg	+

Other ingredients: Sorbitol, stearic acid, modified cellulose gum, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate.

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Source Naturals Mega C-B-R™

Suitable for vegetarians

Price: $23.04 (Only $0.14/tablet)

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Supplement Facts	Amount per serving	% Daily Value
Vitamin C	1g	1,667%
Citrus bioflavonoid complex	500mg	+
Rutin	52mg	+
Hesperidin	50mg	+
Acerola	10mg	+

Other ingredients: Sorbitol, stearic acid, modified cellulose gum, magnesium stearate, and colloidal silicon dioxide.

Vitamin Shoppe Active-C 1000 w/Bioflavonoids

 

Price: $10.99

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Supplement Facts	Amount per serving	% Daily Value
Vitamin C	1000mg	1,667%
Citrus bioflavonoid	200mg	+
Rutin	25mg	+
Calcium	120mg	12%
Magnesium	20mg	5%
Zinc	2mg	13%
Rose hips	20mg	+
Acerola	20mg	+
Bioperine	5mg	+

Other ingredients: Calcium carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, silica and pharmaceutical glaze.

+ no recommended dietary allowance