Tag: Nutrition

  • Fruits to keep You hydrated

    Now, with so many concerns at hand, why not have a solution that actually works and not just rely on water or fruit nutrient induced water (the fancy bottles where you can put cut fruits and then these fruits gradually dissolve in water).

    So, here are the 4 fruits and veggies which will not only keep you hydrated but also provide you with essential nutrients.

    Spinach

    We know this one is a shocker but with about 90% water content in addition to being the source of iron, potassium and about 10% of your Vit E requirements and antioxidants to fight free radicals and hence ageing, a cup of raw spinach is sure to keep you going.
    Just add three-four leaves to your sandwich or take them with your salad

    Strawberries

    With 88% water content and of course the amazing taste, Strawberries are our fruit pick for the blog. You can have them as a snack to satiate those hunger pangs or you can blend them in a smoothie or shake and get the hydration as well as the goodness of milk all in one glass!

    The nutrients contained in strawberries include: iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin K

    Grapefruit

    At 90% water content, grapefruits come next. Always up for a milkshake, grapefruits are better if taken in juice form.
    Keep it minus sugar and research has already suggested that taken regularly, grapefruit juice can lower the body’s bad cholesterol and hence reduce the waistline too!
    The nutrients contained in grapefruit include Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, copper, potassium, biotin, dietary fibres and lycopene too which helps fight sun damage by boosting the skin’s immunity.

    Tomato

    The ultimate lycopene and antioxidant supplier which is roughly 85% water and helps fight not just the signs of ageing but also the regular sun damage, tomato is the final pick for this coveted list.

    In addition to what we already mentioned, tomatoes are also rich source of Vitamin E , Thiamin, Niacin,Vitamin B6, Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium and Manganese.

    Will be back with a blog next week!

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

  • Fit at Fifty!

    We will first read about the physical routine and then will go to the star attraction of the blog- How to cheat your hormones into helping you lose weight.

    So yeah, about the fitness routine:

    1. Get on to the weight training routine, even if you don’t want to hit the gym, do it at home but do it. The logic is simple- your muscle mass has reduced, hence your metabolism has slowed down and you need to build those muscles back to get the things on track. You can start with donkey kicks, standing hip extensions and side lying leg raises and then graduate to glute bridges and crunches
    2. Considering that your joints would have also started weakening, try doing exercises in water, Get the best spin bike for home workout as it helps you burn calories and doesnt impact your joints. The result would be 30% faster and with lesser strain applied. In case you don’t have access to a pool, well turn back to point one above
    3. And well, you should visit your physician first before embarking on your fitness regime. At an age so tender, even a tiny bit of injury can spell disaster and so it is best to keep your enthusiasm in check

    This was a pretty short one because it is always better to focus on the stars and so here we go but before that let us introduce you to our friend Ghrelin here. Ghrelin dear people is the hormone responsible for that hungry feeling that you have! It is more of a survival hormone which spikes up due to lifestyle related changes such as delayed or skipped meals, irregular sleep, excessive exercise, avoiding carbs and fats or the simple act of losing weight.

    To keep Mr. Ghrelin in check and hence lose weight, here is what needs to be done:

    1. Eat your breakfast within an hour of waking up.
    2. Check on your average waking hours and divide them by four. The number you get is the number of meals you need in a day.
    3. Carbohydrates and protein mix is a must you should remember and include in every diet be it a meal or snack. Thus, you will have the right things to curb those cravings, control your hunger and hence lose weight while gaining energy and stimulating fitness on the go. Just for your information: Protein increases metabolism while carbohydrates lower ghrelin thus helping in decreasing cravings (PS: contrary to the common belief that carbs cause one to fatten up and hence their intake should be minimum, studies have proved that a definitive amount of carbohydrates in the diet help in weight loss)
    4. Follow the 70/30 rule, which means that 70 percent of the calories should be taken before the dinnertime and remaining 30 percent at dinner. Also, make sure that your dinner is at least 90 minutes before your sleeping time giving your system enough time to digest.
    5. Stay hydrated- drink well and drink fine. As cliched as it maybe, drinking water seems to be the solution to most of the problems

    So, dear people, that was it! That was your way to be fit and not fat irrespective of what milestones of your age you are touching.

    Happy Living!

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

  • Why is my hair so coarse and dry? What happened to my soft and silky hair??

    There are many factors that can affect your hair and make it coarse, rough and dry.

    The Weather
    Overexposure to the sun, swimming, and products with alcohol can dry your hair dramatically. Even in winter due to extreme cold followed by overheated indoors your hair becomes parched and dry.

    Smoothing Treatments
    Too many smoothing treatments done very frequently can leave your locks super thirsty. The buildup of protein in the hair causes it to become brittle.

    Hormonal Changes
    Birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause can have an adverse effect on the hair, including dryness and brittleness.

    Daily Heat Styling
    Whether it’s the dryer or flat iron, daily heat to the hair will strip the hair of moisture. This causes quite a bit of unnecessary damage that can be easily avoided.

    Gray Hair
    As you age, your hair naturally makes less oil. If you have gray hair, then you are dealing with a natural deficiency that comes along with gray hair. Gray hair becomes coarser, dry and rebellious due to the lack of essential nutrients, minerals and oils.

    What can you do?

    Quench the thirst
    Moisturise. Give your hair a hot oil massage, then cover with plastic and a hot towel. Sebum produced by your scalp coats each hair and helps to retain moisture. If your hair is damaged, you can help replace the missing sebum by giving your hair a hot oil massage.

    Work on the Cuticle
    Repair your hair cuticle with wheat germ oil. Natural ceramides are fat cells that bond your hair cells together, making the cuticle of the hair smooth and strong. Harsh chemicals destroy the natural ceramides. The cuticle lifts and your hair becomes dull and weak, leading to split ends and breakage. A natural source of ceramides is wheat germ oil. Massage a teaspoonful of warm wheat germ oil into your scalp and hair before shampooing.

    Provide your hair with good nutrition
    Drinking plenty of water and taking vitamin supplements can improve the health of your hair. Good nutrition leads to healthy, shiny hair. Eating a healthy diet and drinking enough water provides the vitamins and minerals your hair needs. Eat four servings of fruit a day and five servings of vegetables. Include healthy oils, such as walnut or olive oil, in your diet rather than animal fats. Drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

    Leave it alone
    Wash your hair less often, so that you strip less moisture from your hair and scalp. Get a good haircut that suits your hair so that you use fewer chemical treatments and spend less time using hot styling tools. Use a brush with smooth bristles to add shine and avoid breaking your hair. Wear a hat in the hot sun. Rinse your hair after swimming.
    So Shiny and vibrant hair look healthy and can take years off your face. But like anything else hair also requires constant maintenance. Pay some attention to those traces and enjoy lovely hair forever.

    Home Tip

    Coconut Cream Mask:

    This mask is kind of… sticky, sweet and time consuming to say the least. It’s also worth every minute. Take a chunk of coconut cream and warm it up in your hands. You may gring it and make it into a paste too. When it’s soft and pliable massage it into your hair. Slowly and carefully wrap your hair up into a warm towel and let the mask sit on your hair for one hour. Wash out with a mild shampoo and let your hair dry normally. This will certainly add shine to your dry looking hair.

    If beyond home remedies see your doctor. When nutrition levels in your body drop especially Ferritin, Vitamin B 12,Vitamin D or any minerals like zinc & magnesium your hair can go brittle and break easily. Hormonal issues like thyroid disorders, pcod, high testosterone or post pregnancy hair fall can also cause the hair to become coarse & brittle.

    Hair treatments like Derma rollers and nutritional injections to scalp improve blood supply and nutrient levels in hair. Hair supplements also help to improve the health of your hair and prevent breakage . Diet planned according to your nutrition intake and life style also adds to improving brittle hair .

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

  • Is your hair splitting you apart?

    When the protective outer layer of the hair cuticle wears away because of external stressors, Split ends occur. These splits can be generic at the end of the hair, split occurring at the middle of the hair strand which appears as a loop, and repetitive splits occurring on the same strand. Once the internal structure of the hair is exposed, it results in structural changes to the hair shaft over a period of time and constitutes hair weathering. Weathered hair loses moisture more rapidly than normal hair, and hence, looks dull and dry and becomes weak causing split ends.

    Weathering is not commonly seen in men as their hair is constantly cut, which helps the damage (if any) to be trimmed off.

    What are the main causes of split ends?

    • Over exposure of hair to the sun, pollution, dust and excessive chemicals while styling.
    • Using scalding hot water while washing your hair.
    • Using harsh shampoos or too much serum and styling gels too frequently.
    • Using hard water to wash your hair (water that contains too much chlorine will cause color to wash out and also cause the ends to split).
    • Lack of regular trimming and conditioning schedules.
    • Over use of heat, hair dryers, hair straightners or curlers can cause irreparable damage to your hair follicles.
    • Using the wrong kind of hair brush and comb can also accumulate damage to hair ends.
    • Teasing or back combing your hair regularly.
    • Using holding sprays or mousse on your hair and not washing them off.

    While the only way to rid yourself of rough ends is to have them snipped off, here are some tips for repairing and preventing split ends.

    Go Gentle:
    1. Apply shampoo carefully, too much shampoo can strip away healthy oils, leaving your hair vulnerable to damage. Avoid shampoos with sulfate or paraben.
    2. Wash with gentle water. Rinse your hair with the coolest water you can stand. Minerals or chlorine in your water can damage your hair. Consider a water softening system if your local water is “hard” .
    3. Use conditioner. After shampooing, apply conditioner along the length of your hair, leave-in conditioner will add extra protection that stays on
    4. Dry hair gently. Vigorously rubbing your hair dry with a towel is not a good idea. Instead, gently squeeze dripping wet hair with a towel
    5. Find a gentle comb or brush. Slowly run a wide-tooth comb through hair to aid you in untangling your hair, not pulling it out. This prevents the snaps and breakage you can incur when you try to brush out hair
    6. Protect your hair from the sun. Ultraviolet rays can be as damaging to your hair as your skin. Wear your hair in a bun underneath a hat, or use an umbrella or leave-in sunscreen conditioner
    7. Protect your hair while sleeping. Sleep with your hair tied in a braid or bun to help prevent tangles and breakage.
    8. Oiling the hair. It can lubricate the hair shaft, preventing it from splitting. Apply oil to the middle and ends of your hair.
    Limit damaging services
    1. If you need to speed up the drying, use a blow dryer on a medium or low setting. Hold it a few inches away from your hair and dry hair in a downward direction to minimize damage.
    2. Lay off the heat styling tools. Heat treatments denature the keratins (proteins) of the hair shaft weakening it and making it prone to split ends. This includes hot blow drying, heat styling, straightening and curling through heat, and steam treatments. So try to limit these services
    3. Treatments like hair color, highlights are particularly damaging. Try to use them only when necessary.
    Eat a balanced diet.
    1. Nutrients literally build the proteins that make your hair strands, so eat the recommended amounts of vitamins and protein to ensure that your body produces the healthiest hair possible.
    2. Healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids can also help keep your hair whole and shiny.
    3. Folic acid and Biotin – have been shown to supplement hair health, length and thickness. Foods rich in folic acid include green leafy veggies, oranges, soybeans and wheat. Whereas lentils, peas, sunflower seeds, walnuts are all rich in biotin.

    So if you notice that you are gradually getting more & more split ends, ignoring the issue is by far the worst action you can take. While some hair problems can resolve themselves, some will simply get worse as time goes on. If you think you are treating your hair right and inspite of that you have split ends issue, consult a doctor who can find the root cause of the issue and help you resolve the problem.

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

  • Go Mango, This Summer

    • Deficiency of vitamin A causes dull skin, open pores, acne as well as horny eruptions on the arms, elbows and knees. Vitamin A present in Mango is a vital nutrient for maintaining healthy skin and complexion.
    • The skin of the fruit is rich in Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA acids) which is used as a skin exfoliant and rejuvenator.
    • Mango also contains Vitamin C that helps in collagen formation which cause firmness of the skin. It also cures pimple and acne scars.
    • The anti-oxidants in the mango delay the onset of aging and pigmentation. They also protect the skin from the harmful free radicals that can cause skin cancer.
    • Mangoes also have a great effect on hair. It contains vitamin A that helps in fighting dandruff and adds shine to hair.
    • Mango acts as an excellent conditioner and prevents hair loss and gray hair. Mangoes also contain vitamin E that improves scalp circulation and encourages hair growth.

    As too much of anything is not good, eating too many mangoes is no exception.

    • Excessive eating may cause diarrhea and increase blood sugar levels. Diabetic people should keep a watch. Mango is a fruit considered rich in sugar and excessive eating may result in weight gain.
    • Mango sap near the mouth of the fruit (tip with which fruit is attached to the branch) may cause dermatitis on the opening of the mouth (near the lips).
    • Urushiol, a chemical, found in the mango sap produces allergic reactions in some people creating itchy & blistery skin.

    Overall mango is a very useful fruit and has a lot of good effects on hair and skin. Consuming this king of fruits wisely and in a limited quantity will help you reap it’s benefits to the fullest.

    Mango Face Pack for Tan Removal- Mango helps to reduce blemishes and lighten the skin. It can also be used to get rid of the most stubborn tan marks. Prepare the pack by mixing the pulp of mango, add ground walnuts and a little honey into a smooth paste. Rub it gently on the tanned part of the skin. Keep it for 10-15 minutes and rinse with cool water. Apply this pack twice a week to have visible results.

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

  • How does food affect nails?

    People of any age can have brittle nail. Following the simple steps can cure and prevent you from having brittle nails.

    Practice good nutrition
    Studies have shown that adequate vitamin C, pyridoxine, and iron levels help to prevent the appearance of dry, brittle nails.

    Use Biotin as a supplement
    Studies show that using biotin helps in curing brittle nails. The recommended dosage is 2.5 milligrams per day. You need to wait for three months to see improvement.

    Horsetail Herb
    Drink fresh horsetail tea once or twice a day. Horsetail herb is naturally high in silicon, an element required for strong, healthy nail growth.

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

  • Incorporate Grapeseed oil into your skin care routine…

    1. Great for oily/acne prone skin- It can help regulate the oil production in your skin. Skin needs a good supply of linoleic acid to help to strengthen cell membranes and improve skin health in general. Grape seed oil contains this fatty acid, so it can be a good solution to improve or cure various skin conditions.This oil also possesses anti-inflammatory properties.so it prevents acne breakoutsas well as helps to cure any existing acne problems.
    2. Great for dry skin-
      It is a great moisturizer when your skin is drier or even chapped.
    3. Powerful antioxidant for anti-aging benefits- Yes, it contains antioxidants so it will protect you from those nasty free radicals that are determined to destroy your skin. It contains more antioxidant power than vitamin C & E- So it neutralizes the free radicals that our skin comes in contact with every day. Grapeseed contains proanthocyanidins, which are very potent antioxidants which help in diminishing the sun’s damaging effects and lessen free radical damage.
    4. Collagen-Grapeseed oil protects the collagen that keeps our skin firm. It also improves the production of elastin and hyaluronic acid (which helps bind moisture to the skin).
    5. Brightens the skin tone-When used daily and consistently, it may help your skin become more even and brighter.
    6. Helps with Under Eye Dark circles- This oil is very helpful in minimizing dark circles. Regular application shows great results.
    7. Prevents shaving rashes-It can be used as an alternative for shaving cream to prevent in grown hair & rashes.
    8. It Repairs- Grape seed oil can help strengthen and repair damaged or broken capillaries and blood vessels. This in turn, can help to improve circulation and alleviate conditions like, varicose veins, spider veins and haemorrhoids.
    9. The linoleic acid found in grape seed oil can be very beneficial in skin conditions like, acne, dermatitis and eczema.
    10. Light texture that penetrates easily into the skin- This is a lightweight oil so it will absorb quickly and not leave the skin feeling greasy. You can use this all over your body too. Mix with your body lotion/cream or use it at night on its own & wake up with a glowing skin.

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

  • Food that can help you Detoxify & also improve your Skin & Hair Concerns

    • Walnut is one “beauty fat” that can help to make your skin more supple and beautiful, while also lubricating your joints and strengthening your cell membranes against oxidative damage. Walnuts themselves are filled with healthy omega-3s which can help to strengthen your skin and make it more resilient. Beauty fats, like walnut meat, can also tackle issues like age spots, sagging skin and thinning hair that can significantly add years to your appearance.
    • Sunflower seeds, have another beauty fat that helps to eliminate the free radicals that cause cellular damage, which can lead to age spots. Sunflower seeds are one of the richest sources of vitamin E, which can help to eliminate pre-existing age spots and also prevent them from forming.
    • Sesame seeds, which are high in protein are loaded with zinc and calcium. It nourishes the hair follicle and prevent hair from thinning out. These proteins help keep your hair hydrated so it won’t dry up and cause hair loss.
    • Beets can help brighten dull eyes and flush your lymphatic system. Beets are high in iron and contain the antioxidant betacyanin, which supports liver and lymphatic health.
      Beets are a beauty food because they are a natural colon cleanser that can remove toxins and congestion from the body, including in the capillaries traveling to the eye. They can also increase oxygen-carrying ability in the blood by 400 percent!
    • Cabbage can help get rid of crow’s feet, which are a sign that you may have high cortisol levels. High cortisol can cause the skin to break down faster and wrinkles to appear.
    • Citrus fruit: Another beauty food you can fight cellulite with is with citrus fruit. Citrus fruit provides a boost of vitamin C, which can help to repair skin collagen and prevent cellulite from being so visible.

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.