Category Beautiful Skin
YouTube Video Giving PropsTo Liquid Sun Rayz
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a cofactor which is found in high concentrations in animal tissues with high metabolic activity such as the kidney, heart and liver. It is also found in broccoli, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, peas and spinach. When ALA is ingested, it is transported via the bloodstream into tissues and cells, then into the mitochondria for energy production. Studies have concluded that dietary ALA is insufficient for sufficient free levels in the circulation, so it makes sense to take ALA supplements to reach therapeutic levels.
The human body is subjected to oxidative stress and produces free radicals in response which circulate in the body and damage tissues. ALA is easily absorbed and transported into organs such as the brain, nerves and liver, protecting against cell damage by neutralizing these free radicals. ALA also amplifies the positive effects of coenzyme Q10 and glutathione and works in conjunction with the B vitamins to convert nutrients into energy.
ALA assists the body in maintaining optimal blood sugar levels and supporting insulin sensitivity. It can improve the lipid profile in the body and reduce blood pressure. Diabetic patients who have been put on ALA supplementation have experienced some relief from diabetic neuropathy and a regulation of insulin levels in the body.
ALA has demonstrated protective effects in other age-related diseases as well. It protects against cataract formation and glaucoma and helps to prevent retinal cell death in retinitis pigmentosa, so it is vital for eye health as well. Stroke patients who were given ALA experienced reduced brain damage, and may guard against the development of Alzheimer’s disease. There is additional research to suggest that ALA supplementation reduces the inflammation associated with multiple sclerosis.ALA’s antioxidant effects may help to also preserve bone density, thus protecting the body against the bone loss that characterizes osteoporosis.
If you are interested in maintaining skin health, ALA supplementation may be something you want to consider. Topical application of creams containing ALA reduced photoaging and refined the texture of the skin.
The amount of ALA in the body diminishes over time, giving even more of a reason to take ALA oral supplements. Recommended dosage for most individuals is 300 milligrams. Side effects are minimal and include gastrointestinal upset and skin allergies. Only 30% to 40% of supplements are absorbed, so they are best taken on an empty stomach.
Two Ladies…Combined Age Of 97, But You’d Never Guess It!
Here I am (age 46-1/2) at the Arnold Expo in Columbus, Ohio from last week with the beautiful Janet Lynn West IFBB Pro (age 51). I think we are proof positive that a fit lifestyle can keep you looking very young!
Why Liquid Sun Rayz is the BEST Competition Color Around
After competing in the NPC for a number of years I have tried ALL the major brands of competition spray tanning products and have certainly formulated opinions regarding each brand. I remember the first time I had Liquid Sun Rayz (LSR) applied and was mesmerized by the deep mahogany tone of the product. It was more believable than other brands and looked incredible onstage. Yet I found myself in geographic regions which featured other products, so I was often forced to use other products with results that never impressed me in the same way that LSR did. Whenever a competitor asks me what color I recommend, I always say LSR because I know it will always look outstanding onstage. The formula works well on pale skin tones and looks beautiful on the darker skin tones as well. You will NEVER look orange, yellow or green onstage with LSR. The formula also adheres beautifully to the skin and the DHA imparts a very deep color after several hours.
Another very important reason why I love LSR so much is that Marilyn Spatola has established a tremendous business which truly celebrates the athlete. The LSR team is very organized and adheres well to their spray schedule. I have heard horror stories about competitors choosing other spraying services and waiting for hours past their appointment times or not getting sprayed at all. Marilyn and her spray team are respectful, professional, caring and efficient. I never worry about whether my tan will look good for a contest because I know that LSR will make sure that my color (and everyone else’s) looks perfect.
I am so very excited to be one of the LSR Sponsored Athletes and look forward to LSR’s continued successes!
CoQ10’s Benefits
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential nutrient found in every cell of the body which is involved in cellular energy production. It confers a protective effect against damage from free radicals, thus also classifying it as an antioxidant. CoQ10 can be found in a multitude of foods, but is especially high in beef, peanuts, sardines, mackerel and organ meats.
CoQ10 has demonstrable effects against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and periodontal disease, and is also said to boost recovery from exercise. However, the most documented effect on health which CoQ10 has is its beneficial effect on treating hypertension. People with hypertension have CoQ10 levels which are below normal, and these same individuals have shown a reduction in blood pressure when supplemented with CoQ10.
Another strong benefit of CoQ10 supplementation is treatment of periodontal disease. CoQ10 can reduce the swelling, bleeding, pain and gum recession which characterize the disease. However, pairing this supplement with vitamin C would yield stronger benefits.
Some individuals take CoQ10 to reverse skin damage and preserve the collagen and elastin in skin. Levels of CoQ10 decrease with advancing age, resulting in decreased ability to produce collagen and elastin, so taking CoQ10 orally or applying it topically may boost skin repair.
Most individuals should supplement with 100 milligrams of CoQ10, but if insomnia occurs, take half the dose and only take it in the morning. Side effects at high doses (300 milligrams or more per day) include rashes, abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue and sensitivity to light. Individuals who are taking warfarin may experience a diminished response to the blood thinner when taking CoQ10. Diabetics will experience decreased insulin requirements when taking CoQ10.
This Is What Fillers Can Do To A Face…
I Am An Official Sponsored Athlete With Liquid Sun Rayz!
2013 LIQUID SUN RAYZ SPONSORED ATHLETES
FIGURE
-Ann Titone IFBB
-Monica Specking IFBB
-Andrea Cantone IFBB
-Kiana Phi IFBB
-Cheryl Brown IFBB
-Shawn Hector Lewis NPC
-Jennie Grey NPC
-Hyla Conrad NPC
FEMALE BODYBUILDING
-Kim McGuire NPC
WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE
-Nola Trimble IFBB
-Tracey Bodner IFBB
-Jennifer Robinson IFBB
-Dana Linn Bailey IFBB
BIKINI
-Ashley Kaltwasser IFBB
-Sandi Forsythe IFBB
-Sabrina Nicole Griffin IFBB
-Christina Liberatore IFBB
-Francesca Yumul IFBB
-Stacey Naito NPC
MEN’S OPEN
-Toney Freeman
-Troy Alves
-Juan Morel
-Steve Kuclo
-Justin Compton
-Yano Garcia
-Mike Liberatore
-Blake Williams
MEN’S PHYSIQUE
-Ian Lauer
-Alberto Umana
MEN’S 212
-Tricky Jackson
-Derik Farnsworth
-Stan McQuay
In addition, LSR is the official tanning product for Species Nutrition Athletes! CONGRATS to all of our winners and a big thank you to each competitor that applied! We are so very proud of each of you and your accomplishments!
One of my Favorite Bikini Images, Taken By George Kontaxis
One of my FAVORITE images ever! Taken by George Kontaxis in December.
http://www.bodyofartgallery.com
http://www.georgekontaxis.com
Biotin For Healthy Skin, Nails and Hair
Biotin is a B vitamin which is naturally present in the human body and which is important for numerous metabolic functions. It is a carbon dioxide transporter and also expedites the processing of carbohydrates, protein and fat. As a result biotin can be a great component in a weight loss plan. Biotin’s involvement in carbohydrate processing also makes it responsible for maintaining normal blood sugar levels. It can also help to lower cholesterol levels, but be aware that it may interfere with the effects of some cholesterol-lowering medications.
There is extensive evidence to suggest that biotin plays an important role in the maintenance of healthy skin and nails. Those who suffer from eczema, seborrheic dermatitis or brittle nails often benefit from supplementation with this nutrient. Biotin is also helpful in treating a number of hair issues such as hair loss, reduced growth, thinning hair, and dull, brittle hair. I have put patients on biotin who have reported stronger, healthier and thicker hair after taking biotin for a few months.
This supplement is relatively inexpensive and carries rare and minimal side effects. The most common side effect reported is cystic acne at the chin and jawline and subsides after a few weeks. If this is something you experience while taking biotin, decrease your daily dosage to 25 micrograms per day.
Most sources recommend a dosage of 30 micrograms per day. However, I have taken 5,000 micrograms daily for many years and have not experienced any untoward effects.
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