Please check out this motivating article written by Kevin Myles at Bodysport.com! Click on the link here to read it:
http://www.bodysport.com/2017/03/07/fitness-versus-wellness-an-important-difference/
Category Preventative Health
Designer Protein NEW PRODUCTS April 2017 Video Review
Here is my video review of two amazing products by Designer Protein: Organic Meal, which has 18 grams of protein and 34 grams of carbohydrates per serving, and Protein Meal, which has 25g of protein and 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Both products also contain organic superfood complex carbs, healthy fats, a digestive complex, and 23 vitamins and minerals for a complete meal. Since I always promote a higher protein intake in athletes and older individuals, I naturally lean more towards the Protein Meal, but both products blend well and taste great. As a 50 year old who trains at the gym six days per week and performs aerial arts 3 days per week, I can definitely appreciate the protein content and clean formulation of Designer Protein’s Protein Meal. The inevitable consequence of aging is loss of muscle, also known as sarcopenia. Unless the body is supplied with adequate and proper building blocks for muscle repair and synthesis, the loss of muscle accelerates over time, with an associated loss of strength and overall muscular function.
Do your body a favor and try Designer Protein’s Protein Meal or Organic Meal today!
http://www.designerprotein.com
Use my discount code STACEY20 for 20% off your order!
Brighten Up Your Skin With The Perfect Derma Peel
Chemical peels are often used to improve the skin’s appearance. During a medical grade chemical peel, the practitioner applies a chemical solution to the skin, causing the skin to blister and eventually peel off, revealing smoother, less wrinkled skin. They can be performed on the face, neck, and hands.
Specifically, chemical peels achieve the following results in most patients:
Reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the forehead, eye area, cheeks and around the mouth
Lighten brown spots such as freckles or age spots
Soften the appearance of mild scars
Refine skin texture
Reduce acne flareups and improve the appearance of acne scars
The skin becomes more sensitive to sun exposure immediately after a chemical peel, making it even more important to wear sunscreen daily.
The Perfect Derma Peel is the peel of choice for my patients. Perfect Derma Peel is a composite peel consisting of TCA, Retin-A, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, vitamin C, kojic acid, and glutathione. It was developed by Dr. Bram Kaufman, who developed the Vi-Peel, and was rated in the top 3 of new anti-aging products when it was introduced in 2011.
The Perfect Derma Peel is fantastic for reversing the signs of aging, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and for removing stubborn pigmentation from sun exposure and melasma. A beautiful exfoliating effect occurs as the skin peels over several days, revealing glowing, even skin, and a brighter complexion. It is great for acneic skin, and boosts collagen production. Though fair-complected individuals usually are the best candidates for chemical peels, the Perfect Derma Peel is well suited for many different skin types.
Please bear in mind while a chemical peel confers a mild tightening effect on the skin, it will NOT treat severe skin sagging.
For those of you in the Los Angeles area who are interested in having the Perfect Derma Peel treatment, please contact me at stacey@staceynaito.com.
NEW PRODUCT: Click Active All-In-One Coffee And Protein Drink Mix Video Review
I posted this yesterday, but want to make sure you folks really see this campaign, so I am posting it again today…
Please watch my video review of a new and delicious product from Click called Active All-In-One Coffee and Protein Drink Mix. It delivers 25 grams of protein per 2 scoop serving, with only 0.5 gram of fat and 7 grams of carbohydrate. It also has 5.4 grams of BCAA’s, 4.5 grams of glutamine, and is absolutely delicious! I love the fact that I can satisfy a mocha craving while also getting a healthy serving of protein in my system. This will be a great post-workout product to put on ice for the summertime (blended with ice, anyone?), and it will keep me away from those expensive and nutrient-poor coffee drinks from those fancy coffee establishments.
Please click on the special link below to order this amazing and delicious product!
http://click-espresso-protein-drink.myshopify.com?rfsn=538179.f922f8
NEW PRODUCT: Click Active All-In-One Coffee And Protein Drink Mix Video Review
Please watch my video review of a new and delicious product from Click called Active All-In-One Coffee and Protein Drink Mix. It delivers 25 grams of protein per 2 scoop serving, with only 0.5 gram of fat and 7 grams of carbohydrate. It also has 5.4 grams of BCAA’s, 4.5 grams of glutamine, and is absolutely delicious! I love the fact that I can satisfy a mocha craving while also getting a healthy serving of protein in my system. This will be a great post-workout product to put on ice for the summertime (blended with ice, anyone?), and it will keep me away from those expensive and nutrient-poor coffee drinks from those fancy coffee establishments.
Bravo Click! You hit another home run with this one…
Go to my special link to order this amazing and delicious product!
http://click-espresso-protein-drink.myshopify.com?rfsn=538179.f922f8
Please Check Out My Completely Revamped Website!
I am proud and excited to announce that my main website, Staceynaito.com, has been completely revamped, and is live and fully functional! Thanks to Rob Bautista from WebTechno, three of my websites were consolidated into a fantastic main site.
On Staceynaito.com you can:
* Purchase Nutrition and Fitness Plans
* Purchase Contest Prep Packages and Services for competitive bodybuilding events
* Purchase various Fitness Products via direct links to affiliates
* Purchase Hormonal Balance Assessments
* Purchase Autographed 8×10 Images
* Look through the Photo Gallery
* Read more About Me
* Read my Blog
Staceynaito.com
Leaky Gut
If you suffer from sudden food sensitivities, aching joints, digestive upset, fatigue or weight gain, you may be suffering from leaky gut, which is also referred to as increased intestinal permeability. Leaky gut is characterized by the opening of pores in the small intestine, resulting in undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxins traveling to the bloodstream. The presence of these substances in the bloodstream triggers an immune response, whereby the body builds antibodies to the foreign substances but also attacks itself, creating food allergies and autoimmune disorders.
You are probably wondering how something like this occurs and if you are at risk. Let’s look at the main causative factors leading to leaky gut syndrome:
1. Chronic constipation – If you are usually constipated, toxins will often build up in stool, irritating the intestinal lining and causing inflammation, which then causes the pores in the small intestine to expand. In severe cases, Crohn’s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome,or colitis can occur.
2. Chronic stress – The immune system really takes a beating when subjected to chronic stress. If the immune response is compromised, pathogenic bacteria can cause widespread inflammation in the intestines, and leaky gut is a common result.
3. Dysbiosis – This is an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria which can result from antibiotics or poor diet. Inflammation develops, causing the pores to widen.
4. Toxins – We are exposed to many thousands of toxins, but the worst offenders are found in our water supply, pesticides, and in certain medications.
What Is The Solution If You Have A Leaky Gut?
I have several dietary recommendations for treating a leaky gut.
1. Glutamine – I am already a big fan of glutamine in general, but especially for those who suffer from leaky gut. This amino acid has specific activity in the intestine, and restores healthy soft tissue in the region. Over time, regular supplementation with glutamine has a protective effect against intestinal disease. I tend to be fairly aggressive with glutamine and recommend 6 to 8 grams per day, or more if you engage in frequent exercise.
2. Fish oil – Try to find a formula which contains primarily omega-3 fatty acids. You can also increase your consumption of salmon.
3. Digestive enzymes – Digestive enzymes will aid in the breakdown of food substances, especially in older individuals and those suffering from leaky gut. Try taking them with every meal.
4. Betaine hydrochloric acid – Some people produce insufficient amounts of hydrochloric acid, which is needed to break down food in the stomach. If that is the case, betaine hydrochloric acid optimizes the process.
5. probiotics – Most individuals will benefit from adding probiotics into their daily regimen. Make sure to take at least 25 billion units per day for optimal gut health.
Your Health Is Everything
You’ve probably heard the saying, “If you haven’t got your health, then you haven’t got anything”, and it’s so true. Even something as benign as the common cold can flatten you out, robbing you of energy and motivation. So imagine if you had to contend with something more ominous, like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Illness can rob you of everything which you hold dear in your life.
There are some folks who will snicker when someone like me admonishes them for their unhealthy habits. They’ll sometimes even indicate that they welcome any insults to their health, and essentially dare fate to touch them with illness. That attitude quickly disappears when one of these people gets a health scare, or worse yet, a devastating medical diagnosis. If you are throwing caution to the wind, thinking that your unhealthy habits won’t catch up to you, you need to wake up. It’s that kind of attitude which can doom you to a great deal of suffering and an earlier death than you had anticipated.
Look seriously at all your unhealthy habits, and resolve to abandon them.
If you smoke, then quit.
If you are in the habit of drinking alcohol every night, dial down your consumption.
If you consume sugary treats, processed foods, and fast food, replace those selections with clean, whole foods.
If you rarely get adequate sleep each night, make sure to re-pattern your nighttime regimen so that you go to sleep at a decent hour.
If you deal with a lot of stress, then incorporate stress-reducing activities like meditation into your life.
Your health is no laughing matter. Don’t be in denial about it!
Sit Up Straight!
Copyright: logo3in1 / 123RF Stock Photo
If you have a tendency to slouch in your seat, you need to pay attention! Poor posture has detrimental effects not only on the body, but also on one’s mood and general attitude.
Poor posture causes muscles in our neck and upper back to become overstretched, while causing other neck muscles and muscles in our torso and between our ribs to become cramped and overstimulated. The muscles in our chest become dominant, and pull our shoulders and upper arms inward and forward when we habitually adopt a stooped posture. This position puts a tremendous load on the diaphragm, and respiration suffers as a result. Even digestion becomes sluggish because the body cannot properly oxygenate and blood cannot circulate as well.
Poor posture can negatively impact your emotional state and confidence, not to mention how others perceive you. If you’re slouching right now, think of how you feel emotionally, mentally. Are you down, depressed? Now sit up straight and take a couple of nice, deep breaths. You should notice an immediate shift in attitude and mood.
Proper spinal alignment also has a positive effect on hormone levels. One Harvard study revealed that an erect posture, with shoulders back and spines nice and straight correlated with a 20 percent increase in testosterone levels and a 25 percent decrease in cortisol levels, while subjects who slouched experienced a 10 percent decrease in circulating testosterone levels and a 15 increase in cortisol.
Lastly, the way you carry yourself has immense bearing on how others perceive you. If you meet someone whose shoulders are pulled forward, your impression may be that the person isn’t the most motivated or energetic you’ve met. Yet if that person had a nice upright stance, with shoulders pulled down and back, your impression would probably be very different.
With some conscious effort, you can correct a hunched posture. Try this stretch at least a couple of times each day, and you will slowly begin to notice a correction in your posture. This is great for resetting the brain and creating more awareness of how you carry your body throughout the day.
AGAINST THE WALL
Stand with your back to a wall, feet together with heels touching wall, and arms hanging at your sides. Relax your shoulders, then pull them back so that they make contact with the wall. Stand in this position for 30 to 60 seconds, taking slow, deep breaths.
When you are ready to step away from the wall, keep your shoulders in the same position. Be aware of how you are breathing, and how your back feels when your shoulders are kept back.
Progesterone and Stress
Copyright: stuartphoto / 123RF Stock Photo
We all know that constant stress can play havoc with our health and well being. In this post I will focus on the effects of excessive stress on progesterone levels.
Progesterone is produced in the ovaries, the adrenal glands, and in the placentas of pregnant women. It has a calming effect, is a natural diuretic, regulates menstrual cycles, and prepares the body for conception and pregnancy. Some women can experience excessive levels of progesterone, which usually produces symptoms of PMS, but in general, progesterone is a vital and beneficial hormone.
Let’s examine what happens to progesterone if you are a woman under constant and chronic stress. When the body is pummeled with endless stress, the adrenal glands simply cannot keep up with the demand for more cortisol, so they convert more pregnenolone into cortisol to make up for the deficit. However, this has devastating effects on progesterone levels, since progesterone is also synthesized from pregnenolone. Basically, a woman who deals with excessive amounts of stress not only overtaxes her adrenal glands, but progesterone concentration also drops to a precipitously low level. So that calming, diuretic effect of progesterone falls away, and menstrual cycles become erratic or periods cease altogether. Sounds like fun, huh?
I cam tell you that running on an empty tank of progesterone is no fun at all. You retain water, you get irritable and cranky, and you lose your ability to navigate calmly through stressful situations. If you depend on a regular menstrual cycle as a reassurance that all is right with the world, then living with the mystery of whether or when you might have a period can be maddening. I found out during perimenopause that I actually WANTED a period, and I thought I would never feel that way.
I began retaining water like crazy after attaining IFBB Pro Status last July, and I knew something just wasn’t right. I didn’t feel like I was in my own body, as strange as it sounds. I began flailing, and went through a rebound which was disturbing and unexpected. My emotional barometer was all over the place, and I couldn’t get out of the funk that I was in. Gaining eight pounds (which is considerable for me), most of which was water weight, made me even more depressed.
Another completely irritating set of symptoms which suddenly popped up at the end of January 2015, and which persisted every single night is that I would wake up at around 4 a.m., completely drenched in sweat and with a sensation which could best be described as being lit on fire from the inside. I would throw the covers off and quickly disrobe, then rather quickly fall asleep, only to awaken about 30 minutes later, shivering and pulling the covers over me.
The nightmare finally subsided to a great extent once I began replenishing my body with bioidentical progesterone in late February 2015. Though I still retained a bit of water for several months, my weight returned to a reasonable 120 pounds, versus the 125 I had been at in the Fall of 2014, my hot and cold episodes subsided, I felt much calmer, and more like myself. Now that I have been on bioidentical progesterone for two years, I have maintained balance and feel infinitely better.
Had I removed the stressors that I had some control over, I am firmly convinced I would not have bottomed out with my progesterone levels like I did. Even if I had engaged in meditation more regularly a couple of years ago, I think I could have saved my progesterone levels from bottoming out. Trust me when I say that progesterone depletion can be incredibly disruptive and upsetting. And don’t think for a second that this is only a problem which women past the age of 45 deal with. I have come across female patients as young as 32 who had almost no progesterone in their lab tests.
If you do one thing to improve your health, please reduce your stress! You can do this by removing the stressors that you have some control over, performing breathing exercises, tai chi, yoga, and meditation, enjoy time with friends, loved ones and pets more often, and letting go of anxiety and worry.
dr. stacey naito's blog 