Thursday, 9 of September of 2010

Tag » Diet

The Big Deal Behind Ephedra

A pill a day keeps liposuction away...or does it?

Ephedra was once a very popular ingredient in weight loss and sports performance supplements all over the world, and a very common and effective replacement for liposuction.

It was banned by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 due to dangerous, adverse side effects. This Supreme Court ruling has been overturned once, allowing pharmaceutical companies to use up to 10mg of Ephedra in their products. It was again overturned to comply with the original blanket ban on Ephedra use in the United States. This back-and-forth of rulings has had many people asking, “What’s the big deal?”

In truth, Ephedra has been determined to be the cause of many, many adverse side effects and complications since it became popular in the 1980’s. However, most manufacturers and advertisers failed to advise their consumers of the potential dangers involved with using Ephedra, and, when an influx of medical emergencies occurred in users of weight loss supplements containing ephedrine, the FDA was forced to investigate.

With some very solid reasoning behind their decision to ban the drug, Ephedra is no longer available as a weight loss supplement on the retail market in the United States. Once again, cosmetic surgery has begun to become one of the most popular ways to shed pounds and fat deposits quickly.

Ephedra has been directly linked with the following side effects in users
- heart attack
- stroke
- jitters/anxiety/psychosis
- heart palpitations
- hypertension
- insomnia
- dehydration
- tremors and seizures
- malnourishment due to excessive appetite suppression

Although Ephedra’s blanket ban makes it impossible to obtain the product in the traditional retail industry (including conventional health stores, drug stores, and even some grocery chains), it is still possible to purchase it through use of the Internet. Not all countries in the world followed suit in the ban of Ephedra, and thus some European websites can legally sell Ephedra supplements and offer to ship the product to American customers – making it pertinent for everyone to be aware of the dangers of Ephedra even if it is not so readily available in your particular region.

With enough side effects to be comparable to plastic surgery, there have to be other alternatives for most people, so talk to your doctor.


Image Is Everything in Today’s Culture!

In Today’s Culture, There’s No Denying It—Image Is Everything!

Many women consider their image to represent everything that they are.  Their image has everything to do with their self confidence and with their general appearance. Losing their weight or fat often gives most women more energy, a better outlook on the environments around them, and ultimately boosted self confidence.  They often believe that they look better to men, and the ultimately the benefits of looking slim, fit and attractive often seem to outweigh the potential risks associated with both tummy tucks and liposuction.

While we always discourage tummy tucks because of the inherent risks, we do understand the pressures that many people place on their appearance. Another possible reason for females to consider liposuction is because of issue involving a hypothyroid that causes them to gain excessive weight.

When You’re Considering If Liposuction Is The Right Choice

Before considering liposuction you should be knowledgeable about the potential risks and about what you should expect from the surgery. If you’re looking to have excessive amount of fat surgically removed—then your expectations are not realistic. Having excessive amount of fat removed can result in many dangers and complications, including death.

If you’re opting with liposuction, make sure to talk with a medical practitioner first. Subsequently, you should also have a cosmetic surgeon

Before choosing liposuction, ask about options.

Before choosing liposuction, ask about options.

 give you a consultation and go over your history. Make sure to let them know about any allergies you may have, as well as know complications from anesthesia, and any other drug you are currently taking.

Communicating this will ensure that the doctors don’t put you on something that could react badly. Patients who have a history of illnesses or permanent conditions are won’t likely be considered as optimal candidate for the surgery. Speaking with your doctor about the surgery is critical. It will allow you to make a definite decision about whether liposuction is for you. You’ll also be able to better weigh the pros and cons.


What to expect after Liposuction

Like all surgical procedures, cosmetic or not, there is a degree of recovery time involved with liposuction. Many people do not realize that these cosmetic procedures are still surgeries – some, like gastric bypass, are very major surgeries for a person to undergo. Part of ensuring that a patient has a positive experience with their liposuction procedure is ensuring that they know what to expect immediately after the surgery and in the weeks to follow.  

Recovery is not a time of bliss, as some may think. The time away from work and regular daily routines is replaced by discomfort and careful movements, cautious eating and ensuring that the recovery zone is kept clean at all times. Before the procedure, the surgeon will normally discuss the recovery period and the precautions that should be exercised and what should be expected.

Time Frames

The time frame which requires the most diligence is immediately following the surgery, which is usually spent in a hospital or in another facility where the care of a qualified health professional is provided. Since liposuction is normally done on an outpatient basis, most people leave to go home the same day of the surgery.   After any kind of invasive surgical procedure, swelling and bruising is a perfectly normal and common effect. It can take up to six months for swelling to complete dissipate, but normally reduction is noticeable about a week or so after surgery. A sensation of numbness is also common in the area of the surgery. Feeling usually returns to normal after about three months, but in most cases much sooner. It is also common to experience minor bleeding after liposuction or any other surgery, but it is important to monitor the flow of blood carefully. Extensive, heavy bleeding is cause for alarm and a health professional should be contacted immediately.  Due to these types of side affects however, many people elect to review liposuction alternatives.

Summary

Patients who undergo liposuction should be aware that there will be small scars where incisions were made to perform the surgery. These scars are placed carefully in discrete regions of the body, but sometimes this is not possible. The major factor in where scars will be left is on the area of the body to be treated.   It is important to carefully consider the words of the surgeon performing the liposuction in order to have an easy recovery period. He or she can guide patients better than anyone on how to ensure they do not suffer infections or tear healing tissues.


Preparing for Liposuction

Knowing what to expect from a liposuction procedure can help to ease any anxieties one might be experiencing beforehand. It can also help one to prepare for what may come – ensuring someone is available to help where needed during recovery, booking the appropriate time away from work or school, making sure pain medications are readily available, transportation issues are resolved, etc.

Consultations

Anyone who is undergoing a liposuction surgery should have a consultation with their selected practitioner to discuss the expectations of the surgery and how to prepare themselves for the surgery and recovery times. The surgeon should provide a brochure or other type of literature that provides detailed directions on pre-surgery diet requirements, post-surgery care, average recovery times and much more.

Counter Indications

It is important for any patient to cease taking medications such as birth control, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(i.e. Aspirin® or ibuprofen), certain herbs and vitamins (consult with the practicing surgeon for specific details at least one week prior to surgery), smoking and consuming alcohol. Birth control increases the risk of blood clots after a surgical procedure, so it is important for patients to use another method for at least one month. Certain medications, vitamins and herbs increase the blood flow and can cause major blood loss during and after the procedure. Similarly, alcohol thins the blood and hinders its ability to clot. Smokers find themselves especially susceptible to chest infections after anesthesia and can find themselves with circulatory problems.

Pre-Surgical Procedures

Most likely, the surgeon will recommend that the patient fast (does not eat or drink) for at least 8-12 hours prior to the surgery. This reduces the risks of vomiting during the operation, which can result in infections and other complications. It is very important to abide by this guideline to reduce the chances of any complications.

Recovery

It is important for anyone undergoing liposuction to ensure that they are able to be away from work or school for at least one week. Rest is one of the most vital factors in healing the body after it suffers a trauma like surgery, so ensuring that rest is available to the patient is extremely important to succeed. It is recommended that the patient have someone to help them for at least the first two days following the procedure as well.

Post Surgical

Many people choose to have any post-operation prescriptions filled prior to the surgery when it is possible. This allows them to go directly home after the procedure and begin the healing process, and it may reduce the possibility of experienced unnecessary pain.

Summary

The best person to advise a liposuction patient on how to prepare for the procedure is the surgeon who will be performing the operation. Detailed directions are usually included after a consultation and will reflect the individual procedure to be performed and the best ways to prepare for that procedure.


Finding Liposuction Doctors

The decision to undergo a liposuction procedure is not one to be taken lightly. Finding the right surgeon based on an individual’s goals, ideals, and budget is a challenging task that can take a lengthy period of time and requires a lot of research and consideration on behalf of the potential patient.

Research

After considering exactly what is expected from the procedure, research on the procedure itself should be done. After reading about the different liposuction procedures and how they are performed, if interest is still peaked, then it is time to start considering individual surgeons. A good liposuction surgeon is one who is proud of his work. Consultations should be offered proactively, for low prices if not free.

Websites

If a website is available, potential clients should be sure to review it thoroughly. It should not be cluttered with testimonials, but provide a portfolio of before and after photos. The website should include a short biography of the surgeon(s) and include a list of academic achievements for each. The clinic should be proud of their surgeons and display their qualifications clearly.

Testimonials

A good liposuction surgeon will not be concerned with “selling” a client their service. They will ensure that expectations are set clearly and may even refuse to perform a procedure if a client’s expectations are unrealistic or unachievable. Literature on the procedures should be readily available, and the surgeon should be ready and willing to answer any questions that may arise. He or she should be willing to listen to any concerns and take note of the patient’s desired outcome. After the procedure itself has been mapped, a good liposuction surgeon will be sure to explain each and every step of the process to the patient.

If the procedure will be performed in a private clinic, it is important for patients to request to see the operating area. A confident and reputable surgeon will not hesitate to show his clients where their surgeries will be performed, or will offer an appointment to do so if the area is not available at the time of the request. Do not be afraid to request to see certification from government health officials verifying the cleanliness of the operation.

Summary

A good, experienced practitioner of liposuction will proudly display his work. Photos will likely be posted in plain view in the office or clinic, magazines and other literature on the varieties of liposuction procedures should be accessible to visitors. Likewise, any educational degrees or certificates and licenses that permit a surgeon to practice cosmetic surgeries should be easily visible. It is important to find a proud, confident practitioner who is happy to meet his clients before the procedure and help them feel comfortable in all respects.


Weight Loss Options

Losing weight can be a challenge for many people. It requires dedication, perseverance and planning. One of the main things that people should consider before beginning a weight loss program is what the program requires and if that person’s lifestyle can accommodate it.

Here are five ways to consider approaching weight loss before you begin.

A weight loss program such as Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers.

These programs offer specialty foods designed to taste great but promote weight loss, points systems, and regular meetings. The weekly meetings offered by Weight Watchers are great support networks and many people who attend find they make wonderful friends there.

Surgical Procedures

Let’s face it, this is a society where plastic surgery to improve one’s appearance is becoming more and more common. Many people consider the practicality of liposuction, lipodissolving, gastric bypass surgery or even products like The Lap Band and The Gastric Balloon.

Surgical weight loss is costly, and the recovery times differ for everyone. Tummy tucks are becoming common place for those who have lost weight and have loose skin. Liposuction is occurring more frequently, and new procedures are being developed frequently.

Body Wraps

By covering the body with a paste made of mineral salt and clay, then wrapping the body with cotton strips pre-soaked with a solution made of the same ingredients, body wraps cleanse the skin of toxins and exfoliate it. The cotton wraps promises to tighten skin and reduce your appearance by up to six inches. Since the clay and mineral salt hardens on the skin, it holds soft tissue in place for a period of time. It’s effects are not permanent.

Diet Plans

Atkins, South Beach, Slimfast, they come and go so quick who can keep track of them all? There’s no denying though, some people do find great success in these plans when they follow them correctly and get lots of exercise in their daily lives. Sometimes, a diet plan is great for someone who just isn’t sure how to make the right changes in their life but doesn’t care for surgical weightloss. Do your research, ensure the diet plan you consider meets your daily nutrition requirements. Consult with your physician before beginning any diet plan and make sure it works for you.

It’s Not A Diet, It’s A Lifestyle Change

Tried and true, this is the only diet plan that has passed the test of time. Ask anyone who has tried it – it took lots of patience, lots of hard work, and lots of diligence, but it worked. By changing your lifestyle to include healthier eating and living habits, ensuring you get lots of exercise and cut out processed foods, you’ll not only lose weight but will be all around healthier. You’ll live longer, feel happier and more energetic. Talk to your physician about developing a new lifestyle that will curb your ailments and keep you healthy for years to come.


Effective Ways to Remove Cellulite

Cellulite is an unsightly problem that plagues many people across the world. North American women are perhaps the most aware of these complex fat deposits on our bodies more so than any other due to our fascination with our appearance. We try anything and everything on the market to be rid of our lovely little pockets of interlocked fat cells. With so many options available, what really works to get rid of cellulite?

By eating healthy, low-fat foods you’ll reduce the amount of fats being taken into your body, especially “bad” fats like trans fats. Keep in mind, not all fats are bad for you, so talk to your physician about a healthy eating plan. Practicing healthy eating also has other wonderful side effects, such as increased energy. Although you won’t see those existing lumps of cellulite disappear from your thighs, you’ll stop seeing new ones develop and the ones you do have will slowly begin to diminish in size.

Aerobic exercise, which increases the heart rate and blood flow, burns lots of calories. After thirty minutes of aerobic exercise, your body stops burning calories and begins to burn excess fat cells. By combining aerobic exercise and strength training with your new wholesome eating habits, you’ll see more results and faster. This is easily the most effective, although lengthiest, method of reducing fat since it simply requires a person to live an active, healthy lifestyle.

Creams and lotions that claim to reduce and/or remove cellulite are abundant in today’s cosmetic market. While it hasn’t been proven, many women will state with confidence that a particular product has worked for them. These creams contain ingredients that boost fat metabolism, but not all creams use the same metabolism-booster. One kind of stimulant may work for Jane, but Joan may need the cream that uses a different kind of stimulant and costs quite a bit more.

If you’re really determined to see fast results, you might consider a surgical procedure such as liposuction. Liposuction is a surgical procedure where a tiny suction tool is inserted beneath the skin and the excess fat is simply sucked out.

Lipodissolve is a new, non-surgical method of helping a patient lose fat mass by use of small injections that can contain a variety of ingredients designed to break fat cells down, also known as mesotherapy. Those who practice the procedure claim it permanently removes fat from the body.

Whatever method you choose, be sure to consult with your physician first. Ensure that the plan you’ve created is a healthy one. Make sure any creams you try do not contain ingredients you are allergic or sensitive to. Most importantly, take a sensible approach to removing cellulite. It will take time to see your cellulite disappear, but it will most certainly be worth it in the end.


Cellulite

Cellulite is a common problem that strikes virtually every person sometime in his or her life. Although someone has no cellulite at this time, as the body gets older, the skin becomes thinner and weakens, making the look of cellulite more pronounced. Usual body fat is positioned deeper under the skin, like a barricade. On the other hand, cellulite is lumpier and harder and rests much nearer to the skin’s surface. Too many toxins and fluids located beneath the skin commonly cause cellulite. Since it is such an ordinary problem, people everywhere wonder if it is feasible to get rid of cellulite.

Getting Rid of Cellulite

It is virtually impossible to entirely rid the body of cellulite unless patients look after themselves by following a diet and stick to an exercise routine. There are methods available to eliminate cellulite if it is still present despite trying to eat right and exercise. One method is external. This includes:

1.      Topical cellulite cream

2.      Cellulite gel

3.      Body wraps

Results

However, most results from the use of topical creams and lotions are short-term, due to the fact that they cannot penetrate beneath the skin. There are also surgical methods that are utilized to decrease cellulite with variable results. Liposuction and other surgical procedures are sometimes used to take care of cellulite through some of the most sophisticated anti-aging techniques.

Because everyone endures varying degrees of cellulite, it is imperative to keep a reasonable goal when trying to eliminate cellulite. Even with the ideal diet, plenty of exercise and other treatment methods, it is doubtful that cellulite will vanish entirely. The most essential thing is that patients feel good about themselves. If having cellulite is really upsetting, try to eliminate it. If one feels that they have already fulfilled everything they can/could do to live a healthy lifestyle explore alternatives.

What Causes Cellulite

The trouble is not just for those who are obese. Anyone of any age can build up cellulite. It is a dilemma that people spend millions of dollars on endeavoring to eliminate. Invasive procedures such as liposuction are prevalent for people bothered with problem areas. But there are alternatives to eliminating the body of these problem areas. They involve diet, exercise routines and, of course, information available online.