My 5-Year Eczema Story: Finding the Cure (Part 2)

I began researching about eczema and discovered about GAPS diet and leaky gut since if you ask for medical opinion, they will only say that it is incurable and you the only remedy for managing is the steroid cream (the cream is very expensive!  I ended up spending around 3,000 php/month).  (see part 1 if you haven't) I also sought help from a friend who is into alternative medicine but most of the food suggestions were inaccessible or expensive like organic duck eggs.  I bought natto and prebiotics and resorted to making vegetable juice for months.  It’s funny how times of difficulty could push us to learn things.  Before this, I have never made anything in the kitchen.  Unfortunately, my effort was not as fruitful since I later discovered through my bowels that I having a difficult time digesting raw vegetables.  I was also suggested to have sunlight from 11-2 pm but it also didn’t work and just burned my skin. 

After washing the blender often, I also discovered that I was allergic to all dish washing soaps and laundry detergent.  It caused my hands to have various slash wounds out of nowhere.  I only used Perla soap or gloves to wash the dishes.  My family was in disbelief as they have never heard of such.  But, I pushed on and the hand wounds disappeared one by one.  I also shifted my soap to baby soap and used baby shampoo which eased the eczema in my body.

Lower Body Update 2 (Warning! It's a bit disgusting)

The eczema issues just kept on as time went on… To mellow it a bit, I used everything I’ve researched on the internet (mostly earthclinic.com), Apple Cider Vinegar Spray, Epsom Salt with Apple Cider Vinegar Baths (this made me very dehydrated and I felt my eyes drying but this also toned down the ooze because it kept my skin dry), Honey (external application), Virgin Coconut Oil (I believe the 2 Table Spoons a day made me fat so I applied after half a year, I applied this externally) and sometimes Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 Teaspoon).  Because of these remedies and mummy-style cling wrap, I became capable of sleeping. 


Photos (Click at your own risk)

• Lower Leg Near Knee 
• Left Lower Back Leg 
• Left Leg Lower Right Side  
• Right Back Leg (worst part) 
• Left Elbow 1
• Left Elbow 2
• Left Knee 
• Left Lower Back Leg 
• Left Front Lower Leg  
• Right Arm
• Right Back Leg

 Because I was so hopeless, I documented by photo my eczema from August 2014 until May 2015 and kept a diary of what I eat so if I do conquer it I can inspire others like me.  (The photos I’ve decided to post are when they are dry after my Epsom baths so it’s less disgusting)  During these months, I questioned a lot of things like Why Me?  I felt ashamed that I used to tell Ex to eat healthy and I’m the one who is ill.  He drinks coke every day.  And, most of the time eats hotdog, Maggi and rice for lunch.  I believe I ate a well-balanced meal - same as my family who don't have eczema!  I began to back track the things I’ve done and the things I could have done better.  And, at some point, I realized that stress is one of the main cause of my eczema so I spent most of my time reflecting about life, my existence etc.  It just hit me that all my fears are just illusions of my mind.  Everything is a matter of perspective.  (It is this that motivated me with photography.  Check out my IG as my visual memoirs if you have time)    I could no longer afford to be angry or irritated so I had to reexamine every argument I could remember (most of it were petty arguments between Ex and I).   Throughout the process, you know I couldn’t find one argument where I did not misunderstand his good intentions.  I think that one of the biggest lessons I got... with understanding and empathy to sense warmth in ever living being, it is difficult to trigger my negative vibe and therefore, I was no longer emotionally triggering my eczema.  I know people say that we could not live on the past and past is past.  I get that.  But, during those times, I also realized that as long as we are alive... life goes on regardless of how we want it to... So even if I can't go back to the past, it made me feel that I want to survive so I can go on and pay them forward. 

After months of staying away with sugar, I actually felt good.  I no longer had pessimism and mood swings.  You can do your own research on gut bacteria and its effects on the brain and behavior.   This experience has thought me that even the little lest things should not be taken lightly.  In fact, it is these little buggers (and maybe cancer) that are almost invincible.  Sometimes, we humans think too much of ourselves.  (I know I once have)  Yet, we are just temporary like everything else...  we don't even own our bodies.  But, I’d like to think our soul will live on when we die so perhaps our purpose is to gain wisdom that goes along with our soul.  Otherwise, what's the point of living?

On October 11, 2014 early morning, I was rushed to the ER for diarrhea.  Since 12 am, I had 20 watery stools and 2 vomits.  My skin turned pale and I felt inflated.  I was nauseous and had heart palpitations of 70 heartbeats in a minute.  I was given 2 bottles of 100ml cipoflaxin as lactate since they found bacteria in my stool test.  I also had an electrolyte imbalance.  I had ultra low sodium and potassium so I was given iv supplements of sodium and potassium.  I felt that my Apple Cider intake and Epsom slat baths contributed to it so I stopped from this point. 

After my recovery, I began to change my diet to chicken bone broth soup with cheap vegetables from the market like Saluyot, Bitter Gourd Leaves with onions, garlic, tumeric and ginger.  I began taking Centrum Multivitamins and Fish Oil together with my probiotics (any brand I can get from Ebay).  I also ate banana almost every day.  I also tried making sauerkraut and had been successful only once.   On some day, I have kimchi (if I managed to buy some).   My bowel movement became regular from this diet so I continued this for a year or so with cheating whenever I went out for food blogging or with family.  Although I had maps of eczema still at this point, I was already raging with positivism that I think nobody could tell anymore.  I also noticed that my skin is responding to sunlight.

On January, 2015, I went to a beach trip at Grande Island Resort and had an acupuncture session with Dr. Philip Niño Tan-Gatue.  The beach I’m certain helped.  While, the acupuncture prevented it from spreading.

It was a slow recovery.  By some miracle, on June 2015 (before I began my review school year) my eczema healed.  There were only visible bruises but I already wore regular clothes because I'm always for comfort.  My friends would joke that I was battered and I just laughed it off.  I was so proud and happy with the bruises after all I’ve been through. 

By my graduation (on January 2016), most of my scars have lighten up.  I can now eat regularly.  I can sneak in a couple of sugary foods.  I am no longer allergic to anything again.  However, if I get exposed to stress (like my recent bar review) or detergents whenever I am in a hurry to clean up the dishes, my hands get slash wounds and the bruises get darker.  I always take that sign to slow down.  I couldn’t avoid getting slash wounds on my left hand for the past few months and I kept on getting flu from sitting down too much so a  month before my exam, I bought Alive Multivitamins and Spirulina which I took together with my regular Fish Oil and Probiotic. They helped me prevent having a flu but the slash wounds wouldn't go.  Lucky for me, there was none on my right hand which was my writing hand for the exam. 

So that sums up my 5-year episode with my eczema.  I’m not fully healed from this auto-immune disease but I’m pretty sure I can be!  And, since eczema is common... I hope my realizations and discoveries help you guys too!

My 5-Year Eczema , Red Skin Syndrome and Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Story (Part 1)

I’ve decided to make my eczema story into two parts.  According to my sister who is a
doctor, eczema is a very common skin disease that only I make a deal of.  But, my
experience has been a physical, emotional and psychological roller coaster.  And, this is a my story has no reference to the medical approach okay?

I am a Chinese woman residing in Manila who is as of time of writing (December 5, 2016) 29 years old.  Since childhood, I have loved eating sweets, junk food (especially Oreo), ice cream and micro-waved popcorn.  I could finish a gallon on my own.  And, I ate micro-waved popcorn almost every single day.  Since childhood I also had sinusitis.  I couldn’t stand the smell of perfume or weird smells like our ancestral home in Ilocos Sur laden with dried Tobacco.  Whenever, the air-conditioning was strong, my sinusitis is also triggered.  Therefore, you can say that I always have a bunch of tissue paper with me.  When I entered into law school in 2009 and at the same time had some online business, I had difficulty handling stress.  I often had fever, flu or vertigo with blurred vision.  I also had chronic constipation since childhood.

Around October 2011, I had a mosquito bite around my left lower front leg.  It was irritatingly itchy so I scratched it and it bled.  My Ex back then saw it and told me I shouldn’t scratch it so he bought “Katinko” and alcohol to clean it.  To my surprise, it flared and burned in both pain and itch and I cried.  A few days later, it grew into bigger in a circular form.  And, a few more days it multiplied into four.

My mom saw it and suggested that I visit a dermatologist who diagnosed it as Discoid Eczema.  She even got a photo and marked the spot on a picture of a human body - my medical record.  She suggested that I used a hydrocortisone (steroid) cream.  I used it for a week and like magic the small coin-like wounds disappeared.

At around April 2012, we went to the Manila Ocean Park and the fish spa triggered the four eczema wounds to be back.  It was bigger and oozing even more.  I applied the cream and it healed slowly but it made dark coin bruises that won’t go away.  My aunt noticed it and that's when I realized it doesn't go away... (Not until 3 years after!)

Around June 2012, I noticed that whenever I had mosquito bites (which was often), they would transform into discoid eczema and it scared me.  So Ex and I paid the dermatologist another visit (She added more spots on my medical record) and took it lightly saying I just have to wear pants to avoid them and just apply the cream whenever I have it.  At this time, I have yet to expect what will happen next.  In fact, all I remember was Ex and I having fun on the way back.

I took some time off from school and my flu lessened a bit.  and I didn’t have any Discoid Eczema during that time because I  began to working out and lost a lot of weight.

Early 2013, I got back to school.  And, I noticed that I am no longer having any flu but the Discoid Eczema keeps on popping out in different areas which I’m certain were out of mosquitoes’ reach.  I had some on my lower back, butt, face (near the eye) and many more.  I kept on putting some cream on and whenever I do it disappears in one spot and pops out in another new spot.  Thus, I ended up having a lot of bruised spots all over my body.  It also prevented me from exercising because the sweat made the eczema itch.

On June 2013, I had a Discoid Eczema on my right arm which transfored everything the ooze touches into an eczema forming a flaking red oozing reptile-like skin map from my right arm to my elbow and into my lower arm.  It disappeared after the magical cream.  It was also this time that our maltese Lychee got pregnant and I failed to deliver the puppy and it died.  It really got me down.  It led me to making a decision of a lifetime and gave her to Ex.

By January 2014, I discovered I had shrimp allergies that triggered my eczema.

On March 2014, I went on a foodtrip to Baguio.  The big map eczema on my right arm reappeared and I could no longer stop it with cream.  It just kept on getting bigger faster and oozing more violently.  (Medically, they refer to this as the Red Skin Syndrome [RSS] or Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome [TSW]) This is when I noticed that I became allergic to almost everything!  I couldn’t have all crustaceans, grills, fried, sashimi, caffeine, sugar, milk, nuts and night shades plants containing solanaceae/saponins (potatoes, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, cucumber, pimentos, paprika, and cayenne peppers).  As soon as I returned home, I stopped eating rice (having same reaction as with sugar) and shifted to boiled egg instead because it was easy to cook and it made me full.  I later found out through applying the egg white on my skin that I was also allergic to egg too so I ate our usual home viands without rice.  I just listened to my bodies reaction on which to eat or not to eat.  (I'm still doing that until now)

 
On June 2014, thinking it was just stress, I went to a hotel in Tagaytay for an overnight stay.  I swam in the swimming pool and as soon as I got home I had eczema (in all size and shapes) all over my body.  It was oozing and spreading, flaring and itching like wildfire.  I could no longer sleep because I was always oozing and itching.  My bed is covered in skin flakes, yellow crusty scales and blood… During those sleepless nights, I began to realize how much I’ve taken things for granted.  I’ve began to appreciate what it like to have a good night sleep or having a healthy body. 

At the same time, I was so afraid.  I felt like a monster.  I couldn’t understand why it was happening to me.  I don’t have asthma like my father and sister and no one in our family ever had eczema.  I felt like my body was betraying me.  The stress from the fear and sleepless nights made it even worse.

My family was forcing me to go back to the dermatologist (I didn’t because I knew like the previous 3 times she would only suggest the cream and draw more spots on my medical record) or they’ll call the psych ward thinking I’ve gone psychotic.  Perhaps, it was true.  I could no longer focus.  I was agitated or frustrated.  I had lost hope in life and in myself.  I refused to go out with the family.  But, since I was paying for my classes, I forced myself to attend.  I had to cling wrap myself like a mummy and wear long sleeves and pants even during summer!  And, it smells so bad (like rotten eggs) so I had to sit on the corner of the classroom all the time away from everyone.  At home, I had to stay secluded too because they couldn’t stand the smell.  And, I couldn’t go near my 6 dogs either because I’m allergic to them.  At this point, my decision to give up Lychee who usually slept by my bed side was confirmed to be right. 

End of Part 1... See Part 2

Top 10 Tips to Get Rid of Acne #MayPagAsaPa

Every person would have experienced ACNE at one point in their lives.  As common as it is... ACNE is really a terrible and quite frustrating predicament.  And, being frustrated even causes it to become worse.  Thus, you become trapped in a vicious cycle.  ACNE takes may take the form of flaring red irritatingly painful bumps, bubbly red and pus-filled papules, bulging white bumps and small clusters of whiteheads or blackheads.  There's no telling where it will pop out.... be it on your face or your body.  And, at times, it spreads like wildfire.  And, as if they are not annoying enough, it even leaves scars to remember it by.  Scars from blackening ones that almost takes forever to lighten to permanent oily and dry holes and patches that will torment you for a very long time.

There are many causes for ACNE and its usually in a complex combination of them that causes yours to pop out.  Causes can be oil (sebum) production, dead skin cells, clogged pores, bacteria, genes, hormones that cause over-secretion of melanin, certain medications, diet, stress and many others.

Here's How to Get Rid of Acne

Since there are various causes, you have to find a regime that suits for you. Don't lose hope! (#MayPagAsaPa)

1. Wash your face twice a day and find a comfortable skin regime.
Don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly first.  Use warm water.  Water alone is the safest.  But, it may not be cleansing enough especially when you're exposed to an all-day pollution.  It's best to carefully find a cleanser that is well-suited for your skin.  Dry skin requires a moisturizing soap.  While, oily skin is fine without moisturizer.

Start with hypoallergenic and fragrant-free ones or better yet go for those that are acne fomulated like Acne Care.

 Check the ingredients so you can observe the effects.

Acne Care has Vitamins A,C, E & B3 for a combination of potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.  And, Aloe Vera Extract moisturizes the skin.  Tea tree oil is clinically proven to have an anti-septic, anti-fungal, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can make the redness and size of pimples less noticeable.  And, Bio-Sulfur lessens the oil to prevent the clogging of pores. 

AcneCare Soap (SRP P149) AcneCare Lactoferrin (SRP 885 /bottle) 
Available in Mercury Drugstores, Watsons, Southstar Drugstores and http://www.vidanutriscience.com 
IG & Twitter: @acnecarebeauty

For those who have dry skin, honey is a good natural moisturizer.  For those with oily skin, you can use toners as they are usually alcohol-based and causes drying.  But, as most toners may be too harsh, you can use specially formulated ones like AcneCare Acne Drying Lotions that has Salicylic Acid and Sodium benzotriazolyl that provides quick acne drying solution.  This will prevent it from scarring and spreading.

2. Exfoliate once a week.
By exfoliating, you are getting rid of dead skin cells and unblocking your clogged pores.  It will also make your skin softer and give you a better complexion.

3. Be careful in using make up and remove all traces of makeup before going to bed.
Choose makeup that is labeled as "noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic" that do not cause acne.

You may need to use products to remove waterproof makeup.  If you can, choose water-based make-up removers or organic solutions with olive or jojoba oil and vitamin E.  For ease and immediate relief, there are also makeup wipes such as those of Neutrogena.

4. Avoid touching your face with your hands except when you are washing them.

5. Watch your intake.

• Drink plenty of water.  
• Load up on food with zinc, omega 3 (such as fatty fish, and walnuts) and anti-oxidants (such as berries).  
• Make sure to have sufficient fat-soluble vitamins A, D (such as fatty fish, egg yolk and beef liver), K and E (such as avocado, spinach, almonds,broccoli).  
• Adding in anti-inflammatory spices like ginger, tumeric and garlic is a good practice too as it can help.
• Avoid allergenic foods especially high-glycemic foods (such as sugary and starchy food) and hormone-filled products such as dairy that increase insulin levels.  Based on my observation, my little sister who drinks milk daily is prone to acne compared to all of us.  And, my skin is very sensitive to dairy so if you're like me, eat vegetables as a source of calcium.

Although diet is best, you can also take supplements to help like AcneCare Lactoferin with LinumLife® and Zinc Gluconate. 

• Lactoferrin is a natural, biologically-active milk protein isolated from whey that is clinically proven to nourish skin from the inside thereby significantly reducing blemishes and inflammation and helps in skin repair.
• LinumLife is phytoestrogens with estrogenic flax lignans that is clinically proven to balance hormones.
• Zinc Gluconate is a form of Zinc. Zinc is one of the essential mineral that plays a vital role in over 300 enzymes in the body and helps form cellular DNA.   It plays a crucial role in our immune system because it is the carrier of vitamin A.  It is also responsible for skin cell death and renewal.  Thus, lack of zinc will cause skin cells to stick together resulting in clogged pores.  More than 5 research study has shown that zinc supplementing can reduce acne by 50%.  For fast remedy, you can also apply zinc in a form of cream. 

6. Stay away from toxins.
You can get plenty of toxin exposure from smoking, drinking excessive alcohol and caffeine.

7. Exercise to detox and reduce stress.

8. Get enough sleep.

9. Consult your doctor.
If your acne is hormonal, talk to your ob-gyne to help you regulate and balance your hormones.  Expert help is required as prescribed drugs can have side-effects such as depression and mood swings.

10. Get a few minutes of sunlight.
Contrary to popular belief to stay away from the sun.  I highly recommend getting sunlight (BUT cover your eyes and face) for about 5 minutes a day from 11 am-2 pm to get vitamin D from UV-B sun rays.  Remember sunlight is composed of about 1500 wavelengths, but the only wavelength you need is UVB-rays your body will need to manufacture vitamin D are when they interact with 7-dehydrocholesterol present in the skin.  The reason for the UV-B hour is based on physics.  Wavelength of UVB rays will only penetrate the atmosphere when the sun is above an angle of about 50° from the horizon.  When the sun is lower than 50°, the ozone layer reflects the UVB-rays but let through the longer UVA-rays.

If you have more tips, just comment below.

Care for Your Teeth Right: A Dentist's Guide

You know that you’re only going to get one set of teeth, and you don’t want to end up with implants or dentures. After all, that process really isn’t fun, even if it can save your mouth down the road. You want to avoid it if possible.

That’s why taking good care of your teeth is so important. While you probably know some things, there are lots of other tips to help you maintain a healthy mouth. Use these tips to guide you.

How to Brush

Most people brush in an up and down motion that isn’t good for the teeth or gums. Instead, brush in an upward or downward motion that helps the gums. If yours seem to be receding, brushing down can help that. Brushing up can help gums retain some of their firmness.

Always Floss

Flossing is something everybody should do but many people don’t often enough. Ideally, you should be flossing after every single meal and after you eat. However, if you can’t do that, you should be flossing at least once per night before bed.

Otherwise bacteria between your teeth could damage your enamel and gums.

Skip the Mouthwash

Mouthwash is an alternative to flossing and brushing, not a replacement. If you like to use mouthwash, look for an alcohol free version, and use it sparingly. You really shouldn’t be using mouthwash more than a few times per week.

Contact us to learn more about taking care of your teeth the right way.

The Third Eye Wellness Center: Afternoon of Spiritual Nutrition Starting with Chakra

Life has always been an endless journey of learning.  I've always been curious about myself and everything else around me.  Although I don't fully understand what spirituality is, I've always felt that it is essential to my well-being.  Thus, when I was invited for a talk at Third Eye Wellness Center, I was more than eager to participate.

Third Eye Wellness Center is a mind-body-energy center that provides health and wellness activities and services located at the 6th floor of 20th Drive Corporate Center at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.  Through self-development, health and nutrition, alternative healing and holistic beauty, it focuses on the journey going inward to reflect outward.   According to founder Sanaiyah Keswani-Gurnamal, Third Eye Wellness Center here in Manila is their second outlet.  They opened the first one in Dubai. Third Eye Wellness Center is composed of the Chakra Cafe which offers healthy vegetarian offerings, Transcend Spa & Nails which offers holistic treatments and beauty therapies, The Store which sells books, crystals, gift items and aromatheraphy essentials, Healing Therapies Center which offers sessions for energy healings, personal readings and consultations and lastly,  a Training & Personal Development Center for meditations certified programs in healing modalities, self-empowerment workshops and corporate trainings.  

Sure, I've heard about Chakra before but don't really know what it is.  I got to know that Chakra is the source of energy so you'd be amazed the issue of a person is related to his disease.  The physical is the last manifestation of our emotional problems like how a person with low self-esteem is often inflicted with ulcer. 

The 7 Primary Chakras

• Crown Chakra (white) = I understand - located at the top of the head and represents unity and spirituality.  This is our connection to the divine.  It requires the other chakras to be balanced and cleansing the body through detox, yogas, exposure to good sunlight, moonlight and fresh air.
• Third Eye or Brow Chakra (Purple) = I see - located between the eyebrows and represents intuition, direction and inspiration.   This involves our perception, direction, inspiration, intellectual physique and intuition. 
• Throat Chakra (blue) = I speak - located at the base of the throat.  This represents expression, communication and self-esteem.  
• Heart Chakra (green but can turn red in the center) = I love - located at the center of the chest.  It represents love, acceptance and forgiveness.  
• Solar Plexus Chakra (yellow) = I do - located on the abdomen.  It represents control and power.  
• Sacral Chakra (orange) = I feel -  located between the naval and the pubic bone which is 3 fingers below the belly.  It represents emotions, sex, creativity, abundance and intimacy.
• Root Chakra (red) = I am - located at the base of the spine.  It represents survival, security,stability and grounding.    
  

You Are What You Eat

Depending on the Chakra (except for Crown Chakra) that you want to balance, there are suggested foods for them.  Thus, we should strive for conscious eating and make healthy food choices.

I sure you've come across the current issue on GMO's and how its destroying our environment.  As an advocate of natural and organic produce, I am totally against it.  As stated by Ms. Angela Lichiuco of Rawlicious, there are just so much benefits from:

• Living Foods such as enyzmes, vitamins, minerals, fiber, oxygen and high energy and positive vibrations
• Plant-based diet such as alkaline, non-fat and easier to digest
• Organics such as higher nutrition, free of harmful chemicals and healthy for the planet
• Greens such as enriched with chlorophyll, cell renewal, reduce free radicals, vitamins, minerals, protein, fibers and oxygen

As a foodie, I'll admit that when I review food, I usually critic based on the taste and appearance but often forget that the main purpose of food is to fuel the body.  Through our food intake, we can control our health.  Our relationship should be beyond its taste.  It should be how it nourishes, heals and balances our body, mind and spirit. 

Co-owner Maisha Chulani advises that we should adopt the four practices of conscious eating:

1. Eating food that is real, natural, pure, fresh and organic
2. Consuming more living foods (raw and uncooked items) and whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, greens and legumes and grains
3. Avoiding meat, processed food, preserved food, fast food, artificial seasoning, sodas and sugar.
4. Giving thanks by blessing one's food. 

Remember our thoughts affects our physical bodies.  For those people who can't control their diet or inhibit themselves from addiction, The Third Eye Wellness Center offers healing therapies to help you.

My Personal Account
I've been stressed for the past few years due to my failed relationship.  I just lost my best friend for 10 years and lover of 5 years.  I felt as if all optimism has been drained out from me.  It affected my life plan and my schooling.  To cope with the stress, I ate a pint of ice cream and a pack of pop corn almost everyday.   I got sick often and had back aches too. 

One day, I met with an old friend.  I was amazed at how positive and happy he had been.  He was so cranky at me before! =(  Then, he told me his secret is a healthy diet.  Being as skeptic as I am, I teased him that it was just a psychological effect or something.   But it really made me curious so I kept bugging him with questions to which he replied either with patience or frustration. =p   From then on, he became my personal health coach.  Although I'm still not considered a conscious eater like him, I'm pleased to boast that as a semi-conscious eater for just a few months, I have lost a lot of pounds and have never felt more positive and happy in my life.  I'm not saying that external factors did not help me.  I'm very fortunate to have a supportive family and optimistic friends as well.  But, the biggest change lies within us and that it begins with conscious and healthy eating.

Prior to the talk at the The Third Eye Wellness Center, my friend's advises were actually based on scientific studies and researches.  I'm glad to learn that the spiritual side and science coincides after all.  I guess everything in the universe are really intertwined.  My learning about spiritual nutrition made me want to learn more about my spirituality.  It was mentioned that the Charka of a person can be measured by a pendulum.  The Third Eye Wellness Center offers a Chakra Balancing Session for that.  I'll try that soon because it intrigues me!

The Third Eye Wellness Center600-A, 20th Drive Corporate Center
20th Drive McKinley Business Park
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
(02) 808-2984 / (0917) 636-2800
Facebook Fan Page

Fuelling Your Body for Cycling

Keeping your body in optimal shape is essential to perform at your best as a cyclist. Exercising regularly, weight training and building up endurance is necessary for every cyclist. Improving your nutrition, however, is just as important. There are many foods that will help you stay in shape and keep your body operating at its best.

Green or Black Tea

Scientists have discovered that the extract from black and green tea leaves help alleviate soreness in athletes and helps speed muscular recovery. If you are cycling in intervals, drink unsweetened black or green tea just before a ride to lessen the pain and soreness that many cyclists feel after a ride.

Add Carbs for Energy

While many cyclists load up on carbs for energy before a race, nutritionists suggest against a binge on carbs in the hours leading up to a racing event. They suggest increasing carbohydrates in the days before the event for the maximum impact. Besides the carbohydrate favorites such as pasta, cyclists can enjoy high carbohydrate foods such as fruit, yogurt and chocolate milk.

Salmon and Tuna

Salmon and tuna are not only great for energy, but they are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids which aid in muscle building. Omega 3 fatty acids have been known to increase blood flow, which helps to remove toxins from the body. Canned tuna in water is also a great source of energy that will fuel your cycling workout. Avoid meats with high fat content that will slow you down and make you sluggish during your rides.

Eat Small and Often

Sports physiologists recommend eating small meals often to keep energy levels high and to stave off hunger. Cycling requires a lot of energy from the body. If you go too long between meals, you will be tempted to eat larger portions of unhealthy foods. Eating a small meal just before and after a ride causes your body to use the food instead of your muscles for energy.

Berries and Cherries

These antioxidant foods are essential for rebuilding muscles and repairing small muscle tears after a workout. Berries are naturally low in fat and calories and provide you with energy without compromising your waistline. Berry juices like Acai berry have been known to aid in digestion and flush toxins from the system. Add berries to cereal, smoothies and yogurt for a healthy treat.

Colour Your Plate

Experts advise cyclists to aim for a rainbow when planning their meals. Red and pink foods such as tomatoes, grapefruit and watermelon contain compounds that protect the skin against sun and cellular damage. Green foods like spinach, kale and broccoli are high in folic acid that protects the joints and spine. Orange and yellow foods such as carrots, squash, bananas and sweet potatoes boost the immune system, allowing you to fight off illness that will keep you from cycling. Improving your diet for cycling requires knowledge of how the body functions and what foods keep it at its peak. By adding in healthy foods, you will enjoy optimal nutrition to fuel your rides.

---

Darren is a Professional Cyclist and Manager of one of the best bicycle shops in Melbourne, Australia. Being a professional cyclist, he knows the importance of getting your diet right for cycling.

African Mango Diet

According to Dr Oz,  Irvingia Gabonensis also known as wild mango, bush mango or pure African mango is a super-potent fiber.  The high fiber content from the fruit extract helps to suppress the appetite. It is shown to be one of the best leptin regulator in keeping leptin levels at the right mark thereby reducing hunger pangs and cravings.  It can also lower blood sugar levels because it contains substances like adiponectin, which increase insulin sensitivity of the body cells that allows greater fat tissue breakdown. In addition, it can also lessen the conditions of inflammation and it also contains potential anti-cancer agents.

Thanks to our science and technology, we don't need to go to Africa to gain access to African Mango.  We can now purchase pills online easily at our own convenience.  In pills form, intake is simple and hassle-free.  You can enjoy an African Mango Diet anytime you wish.  The effects are fast too.  Try it out and see for yourself.

The best part of having a natural diet like the  African Mango Diet is that they have no negative side effects.  We all know that fruits are natural sources of vitamins and minerals.  It is a gift of nature wherein our bodies are made to respond too.  So why go through the risk of trying artificial and chemically formulated diet pills when you can go through a safe and natural way through  African Mango Diet?

FREE tickets to Lorax as the Climate Change Commission Launches Video Ad

If you can recall, we did a review on the movie "The Lorax" (see previous entry).  Two weeks ago, the Climate Change Commission gave out FREE premiere tickets to the movie "The Lorax" at SM North Edsa because the movie is relevant TODAY especially in the Philippines.  The Philippine Ecosystems have changed more rapidly due to deforestation, pollution, urban congestion, marine and coastal degradation and loss of biodiversity.

I'm sure we've felt the consequences.  We always been keen to updates on death tolls in the news whenever we hear of landslides and floods.  But, did we ever do our part to prevent them from happening again?  Last year, my classmates and I went to Calatagan, Batangas as part of our social involvement for our Corporate Social Responsibility Class and it saddens me to find out that there is whitening of the coral reefs.  It means that most of the coral reefs are dying and it's too late to save them. =(  I hope we can still do something for the rest.

Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering reminds us that "Trees are very important in the country's roadmap in the battle against climate change, they clean the air while at the same time serving as carbon sinks."  I agree with her.  Which is why I wonder why the government has allowed the mining plans that will take place in Palawan.  It is one of the beautiful forests that the Philippines has left and yet it will be destroyed and the contamination will spread throughout the lands of Mindanao and more.

Last November 2011, the NCCAP was approved by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III.  It has seven thematic priorities which includes the Ecosystem and Environmental stability.  Environmental sustainability means maintaining healthy and stable ecosystems which is a necessity amidst climate change.

Secretary Sering adds "adapting to climate change requires the action of everyone.  We need to have everyone informed of what they can do to save the environment, and in the long run, the future generations.  We have to act now if we want our children to have genuine trees in their time."   If you recall, we have previously shared our tree planting (see previous entry) and coastal cleanup (see previous entry) experience.  It's been very fulfilling for us so I encourage everyone to act now too! =D

In cooperation with the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), the Climate Change Commission aims to share the morale of the story to the young and old as they launch the video ad during "The Lorax" premiere.  We, together with the winners in the Climate Change Commission facebook and twitter account got to preview the new video ad that will be shown in all SM and Ayala cinemas for one whole year.

Watch Ilaw Sa Isla Ad Campaign

According to Secretary Sering, "our video will show that people from all walks of life should be involved in addressing climate change.  Small actions count big, and collectively they can make an impact.  It's not too late.  We still have genuine trees around us.  Climate change is here and we need to adapt.  Let's take care of the environment and we will be more climate-resilient in the future."

Watch RE Troopers Ad Campaign

World Glaucoma Week: Don't Let Glaucoma Darken Your Life

I'll be honest.  I am the type of person who has the enthusiasm to learn what technical terms mean.  I have a medical student for a sister.  But, whenever she explains things to me, I would tell her... "Can you explain those in layman's term?"  

Dr. Veloso patiently explains Glaucoma to us

Dr. Covar explains further

Thus, for many years, I have ignored medical campaigns which are already out there to warn us.  However, the other day, I was moved by the World Glaucoma Week presentation initiated by the Philippine Glaucoma Society along with Allergan. Allergan seeks not only to educate and inform the patients but also to help them to understand their options and decide their own treatment alongside their doctors.  On the other hand, the Philippine Glaucoma Society  aims to increase awareness of the disease in the community, healthcare system, policy-making bodies and among the patients.  It is their goal that "No Filipino Shall Go Blind from Glaucoma".  This is inline with the worldwide goal for glaucoma "Don't Let Glaucoma Darken Your Life."

What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a type of blindness by permanent paralysis.  It is the Philippine's leading causes of bilateral irreversible blindness.  The scary fact about Glaucoma is that it has NO cure and shows no signs in the early stage nor painful symptoms.  It just slowly and gradually impairs your vision. 


Glaucoma Statistics

• Glaucoma is the 2nd leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world
• A study in the United States estimates that 70 million people worldwide have glaucoma 
• In the Philippines, glaucoma is the 3rd leading cause of blindness in both eyes and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness of both eyes.

Why is Glaucoma Serious?
Glaucoma causes irreversible damage to your optic nerves that connect to your brain and causes your vision to shrink.


What can early detection do?
Early detection and treatment is essential in controlling it and preventing it to from damaging the optic nerve further which leads to total blindness.  Once the damage is done, your sight can no longer be restored.  Persons diagnosed with  Glaucoma are required to follow up with their physicians for the rest of our lives.  It involves regular examinations and treatments (i.e. eye drops, laser surgery and conventional surgery).

When am I at risk of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can afflict any person or age, health, gender or race.  But, according to studies it has often inflicted on those of:

• Age: over 45
• Family history of glaucoma
• Myopia or hyperopia
• Asian descent 
• History of eye trauma or surgery
• High Eye Pressure
• Chronic Steroid use
• Diabetes Mellitus

What are the symptons of Glaucoma?
There is generally no symptoms of Glaucoma especially for Open angle & some closed angle types.  However, a few Acute Angle Closure type patients have shown these symptoms:

•  Blurry vision
•  Eye pain
•  Redness
•  Headache
•  Nausea and vomiting
•  Rainbow colored halos around lights

What do you need to do?

• Regular eye exams (500-1,000 php) with an ophthalmologist/eye doctor who will check your eye pressure and may recommend you to do a Glaucoma Screening (6,000 - 10,000 php) if needed
• If vision is blurry, or if with eye pain, see an ophthalmologist/eye doctor right awa

So, join and support the World Glaucoma Week!  Don't Let Glaucoma Darken Your Life.


For Filipinos, the Philippine Glaucoma Society and Allergan has initiated a FREE glaucoma screening this March 12-16, 2012 so contact your local eye doctors now for more information!