There have been many a day in which a regular client will lean close into me and whisper "..some of my skin issues my be due to the fact I have something called polycystic ovaries." And usually two things pop into my head - first: why didn't you tell me earlier? it would give me better insight to your skin and body, and second: Sista, join the club.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, to those of you who don't know, is when cysts occur on the ovaries because a females egg does not break through the ovarian tissue to travel to the fallopian tubes. The imbalance of hormones which occur with PCOS also inhibits egg growth.
These cysts are said to produce a small amount of male hormones causing some very unpretty side effects. This includes hair where you don't want it (excess body hair), a lack of hair where you want it (thinning on the scalp) and difficulty losing weight. When my gyno explained this to me he basically made it sounds like I was going to turn into a man. But I never did. While I did not show these traditional signs, I did experience the amenorrhea (loss of periods), insulin resistance (i am also helped by the diabetic grandmas i have on both sides), and of course my struggle with acne. You can't tell, but I am shaking my fist right now and typing with only one hand. And yes, most of my clients who have let me in on their club membership have done so because their skin has broken out badly. But don't be discouraged because we have helped a lot of these clients find relief, and like anything you need to know what is out of balance to help rebalance.
Now, little is known about the cause of PCOS or even which hormones must be examined. I think it is because there are probably a multitude of reasons. Upon my visit to Albuquerque to see Dr Lad speak (where I actually am now), he went on one of his delicious tangents and touched on the issue of PCOS. He said that doshically there are many causes, while cysts and accumulation are a Kapha symptom of excess, this can actually be caused by both vitiation of Pitta and Vata. sometimes it begins with Vata pushing Pitta pushing Kapha. That is to say, that an excess of Vata prompts an excess of another and another dosha. I think this is why PCOS (and other hormone and fertility issues) has been so much more common in the modern age. Women are stressed. We imbalance our Vata or pushing ourselves aggravating our Pitta and cause our Kapha to become dysfunctional. I also notice that in many cases of acne in a PCOS client, that their skin is terribly inflamed and dehydrated.
In these cases it is very important to prescribe a cooling, soothing regime - not a disinfecting, drying regimen. Remember, acne itself is inflammation. it is also important to keep the skin hydrated because you must try to prevent scarring, and scarring occurs mostly in weak, dried out skin types. If you must use an anti-bacterial because blemishes are looking like they have a lot of pus and infection, we must opt for a Lavender or Witch hazel hydrosol with is alcohol-free and also an anti-inflammatory. But if the pimples are most cystic acne pustules (break outs which do not come to a head but are a large, painful, fluid filled cyst - usually in the chin and jaw line) then it can really only be pacified internally. You can apply arnica to it to increase circulation and disperse the accumulation of fluid, but only if it is a cyst and you cannot see a white head on it. the other option is to sterilize a pin and prick it then extract it. I personally do not advise this unless you have professional assistance, or are willing to risk scarring.
Like everything in this world, my practice has been very circular. I teach my clients about their skin and bodies and they also teach me. So, many clients have actually given me advice on how I can managed my PCOS with treatments and lifestyle. While once client raved about her acupuncturist, another informed me about the wonders of Castor oil packs (Castor oil packs are when you apply Castor oil and heat to your lower abdomen to break up and eliminate cysts. Castor oil in Ayurveda is a laxative and Kapha reducing oil).
I also have heard about the necessity of what seems to me as a Kapha reducing diet and exercise regime. This includes, low glucose/ sugar, low carbs and lots of cardio work outs. I have tried all of these suggestions and found them beneficial. But I find stress reduction the most effective.
And while, its difficult to know how much progress choosing a more natural approach, I haven't still haven't turned into a man (fingers crossed).
Friday, June 26, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
A-ha moments with Hypothyroidism: Hormone series part two
I have often been convinced that I had hypothyroidism. But Ben just says that I simply have hypochondria.
Because I have poly cystic ovaries and diabetes on both side, it gives me a predisposition to an under active thyroid (these are all Kapha excess disorders). But while my mother has been put on meds for hypothyroid (which she lost interest in taking after a few months), she herself has not gotten any actual proof she has it in her blood work. It is commonly known that the blood testing used to diagnose hypothyroidism does not identify most borderline cases.
But besides the thyroid being central to our hormonal health and overall health, it has a huge influence on how we look. Last week as I was doing a facial on a client, she told me that after many years of extra weight and dry (almost cracking) skin, she discovered she had hypothyroidism. I found this very interesting. She went on to add that she just found out one of her daughters did also and that she had began to develop a double chin due to it. Turkey neck (as it is so eloquently called) is a sign of Kapha excess too, and God knows I have spent many an hour pinching at what I see as a forming double chin (again, Ben calls me delusional when I do this).
So what are the other signs of having an under stimulated thyroid? Water-retention, weight gain, dry skin and lethargy. One problem is that, unlike hyperthyroidism which involves symptoms like acne, weight loss and bulging eyes, hypothyroidism's symptoms sound like how I felt for most of first-year university. Hell, sounds like how I felt for most of the winter. The other is how inaccurate testing can be. But what is a girl to do when this could be the key reason she has under eye bags (water retention) and the inability to lose weight?
Online many sites have recommended an at-home way to diagnose using a regular thermometer and testing yourself through the day. See link for details. http://allonhealth.com/hypothyroidism-test.htm
My Ayurvedic doctor, Dr Sharma, recommended asking my GP for a series of tests including a thyroid scan. From here, he said he could tell which kinds of thyroid hormones are being under-produced and could give dietary and herbal guidance based on this.
And when you discover this, there are many options. I recommend natural thyroid extract (these are animal-derived so you must be comfortable with consuming animal products). But of course, I always try to go as natural and as simple as I can with any treatment to avoid side-effects. I was horrifed to discover that another client of mine had a hypothyroid condition after surgically removing her thyroid because this was the recommended solution to her previous status as have hyperthyroid. Now she was taking medication to balance her out. As my diabetic and probably hypothyroid grandmother would say: "Ai-ya!"
Of course, starting with an experienced Ayurvedic or Naturopathic doctor who can assess your individual body and how to re-balance it is best (email me if you need referrals). But the most important thing to do is confirm whether you have hypothyroidism because it can save you a lot of grief trying to find solutions for your skin and body.
Because I have poly cystic ovaries and diabetes on both side, it gives me a predisposition to an under active thyroid (these are all Kapha excess disorders). But while my mother has been put on meds for hypothyroid (which she lost interest in taking after a few months), she herself has not gotten any actual proof she has it in her blood work. It is commonly known that the blood testing used to diagnose hypothyroidism does not identify most borderline cases.
But besides the thyroid being central to our hormonal health and overall health, it has a huge influence on how we look. Last week as I was doing a facial on a client, she told me that after many years of extra weight and dry (almost cracking) skin, she discovered she had hypothyroidism. I found this very interesting. She went on to add that she just found out one of her daughters did also and that she had began to develop a double chin due to it. Turkey neck (as it is so eloquently called) is a sign of Kapha excess too, and God knows I have spent many an hour pinching at what I see as a forming double chin (again, Ben calls me delusional when I do this).
So what are the other signs of having an under stimulated thyroid? Water-retention, weight gain, dry skin and lethargy. One problem is that, unlike hyperthyroidism which involves symptoms like acne, weight loss and bulging eyes, hypothyroidism's symptoms sound like how I felt for most of first-year university. Hell, sounds like how I felt for most of the winter. The other is how inaccurate testing can be. But what is a girl to do when this could be the key reason she has under eye bags (water retention) and the inability to lose weight?
Online many sites have recommended an at-home way to diagnose using a regular thermometer and testing yourself through the day. See link for details. http://allonhealth.com/hypothyroidism-test.htm
My Ayurvedic doctor, Dr Sharma, recommended asking my GP for a series of tests including a thyroid scan. From here, he said he could tell which kinds of thyroid hormones are being under-produced and could give dietary and herbal guidance based on this.
And when you discover this, there are many options. I recommend natural thyroid extract (these are animal-derived so you must be comfortable with consuming animal products). But of course, I always try to go as natural and as simple as I can with any treatment to avoid side-effects. I was horrifed to discover that another client of mine had a hypothyroid condition after surgically removing her thyroid because this was the recommended solution to her previous status as have hyperthyroid. Now she was taking medication to balance her out. As my diabetic and probably hypothyroid grandmother would say: "Ai-ya!"
Of course, starting with an experienced Ayurvedic or Naturopathic doctor who can assess your individual body and how to re-balance it is best (email me if you need referrals). But the most important thing to do is confirm whether you have hypothyroidism because it can save you a lot of grief trying to find solutions for your skin and body.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Blog posting coming Monday
I know I usually blog on Fridays, but time has not permitted that this week. I will have my next post up by Monday! I previously promised Sunday, but I double promise Monday.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Estrogenic Beauty - Part One of the Hormone Series
I don't know if there is something in the water, but so many of my clients, colleagues and team having been asking a lot of about hormones lately - Actually, there may be hormones in our water. But I will save you the tirade on the marine species in the St. Lawrence River having both egg and testes like I did at the FGI panel. That was embarrassing. What was I thinking going on a self-righteous tangent about what we absorb passes through our urine and affects our Eco system to a crowd of the most fashionable people in the city while the charming rep to my right spoke about cute cosmetics which smell like pastries? I may as well have been wearing hemp.
Anyway, I was all set on doing a posting today about dry brushing, but instead I have decided to abandon that plan and start my new series on hormones and the skin. I think its important to talk about hormones because while most of us understand how important they are and how much they influence every action within our bodies, yet we know little about their nature or how to balance them. So today I will be starting with a hormone that is very dear to me: estrogen. I, myself, have high estrogen which makes my menses very irregular (did I really just post that on the Internet?).
Estrogen also has a lot of sex appeal because it is what makes women women and what decreases dramatically when we go through menopause so it can also be connected to youthfulness. This drop in estrogen has be said to accelerate signs of aging in our skin and has spurred much fuss about how we can artificially sustain it.
But while this is a very popular view amongst beautologists, I think its very interesting to note that it is estrogen which breaks down collagen in our skin. Confused? Well, while estrogen does break down collagen, it also enhances the hyaluronic acid in our skin (hyaluronic acid helps our skin hold water and promotes a smooth texture). But as we all know, collagen is probably the most important player in keeping our skin pump, moist and healthy.
This is why estrogen also contributes to cellulite as it breaks down the strength of our cellular walls, making way for lumpy, bumpy fat. You will see many cellulite-reducing body products will focus on increasing collagen so our fat cells can retain a firmer structure. Furthermore, estrogen dominance will also result in water-retention also contributing to cellulite. This can also answer why some women have cellulite despite being slim and fit (comme moi) as well as why many women taking the birth control pill are predisposed to it.
So what do we do?
Eating for estrogen dominance: Well, we can start with avoiding estrogenic foods such as soy and hops (what beer is made out of - and also why men who drink too much of it grow man breasts). And we should consume only organic meats which are devoid of disruptive hormones if we choose to eat animal protein. We should also start to eat more estrogen decreasing foods like citrus fruits, broccoli, cauliflower cabbages, avocados and nuts. It has also been said to be important to examine your digestion because if digestion is impaired, hormone filtration will also be. This is interesting as Pitta governs digestion, and I find many estrogen-dominant clients also have Pitta imbalances.
Balancing Self-care: Topically, we should avoid chemicals which mimic estrogen in our skincare. Numerous chemical sun screening agents (why we are such sticklers about natural, mineral sunblocks despite their powdery texture and white-ish hue) as well as chemical preservatives imbalance our hormone levels as we absorb them into our bloodstream.
Another topical treatment I have done is use prescribed progesterone cream to limit estrogen production. Again, this demonstrates how deeply what we put on our bodies affects us. But while it did regulate my cycle, I still think of hormone creams as a band-aid solution (but a very useful band-aid).
Clear the mind as well as excess estrogen: This may be the most important factor (and hardest for me). Relax. High estrogen tends to occur in high-stress people (Pitta) and also contributes to more stress as it usually is coupled with low progesterone which helps regulate anxiety and stress levels... If you need a good RMT, email me. Remember, its not self-indulgence, its for your hormonal health.
Anyway, I was all set on doing a posting today about dry brushing, but instead I have decided to abandon that plan and start my new series on hormones and the skin. I think its important to talk about hormones because while most of us understand how important they are and how much they influence every action within our bodies, yet we know little about their nature or how to balance them. So today I will be starting with a hormone that is very dear to me: estrogen. I, myself, have high estrogen which makes my menses very irregular (did I really just post that on the Internet?).
Estrogen also has a lot of sex appeal because it is what makes women women and what decreases dramatically when we go through menopause so it can also be connected to youthfulness. This drop in estrogen has be said to accelerate signs of aging in our skin and has spurred much fuss about how we can artificially sustain it.
But while this is a very popular view amongst beautologists, I think its very interesting to note that it is estrogen which breaks down collagen in our skin. Confused? Well, while estrogen does break down collagen, it also enhances the hyaluronic acid in our skin (hyaluronic acid helps our skin hold water and promotes a smooth texture). But as we all know, collagen is probably the most important player in keeping our skin pump, moist and healthy.
This is why estrogen also contributes to cellulite as it breaks down the strength of our cellular walls, making way for lumpy, bumpy fat. You will see many cellulite-reducing body products will focus on increasing collagen so our fat cells can retain a firmer structure. Furthermore, estrogen dominance will also result in water-retention also contributing to cellulite. This can also answer why some women have cellulite despite being slim and fit (comme moi) as well as why many women taking the birth control pill are predisposed to it.
So what do we do?
Eating for estrogen dominance: Well, we can start with avoiding estrogenic foods such as soy and hops (what beer is made out of - and also why men who drink too much of it grow man breasts). And we should consume only organic meats which are devoid of disruptive hormones if we choose to eat animal protein. We should also start to eat more estrogen decreasing foods like citrus fruits, broccoli, cauliflower cabbages, avocados and nuts. It has also been said to be important to examine your digestion because if digestion is impaired, hormone filtration will also be. This is interesting as Pitta governs digestion, and I find many estrogen-dominant clients also have Pitta imbalances.
Balancing Self-care: Topically, we should avoid chemicals which mimic estrogen in our skincare. Numerous chemical sun screening agents (why we are such sticklers about natural, mineral sunblocks despite their powdery texture and white-ish hue) as well as chemical preservatives imbalance our hormone levels as we absorb them into our bloodstream.
Another topical treatment I have done is use prescribed progesterone cream to limit estrogen production. Again, this demonstrates how deeply what we put on our bodies affects us. But while it did regulate my cycle, I still think of hormone creams as a band-aid solution (but a very useful band-aid).
Clear the mind as well as excess estrogen: This may be the most important factor (and hardest for me). Relax. High estrogen tends to occur in high-stress people (Pitta) and also contributes to more stress as it usually is coupled with low progesterone which helps regulate anxiety and stress levels... If you need a good RMT, email me. Remember, its not self-indulgence, its for your hormonal health.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Snack recipes from the pickiest eater in the city
Calling me a picky eater is an understatement. I pity the waitstaff of any restaurant that my mother and I eat at because we have a list of things that we will and will not eat... and they differ.
I don't eat dairy products as they make me puffy and my tummy hurt, I won't eat refined sugar as it causes inflammation (and wrinkles!), I cut out gluten years back (before falling off the wagon when I moved in with Ben - now we're both not eating flours - smile), and red meat is a no-no for my Pitta constitution (I used to be a vegan but decided I really liked walking down stairs without my legs shaking, but was too disorganized to monitor my protein). But along with specific foods I won't eat, I also have characteristics of foods I won't eat. Like Drying foods (pop corn, rice cakes, too many seeds etc) -- they not only dry out my skin but also are Vata increasing so often make my bloated. Or food that isn't fresh: I don't like food that has been sitting out, uses too many preservatives or is defrosted. According to Ayurveda, food which has been frozen causes dampness and toxicity in our bodies and some Ayurvedic doctors say they may be the cause of many modern diseases.
The problem lies in the fact that I, like many professionals living in the concrete jungle, am incredibly time-poor and usually running from one end of the city to the other with very few options along the way to satisfy my palette. But because I loooove eating, I will not be sacrificing tastiness. I once read a veggie cookbook which suggested snacking on cucumbers which have been drizzled with lime juice (Yum?). So, because of being uber stubbourn, I will simply wait until I can get something I can eat (plus often have enough work to distract me), which can lead to my famous hunger moods.
So, if you are anything like me, below are a few snacks for survival. These options are quick to make, use three ingredients or less, are sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free, and won't make you dehydrated (I can't take another dried out protein bar).
Simple Shake
Ripe Banana(s)
Carob Soymilk or Chocolate Rice Milk (I used Edensoy's Carob Soymilk because it doesn't have evaporated cane juice added. And the Rice Dreams Chocolate Flavour was the only other product I could find without sugar -- all Chocolate Soymilks were laden with it)
Cinnamon
I make things real simple and scrap measurements. Pour approximately 3/4 of the cup you are drinking out of with the "milk". Add one banana unless its ginormous, then use half. Add as much cinnamon as your taste prefers. Blend. According to Ayurveda, the cinnamon will lighten the heaviness of the banana to make it less Kapha. You can also throw in a couple of soaked dates (soaking dried fruit and nuts will help you digest them) to this shake for extra sweetness. Dates are excellent for helping you fall asleep, so it makes for nice evening treat.
Old-skool Celery Boats
Celery Stalks
Almond butter
Raisins (ideally soaked)
Remember this treat from Preschool? Mmm. A starch-free, protein-filled snack from the good ol' days when we had time for snack time. Fill as many stalks with Almond butter and then top it off with the raisins. I think we used to call them Ants on a Log and used peanut butter instead of almond. Those were simpler times, before the awareness of peanut allergies and the fact that preserved peanuts are usually candida causing as they have a moldy quality. The celery is also great for anyone with sensitive skin or break outs as it is an excellent blood cleanser.
Stewed Apples
Apples - (Stick with the red variety so they are not tart like Granny Smiths)
Whatever baking spice or spices you have at home: Nutmeg/ Cinnamon/ Cloves
Peel and slice as many apples you want. Sprinkle them with spices. Bake in a dish you can cover at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. This is a nice warming breakfast.
Spicy Almonds
Blanched Almonds
Garam Masala Powder (curry)
Ghee or Olive Oil
Place the almonds on a baking sheet which has been greased with ghee or olive oil. Put them in the oven at 400 degrees (preheated). After 10 minutes, turn them over and very lightly sprinkle the curry powder over them. Leave them for another 5 minutes and take them out. Almonds should be good and browned, if they are not leave them in for another few minutes (or longer if you like them really dark and roasted). You can salt them if you like. I have tried making these with soaked almonds, but though I like to soak most dried foods because it makes them easier to digest and less drying, it makes them a weird texture in this recipe. If you are more of a purist than I, I encourage you to soak them - they simply will not be very crunchy. These almonds are tastiest when right out of the oven, but I usually eat them as an on-the-go snack as they are very portable and easy to eat in transport.
I don't eat dairy products as they make me puffy and my tummy hurt, I won't eat refined sugar as it causes inflammation (and wrinkles!), I cut out gluten years back (before falling off the wagon when I moved in with Ben - now we're both not eating flours - smile), and red meat is a no-no for my Pitta constitution (I used to be a vegan but decided I really liked walking down stairs without my legs shaking, but was too disorganized to monitor my protein). But along with specific foods I won't eat, I also have characteristics of foods I won't eat. Like Drying foods (pop corn, rice cakes, too many seeds etc) -- they not only dry out my skin but also are Vata increasing so often make my bloated. Or food that isn't fresh: I don't like food that has been sitting out, uses too many preservatives or is defrosted. According to Ayurveda, food which has been frozen causes dampness and toxicity in our bodies and some Ayurvedic doctors say they may be the cause of many modern diseases.
The problem lies in the fact that I, like many professionals living in the concrete jungle, am incredibly time-poor and usually running from one end of the city to the other with very few options along the way to satisfy my palette. But because I loooove eating, I will not be sacrificing tastiness. I once read a veggie cookbook which suggested snacking on cucumbers which have been drizzled with lime juice (Yum?). So, because of being uber stubbourn, I will simply wait until I can get something I can eat (plus often have enough work to distract me), which can lead to my famous hunger moods.
So, if you are anything like me, below are a few snacks for survival. These options are quick to make, use three ingredients or less, are sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free, and won't make you dehydrated (I can't take another dried out protein bar).
Simple Shake
Ripe Banana(s)
Carob Soymilk or Chocolate Rice Milk (I used Edensoy's Carob Soymilk because it doesn't have evaporated cane juice added. And the Rice Dreams Chocolate Flavour was the only other product I could find without sugar -- all Chocolate Soymilks were laden with it)
Cinnamon
I make things real simple and scrap measurements. Pour approximately 3/4 of the cup you are drinking out of with the "milk". Add one banana unless its ginormous, then use half. Add as much cinnamon as your taste prefers. Blend. According to Ayurveda, the cinnamon will lighten the heaviness of the banana to make it less Kapha. You can also throw in a couple of soaked dates (soaking dried fruit and nuts will help you digest them) to this shake for extra sweetness. Dates are excellent for helping you fall asleep, so it makes for nice evening treat.
Old-skool Celery Boats
Celery Stalks
Almond butter
Raisins (ideally soaked)
Remember this treat from Preschool? Mmm. A starch-free, protein-filled snack from the good ol' days when we had time for snack time. Fill as many stalks with Almond butter and then top it off with the raisins. I think we used to call them Ants on a Log and used peanut butter instead of almond. Those were simpler times, before the awareness of peanut allergies and the fact that preserved peanuts are usually candida causing as they have a moldy quality. The celery is also great for anyone with sensitive skin or break outs as it is an excellent blood cleanser.
Stewed Apples
Apples - (Stick with the red variety so they are not tart like Granny Smiths)
Whatever baking spice or spices you have at home: Nutmeg/ Cinnamon/ Cloves
Peel and slice as many apples you want. Sprinkle them with spices. Bake in a dish you can cover at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. This is a nice warming breakfast.
Spicy Almonds
Blanched Almonds
Garam Masala Powder (curry)
Ghee or Olive Oil
Place the almonds on a baking sheet which has been greased with ghee or olive oil. Put them in the oven at 400 degrees (preheated). After 10 minutes, turn them over and very lightly sprinkle the curry powder over them. Leave them for another 5 minutes and take them out. Almonds should be good and browned, if they are not leave them in for another few minutes (or longer if you like them really dark and roasted). You can salt them if you like. I have tried making these with soaked almonds, but though I like to soak most dried foods because it makes them easier to digest and less drying, it makes them a weird texture in this recipe. If you are more of a purist than I, I encourage you to soak them - they simply will not be very crunchy. These almonds are tastiest when right out of the oven, but I usually eat them as an on-the-go snack as they are very portable and easy to eat in transport.
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