Cucumber, carrot, ‘ampalaya’ vs body toxins

By Cory Quirino
Philippine Daily Inquirer

HERE are some questions on wellness from readers.

How can I manage my weight effectively?

The easiest way is to cut back on food intake and combine cardiovascular workout with resistance training. If that’s not possible, do a brisk walk everyday.

NASA-inspired mobile treadmill-type machines called Viberex Lipo allow one to stand in various poses while they vibrate. Their soothing infrared dry sauna is relaxing and healing.

The therma massage bed and faradic slimming belt combine the best of infrared technology to melt the fat away and reduce swelling in the body. Dream Body Spa (tel. 7210002) is now on a money-back guarantee promo.

My father is recovering after a stroke. Apart from his doctor’s regimen, what natural approaches can you recommend?

According to Dr. Earl Mindell’s “Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century,” Ginkgo Biloba (60 mg) and DMAE (with club moss) help improve mental function and memory by boosting blood circulation to the brain cells.

Switch to the No. 1 brain food, fish and increase vegetable intake. Also consider pure Korean red ginseng extracts. Call Lizada Korean Red Ginseng.

What is the ideal breakfast?

There are so many nutritious elements you can include in a healthy breakfast.
Carbohydrates—Essential for energy and brain power. Take whole-grain bread, brown/red rice or old-fashioned oatmeal.

Protein. Eggs provide the perfect amount of protein to sustain you the entire morning. Eggs keep you trim because of its high lecithin levels which aid in fat assimilation. But more importantly, they raise HDL or good cholesterol.

Multi-mineral boosters. A glass of freshly juiced sugar beets, carrots, singkamas, cucumber, ampalaya will cleanse your blood and clear out the toxins. If it’s too tedious for you to drink a cup, one sachet of dried wheat grass from Easy Phamax (tel. 8901111.) will do. It’s packed with calcium, iron and magnesium.

What is the secret to great complexion?

Cleanliness – keep your face clean at all times. Invest in light cleansing soap.

Water – Drink up! The more water you take, the clearer your skin.

Sweat – You need to exercise in order to get your blood flowing freely.

Sun protection – The only gentle hours for skin are up to 7:30 a.m. (Some dermatologists say its 9 a.m.) and the hour before sunset (4:30 p.m.). Between these hours, wear sunblock SPF 25-30 to protect you from ultraviolet radiation.

Virgin coconut oil – Drink it, rub it. VCO has deep hydrating benefits more than any other oil. Try the Novu skin line with VCO vitamin E and extracts of white lily made by
Nutramedica (tel. 7233878, 3323864). It’s affordable yet effective.

VCO beauty scrub

Exfoliate the gentle way. Mix 2 tbsps of VCO with 2 tsps of sugar. Rub throughout the body and face. It’s the cheapest way to achieve smooth skin. Add a drop or two of calamansi for astringent effect.

Affirm: All is well and so am I.

Love and light!