Spring is in the Air

It seems like summer here in California with dry, hot weather, while in the Northeast, many are still in winter mode with freezing temperatures. Yet, despite what it seems like, spring is just around the corner.

March 20^th, the day of the vernal equinox, is the official first day of spring. Spring is a time of renewal in nature and many of us also practice the "spring cleaning" ritual. Additionally, spring reminds us that summer is just around the corner, and that means shorts and bathing suit weather. Oh, I can hear the groans over the Internet now. Yes, we need to lose a couple of pounds and get rid of those nasty spider veins. Losing weight doesn't have to be a horrendous project though. Here are a couple easy tips: 

1.)  Do count calories to help you lose weight. It is recommended that you stay under 1200 calories a day. Be aware that processed foods have the highest amount of calories as do breads, tortillas and other foods that we consider "carbs".  Dairy is also usually high in calories.

2.)  Drink an 8 oz. glass of water 5-10 minutes before meals.  This will give you the feeling that you are full and you will eat less. Also, always get up from the table when you are just satiated, not when you are full.

3.)  Eat many small meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism going; DO NOT SKIP MEALS. Of course, breakfast is the most important. You need to consume protein at breakfast so that you do not get hungry mid-morning (oatmeal with dried fruits and nuts is an ideal breakfast).  And, if you skip meals, you will eat more than you want at the next meal because your body tries to "catch up".

4.)  Drink 4-6 glasses of water a day to help flush and cleanse the body.  

Now about those spider veins: there is a solution for these too.  derma e^® has just reformulated our Clear Vein^® Crème to include a new patented ingredient called Venocin^™.  Venocin^™ is an extract of Horse Chestnut that is standardized to deliver 90% Escins for topical application. Escins are a mix of Saponins known to strengthen capillaries and veins, and improve blood circulation. Clear Vein^® Crème also contains an assortment of herbs known to support capillaries, veins, blood flow and inflammation in general such as Yarrow, Gingko, Tao Ren (Peach Kernal extract), Arnica and of course our hero, Pycnogenol^®.  Pycnogenol^® is a super antioxidant that specifically targets the capillaries to reduce blood leakage (spider veins are leaking blood) and encourage fluid pick-up.  Clear Vein^® Crème needs to be used at least twice a day and you will see your spider veins diminish over a 4-8 week period.  I have been using this formula on my face for sun damaged blood vessels and am seeing good results ( in only 3+ weeks). 

Enjoy spring and all that it brings: longer days, flowers, green grass, baby animals, and a brighter attitude. And, rest assured, you will also be ready for summer!

Yours in health,

Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D.O.M.