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.

Ready, Set, Summer!

Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is just around the corner. Stores have had their bathing suits, shorts and flip flops on shelves since Valentine’s Day. And of course, flowers are blooming, trees are leafing-out, and the grass is now growing at nearly 100 miles per hour it seems; all sure signs that summer will soon be here.

Now too is the time that we look in the mirror and go "OMG" and then try to figure out how we are going to get into our swim suit of last year gracefully. Or for some of us, we’d be happy with just shorts and a tank top. Many of us are still packing a few extra pounds from our winter hibernation (yes, your body does try and add some fat in the winter as a reserve). The problem is we usually don’t need the extra weight, and we really don’t like the “muffin-top” or “love handle” look.

Well don’t despair. There are lots of things that can be done to look and feel your best for summer. Here are a few simple tips to help you drop the weight somewhat painlessly:

1. Drink one full 8 oz. glass of water 10 minutes before each meal. Most of us don’t drink enough water anyway, so this adds to our healthy lifestyle and the water will help you feel full. However the real trick is to only eat enough to feel satiated and then get up from the table, or at least remove your plate so that you are not tempted to keep nibbling.
2. Avoid sugar. Period. Sugar is responsible for so many health problems from obesity to diabetes. We would all be well-served to eliminate it from our diets, but life is about balance so eat less of anything sugary like sodas, that morning cup of coffee with a hefty spoonful, or the granola snack loaded with sugar. Sugar seems to be everywhere so start reading labels and avoid it where you can. High fructose corn syrup is another form of sugar that needs to be avoided. Stevia or honey is an acceptable alternative if you can’t live without the sweet taste.
3. Increase your exercise level. I’m not talking about joining a gym and pumping iron for an hour. Little changes give huge benefits. If you’re already walking or working out regularly then just increase the time by 10 minutes a day. And if you’re not, then start. An easy way to increase your walking is when you go to a store or mall, always park in the furthest parking spot and use the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
4. Increase your intake of vegetables. This doesn’t just mean salads. Many of us shouldn’t be eating cold vegetables and would be better served eating a hearty vegetable soup. Listen to your body and you’ll know whether hot or cold is better for you.

The second biggest “issue” when looking in looking in the mirror is those spider veins that make your legs look a little like a roadmap of the state. Spider veins and varicose veins are there because your body has a weakness and the blood isn’t being held in the vessels correctly. Strengthening your body with your acupuncturist or naturopath would be ideal, but there is an easy at-home solution to the spider veins themselves. A combination of Horse Chestnut, Witch Hazel, Pycnogenol® and Grape Skin extract applied topically will work to help support the veins and diminish the leakage. In Europe a high dose of Horse Chestnut is given internally to actually diminish varicose veins. While derma e®’s Clear Vein® Crème doesn’t promise to work on varicose veins, it does a great job on spider veins. Within 4 weeks of twice a day usage, spider veins will seem to have disappeared. Just in time for summer!

Summer is truly a magical time to enjoy the gifts of nature. Be sure to get out there and enjoy yourself.

Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.