Why There is No Need to Get Sun-Burnt!
No matter how good it feels, too much sunbathing can cause an inflammatory response from the skin or likewise an allergic reaction to the skin.
Tanned skin conjures up a picture of relaxing holidays, fitness and health. If we stay too long in the sun, we risk getting sunburnt. Even if it is cloudy, we can get burnt if we stay unprotected in, on or near water for a long time. Water reflects and intensifies the radiation. Light-skinned people (whose skin has fewer pigments and therefore less self-protection) are more at risk than dark-skinned people (whose skin contains more pigments).
The time of day when we sunbathe also plays a role: The shorter UVB rays can severely damage skin cells and are strongest from 10 am to 2 pm. The UVA rays in the early morning and late evening are much more skin-friendly and ensure a slower but gentler tanning of the skin.
Increase self-protection and support healing 🌞
Despite being careful - you sometimes get sunburnt. In the case of a mild sunburn, it is usually sufficient to cool the affected area with a cold compress. Applying aloe vera gel or a very thin layer of essential lavender oil can also bring relief. Wearing airy, light clothing can protect the sunburnt areas on the body.
Foods rich in niacin can promote the healing process if the skin has already been damaged. Vitamin B3 (niacin) also helps to build up the body's own skin protection factors and can therefore help to prevent sunburn.
It is found in soja products, green beans and peas, in mushrooms, cabbage, potatoes and peaches.
Cortisol, an anti-inflammatory agent, is produced in the adrenal glands with the help of vitamin C and unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, after sunbathing you should eat lots of fresh fruit, corn, olives, beans and seeds.
Secondary plant substances such as lycopene (found in tomatoes, watermelons, rosehips, citrus fruits etc.) and beta-carotene (found in carrots, apricots, peaches, mangoes, spinach, chard and lamb's lettuce) also have the ability to protect the skin from sunburn. Not only do they mop up free radicals from UV rays, but they prolong the skin's natural defence mechanism.
In fact, eating foods rich in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can enhance sun protection from within.
However, these natural photoprotective agents should not be viewed as an alternative to sunscreen from sprays and creams.
Unprotected sun exposure will inevitably lead to premature skin aging. Long term effects of repetitive sunburn will only increase this process. Prevention is the best remedy for sunburn.
Author: Silvia Bürkle - HQ Metabolic Balance®
#metabolicbalance #metabolism #sunburn #vitamins #antioxidants #protection #fruits#veggies
Metabolic Balance - The Importance of Exercise in Everyday Life - If You Rest, You Rust!
Metabolic Balance - The Importance of Exercise in Everyday Life - If You Rest, You Rust!
Whether at home, in the office or at school: In the typical daily routine of a modern person, most of the time only the chairs are changed, the body posture remains practically the same: In the morning, we move from the breakfast chair to the car and from there to the office chair. At lunchtime, it's enough to take a few steps to the canteen seat, and after work is done, you drive back home in the car to make yourself comfortable on the sofa.
No wonder that almost 60% of office workers complain about back problems. How problematic it is for us to develop into a sedentary society can already be seen in the children. Exercising a lot, playing around outside, testing one's own physical abilities – in the past this was a matter of course. Today, more and more children are involved in accidents because they exercise too little. They are often unable to direct and control their movements, lack muscle strength and responsiveness, and their sense of balance is underdeveloped.
However, age plays only a minor role when talking about exercise. Almost everyone can exercise in a beneficial way. Most people know how important exercise is in everyday life. As it is correctly said in the proverb: "If you rest, you rust." Regular exercise helps to minimize body fat and reduce the risk of high blood pressure and secondary diseases. Tension, back and joint pain can also be successfully counteracted in this way. Exercise is a wide field and is not exhausted in endurance sports and gym. It starts with, for example, avoiding the car when driving to work and instead riding a bicycle. If you cycle to work every day, even if it is only 15 minutes to get there and 15 minutes back, you do half an hour of exercise every day!
It is important that you sweat at least once a day and the body is lightly challenged. For example, by deliberately forgoing the elevator and climbing stairs instead. Or if you go shopping on foot instead of driving.
It is not beneficial for the organism to spend hours in front of the computer or on the couch. Prolonged sitting can lead to blood circulation problems in the legs and feet.
Therefore, you should shift the weight as often as possible while sitting. It is also good to move your feet while sitting, lift your toes and heels to relieve the veins, or lift both heels off the ground and bounce in your knees. At home on the sofa you can lie down on your back, just lift your legs in the air and “cycle” for a few minutes. Muscles are also trained in this way, fat is burnt and blood circulation is stimulated. Perhaps these exercises sound quite trivial to you: but – every step counts!
Author: Silvia Bürkle - HQ Metabolic Balance®
Metabolic Balance is a Club Vivanova Platinum Partner
#metabolicbalance #metabolicbalancemaroc #fitness #nutrition #relaxation #workout #healthy #food
Metabolic Balance Health - Herbs and Spices - the Pharmacy of Nature
HERBS & SPICES - THE PHARMACY OF NATURE
When it hurts, we often reach for the next best medicine. We often don't know which active ingredient we're taking, not to mention the side effects. But to be honest - we don't want to know as long as it helps!
However, the things that really promote health can be found in nature!
We are only too willing to take expensive dietary supplements that deliver supposedly valuable but isolated active ingredients from selected foods: Curcumin from turmeric, resveratrol from grape seeds or DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) from algae or fish oil, to name just a few. They should lead to more well-being, strengthen the immune system and act against inflammation.
Nature, on the other hand, provides foods with a wealth of active ingredients, such as antioxidants, essential oils or omega-3 fatty acids, which – embedded in the natural food mix – occur in such a way that we can optimally use their health potential.
Especially herbs and spices impress with their richness in nutrients.
No wonder that in ancient times many wars were fought over herbs and spices, and in search of them new countries have been discovered. But why should people fight over herbs and spices? What makes them so valuable?
They contain so-called phytonutrients. These are secondary plant substances or essential oils, which are extraordinarily healthy. The high proportion of antioxidants, which fight dangerous free radicals in the body very effectively, also makes the seasoning ingredients so valuable.
Even the smallest amounts keep us mentally fit, strengthen the immune system, support fat burning, have a positive effect on blood sugar levels and boost the metabolism. For example, oregano stimulates appetite, coriander is considered to strengthen the stomach and helps with fullness. Dill and basil soothe the nerves, parsley and tarragon dehydrate - to name just a few examples.
To date, not all effects have been scientifically proven in studies. Much of it is based on traditional applications and has been successfully used for many health purposes for centuries. Hildegard von Bingen and many other persons skilled in the art of healing, who have studied herbs and spices, have used and still use the healing powers of spices and herbs for health benefits.
Tip: Season and refine your dishes with a wide variety of spices and herbs and thus absorb an additional portion of valuable vital substances for more well-being and vitality every day.
Metabolic Balance is a Club Vivanova Platinum Partner
Detox with Metabolic Balance - Health Begins in the Intestine
Detox with Metabolic Balance
Health begins in the intestine!
Any toxin or harmful substance that cannot be rendered harmless in the bowel, e.g. because the intestinal flora is damaged, reaches the liver via the portal vein. Thus, the liver must take over and assume this detoxification. So, in order not to overload the liver, we should ensure a healthy bowel. If this is not the case and if the intestinal wall is damaged, it urgently needs to recover - by an intestinal cleansing.
If we are planning an excursion or a business trip by car, we find out in advance where there might be traffic jams and what detour options are available so that we can reach our destination as quickly as possible. But there is no alternative for the food we ingest. The path is always the same: from the mouth via the esophagus to the stomach, into the intestines and then into the blood. To avoid "traffic jams", there is only one real alternative in the metabolic process: Taking care of the main artery, the intestine, relieving it and nourishing it in a healthy way.
How to best prepare the intestine
In order to build up the intestinal flora in a targeted manner, it is not sufficient to simply consume foods with probiotic or prebiotic ingredients or additives. A basic prerequisite for both a healthy bowel and a healthy intestinal flora is a thorough and gentle bowel cleansing in order to prepare an optimal living environment for the bacteria.
Bacteria only settle permanently in the bowel when they feel comfortable and when the environment provides what they need. Short-term cleansing can be achieved by taking Epsom salts, high-dose magnesium sulfate, or by clysterizing by means of an enema. However, you should not leave it at that. If you want to support, cleanse and regenerate your bowel in the long term, you should regularly consume natural foods, preferably ground flaxseed and ground psyllium. These two "bowel helpers" do not only cleanse, they also stimulate intestinal peristalsis and prevent constipation.
How to efficiently cleanse the intestine
Eliminating toxins from the body is a long process. Detoxification takes place mainly with fasting cures. However, you can also stimulate the entire metabolism by a thorough change in diet with regular modest exercise; this helps to even boost the detoxification intensity of your organism.
Intestinal cleansing reduces pathogenic bacteria and fungi and causes health-promoting intestinal bacteria to multiply more easily. Improving the intestinal flora also strengthens the intestinal mucosa. Optimally working digestive organs and the right amount of digestive juices are an essential prerequisite for favorable bowel bacteria to settle in the intestine; thus, a healthy intestinal flora can be established.
Author: Silvia Bürkle - HQ Metabolic Balance®
Feel Good Fridays with Metabolic Balance - The Power of Aromas and Fragrances for the Body and Soul
Near to the bakery goods counter a delightful aroma of freshly baked buns greets the nose – even though the buns are delivered, and not freshly baked at all. In fuel stations there’s a wonderful smell of freshly made coffee, and in travel agencies exotic fragrances bring the Caribbean within touching distance. Inventive marketing strategists discovered long ago what a useful tool the nose can be! Finally, aromas affect our feelings and emotions, evoke memories and consequently influence our (purchasing) decisions.
Today aromas, or fragrances, are no longer the exclusive domain of perfumes or bodycare products. They are also used in air fresheners, scented candles, cleaning and washing products and even in foods – both in natural and synthetically manufactured form. Invisible to customers’ eyes, all kinds of fragrance stream from scent diffusers or air-conditioning systems in department stores, supermarkets and even garden centres without anyone actively noticing it. And when you’ve finished shopping, you wonder at how much stuff you have in your shopping trolley – stuff you didn't actually want.
Fragrances – not always good for you
However, fragrances also trigger intolerances in a large number of people and the trend is rising. After all, many fragrances are known to induce allergies, migraines and even asthma attacks. The most susceptible are people with weakened immune systems and those who already suffer from contact allergies, such as an allergy to nickel.
Aroma therapy for body and soul
Fragrances help heal. Our grandmothers were well aware of that - if they suffered from insomnia, they slipped a little bag of lavender under their pillow. Vanilla and cinnamon, as foods and fragrance, impart a warming feeling of security. Almond and bergamot are thought to be especially relaxing and soothing. Acacia, jasmine and carnations (cloves) have an aphrodisiac effect, while basil and fennel strengthen the nerves.
Fragrances alter, influence and control our human behaviour, unconsciously so in most instances. This is why aroma experts try to liberate us from nervous disorders, tiredness, depression and anxieties with special fragrances. Currently, American olfactory experts are even trying to suppress what are known as “craving attacks” with the aid of odours – perhaps an additional means of getting our weight under control in the future...
What positive experiences have you had with aromas? I look forward to your comments!
Author: Silvia Bürkle - @HQ Metabolic Balance®
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Cool Down, Hydrate and Stay Healthy this August - Metabolic Balance Nutritional Tips & Recipes
Summer is here, it’s warming up - we need to keep cool and hydrate and here are some excellent culinary and health tips from our Platinum Partner Metabolic Balance.
HOME-MADE ICE CREAM
How do you actually produce metabolically balanced ice cream? It's quite easy: For a homemade ice cream, puree a portion of deep-frozen fruits with a hand blender or mixer. And if you want to enjoy ice cream bought in the supermarket, we have the following tips for you:
1. The shorter the list of ingredients, the better. An organic ice cream is usually more expensive, but for a taste experience without additives, it is worth spending a few cents more.
2. Information on high-quality processing can also be found in phrases such as "without colorings, additives and flavorings" or "only natural ingredients".
3. Avoid plastic spoons and cups as much as possible and, like this, ensure clean ice cream enjoyment!
RECIPE - WILD HERBS, GOAT’S CREAM CHEESE PRALINES & POMEGRANATE
Preparation time 16 minutes
Ingredients (2 portions)
4 - 5 tbsp. of goat's cream cheese
1 small bunch of chives
1 shallot
1 tbsp. of hazelnuts
2 tbsp. of pomegranate seeds
3 tbsp. of olive oil
1 tbsp. of white wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard, coarse-grained
Cress according to taste
2 handfuls of wild herbs, ready for use
Method
In a small bowl, season goat's cream cheese with sea salt and pepper and shape into praline-sized balls. Place on a plate, cover and briefly put in the freezer to set. In the meantime, prepare the toppings by rinsing the chives under cold running water, dabbing dry with paper towel and cutting into fine rings. Peel and halve the shallot and cut into fine cubes. Mix both ingredients together and set aside as a topping. Briefly toast hazelnuts in a pan all around, without adding fat, over medium heat. Then chop finely and set aside as another topping. Remove goat's cream cheese balls from the freezer and roll each in a topping, creating a colorful variety. Then put in the fridge. Mix a dressing of olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and cress, and season with sea salt and pepper. In a large bowl, mix wild herbs with the dressing. Arrange equally in 2 bowls, or in deep plates, and arrange goat's cream cheese pralines and pomegranate seeds on top. Delicious!
BARBECUING?
Get the grill ready – steady – go! These tips make barbecuing a healthy pleasure.
- Use only charcoal or briquettes without harmful residues. The same applies to barbecue lighting aids.
- Caution. If fat or oily marinade drips down, smoke is produced that contains highly toxic substances that are considered carcinogenic.
- The easiest way to prevent fat and liquid from running into the embers is to use aluminum foil on the grill grid.
- Smoked or cured meat should not be grilled: It contains nitrite salts, which produce nitrosamines in the food at high heat. These are also said to be carcinogenic.
- Tips for light barbecue enjoyment: Leave out filling side dishes like baguettes or bread and give your body extra healthy carbohydrates in the form of vegetables. Grilling vegetables gives them a particularly delicious aroma. They can be put on skewers in a colorful mix, for example, but they also cook wonderfully in grill bowls. You don't always have to use barbecue classics like corn, peppers or zucchini. Exotic barbecue vegetables such as asparagus, eggplant, fennel or pumpkin also do well on the hot barbecue. To prevent them from sticking to the grill, brush them with a little oil beforehand and season them at the same time. Then put them on the barbecue and in a few minutes you can enjoy them. Delicious!
So better grill healthily by following this advice and enjoy it!
WATER WATER WATER
Especially now in the warm season it is important to drink enough water: 35 ml per kg body weight is the optimum amount. The following applies: Do not drink only when thirsty! When you feel thirsty, your body has already suffered a water deficiency. You shouldn’t let it get that far. It's better to get used to regular drinking. Which water you prefer is up to you. Just try different variations and you will quickly find the perfect water for you.
We also recommend drinking plenty of water to anyone who wants to lose weight and who feels hungry between meals.
METABOLIC BALANCE – RESET YOUR BODY
Go Oriental this Weekend with a Metabolic Balance Recipe - Chana Dal - Packed with Pulses and Proteins
Pulses are one of the best sources of vegetable protein and are far more than just an ingredient on the winter menu. They are low-cost, a low-fat source of protein, full of fibre with vitamins and minerals and they count towards your recommended five daily portions of fruit and vegetables. A pulse is an edible seed that grows in a pod. Pulses include all beans, peas and lentils, such as chickpeas (chana or garbanzo beans).
For far too long, dishes with pulses have been considered as poor people's food. But then a number of star chefs showed, how fine the seeds of the garden fruits beans, peas and lentils can taste by serving them as a salad instead of a thick soup or turning them into noble vegetable side dishes. And even within the growing Slow Food movement, the important protein suppliers enjoy a good reputation. The legume cuisine does not get boring so quickly: after all, there are over 12,000 legumes. So regularly use various pulses and enjoy their culinary variety.
Oriental Chana Dal - a delicious chickpea curry (Metabolic Balance phase 3)
Ingredients
1 serving of chickpeas
1 serving of veggies (carrots, white cabbage, bell peppers, cauliflower, zucchini....)
Diced onion
Garlic
Vegetable broth
Smooth parsley
Peppermint tea
Coconut milk
Seasoning:
Indian curry
Precious sweet peppers
Freshly ground pepper
Chilli
Black cumin
Masala
Preparation:
Wash chickpeas and soak in peppermint tea overnight, then they have a slight mint flavor. Simmer for just under one hour the next day. At the same time sweat the onion and garlic in olive oil, then add the vegetables and cook. Add the cooked chickpeas, add them and fry for a bit. Taste with spices and vegetable broth and quench with coconut milk. Finish in the oven for 15 minutes.
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