Sculptra Collagen Facial Filler at Birken Medical Aesthetics

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One of the primary reasons for visible facial aging is loss ofcollagen, a fibrous protein in the deep dermis that givesstructure to skin and supports the functions of elastin andhyaluronic acid (HA). Elastin is an elastic protein that

maintains skin shape, while HA cushions and lubricates to keep the skin hydrated. More collagen enables the presence of more elastin and HA.

Sculptra® Aesthetic uses poly-L-lactic acid, which works with your body to help rebuild lost collagen for a more youthful-looking appearance that can last up to two years.

For more information call 281-410-3231 and press option 1 or email at info@drbirken.com

https://www.sculptraaesthetic.com/

What are the Best Breakfast Foods?

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1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains beta glucan, which is a thick, sticky fiber that helps a person to feel full for longer and may also lower cholesterol.

One study revealed that people who ate oatmeal for breakfast felt fuller and ate less at lunchtime than people who ate cornflakes. This was particularly true in people who were overweight.

Oats are also rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium. Steel-cut oats, which contain more protein and fiber than other types of oats, are a good option because they have a lower glycemic index (GI). A low GI means a person’s blood sugar will not increase as much.

2. Eggs

Eggs are a popular breakfast food. They are nutritious and contain high-quality protein.

Some people think that eggs are unhealthful because of the amount of cholesterol they contain. However, research has shown that the dietary cholesterol from eggs has only a minor impact on bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL), in the blood.

A small study on people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease found that eating whole eggs and moderately reducing carbohydrate consumption resulted in improvements in blood cholesterol levels. It also reduced waist circumference, weight, and body fat.

3. Nuts and nut butter

If a person does not eat animal products, eating nuts is another excellent way to get enough protein. Nuts also contain antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, and heart-healthful fats.

According to a 30-year-long study in the New England Journal of Medicine, people who consumed nuts seven or more times per week had a 20 percent lower risk of death compared to people who did not eat nuts.

Nut butter is very versatile. People can spread nut butter on whole grain toast, mix it into oatmeal or yogurt, or use it as a dip for fresh fruit.

Healthful kinds of nut butter include:

  • peanut butter
  • almond butter
  • cashew butter
  • unsweetened cocoa and hazelnut butter

4. Coffee

Drinking coffee with breakfast is popular due to its caffeine content. Coffee also offers other health benefits due to its antioxidants, which help fight inflammation.

One review from the American Diabetes Association suggests that drinking either regular or decaffeinated coffee could decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The researchers also suggested that some components of coffee improve glucose metabolism.

However, adding cream or sugar will reduce the beneficial effects of coffee. It is best to reduce or avoid adding sugar to coffee and choose nonfat or plant-based milk instead of cream.

5. Berries

Berries of all kinds, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are an excellent way to start the morning. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and contain disease-fighting antioxidants.

A study from the American Heart Association showed an association between a higher intake of the antioxidants found in berries with a lower risk of heart attack in young women.

Sprinkle berries on cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt, or blend them into smoothies. If fresh berries are expensive or not in season, buy frozen berries, which are just as nutritious. However, it is best to choose frozen berries without any added sugar for optimal health benefits.

6. Flaxseed

Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber.

The health benefits of flaxseed include lowering blood levels of cholesterol, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering blood sugar, and even protecting against breast cancer.

People can sprinkle flaxseeds on yogurt or oatmeal, or blend them into smoothies. It is essential to purchase ground flaxseed or to grind the seeds at home, as whole flaxseeds will pass through the body without breaking down.

7. Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is another excellent source of protein to eat in the morning. Greek yogurt is thick and creamy and contains more protein than regular strained yogurt.

Greek yogurt is also rich in calcium and contains probiotics that help support a healthy gut and immune system.

People can pair this low-fat, high-protein food with other foods on this list, such as berries or nut butter.

8. Tea

Black, green, and white teas all contain antioxidants, but green tea is probably the most healthful. According to one study, green tea may help burn fat and promote weight loss.

These teas contain some caffeine but not as much as coffee. Tea can also help a person stay hydrated.

9. Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is another protein powerhouse. One study showed that cottage cheese could curb hunger just as efficiently as eggs do.

Cottage cheese is also rich in B vitamins, vitamin A, and calcium. People can eat cottage cheese by itself, or mix it with other savory foods, such as pepper and spring onions, or fruit or nuts.

10. Bananas

Bananas are a quick and convenient addition to a nutritious breakfast. They also make a good mid-morning snack to keep hunger at bay.

Bananas contain resistant starch. The body does not digest resistant starch, so it travels through the body unchanged, which helps support digestive health. Unripe bananas contain more resistant starch than ripe bananas, which have more natural sugars.

Bananas are also a great source of potassium, which may support healthy blood pressure in some people. Bananas are great with nut butter or on top of oatmeal or cereal.

Summary

When eating breakfast in the morning, make sure to choose foods that are filling and contain lots of nutrients. Choosing the best foods to eat in the morning can help curb hunger and kick-start a person’s metabolism for the day.

Plant vs. Animal Protein – Which is Healthier?

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Plant vs. animal protein 

Plant and animal proteins vary in the number of amino acids they contain.

One of the main differences between plant and animal proteins involves their amino acid contents.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. When the body digests the proteins in food, it breaks them down into amino acids.

The body may need different amino acids at different times. Many people believe that the diet should include complete sources of protein, which contain all nine essential amino acids.

Some animal products are complete sources of protein, such as:

  • fish
  • various types of eggs
  • dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and whey
  • red meat from cows, bison, and deer
  • poultry from sources such as chickens, turkeys, and quails
  • meat from less common sources, including boars, hares, and horses

Most plant proteins are incomplete, which means that they are missing at least one of the essential amino acids.

However, some plant-based foods, such as quinoa and buckwheat, are complete sources of protein.

It is important for vegetarians and vegans to mix their protein sources and ensure that they are getting all of the essential amino acids.

Also, keep in mind that some sources of plant protein may take longer for the body to digest and use.

The following are examples of plant-based foods rich in protein:

  • grains
  • lentils
  • nuts
  • beans
  • legumes
  • certain fruits, such as avocados
  • soy
  • hemp
  • rice
  • peas

Many other nuts, grains, and vegetables also contain high amounts of protein.

Which is better for health
Plant-based foods contain fibre which is beneficial to the digestive system.

When choosing between plant and animal sources of protein, it is important to factor in the other nutrients that the foods provide.

 Foods rich in protein can have widely ranging nutritional profiles.

Certain sources of animal protein can contain high levels of heme iron and vitamin B-12, while some plant-based foods lack these nutrients.

On the other hand, plant-specific nutrients, called phytonutrients, and some antioxidantsare absent from sources of animal protein.

Animal products contain saturated fat and higher levels of cholesterol than sources of plant protein. A person m ay wish to avoid animal products for these reasons.

Many used to believe that dietary cholesterol was associated with cardiovascular disease. Recent evidence shows no significant link.

Fiber is another important factor. Only plant-based foods contain fiber, which helps to keep the digestive system balanced.

Eating more plant protein may also improve a person’s overall health.

Results of a 2016 meta-analysis suggested that eating more animal protein, especially that derived from processed red meat, may increase the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

However, researchers noted that they only found the link between animal protein and cardiovascular disease in people with at least one lifestyle-related risk factor, such as smoking, heavy alcohol intake, or being overweight or obese.

The results also indicated that eating more plant protein may help to reduce this risk and others.

In general, the best way to cover a person’s dietary needs is to eat a wide variety of foods.

Benefits of Cranberry Juice

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From Medical News Today

Six benefits of drinking cranberry juice

Potential benefits of cranberry juice include:

1. Fighting age-related damage

Chemicals called free radicals accumulate in the body as people age. Free radicals cause oxidative damage. There is a link between oxidative damage and health issues, including:

  • cancer
  • diabetes
  • heart disease
  • digestive health
  • urinary tract health

Some of the chemicals in cranberry juice are antioxidants or compounds that fight harmful free radicals. The presence of antioxidants means that cranberries and cranberry juice might help fight age-related damage to the body’s tissues.

A 2011 study found that chemicals in cranberries promoted better antioxidant activity the lower their pH was. That study also found that the berries were significantly more potent antioxidants than cranberry juice, although cranberry juice still offered some benefits.

2. Improving heart health

Studies show that various ingredients in cranberry juice may improve heart health.

Cranberries are high in chemicals called polyphenols that may support heart health. A 2011 study of females with metabolic syndrome found that cranberry juice increased the antioxidants in the blood plasma. People who drank cranberry juice also had lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is known as the “bad” type of cholesterol.

Another 2011 study found that cranberry juice could improve health in people with coronary artery disease. Mean carotid-femoral artery pulse wave velocity, which is a way to measure the stiffness of arteries, was reduced among the people in the study who drank a laboratory preparation of double-strength cranberry juice.

3. Treating or preventing urinary tract infection (UTI)

The antibacterial effects of cranberry juice were reported to reduce the incidence of UTIs in mice, according to a 2017 study in Frontiers in Microbiology.

The reduction of UTI incidence is thought to be due to the ability of antibacterial properties to reduce the colonization of Escherichia coli in the bladder. The bacteria, which is known better as E. coli, is the cause of most UTIs.

A 2016 study, reported in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, showed less bacterial infections in urine cultures from uncircumcised boys who drank cranberry juice and had previously had repeated UTIs compared to those who drank a placebo and those who had been circumcised who also drank the placebo.

The authors concluded that cranberry juice might be beneficial against the growth of bacterial pathogens.

4. Supporting digestive health

There is growing evidence that the phytochemicals contained in cranberries play an important role in digestive health.

Evidence for the digestive health benefits of cranberry juice, in addition to other benefits, was reported in a study from 2018 in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

The paper noted that inhibiting the production of another bacterium called H. pylori in the stomach is thought to promote digestive health. The researchers also suggested further research is needed on cranberry juice.

5. Preventing infections

Some chemicals in cranberries may help fight viruses and bacteria.

A 2011 study found that cranberries inhibited the growth of seven bacterial microbes. The study did not assess whether cranberries or cranberry juice could prevent infection with these microbes in humans.

Similarly, a 2010 study found that cranberries could fight some viruses, including norovirus, which s a common cause of food-borne illness.

The authors of the study caution that more research is needed, but argue that cranberries might be a useful method of treating or preventing food-borne illness.

6. Supporting post-menopausal health

The risk of heart problems increases after menopause compared to the risk in all other groups of people of the same age.

 A 2013 study investigated this phenomenon in rats that had their ovaries removed. Researchers found that daily cranberry consumption reduced total cholesterol, suggesting cranberry products might be useful dietary supplements after the menopause.

Side effects of cranberry juice

Some research has found that cranberry juice may interact with certain medications. One concern is that cranberries may intensify the effects of a blood thinner called warfarin.

Research on other drugs is less consistent. Preliminary research, however, suggests the possibility of interactions between cranberries and:

  • cyclosporine
  • flurbiprofen
  • diclofenac
  • amoxicillin
  • ceflacor
  • midazolam
  • tizanidine

People taking these drugs or any other medications should talk to a doctor before using cranberry juice. It may be necessary to monitor the doses and effects on medications rather than avoiding cranberry juice entirely.

Takeaway

Cranberry juice is safe for most people and has several potential benefits.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting fruit juice intake in toddlers and children and advises against giving babies juice. Parents who want to add cranberry juice to their children’s diet should, therefore, only do so in small quantities and should not give them other juices.

People should choose varieties that are not from concentrate, with no sugar added, to get the most out of cranberry juice. Alternatively, a person can consider making fresh cranberry smoothies at home by putting cranberries in a blender with other ingredients. Adding a sweet fruit, such as an orange, can help it taste sweeter.

What Are the Causes for Fatigue?

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1. Lack of sleep

A lack of sleep may seem an obvious reason for feeling tired, yet 1 in 3 U.S. adults are consistently not getting enough of it.

Tiredness increases the risk of accidents, obesity, high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease.

People aged between 18 and 60 years need 7 or more hours of sleep every day to promote optimal health, according to The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society.

Getting under the recommended hours of sleep each night is not only associated with fatigue, impaired performance, and a greater risk of accidents, but it also has adverse health outcomes.

2. Poor diet

The easiest way to banish tiredness is to make adjustments to your diet. Eating a healthful and balanced diet can make the world of difference to how you feel.

Eating a healthful and balanced diet can help to combat fatigue.

To improve your health and get all the nutrients you need — as well as eliminate fatigue — it is vital to choose a healthful mix of food from the five food groups, which are: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.

You can switch up your eating style today by implementing some of these small changes

3. Sedentary lifestyle

When tiredness sets in, sitting on the couch and relaxing could seem to be the only answer. But getting up and moving may be the best thing you can do to re-energize and eradicate fatigue.

Exercising can help to increase energy and reduce tiredness.

Research by the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens discovered that compared with sitting quietly, one single bout of moderate-intensity exercise lasting for at least 20 minutes helped to boost energy.

4. Excessive stress

Many situations can cause stress. Work, financial problems, relationship issues, major life events, and upheavals such as moving house, unemployment, and bereavement — the list of potential stressors is never-ending.

Excessive stress can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion.

A little stress can be healthy and may actually make us more alert and able to perform better in tasks such as interviews, but stress is only a positive thing if it is short-lived.

Excessive, prolonged stress can cause physical and emotional exhaustion and lead to illness.

5. Medical conditions

If you have made lifestyle changes to do with your physical activity, diet, stress levels, and sleep but still feel tired all the time, there could be an underlying medical condition.

Many medical conditions, such as anemia, can make you feel tired.

Some of the most common conditions that report fatigue as a key symptom include:

  • anemia
  • underactive thyroid
  • diabetes
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • chronic fatigue syndrome
  • urinary tract infection
  • food intolerance
  • heart disease
  • pregnancy
  • vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Low Carbohydrate Fruits and Vegetables

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From Medical News Today

Fruit

Fruit tends to have a higher carbohydrate content than most vegetables, because of the naturally occurring sugars – they’re sweeter, after all.

But that doesn’t mean you should avoid them. If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, some fruit has a higher water content and therefore fewer carbs per standard serving.

1. Watermelon

This fruit of summer scores lowest in carbohydrate content, packing only 7.55 g per 100 g of fruit. It’s also high in vitamin A and has a high water content, making it a great high-volume food because it will fill you up while providing fewer calories. Even the rind has health benefits!

2. Strawberries

 Berries are a popular choice for people watching their carb intake, and strawberries have the least. For each 100 g of strawberries, you’ll get just 7.68 g of carbohydrate. They’re also an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C.

3. Cantaloupe

This popular orange melon is great on a hot summer’s day and contains only 8.16 g of carbohydrate per 100 g. Some people like to eat melons like this and honeydew with tuna salad. Try blending it with lime, mint, and water to make a refreshing agua fresca.

4. Avocados

Yes, avocados are a fruit, and they have relatively low carbohydrate content to boot. For every 100 g of avocado, you’ll get an estimated 8.64 g of carbohydrate.

In addition, you’ll get healthy monounsaturated fats, known to be good for heart health, among other things.

5. Honeydew

Another melon, honeydew, comes in at 9.09 g of carbohydrates for every 100 g. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C as well as potassium, an electrolyte you need to maintain good blood pressure, pH balance, and a healthy metabolism.

6. Peaches

A juicy and sweet treat, peaches surprisingly don’t have too many carbohydrates. For every 100 g of fruit, you’ll get 9.54 g of carbs. For a low-carb snack, serve them up with some cottage cheese, or try a peach blueberry smoothie.

Vegetables

 When you’re limiting carbs, vegetables are an important source of nutrition. They are high in fiber and lower in overall calories per serving than any other food group. They also contain an array of healthy compounds such as vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

In general, the higher the water content, the lower the carb content per standard serving. These are the lowest-carb choices.

1. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a refreshing and nutritious addition to any salad – Greek or otherwise! Peeled, they contain just 2.16 g of carbs for every 100 g. If you prefer them with peel, that’s 3.63 g, which is still pretty low!

2. Iceberg Lettuce

Perhaps one of the most popular, though least nutritious, vegetables, iceberg lettuce has only 2.97 g of carbohydrate per 100 g. Pair it with several others on this list to get a low-carb salad with plenty of nutrients.

3. Celery

Celery is a versatile veggie that goes as well with salads as it does with casseroles. And with the same number of carbs as iceberg lettuce (2.97 g per 100 g), it’s worthy of inclusion in your diet.

 4. White mushrooms

Mushrooms contain only 3.26 of carbs per 100 g. Add them to an egg white omelet to get a healthy, low-carb breakfast.

5. Spinach

For every 100 g of spinach, you’ll get 3.63 g of carbohydrate. To put that in perspective, that’s only about 1 gram per cup. So, load up on spinach salads and top with lean chicken breasts and fresh strawberries.

6. Swiss Chard

Another nutrient-dense leafy vegetable, Swiss chard packs only 3.74 g of carbs per 100 g. Swiss chard is great in soups and sautéed with garlic.

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes, considered both a fruit and a vegetable, only contain 3.89 g of carbs for every 100 g. You can eat them raw, roast them, or throw them into a salad. Not only are they delicious, but they can also lower your risk for strokes.

Takeaway

You need not sacrifice your favorite fruits and vegetables when reducing the intake of carbs in the diet.

Low-carb dieting can still be interesting, and a diet that reduces carb intake does not have to mean that your meals only consist of protein, all the time. Add some of these fruits and vegetables to make your plate more interesting and your nutrition more complete.

Even when following the Ketogenic diet, you can still experiment with meal plans to keep your diet balanced and nutritious.