Boost Physical and Mental Energy Naturally

L-carnitine is an amino acid synthesized by the body and found in a variety of foods. It is manufactured by supplement makers in a more bioavailable form called acetyl-L-carnitine and it can be a wonderful supplement, if you need it. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein molecules.

Single amino acids are another matter. To achieve a beneficial effect, take them on an empty stomach in order to build up high levels in the blood and brain. A number of individual amino acids, including ALCAR, are available on the Montiff and From the Heart Nutraceuticals lines of Pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements at BeautynHealth.com. . ALCAR is heavily promoted for use as a supplement to increase muscle strength and energy, to burn fat (for weight loss), for multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue and a host of other problems. It is true that ALCAR, carnitine, aids in muscle metabolism and protects heart muscle. Because L-carnitine is involved in cellular metabolism, acetyl-L-carnitine can increase energy production in the mitochondria, the "power plants" of all cells, and thereby may generally boost physical and mental energy.

As a dietary supplement, N Acetyl L Carnitine is utilized to help improve memory, and it has been studied as a possible treatment for Alzheimer's disease. ALCAR may also alleviate depression, may be used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, stroke, and Peyronie's disease, and may have a protective effect on the central nervous system and may benefit the heart. There is also some evidence that ALCAR can enhance visual memory and attention in people with Down syndrome, and clinical data indicates that it also may slow age-related mental decline that is not associated with Alzheimer's.

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A Few Thoughts on Men's Skincare

These days more and more men are taking a bigger interest in their physical appearance. Some are getting pedicures and tweezing their eyebrows, while others are going as far as applying makeup. Now, you may not be ready to take self-grooming to that extent, but it is important to recognize that good skincare habits are not just for women. Although men naturally have more collagen in their skin, thus being able to retain better elasticity than women can, men tend to have more oil, which attracts dirt. So although men have one up on women with a better chance at fighting the signs of aging, they still need to take care of their complexions. (If you’re a man who tends to have dry skin, try taking cooler and fewer showers so that you don’t wash off your skin’s natural oils, which dries the skin. Also, shaving creams that create a huge lather will actually dry out your skin.)

Men, make sure that you are following the same skincare regimen that women are (or should be!) doing: cleansing AM and PM, exfoliating regularly (2-3 times/week), always toning after cleansing, wearing sunscreen on a regular basis, practicing good nutrition, exercising, and shaving properly.

Men are welcome to use the same skincare products as women, but for something more specialized to their needs, Phytomer and Yonka make fantastic men’s products within their already-amazing lines. For more information on these and other products visit beautynhealth.com.

Which Epicuren Products are Safe for Pregnant and Lactating Women

Pregnancy can be an uncertain time for a lot of women, especially new moms. Doctors warn against certain foods, drinks, environments, and skin care products to ensure a happy and healthy mommy and baby. We have tried to ease some of the uncertainty with brief descriptions of which Epicuren products are and are not safe for pregnant or lactating women. Of course we cannot emphasize enough to always check with your physician before choosing a skin care line, especially one that is medically-based like Epicuren.

To begin, as a general rule, pregnant women should avoid Vitamin A and its derivatives (ie: Retinol and Retinyl Palmitate) and stimulating or pure essential oils. Pregnant women should also avoid the Epicuren signature facial, as it is very stimulating. Please keep in mind that we always recommend any pregnant women consult with their physician prior to using any cosmetic products or receiving facials. Epicuren products that contain Vitamin A are: Acidophilus Probiotic Emulsion, Alpha Lipoic Omega, Botanical Elixir, Coconut Milk Spray, Crystal Clear Makeup Remover, Cxc Vitamin C Complex, Eye Cream, Hydrating Mineral Mask, Level Headed Shave Cream, Power Oil Control, Recollect Protectant, Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Revise Purifying Mask, Rosemary Moisturizing Spray, Silk Mist Sunscreen SPF 15, Transform Exfoliant, and the Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 20.

So now, which Epicuren products are safe for pregnant or lactating women? Pregnant or lactating women should stick to a complete régime of cleansing AM and PM (all Epicuren cleansers are safe to use, such as the Herbal Cleanser), toning AM and PM (the Protein Mist or Enzyme Conditioner are both great), a gentle scrub once or twice a week (such as the Citrus Herbal Extra-Fine Scrub or the Mandarin Orange Body Scrub are great choices in the shower), and a moisturizer AM and PM (such as the Facial Emulsion). During pregnancy the body goes through a lot of hormonal changes. While some of these changes are welcomed and some are not (such as blemishes and pregnancy mask - also known as melasma, or hyperpigmentation), these usually fade with time.

Whether you're pregnant and lactating or not and would like to try Epicuren, fill out our complimentary skin analysis form. Our wonderful esthetician will customize an Epicuren regime to fit your needs and lifestyle. We can also recommend other skin care lines that are fantastic for pregnancy and post-pregnancy.