If your child requires any scheduled prescription medication for allergies, eczema, asthma or other conditions be sure you have a sufficient supply. Immediate access to emergency medication, such as an EpiPen or an inhaler, is required; always keep this medication on hand. Check with your doctor before travelling internationally to determine if you need any additional vaccines or preventative medications. Your child’s doctor will also discuss the need for certain prescription medications.
NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme found in all living cells. This powerful molecule has a lot of potential and is often called a “helper molecule” because it binds to other enzymes in the body to activate them and generate molecular reactions. It also plays a role in sirtuin activity. Which basically brings back the balance (homeostasis) in those cells who have gone rogue.
NAD’s primary function is to repair damaged cells & reverse the effects of oxidative stress. NAD is involved in over 500 chemical reactions in our body. The levels of NAD that naturally occur in the body decline with age - NAD IV treatments supplement this gradual decline and delivers this powerful coenzyme directly into your bloodstream, making it available to your cells for immediate use. During a session of NAD+ therapy, a high dose of this coenzyme compound is slowly delivered into your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) drip. This method of NAD+ infusion allows the substance to bypass your stomach, where NAD+ molecules are broken down and instead travel directly to the tissues of your body. Infusing your body with NAD+ via an IV drip is the only way to ensure that you get 100% (in the absence of rare genetic transport disease difficulties) bioavailability from the molecule. This means that your body will absorb the highest possible supplemental coenzymes and convert them into molecular energy. This is a holistic, all-natural way to help your body fight against aging and illness.
Brain Health:
Patients often describe feeling like a mental fog has been lifted after undergoing NAD+ therapy. This overall improvement in mental sharpness helps patients feel better day to day. One of the most noticeable side effects of ageing is a decline in cognitive function.
A simple NAD+ IV infusion can help activate your brain’s neuron function by helping cells regenerate and protect them against damage. This results in increased mental cognition, including mental clarity, higher concentration, and enhanced memory function. This overall boost in brain function can also help patients overcome other types of mental struggles. IV therapy can help you battle against common conditions like anxiety and mood disorders.
Boost Your Energy Levels and Metabolism:
Whether you’re fighting chronic fatigue due to illness or just feeling the effects of our fast paced environment, NAD can make you feel more energetic and put the spring back in your step. Besides improving your overall energy, NAD+ also contributes to a healthy metabolism. A smoothly-functioning metabolism is an important part of dealing with weight management and blood sugar issues.
Other Benefits of NAD IV Treatments:
This powerful molecule can reduce inflammation and help your body recover faster from an injury. The coenzyme also assists in the activation of poly ADP-ribose polymerases (PARPS) to repair damaged DNA inside your body.
Who Is a Good Candidate for NAD+ IV Therapy?
Anyone who suffers from reduced energy levels, feels sluggish and fatigued, or feels like their mind is continuously foggy can be a great candidate for this type of IV treatment.
People who suffer from certain age-related illnesses or chronic conditions are also excellent candidates, however, these infusions can also be beneficial for healthy individuals. It’s often recommended for athletes who want to enhance their performance and endurance and speed up their recovery times after intense exercise or an injury.
Duration: 2 - 4 hours
Preparation: Make sure you have something to eat before your appointment. Patients may feel nauseous if you let the drip run in too fast, so take your time & bring a book or your laptop.
Cost: Neuro-Regenerative NAD (NAD 500mg with added amino acids for Neuro regeneration) can cost anything between R1600 – R2000 per session. Session intervals depend on the individual's pathology or overall health goal.
Are You Ready to Jumpstart Your Body?
You don’t have to wait until you start experiencing age-related issues or illnesses to use NAD+ therapy to your advantage. IV supplementation may help delay the aging process and lower the risk of certain medical conditions in healthy individuals.
LifeLAB Medical Practice can help with NAD+ IV therapy sessions - Whether you’re interested in anti-aging solutions, battling a chronic condition, need to improve your mental clarity or want to improve your performance! Our NAD+ infusions are compounded by a registered international compounding pharmacy and administered by doctors. If your practitioner should find other problems during your first consultation you might have to undergo additional tests to confirm your current state of health, because at the end of the day you are not simply a Drip client, but our patient.
]]>Put down that cookie, get some sleep and drink your probiotics! The health of your gut influences the health of pretty much every other part of your body. Your brain, sleep cycle, immune system, skin, heart, and more are all affected by the status of your digestive tract and the bacteria within it. Our body is a complex ecosystem comprised of interconnected systems, and one crucial factor that affects overall well-being is gut health. The gut, often referred to as the "second brain," plays a vital role in digestion and nutrient absorption. In this blog post, we will explore the profound effects of gut health on various aspects of the body.
HORMONE BALANCE
Disruptions in gut health can lead to hormonal imbalances, affecting various bodily functions, including reproductive health, thyroid function & stress regulation. The biggest bulk of our poo consists of breakdown products from our own bodies, and if the digestive tract does not function optimally, this can lead to an overload of toxins as well as unwanted recycling of hormones leading to estrogen dominance.
GUT HEALTH AFFECTS YOUR MOOD
The gut produces neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which influence mood, emotions & cognitive function. Research suggests that your diet is largely responsible for your mood. Depending on what you eat, your diet can uplift you, or it can depress you. The connection is so strong that there’s an entire branch of psychology dedicated to it called nutritional psychiatry.
The reason diet so significantly impacts your mood is because your diet feeds the bacteria in your digestive tract. Healthy, nutritious foods feed the good bacteria that help your body function optimally, while processed, low-quality foods feed the bad bacteria that disrupt your body.
NUTRIENT ABSORPTION AND ENERGY
The gut microbiome is responsible for breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the food we consume. When gut health is compromised, it can lead to malabsorption issues, resulting in nutrient deficiencies.
SKIN HEALTH
The best way to get glowy skin is from the inside out. An unhealthy gut can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress, triggering or exacerbating skin conditions like acne & eczema. Good bacteria in the gut have been linked to reduced acne, improved eczema, the disappearance of rosacea, and other improvements in the skin.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
Approximately 70% of the body's immune system resides in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Your digestive tract and your immune system interact closely to keep your body in tip-top shape. The two systems regulate and support each other. The majority of your immune cells call your digestive tract home. A healthy gut microbiome helps maintain a balanced immune response, defending against pathogens while preventing overreactions that can lead to allergies, autoimmune disorders & chronic inflammation. It’s thought that dysbiosis - an imbalance of gut bacteria - can be partly to blame for a person’s risk of developing infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and even some cancers due to the gut’s effect on the immune system.
GUT HEALTH AFFECTS YOUR SLEEP
The gut microbiome produces substances that influence sleep patterns and circadian rhythm regulation. Poor gut health may contribute to sleep disturbances and insomnia. You likely know what life is like when you’re sleep-deprived. You can get cranky, have mood swings, get food cravings, and rely on caffeine to get you through. What you might not know is that your gut health can seriously impact your quality of sleep and your sleep cycle.
It’s kind of a vicious cycle. Poor gut health can disrupt your sleep, and poor sleep can disrupt your gut health. It can go on and on if one or the other isn’t fixed. So if you eat a good diet, you can help your digestive tract and thus get better sleep. As they say - rest and digest!
Maintaining a healthy gut is vital for overall well-being, as its impact extends beyond digestion. The intricate connections between the gut and various bodily systems demonstrate the far-reaching influence of gut health on the body. By adopting lifestyle habits that promote a diverse and balanced gut microbiome, such as consuming a nutritious diet, managing stress, and taking probiotics, we can nurture our gut health and support optimal functioning throughout the body. Prioritizing gut health is an investment in our overall health and well-being.
Understanding the Causes of Adult Acne
Contrary to popular belief, acne isn't solely a result of poor hygiene or oily skin. Several factors contribute to the development of adult acne, including:
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, especially during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger breakouts. Hormonal imbalances can lead to increased sebum production, clogged pores, and inflammation.
Stress: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, including the skin. Elevated stress levels stimulate the release of cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production and inflammation, leading to acne flare-ups.
Diet: Consuming high-glycemic index foods, dairy products, or foods rich in saturated fats might exacerbate acne in some individuals.
Medications: Certain medications, including corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and hormonal treatments, may contribute to adult acne. If you suspect that your medication is causing breakouts, consult your doctor.
Effective Solutions for Adult Acne:
Cleansing: A Glycolic Acid Face Wash is an excellent acne-fighting cleanser. This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is derived from sugarcane and can help those with frequent breakouts or other skin concerns. For people with acne, the benefit of glycolic acid is that the peeling results in less “gunk” that clogs the pores. This includes dead skin cells and oil. With less to clog the pores, the skin can clear, and you’ll usually have fewer breakouts. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as it can aggravate acne.
Barrier Creams: Those with acne may still feel the need to opt for a barrier cream, as acne can sometimes be the result of dry, inflamed, sensitive skin. Avoid moisturisers, as they may contain comedogenic ingredients, which will only further clog pores.
Exfoliation: Incorporate a gentle exfoliant into your routine to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Opt for chemical exfoliants with ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which can help treat and prevent acne.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Stress Management: Given the influence that stress can have on acne, it’s wise to take steps to reduce or relieve stress in your life. Implement stress-reduction techniques such as regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. Adequate sleep and a healthy work-life balance are also crucial for managing stress.
Balanced Diet: Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall skin health. Experiment with reducing high-glycemic foods (sugar, soft drinks, white bread, potatoes, white rice, etc) and dairy intake to see if it makes a difference for your skin.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and help flush out toxins. Hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin and can contribute to the reduction of acne.
Professional Treatments:
If over-the-counter products don't yield satisfactory results, consult your doctor for a personalised treatment plan. They can prescribe topical medications (Retinol, Azelaic Acid or topical antibiotics), oral medications or recommend procedures to target stubborn acne.
Hormonal Therapy: For cases where hormonal imbalances are the primary cause of acne, hormonal therapy may be recommended. This approach helps regulate hormone levels and reduce acne flare-ups.
The most important thing to do when tackling acne is to make sure you have an arsenal of products with science-backed ingredients. Not every product or ingredient is going to work for everyone, and many of these products need to be used consistently for a few weeks before there’s any noticeable change in your skin. If you experience flaking, light peeling or mild redness, go down with your frequency of active ingredients and remember these symptoms are usually transient. Mild redness and flaking is just a sign of skin weakness rather than sensitivity and will improve as your skin gets more tolerant and stronger. So take it slow - but be persistent.
And if you’re not seeing any results, talk to a doctor for some guidance or a prescription treatment. Adult acne can be extremely frustrating, consult your doctor for a personalised treatment plan.
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Botox is a popular treatment that involves injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin into the muscles of the face. This causes the muscles to relax, which can help smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is most commonly used to treat frown lines, crow's feet, and forehead wrinkles, but it can also be used to treat other areas of the face.
One of my preferred procedures is the Non-Surgical Lip Lift. It is a lip filling technique designed by Dr Harris and involves using low doses of lip filler to enhance only the natural tubercles of the lip. This in turn avoids the duck lip or Russian doll lip appearance. Soft, natural lips with anatomically normal movement and appearance.
An ideal anti-aging treatment is chemical peels. They are an ideal way to restore your skin’s radiance and glow. The ideal time to schedule your chemical peel appointment is during the winter months, when you’re more likely to be indoors and away from the sun’s harmful rays. Chemical peels are an excellent solution for a wide range of skin concerns such as wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Consult your doctor first to rule out any dermatological concerns and prevent post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The after-care is even more important than the Peel itself, so make sure you have the correct products to soothe and protect the skin sufficiently.
While both botulinum toxin and fillers can be effective treatments for improving the appearance of the face, they are not without risks. One of the most common risks associated with these treatments is bruising and swelling at the injection site. Unfortunately, the effects of these treatments are not permanent. Botox typically lasts for around 3-4 months, while fillers can last anywhere from 6-18 months depending on the specific product used. In severe cases fillers can also cause vascular occlusion (blocking of veins in the area injected) which can lead to skin necrosis if not treated in time. Therefore it is imperative that your practitioner is properly trained in treating the right area in the right level using the correct injection device (needle or cannula). That being said, vascular occlusion can happen to the best of injectors due to anatomical differences in patients. Ask your doctor if they have Hyalase - an injectable agent meant to reverse and break up the Hyaluronic Acid Filler.
Biostimulators are one of the most exciting aesthetic advances and definitely my personal favourite. They come in different forms with different intended outcomes. Some are meant to stimulate collagen (I call them the plumpers) while others have the ability to make new collagen (I call them the lifters) leading to a very natural rejuvenating or even pre-juvenating effect.
The key with all of these wonderful aesthetic treatments is to start low and go slow. In my experience patients want to look less tired, less angry or less sad. Not like an entirely different person… So by making small changes to restore or beautify certain areas is more than enough to get a great result without looking like you had undergone any procedures.
Contact LifeLAB Medical Practice to book your appointment with Dr Juanri Jonck.
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