Health – Page 4 – New Leaf Wellness

Taking the Mystery Out of GAC Injections

GAC injections – what are they?

GAC stands for “Glutamine–Arginine–Carinitine”. It may sound like Latin, but these are actually three separate amino acids contained in a single high performance injection. It’s a key supplement for anyone looking to lose weight, keep it off and maintain strong energy levels.

Weightloss in 1-2-3!

The first step in weight loss is burning fat. To help give the body a kickstart it can often be helpful to get a boost of Carinitine. As a supplement to the amount already produced by the liver and kidneys, it can help a body pick up the pace by converting more fat to energy. More energy means more fuel to burn the fat, and the process just keeps going!

The next step is Glutamine which is the most plentiful of the amino acids. If Carinitine helps break down parts of the body, Glutamine helps put them back together stronger and better than before. It makes exercise recovery more efficient which leads to better response times and endurance. Not only that, but it also converts energy stores to glycogen instead of fat, making energy much more accessible for immediate use and preventing weight gain due to fat.

The last step is Arginine. This is a speed booster for your system, assisting in increasing blood flow and affecting performance in a number of positive ways. And if you think it’ll help your exercise regime, just wait – it also gives a welcome boost to sexual performance. By raising hormone levels and facilitating blood flow, it can result in a higher sex drive and better ability to meet it.

Weightloss for YOU!

So that’s GAC, a little acronym with big benefits. If you’re interested in weight loss, higher energy and better performance in more ways than one, GAC could be a big help.

Call New Leaf Wellness. We’ll schedule a time that works for you to share your goals and hopefully start you on the path to achieving them.

Dermaplaning 101

Will My Hair Grow Back Darker or Thicker?

No it won’t grow back thicker or darker. There are different types of hair on your body. Vellus hair aka “Peach Fuzz” is the kind that grows on your face, your upper forearm, the tops of your feet. It’s the finest hair on your body, and it will remain the same color and texture regardless of how many times it’s been removed. The hair on your eyebrows and legs is called terminal hair, these hairs are thicker and coarser and they will always stay that way. Because of this you really don’t notice when vellus hair grows back as you would when your leg hair is getting longer and you can feel all the stubble.

What Are The Benefits of Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a manual form of exfoliation that takes off the top layer of superficial dead skin sitting on the epidermis along with all the “fuzz”. It differs from Microdermabrasion, which is also a manual exfoliation, because that service doesn’t remove hair. Hair can hold excess dirt and oils which can clog pores so it’s important to remove them to avoid breakouts. Dermplaning also triggers cell regeneration which allows anything you use at home to penetrate deeper into the skin. We always tell our clients, why should you let your expensive skincare products sit on dead skin and hair when they can do their job so much better once they’re removed. Once all the guck is gone, you’ll be able to use less product which is a nice financial bonus. In addition, the other comment we hear most is how much better makeup goes on and stays on once the hair is gone.

Can Your Get Dermaplaning If You Have Severe Acne?

The safe answer is, no. Dermaplaning can spread active acne. However, If it’s just a spot here and there then we can work around it.

Who Is A Good Candidate?

Anyone who feels like their skin needs a pick me up. If you find your skin is dry, hyper-pigmented, aging, has fine lines and wrinkles or acne scarring, you should try dermaplaning. If you’re tired of pulling down your driver side mirror and seeing the fuzz glowing in the light, you’ll love the results. It’s even safe for pregnant and breastfeeding clients. The word we feel best describes the after effects of dermaplaning is GLOW.

How Does The Procedure Work? How Is It Done?

It sounds scarier then it is. It’s done with a surgical scalpel and due to the fact that it has no guard on it, it’s essentially like getting a the best straight razor shave you’ve ever had (ask the guys about this) minus the lathering foam. It’s not painful and in fact most of our clients find it really soothing and many fall asleep. Someone equated it to a cat licking your face and that’s pretty accurate.

Can It Be Performed With Other Services? If So, Which Ones?

Dermaplaning can be performed with a facial which allows for a deep cleansing prior and follows with a skin specific mask, or you can do it as a stand-alone service. For those looking for even deeper exfoliation, we recommend pairing it with one of our organic facials. We are actually introducing a new protocol for our dermaplaning and peels therapy that includes natural enzyme and lactic acid peels to deep clean pores, even out skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation and stimulate collagen production to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The end result is truly transformative. We’ve found peels that are super effective yet require no downtime. But truly, there’s no wrong way to incorporate dermaplaning into your beauty routine.

How Frequently Should I Have The Procedure Performed?

Most people turn their skin over every 4 weeks but some don’t have as much peach fuzz as others so based on personal preference every 4-6 weeks is ideal. Once you feel the baby smooth skin the first time it is hard not to get addicted.

Call New Leaf Wellness today to schedule your dermaplaning service! Call us at 888-728-7555

Part 2: How Avoiding Gluten Can Prevent Acne + Help You Lose Weight!

How Avoiding Gluten Can Prevent Acne and Help You Lose Weight! (Part 2)

I know from personal experience that leaving gluten out of the diet will help with overall health and so many people can drop weight and get smoother, more clear and even-toned skin. So, here is even more information as to our previous post sharing how gluten can affect your body and hinder optimal health.

Leaving Wheat Alone

Wheat is one of the biggest offenders when you’re looking at getting gluten out of your diet and keeping it away from your intestines (others are rye, spelt, and barley). Not only is the gluten an issue, but by avoiding wheat, you are potentially helping to avoid a pull to eat more and more junk food that can lead to weight gain or at least difficulty losing extra pounds.

Find Yourself Craving Carbs?

Wheat is addictive on its own and contributes to visceral fat because of the insulin spikes it causes (Nope, you Are not immune to those just by avoiding white bread!), but it also triggers you to seek out more refined carbs made with wheat flour. When you avoid gluten, you are avoiding all products with wheat and stopping the cycle. In turn, you are avoiding something that may increase inflammation in your body and contribute to the storage of visceral fat.

What Does That Mean?

Reduced acne, a smaller waistline, and increased Beauty Energy!

A Word of Caution: you can’t just cut out gluten and replace all those foods you used to eat with gluten-free pre-packaged snacks.

That won’t work. The amount of oils and other not-so-great ingredients they contain can also contribute to weight gain and acne over time. Gluten-free pretzels! Too good to be true. Yes, they are. We bring up pretzels, because they are a one number favorite junk food for many. There are gluten-free pretzels, but they are not the tastiest. So, if you must have pretzels, just take a handful and throw the rest of the bag away. They are a weakness of many, but in all other respects, avoid the junky gluten-free treats. It’s best to go gluten-free without all these distractions and just choose natural snacks from the produce section of the grocery store. Or try some better options, like Mary’s Gone Crackers which are made with higher quality ingredients.

Reset Your System After You Drop Gluten for Good

When you are removing gluten from your diet, it’s important to take some extra steps in order to restore the gut’s health and accelerate the healing process. Give the amount of beneficial flora in your gut a boost by taking your probiotics daily.

For all your supplement needs– https://www.mynlrx.com/

Remember, the balance of the bacteria in your gut affects your skin, which is also an eliminative organ. Probiotics also assists with digestion, leading to less congestion and fat storage in the body. Another option might be a Glutathione Push, they are fantastic at supporting a cleanse. Eat more foods that decrease inflammation, like ginger, turmeric, leafy greens, broccoli, blueberries, flaxseed, avocados, and mushrooms. Stay away from the ones that cause inflammation, too, of course. If you are following a complete beauty plan in addition to eliminating gluten, you may notice your skin glowing in as little as just a few days. Remember, it may take a while to see dramatic results. The inflammation will not go down overnight. Give the gluten-free life a try for at least a couple of weeks before forming an opinion.

Have more questions? Call New Leaf Wellness Today to speak with a staff member. Call 888-728-7555

How Avoiding Gluten Can Prevent Acne + Help You Lose Weight

How Avoiding Gluten Can Prevent Acne and Help You Lose Weight! (Part 1)

Avoiding gluten may help you lose weight and clear up your acne for so many reasons. Some people say gluten avoidance is just a trend, but I know from personal experience that leaving gluten out of the diet will help with overall health and so many people can drop weight and get smoother, more clear and even-toned skin. It’s not a trend; gluten is bad news, and not just for those with Celiac disease. Avoiding gluten can prevent acne and help you lose weight and we are going to tell you how today!

Why Say No To Gluten?

Gluten (which is the protein found in wheat, barley and rye) is extremely prevalent in many types of processed foods. You’ll find it in everything from packaged energy bars, cereals and even soy sauce. Even if you don’t think you have a problem with gluten because you feel fine after eating foods that contain it, gluten could be the culprit if you are having trouble losing weight or getting rid of pimples/zits (ugh!). It has sticky, glue-like properties, which is not great for optimizing digestion! Not everyone with a gluten sensitivity knows they have it, and they keep dieting and trying new skin products to no avail.

Gluten + Inflammation

Inflammation and Acne Gluten sensitivity can trigger inflammation. If you are sensitive (not the same as celiac disease or an allergy), the gluten in your food can irritate the inside and outside of the digestive tract, but it does not actually destroy the intestinal wall the way Celiac disease does. The body thinks the gluten is an intruder (which, in reality it is), so it initiates an immune system response: inflammation. Inflammation doesn’t stay localized and only cause digestive discomfort. Instead, it spreads. And because there’s a link between gut health and your skin, acne appears. The best way to determine if you are having inflammation issues to due to gluten is to have a food sensitivity test.

Gluten Is Lurking in Foods You Shouldn’t Really Eat Anyway.

You will generally lose weight and notice clearer skin when you skip the foods gluten is in simply because you’ll be eating less processed food and more whole fruits and vegetables that nourish your body. However, you will experience a decrease in inflammation and cravings for junk food may also subside.

“…. Prior to doing the test, I experienced bloating, sluggishness, and very dry skin. My results were very easy to read and showed that I had an intolerance to many foods that I had been consuming daily! Coffee was the biggest culprit on my list of “to be avoided” items. The ALCAT representative [at New Leaf Wellness] helped me with a plan to eliminate these from my routine and just a few weeks later, I started to feel better….”

– Angie R., New Leaf Wellness Patient

These benefits work in tandem with the superior diet to contribute to better skin and a naturally slimmer figure much more quickly and easily (and your results will be effortless to maintain!).

If you are committed to avoiding gluten to at least give the gluten-free lifestyle a trial run, you should know that it shows up in some unexpected places, like:

Soy sauce
Some pickles (if malt vinegar was used)
Licorice
Veggie burgers (not all, but some. check labels)
Processed grains (try to get oat groats or steel cut, and ones labeled as manufactured in a gluten-free facility)
Processed meats
Ice cream
Some soups
Dressings
Sauces (including soy sauce)
Snack foods
Chips and crackers
Beer

*unless specifically marked gluten-free

“…. The first thing I noticed was my bloating and stomach pain started to subside. I no longer felt sluggish and my complexion started to shine again. The dry skin I had experienced before was no longer an issue. Although it was difficult for me to eliminate coffee from my diet, I feel it has made a huge difference in the way I feel each day. I am grateful for what I learned through the ALCAT test and feel more educated on what I should be putting into my body!”

– Angie R., New Leaf Wellness Patient

None of these have a beneficial place in a healthy diet when you are purchasing the pre-packaged, processed version at the grocery store (like most soups, sauces, and dressings). If you want a burger without the meat, you can make your own alkaline grain burgers from millet and amaranth flour instead of taking a chance with the store-bought ones.

Learn the fascinating science behind how you’re FEELING and the FOODS you’re eating! Come for a Food Sensitivity Test at a nearby New Leaf Wellness Center! Schedule it now by contacting us here or calling 888-728-7555!

Supplements Every Guy or Gal Needs

Mixed messages, misguided information, supplement companies partnering with other industries as ambassadors for their brand and it is all so confusing what to believe. So, today we can at least shed some light on supplements every guy or gal needs.

Supplements Every Guy or Gal Needs

You try to eat healthy, but there are still those splurges on nachos, beer, and pizza (and that’s just the short list of your cheat foods). So, you are likely nowhere close to getting all the nutrients you need each day. You are not alone. Who really eats nine servings of fruits and veggies every day? That’s where a few well chosen capsules can help.

“Supplements won’t counteract poor eating habits, but they can help to make a healthy diet better.” – Dr. Robert Sieman, Medical Director of New Leaf Wellness

In other words, while you still need all the fruits and vegetables you can stomach, on those days when you opt for a beer rather than a smoothie, the right supplements can help to fill in the gaps from a less than ideal diet.

Like Multivitamins

No rocket science here, but it’s surprising just how many guys and gals still do not take a multi. The key to making them work is to make them part of your routine. Instead of stashing the bottle on a shelf, keep it by your toothbrush or coffee pot- something you hit every day without fail.

We have carefully crafted a multi for both guys and gals that helps fill in the gaps to ensure you are getting the most nutrition everyday. So, if you want to splurge on the nachos on Friday night, go for it.

Learn more about Xena Vitality Women’s Multi Complex or Alpha Vitality Men’s Multi Complex at: https://nlrxnutrition.myshopify.com/

Feel like you need more than a multi? Are you struggling with a disease that is attacking your immune system? Do you have a bug and no time to let it run its coarse? Check out our IV Therapy options!

Ultimate Guide to Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is one of the hottest new skin care services in the industry. That’s right…you’re certainly intrigued now. Here’s our ultimate guide to dermaplaning…

It’s not really new though. Japanese women have been utilizing facial “shaving” as an anti aging treatment for decades.

Today, I would like to take you on an exfoliation endeavor. I will teach you all about dermaplaning, from what it is, to who should receive it, and why you’ll keep it up in the future.

What is Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a physical skin rejuvenation treatment that removes dead skin and vellus facial hair (peach fuzz), producing more radiant, smooth skin. An Esthetician or RN gently strokes a sterile blade along the surface of the skin to “shave” off unwanted cells and hair.

If you’re thinking to yourself now, “you want to put a what to my face?” – you are not the only one.

Yes, a sterile surgical blade is used, and yes, many women initially express concerns.

All of these women, though, quickly come to love the results (in my experience).

The service is completely safe and pain-free. It’s important to iterate the importance of finding a trained, licensed professional to perform this service. This is not something you can do at home. This is not something an inexperienced provider should do. Dermaplaning takes precision and must be performed by an experienced professional.

Dermaplaning vs. Shaving

Dermaplaning is not facial shaving, but it is. Have I lost you? Shaving is defined as “cutting the hair off one’s face with a razor.” Dermaplaning uses a scalpel blade, not a razor, but it does cut the hair off the face. Dermaplaning works in similar fashion to at-home razors but is significantly more aggressive.

Both the blade and razors are placed at a 45-degree angle to achieve optimum results with a minimal result in injury (you may experience the occasional nick).

So, what’s the difference?

Dermaplaning is more aggressive than shaving.
Dermaplaning uses a surgical, disposable blade.
Dermaplaning cannot be performed at home.
Dermaplaning blades are singular, whereas razors are usually stacked with 2-3 blades.
Dermaplaning is a skin rejuvenation treatment intended to remove dead skin cells and improve fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin tone and texture.
Dermaplaning should not be used to get rid of terminal hair (such as beard hair).
Dermaplaning should not be received any sooner than 21 days apart.

Let’s now discuss the benefits so you may understand why the industry is abuzz over this service.

Benefits of Dermaplaning

Fact: Did you know Marilyn Monroe regularly shaved her face?

Ask any skin care professional (or Hollywood actress) what the secret to flawless, youthful skin is, and they’ll tell you it’s exfoliation.
Dermaplaning is one of the best methods of exfoliation that has zero downtime – a major plus.
Some clients experience mild erythema (superficial reddening of the skin), but it subsides quickly. Besides that, and the radiant skin recently achieved, no one would ever know a service was rendered.

Top 11 Benefits of Dermaplaning

Eliminates vellus hair and dead skin cells.
Increases product absorption and efficacy (products work better).
Promotes cellular proliferation (your anti aging BFF.)
Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.
Improves skin texture.
Lessen acne occurrence.
Makeup application is smooth and flawless.
No down time. (Seriously, you can schedule this at lunch.)
Brightens skin and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Great alternative for those with sensitive skin or rosacea.
Safe for all skin types.

Exfoliating the skin also stimulates circulation and increases blood flow to the epidermal layers of the skin. The epidermis does not contain blood vessels and receives nutrients through diffusion. By stimulating blood flow, essential nutrients are delivered to the epidermis and thereby supports anti aging and radiant skin.

What is a Dermaplaning Service Like?

As mentioned earlier, dermaplaning is a skin rejuvenation treatment that is safe and highly effective without downtime. The service takes less than 1 hour with results lasting 4-8 weeks. It can be repeated monthly.

If you have questions or ready to schedule, contact a New Leaf Wellness staff member today! We’re now offering dermaplaning at all locations.

Male Menopause?

Male Menopause? What’s that?

Even though there is more public talk about women and menopause, men also encounter a hormonal imbalance as they age (andropause). Because women tend to have a more abrupt hormonal change they are more likely than men to realize that their symptoms are from a hormonal imbalance. Men tend to have a more gradual change–with symptoms slowly appearing over 20 year period. Often the symptoms are not seen as a hormonal decline.

Male menopause (called andropause) has many different symptoms. These symptoms come from a drop in Testosterone.

Andropause (male menopause) Symptoms:

depression

irritability

decreased morning erections

longer recovery time from workouts

stiffness and pain in joints and muscles

decreased concentration

decreased ability to build muscle

lowered mental acuity

loss of the competitive edge

overall loss of vitality

fatigue

sleep disturbances

and more

A man may still have a good libido (sex drive) but be suffering from a decrease in his Testosterone levels because he does not realize that Testosterone performs many functions in the body. Testosterone is not just a “sex” hormone.

“I feel back in balance. I have more energy and feel more focused.”

– Charlee P., New Leaf Wellness Patint

Strong associations between low Testosterone and…..

bone loss (osteoporosis)
dementia
type 2 diabetes
elevated LDL cholesterol
arthritis

There is a lot of incorrect information about the negative side effects of Testosterone and when you research the studies you will find that when bio-identical Testosterone is prescribed and monitored by a hormone specialist, Testosterone is a benefit to the overall health and vitality of men and has not been shown to cause cancer or heart disease. Proper hormone balancing for men results in a man who feels great, thinks clearly, moves easier, and enjoys life better.

We at New Leaf Wellness like to help you live life better. To get started, contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Early Signs Of Fading Hormones

On a weekly basis, we have patients saying, “I wish that I had come in to see you sooner”. Often they did not recognize the early signs of hormone deficiencies. If they did recognize the signs, they have usually attempted to get answers by utilizing their insurance and seeing their regular doctor. Either way, they have suffered longer than they had to and are happy that they now feel better.

Are Hormonal Imbalances Normal?

Men and women both suffer from hormonal imbalances at around 30 to 50 years old due to many reasons: hormone disrupting chemicals (in products we use on ourselves and our house, in our food, in our water), stress, poor overall diet, poor sleep, etc. We age poorly when our hormones decline. Signs of hormonal decline are irritability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, poor muscle tone, inability to lose weight, increased aches/pain, brain fog, decreased memory, decreased vitality, etc. Men may get a decrease in morning erections and women may get hot flashes and/or night sweats. There are a lot of symptoms of hormone imbalance that get ignored because they often come on gradually.

TRUTH: It is not normal aging for you to feel “old”.

It is not normal aging for you to feel “old”. When you optimize your Testosterone, Progesterone, Estrogen, Thyroid, and Growth hormone it enables you to live your life fully and do the things that you enjoy doing. Replacing your missing hormones with bio-identical hormones is a piece of the wellness puzzle.

Common Misconceptions

The first step is recognizing that you may have a hormonal imbalance and not waiting to get it evaluated. The second step is realizing that health insurance is focused on disease and not wellness. In order to have proper treatment you must seek the care of a physician specially trained in hormone balancing. Put your health and well being first and don’t be a person who regrets waiting. Don’t just take it from us, see what Karen, our patient had to say:

“I decided to try New Leaf Wellness because my libido was nonexistent and while I wouldn’t say I was experiencing hot flashes, the slightest activity (like emptying the dishwasher) would leave me literally soaked with sweat! It was so embarrassing that I didn’t want to leave the house. After one implant, what a difference! My libido is much improved and the extreme sweating has completely stopped! I couldn’t be happier!”

– Karen, NLW Patient for Hormone Therapy in Clive, Iowa

Ready to check your hormone levels?

Take our Hormone Health Quiz by clicking the link below!

For WOMEN

For MEN

Why Add a Hyaluronic Acid to Your Skincare

Is it good for acne and also normal to dry skin?

Hyaluronic acid is phenomenally helpful for all skin types. For those with oily skin, and sensitive or normal skin hyaluronic acid does remarkable things in the skin. Most acne patients are terrified of the word moisturizer, but Hyaluronic Acid is exceptionally lightweight texture that feels weightless on skin even though it has such concentrated moisturizing properties. It also replenishes moisture level so the helping the skin from overproducing oil. For those with sensitive skin it’s also incredibly gentle but drenches skin with long-lasting hydration.

10 Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

The dermatologic and aesthetic benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Serum are too numerous to count. Here are just ten of the amazing ways hyaluronic acid enhances the health and appearance of your skin.

Hydration – Able to hold up to 1000 times its molecular weight in water, the acid penetrates the skin and binds skin cells to water, infusing all layers of the skin with valuable, rejuvenating moisture.
Humectant – After infusing the epidermis with valuable moisture, the acid continues to draw moisture in from the surrounding environment to provide lasting hydration benefits.
Lipid barrier enhancement – Hyaluronic acid fortifies the skin’s natural barriers to lock moisture in for an even more dramatic hydrating effect.
Increased resilience – By enhancing the skin’s natural barriers, the skin is better able to defend itself against environmental age-factors and pollutants.
Tighter skin tone – As it fills the skin with moisture, the acid tightens the overall complexion and firms facial contours for a more youthful appearance.
Smoother texture – Much in the same way it tightens the skin, it also smoothes the texture of the skin for a silky smooth finish you can see and feel.
Less visible fine lines and wrinkles – the acid reduces the size and visibility of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating skin cell production of collagen and elastin, two fibers that contribute to skin elasticity.
Stimulates skin cell regeneration – In addition to stimulating skin cell production of collagen, hyaluronic acid promotes skin cell regeneration for healthier cells and a more vibrant complexion.
Pigmentation – A description of hyaluronic acid wouldn’t be compete without mentioning ability to reduce and prevent age spots and pigmentation issues.
Clarity – By promoting proper moisture balance in the skin, the acid prevents the over-production of oil that clogs pores to cause breakouts.

If you feel your skin could benefit you from a Hyaluronic Acid treatment, give us a call at 888-728-7555 or contact one of our professionals to get your additional questions asked about our skincare services.

Inflammation & Healthy Living with Hemp Protein

We would like to invite you to listen to the Inflammation and Healthy Living with Hemp Protein webinar. Dr. James Blum and Dr. Sam Alawieh dive into the fascinating concept of strategic protein substitution and the new research involved in hemp’s abundance of necessary amino acids.

Guidance and suggestions will be presented on how individuals can eliminate inflammation with Biotrinetix Labs and enhance the quality of life with Hemp Protein and breakthrough medicine from New Leaf Specialty Pharmacy.

V I E W V I D E O

http://view.vzaar.com/12640109/video

For more on Hemp Protein, see our recent article https://newleafcenters.com/nlrx-nutrition-hemp-webinar/

Be sure to like us on Facebook – @NewLeafWellnessCenters