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Friday 10 June 2016

The Effects of Fasting on Skin

The Effects of Fasting on Skin
Woman examining her skin in the mirror. Photo Credit mheim3011/iStock/Getty Images

Overview

For better or worse, fasting has played an intrinsic role in various cultural, dietary and healing practices for centuries. Skinverse reports that short-term fasting is a natural aspect of healing, citing wounded animals that cease eating until their injuries have healed. Likewise, some findings indicate that short-term fasting may inhibit certain skin conditions and detoxify skin impurities. Consult your doctor before embarking on any fast, which is intended only for short-term use and may have adverse effects.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis may benefit from short-term fasting, according to a study published in Toxicologic Pathology. As its name implies, contact dermatitis is a type of skin irritation resulting from contact from a specific object or substance, the Mayo Clinic says. The Toxicologic Pathology study found reduced dermal swelling in mice with contact dermatitis after short-term fasting of up to 48 hours.

Hives

Fasting may also alleviate a specific type of hives called chronic urticaria, according to a case study published in the Journal of Dermatology. Also known as nettle rash, chronic urticaria is a type of hives that lasts more than six weeks, the International Chronic Uticaria Society says. The case study published in the Journal of Dermatology found that fasting was effective in relieving hives in a 28-year-old woman within 11 days. The researchers said the hives returned within three days of breaking the fast.

Acne and Eczema

Skinverse reports that skin conditions such as acne and eczema may clear up more quickly with short-term fasting. This may occur because with the body temporarily freed from digestion, it's able to focus its regenerative energies on other systems. However, Skinverse cautions that when beginning a fast, you may experience headaches or other "withdrawal" symptoms, and suggests that you may opt for a juice fast or one that allows for a small, reasonable dinner.
www.livestrong.com

How To Quickly Increase Cardio After Quitting Smoking

How To Quickly Increase Cardio After Quitting Smoking
A man on an exercise bike at the gym. Photo Credit Andres Rodriguez/Hemera/Getty Images
If you just stopped smoking, engaging in regular physical activity could help you reduce your cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, starting a cardiovascular exercise program at a high intensity right after you quit smoking could be dangerous. To increase your cardiovascular exercise endurance after quitting smoking, begin at a slow pace.

Background

Cardiovascular, or aerobic, exercises include those that work large muscle groups and get your heart rate up for a sustained period. Engaging in aerobic exercises regularly helps keep your heart healthy and build your cardiovascular endurance level. Cardiovascular exercises include walking, running, biking, swimming, cross-country skiing, aerobics, using an elliptical machine, stair climbing and rowing.

Benefits

A 2007 review article published in the journal “Addiction” reports that small doses of exercise can help reduce your desire to smoke, your cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms related to smoking cessation. Studies examined in this article reported benefits from exercising at intensities ranging from 24 percent to 85 percent of heart rate reserves, and exercising durations lasting 15 to 40 minutes. According to a Purdue University webpage, your heart rate reserve is the difference between your maximum heart rate and your resting heart rate. Maximum heart rate is estimated by subtracting your age from the number 220.

Concerns

If you just stopped smoking, avoid exercising at high intensities, at least initially. According to a study published in a 2011 edition of “Nicotine & Tobacco Research,” intense exercise can induce pulmonary oxidative stress in male cigarette smokers, which can lead to damage of the lungs. Compounds called oxidants formed in the body can cause oxidative stress, or cell damage. Lung damage caused by oxidative stress can lead to conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The average age of male smokers who participated in this study was 25.9 years old.

Recommendations

If you begin a cardiovascular exercise program after you quit smoking, start by exercising at a low intensity for short durations. Walking, biking or swimming at low intensities for 15 to 20 minutes at a time is a good way to increase your cardiovascular endurance after you quit smoking. Gradually work your way up to moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercises for durations of 30 to 60 minutes at a time. To achieve substantial health benefits, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults participate in at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises every week and strength-training activities at least two times per week.
www.livestrong.com

Organic production systems: Sustainability assessment of rice in Italy

Published Date
1 June 2016, Vol.225:3344, doi:10.1016/j.agee.2016.03.046

Title 
Organic production systems: Sustainability assessment of rice in Italy

  • Author 
  • Jacopo Bacenetti a,,
  • Alessandra Fusi b
  • Marco Negri a
  • Stefano Bocchi a
  • Marco Fiala a
    • aDepartment of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G. Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
    • bSchool of Chemical Engeneering and Analytical Science, The Mill, SackvilleStreet, The Universityof Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom

    Determination of aflatoxins in imported rice to Iran

    Published Date
    August 2009, Vol.47(8):20642066, doi:10.1016/j.fct.2009.05.027

    Title 
    Determination of aflatoxins in imported rice to Iran

    Author 
    Mansooreh Mazaheri ,www ,
    • Institute of Standard and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI), P.O. Box 31585-163, Karaj, Iran

    The impact of agricultural policy distortions on the productivity gap: Evidence from rice production

    Published Date
    April 2011, Vol.36(2):147157, doi:10.1016/j.foodpol.2010.10.004

    Title 
    The impact of agricultural policy distortions on the productivity gap: Evidence from rice production
    • Author 
      Manitra A. Rakotoarisoa ,
    • Trade and Markets Division, Economic and Social Development Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Room D-835, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy

    Advantages and Disadvantages of Fasting for Runners

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