Platelet Rich Plasma - A Natural Way to Heal

Welcome back Readers,

 

Just some time ago, the renowned Asia Aesthetics and Beauty Expo took place in Kuala Lumpur. This annual event is much awaited for by beauty enthusiasts as well as professionals within the beauty and aesthetic industry. This 4 day event consists of beauty booths, competitions, retails outlets and public forums. It is a high octane event that caters to thousands of people looking for a good value in both knowledge and retail products & services.

 

I was invited to be a guest speaker for this event - and given the pleasant task of spreading the awareness of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), popularly known as the Vampire Facial.

 

Personally, this title is a misnomer as the PRP is a far more versatile tool, and extends its benefits beyond the cosmetic industry.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to translate my talk into words so it can reach a wider audience.

 

Platelet-rich plasma is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets. As a concentrated source of autologous platelets, PRP contains (and releases through degranulation) several different growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of bone and soft tissue.

 

The adjacent diagram shows three layers of whole blood that had been spun under high speed in a machine called the centrifuge. The top two layers are called " PRP", with the thin white layer being the concentrated platelets.

 

The PRP is then extracted from the tube using s sterile needle and injected accordingly into skin, soft tissue or joints. Research is heading towards direct inoculation into organs

                                      like the heart and liver.

 

SO WHAT MAKES THIS PRP SUCH A HEART THROB?

 

Platelets play a pivotal role in stopping bleeding and in repairing damaged blood vessels and cells in the body. Platelets also contain substances called "growth factors" that activate and rejuvenate cells in our body. It uses the patient's natural biology to address skin defects and volume loss, triggering production of new cells and collagen formation.

 

Similarly, PRP can be used to address most musculoskeletal issues, for instance frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis to name a few.

 

As this mesenchymal stem cell has the capacity to differentiate into several types of cell lineage; in recent times has also been employed as a therapy for hair loss.

 

The results are subtle, with gradual improvement in the injected area over a 3 to 5 week period. Full correction occurs at 4-7 weeks and can last as long as 18 months.

 

Because it is made from the patient's own blood, there is no risk for rejection, infection, or an allergic reaction.

 

WHO IS THIS PROCEDURE FOR?

 

Any patient who wishes to reduce volume loss, fine lines, and textural changes of the skin is suitable for this procedure. It also appeals to the patient who is looking for a natural approach to volumising the face and treating or reducing fine lines.

 

This procedure can be combined with dermal fillers, Botox injections, and laser surgery, as well as facial surgery. PRP builds tissue over time, whereas traditional filler breaks down over time.

 

 

A PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRP ROCKS!!

BE YOUR BEST VERSION

 

 

DR. AARTHI MARIA

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that can affect anyone, although it's more common in people between the ages of 15 and 35, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. If you have psoriasis, your skin cells grow faster than normal.

 

 

The body naturally develops new skin cells every month to replace skin that sheds or flakes off. With psoriasis, new skin cells form within days rather than weeks. This rapid growth causes dead skin cells to accumulate on the skin’s surface, resulting in thick patches of red, dry, and itchy skin.

 

Types of Psoriasis

Psoriasis can occur on the scalp, nails, and joints. The five types of psoriasis include the following.

Plaque Psoriasis

This common form of psoriasis causes raised, red patches on the skin. Skin patches can be itchy and painful.

Guttate Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis can start in childhood or young adulthood.

Inverse Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis causes red lesions in body folds.

Pustular Psoriasis

This type causes white blisters and red skin.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This rare inflammatory type of psoriasis can develop over the entire body. Symptoms include widespread redness, pain, and severe itching.

 

Psoriasis Causes

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. However, it's believed that your immune system and genes

may contribute to the condition. Your body’s T-cells normally fight viruses and bacteria. In psoriasis, they may start to attack healthy skin cells. Your body increases its production of new skin cells in response to this attack. These new skin cells move to the outer layer of your skin before dead skin cells shed, triggering scaly skin patches.

 

 

Psoriasis is not contagious. However, the condition may run in families. Risk factors for psoriasis include:

• family history of the condition
• having a viral or bacterial infection
• obesity
• smoking
• uncontrolled stress
• use of certain medications, such as those used to treat bipolar disorder and high blood pressure

There’s no cure for psoriasis. But with treatment, you can reduce inflammation and skin irritation.

 

Some treatment options are described below.

Topical Therapy

Your doctor may prescribe creams or ointments for your skin or scalp. These can include:

• topical corticosteroids
• vitamin D analogues
• topical retinoids
• salicylic acid
• moisturizers

Light Therapy

This therapy exposes skin to natural or artificial ultraviolet light under medical supervision. This treatment helps slow the growth of new skin cells.

Medications

If your psoriasis is severe or doesn't respond to other treatments, your doctor may prescribe medications to suppress your immune system.

Along with treatments recommended by your doctor, you can take other steps to reduce symptoms. Oatmeal baths may soothe irritated, red skin. Applying moisturizer to dry, itchy skin immediately after a bath or shower can also reduce flare-ups.

Psoriasis may also improve if you limit alcohol consumption and learn ways to manage stress. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

Psoriasis Complications

Psoriasis can increase your risk for other illnesses. Some people develop psoriatic arthritis, which can cause severe joint damage.

You also have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Other possible complications of psoriasis include an increased risk for:

• high blood pressure
• celiac disease and Crohn's disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• kidney disease

Because psoriasis can develop anywhere on the body and become a widespread problem, you may also deal with periods of low self-esteem, social isolation, and depression.

Psoriasis Prevention

There's no way to prevent psoriasis. You can reduce flare-ups by following your doctor’s treatment plan and recommendations and by avoiding common triggers like stress and smoking.

Psoriasis is a lifelong condition but it doesn't have to negatively impact the quality of your life. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of psoriasis or if the condition causes depression or mood problems.

 

 

Tips to treat at Home:

• Dietary supplements: Fish oil, vitamin D, milk thistle, and evening primrose oil have been reported to help some sufferers.  Fish oil applied directly to the skin has also been known to work well for some.
• Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home or office moist.
• No dyes or perfumes
• Eliminating red meat and fatty foods have been effective for some. The National Psoriasis Foundation lists soy, nuts, chocolate, and cranberries as a few "functional foods" for treatment  
• Applying olive or vegetable oil to scales and patches of psoriasis can lock moisture and nutrients in.  
• Lukewarm baths with Epsom salt, mineral oil, milk, or olive oil can soothe the itching and infiltrate scales and plaques.

 

 

Dr. Aarthi Maria

THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN

Dear Readers,

It has been a slow day today. The weather's a tad bit gloomy and endless cups of coffee have been at my disposal since morning.

I had just reviewed some blood results for patients due for bio-identical hormones. It is our standard preliminary assessment whereby the whole range of hormones are evaluated. Much rightly so, since all the hormones are connected in uncountable ways.

What I have discovered amidst sheets and sheets of test reports, is that almost everyone appears to be deficient in vitamin D. This has come as a bit of an eye opener to me, 9 out of 10 people seem to be lacking in this suave hormone cum mineral entity. There is no statistical evidence to that data, just an observation on my side. Men and women alike, differing age groups and ethnicity - all share the patriotic similarity of being short of vitamin D. Talk about unity at a micronutrient level.

This has prompted me (in addition, to all the caffeine that has gone in), to write an article on Vitamin D and its " playing hard to get" status quo. Especially, when it has been offered to us in its abundance: sunlight.
I think its fair, to have just assumed all of us get plenty of this sunny vitamin.

Apparently not.

So lets just briefly discuss the attributes of this molecule:

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in very few foods.  It is also produced endogenously when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure, food, and supplements is biologically inert and needs to be activated by the liver & kidneys.

Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations. This is highly important for bone health and remodelling.

Vitamin D has other roles in the body, including modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation. Many genes encoding proteins that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis are modulated in part by vitamin D.

Causes of Vitamin D deficiency:

• Nutritional deficiency - inadequate intake. Vitamin D-deficient diets are associated with milk allergy, lactose intolerance, ovo-vegetarianism, and veganism.
• Limited exposure to sunlight
• People with dark skin - increased skin melanin reduces Vitamin D synthesis.
• Elderly people - reduced rate of synthesis
• Prolonged breast feeding of infants
• Inflammatory bowel disease or poor gut health - leads reduced absorption of vitamin D.
• Compromised renal function
• Obesity - greater amounts of subcutaneous fat sequester more of the vitamin and alter its release into the circulation
• Excessive sunscreen
• Northern latitudes
• Air Pollution
• Anti-Epileptic or HIV medications

 

So please don't underestimate the grand role of this vitamin.

Get your dose of sunlight from 10am to 3pm, about 15-20 minutes daily - a little longer if you are darker skinned.

Eat foods that can increase your levels naturally like: salmon, cod fish, eggs, fortified milk & cereals, cheese, mushrooms, apricot, squash, broccoli, liver and others.

Supplements both oral and sublingual are available for those with severe deficiencies. However, I strongly recommend a doctors consult prior to starting these.

Keep your gut healthy with balanced foods, adequate fibre and probiotics. A well oiled gut will aid in vitamin D absorption.

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dysfunction of the kidneys.

Maintain a healthy weight so that there is no sequestration of vitamin D in the excess visceral fats.

Perform regular blood checks to ensure all hormones are functioning at their optimum.

Vitamin D Rocks!!



Dr. Aarthi Maria

SOULFUL PASSION

 

Dear Readers,

For a change, lets talk about inner beauty. The ever elusive word so subjective in its meaning yet so profound a notion.

The actual source of that twinkle in your eye and that amazing posture that confident purposeful people sport. Where does this inner sparkle come from? Is one just born with it - a result of perfect natural selection or do they painstakingly hone those skills?

In my opinion, inner beauty is a reflection of a harmonious body and mind. It becomes apparent in ourselves when our soul's are being fulfilled.

In the clatter of daily life, the mind becomes a storm - the reservoir of a million thoughts and ideas, all shooting wired up neurons simultaneously. And when this storm begins to rage, the human body begins to bend and shake, trying to live up to the indefinite array of puzzles and worries that spring forth - from disappointingly enough; nothing.

So how does one fulfil their soul? This is a questions I have contemplated long and hard. Should we reach out spiritually and try to connect with the higher forces. Maybe they would have the answers? Or should we instead seek out knowledge and so in its application, we discover life's true meaning? Or could it mean, we " pass it on" - the phrase so passionately coined; that in giving to others, we will reap the joy of purpose. Kudos, to those of you who have pondered along this line. You are by far closer to the truth than the common man who tries to derive fulfilment from his/her partner, job, money or crazily enough a spanking new Masserati.

The soul my friend can only be fulfilled when it becomes one with the passion that defines you.

That time when you wrist is gliding along white canvas splashing paint and creating your eye's masterpiece.

That time when sweat is pouring down your face and the early morning sun is guiding you as you pull yourself up that steep rocky mountain.

That time when your body and the surrounding music unite, and you become one with the chords that's making you spin ever so fast on agile legs you never knew you had.

And that time thoughts spill over like a fountain, and creation is at the tips of your finger - and in a maddening urgency - you write poems that sound like music and rain blended into one.

But unfortunately, what man lacks is the pursuit of his passion. So often, it gets buried beneath stacks of bills, screaming kids, en expanding waistline and a whole other list of reasons. It is of course so much easier to just ignore than intentionally discover what your soul is talented at. We spend our days looking out the window feeling bored, angry, sad - wondering is there any more to life.

So make it an intention today. Step pout of your comfort zone and do the things you have never envisioned doing. Try out a triathlon, write a cook book, start a beauty blog, play squash, learn up Bachata, take up a language, travel the continents - do what it takes, until you feel that slow yet firm comforting warmth of accomplishment. The type that resonates from within, the one that shouts that you are a winner, the one you perform perfectly on your own and not derived from another's creativity or desire.

Life Coaching Rocks.

Dr. Aarthi Maria

Adiponectin - Your Secret Weight Loss Weapon

Adiponectin is not only a small protein produced in fat cells but also a hormone. Being naturally produced by the body, adiponectin plays an essential and fundamental role in the control of type 2 diabetes, weight gain and atherosclerosis.

 

Adiponectin can be your secret weight-loss weapon. Why? This protein-based hormone boosts your metabolism, enhances the ability of your muscle to use Carbs for energy and increases the rate in which the body breaks down fat. To make fat-burning adiponectin hormone function you must live a healthy lifestyle. Eat properly. Stick to foods high in proteins and amino acids. Exercise and get enough sleep every night.

 

Do you know that there is a contrary relation between the amount of fat you carry and levels of adiponectin in your body?

 

Adiponectin is really efficient in preventing weight gain. Working in tandem with leptin, adiponectin helps to regulate your body weight in a good way.  The function of these two hormones enhances “communication” to and from your brain, allowing you to know when the right amount of food has been consumed.

 

It is also known that losing excess weight helps stimulate the production of adiponectin significantly. Although this fat-loss friend is produced by fat, it can efficiently help you to burn it up! But if you gain weight, your body starts to produce less of this natural fat burner.

 

Higher levels of this natural fat-loss hormone are associated with:

• More calorie burning;
• Increased insulin sensitivity;
• Increasing muscle efficiency;
• Curbing appetite.

Is it possible to make your fat cells working for you, not against you? Possible! Even though adiponectin is made by your fat cells, it actually helps you lose fat by perfecting how your body processes insulin and glucose from the food products you eat. There are foods that can keep your adiponectin levels up to keep your weight down.

 

Top 5 foods that increase your adiponectin:

 

1. Avocados

 

Avocados are the tastiest fats to eat. Having high amounts of potassium, folate and magnesium and being rich in monosaturated fats, avocados will surely increase your adiponectin levels. Take benefits of avocados as these tasty fats effectively act on your belly fat and help to reduce it.

 

 

2. Olive oil

 

The polyphenols present in this product helps your body to secrete adiponectin that helps to burn more belly fat as well as regulate the metabolism of fat and sugar. Top your salads with olive oil and lose weight more productively.

 

3. Pumpkins

 

Whether you like eating pumpkins or pumpkin seeds – both products are perfect sources to increase adiponectin levels in the body

 

4. Chocolate

 

Surprised? This tasty food – which is known to make you fat – stimulates the protein that kills your fat. However, there is a small secret. You should eat dark chocolate. Only this kind of chocolate can stimulate adiponectin

 

5. Peanuts

 Of course, these are not low-calorie foods. However, they are beneficial during weight loss. Packed with nutrients and proteins, peanuts help the body burn extra calories. What’s more, they increase the levels of adiponectin. Therefore, weight-loss diets that include peanuts are often more efficient than diets excluding them.

 

So source out your Adiponectin today and melt those inches away.

 

 

 

Dr. Aarthi Maria

SEROTONIN - THE BRAIN GUT CONNECTION

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses.

 

"Brain levels of serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’ depend on the amount of healthy bacteria in the gut during early life."

 

Serotonergic neurons are involved in a very broad range of physiological and behavioral processes such as cardiovascular regulation, appetite, pain sensitivity, sexual behavior, mood, respiration, cognition, learning etc. They also play important part in a variety of psychiatric conditions (from anxiety disorders to schizophrenia) as well as behavioral impulse-related disorders (violence, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, obsessive control, etc.)

 

To summarise, healthy levels of serotonin activity are vital for an individual to be happy and content amidst daily life turbulences.

 

Scientists estimate 90% of serotonin is made in the gut, and imbalances in this peripheral serotonin have been linked to diseases ranging from irritable bowel syndrome and cardiovascular disease, to osteoporosis.

 

Gut bacteria plays an important role in the metabolism of Tryptophan - which is the precursor amino acid required for the synthesis of serotonin.

 

A study published this month in the journal BioEssays finds that your gut microbes may influence your cravings based on the nutrients they need to thrive (crazy, right?). Another study suggests bacteria in your bowel could influence your personality traits and mood, which may help explain why up to 80 percent of people with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from depression and anxiety. How, exactly, the microbes have such a profound effect on our health is still to be determined. One theory is the byproducts they produce travel through our bloodstream and impact our organs.

 

Studies also show that a healthy gut flora is essential  in maintaining communication between brain and the gut, sometimes called the ‘second brain’.

 

 

Tips for Ensuring Adequate Serotonin Levels

• Eat foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B to help with serotonin production.
• If you cannot get fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, opt for frozen over canned.
• Omega-3, omega-6, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) are required for serotonin production. GLA is found in black currant seed, borage, evening primrose, and hemp seed oils.
• Healthy carbohydrates and proteins help metabolize foods high in the agents responsible for serotonin production.
• Avoid white flour and sugar carbohydrates. The boost they provide in serotonin levels is temporary and quickly followed by a crash.
• Foods in which completely formed serotonin can be found include bananas, kiwis, pineapples, plantains, plums, tomatoes, and walnuts.
• Foods rich in tryptophan include almonds, bananas, beans, cheeses (particularly Cheddar and Swiss), chicken, eggs, fish (especially high-oil fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna), milk, peanuts, soy foods, turkey, and yoghurt.
• Digestive enzymes and probiotic supplements can assist with full nutrient absorption from the above food sources, thereby increasing overall nutrient intake.

Your digestive system can rightfully be called a “second brain”. The essence of “you” is strongly influenced by what you ingest and your ability to gain benefit from what is consumed. How interconnected is the brain and gut? More and more research is showing that the health of the gut is what influences dozens of diseases including those never before thought of as originating in the gut – such as depression and other mood disorders.

 

So tweak your lifestyle a little today and work on that gut for a healthier and happier you.

 

Dr. Aarthi Maria

THE NIGHTMARE CALLED CELLULITE

Cellulite is a mattress like or orange peel appearance that affects the skin in most women and some men. Studies show that over 80% of women have some degree of cellulite.

 

Cellulite is most prevalent on the thighs and buttocks, but can also be present on the abdomen and arms. For many years, cellulite was considered a normal skin condition. In fact many practitioners today still consider cellulite normal and do not see a reason for treating it. Until around the year 2000, little research was done to understand

and treat cellulite.

 

Hormones and genetics play very important roles. Some women see the beginnings of cellulite with puberty. Many others develop cellulite after pregnancy. Weight changes, local injuries, sun exposure, life style and other factors all play a role in the development and severity of cellulite. 

 

 

 

 

There are two skin changes that are primarily responsible for the appearance of cellulite.

 

1. Fat cells erupt into from the normal fat layer into the lower edge of our skin called the dermis. This tends to push the skin up in local areas.

 

2. The connective tissue “pillars” that support the fat become hardened and contract. This tends to dimple the skin in local areas.

These two factors are the primary causes of the dimpling and bulging we associate with cellulite. Decreased lymphatic drainage, blood flow changes and weight gain can all also have some effect on the appearance of cellulite. We cannot change your genetic tendencies and hormone treatment has no real effect on cellulite. However, when we can impact the fat eruption and contracted pillars, we can improve the appearance of cellulite. Most treatments that impact the fat eruptions and contracted pillars also improve lymphatic drainage and blood flow.

 

Cellulite is typically defined as the orange peel or mattress like appearance of the skin in areas such as the upper thigh. It is characterized by dimples and bulging. The dimples tend to be round or oval. Some people have lines or waves of irregular skin without any true dimples. This is more common on the front and back of the thighs than on the buttocks or elsewhere. This line pattern we refer to as linear cellulite. Linear cellulite often has a significant loose skin component.

The scoring system rates cellulite in this manner:

GRADE 1: There is no cellulite when standing, however, when you pinch the skin on the thighs, you will see the appearance of orange peel or mattress appearance of the skin. This is also a desirable grade.

GRADE 2: There is visible cellulite while standing, but it is not visible when lying.

GRADE 3: There is visible cellulite while standing and laying down.

Cellulite Treatments
Cellulite creams - cellulite creams contain potent substances like caffeine, green tea extract, carnithine, aminophylline and other ingredients; that play a role in the circulatory system. They help strengthen collagen and produce heat that enhances tissue remodelling. These creams are also thought to help smoothen the skin's surface. Its effects can be enhanced by dry brushing the skin with rollers or bristled brushes.

 

Cellulite busting exercise - A variety of exercises play a vital role in strengthening muscles and fibrous tissue that encloses fat capsules. Squats, lunges, burpees are among these exercises that help eliminate the appearance of cellulite.

 

 

 

Liposuction - this is a surgical procedure to remove fat deposits from the body. Liposuction, though, removes deep fat, not cellulite, which is just beneath the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that liposuction may actually worsen the appearance of cellulite by creating more depressions in the skin.

Mesotherapy - A therapy that involves injecting substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes into the tissue just beneath the skin. Mesotherapy may break down fat and bring a slight improvement in the appearance of cellulite. But it also carries risks, which include swelling, infection, and irregular contours.

Deep Tissue Massage -  Deep tissue massage helps to mobilize liquid fats and toxins that are harboured within the adipose tissue. These toxins clog and devitalise fat cells making them resistant to exercise. Toxins and lipid debri get shunted into neighbouring lymphatics are removed from the system.

 

Thermal Blanket - Thermal blankets remove excess fluids and toxins through sweat and thermoregulatory processes.

 

Dermal Roller - Dermal rollers are devices used to treat stretch marks and cellulite. The roller creates microtrauma over the skin promoting cellular growth and collagen remodelling.

Laser treatment. The FDA has cleared the use of a device that uses laser energy to treat cellulite. These devices can melt fat under the skin, break up the fibrous bands under the skin, and stimulate collagen production.

 

 

So with some of these tips, hopefully we can find our own suitable solutions to combat cellulite!

 

 

Dr Aarthi Maria