No one knows exactly how many cells are replaced every day, but experts agree that it ranges from 300 billion to as many as half a trillion.

Clearly, this astounding potential for regeneration can be enhanced or maximized, thus improving overall health and wellness.

In fact, it can be said that we are constantly building new bodies and one only needs to consider the effects of nutrition to see how our habits influence cell structure and function. We now know natural products and treatments enable us to improve cell function and experience benefits that can be seen, felt, and measured.

What is the lifespan of a cell? We tend to think of lifespan as the period from birth-to-death. But cells reproduce by mitosis or cell division. Each time a cell divides, it makes a copy of itself and then divides in half.

This means that any cell that is alive today came from another cell that went through mitosis. And that other cell came from another cell which came from another cell – ad infinitum. So it is useful to discuss cell renewal in terms of the factors that contribute to the damage and repair of tissues.

To clarify this for the health-conscious individual, we have identified three critical activities that contribute to optimal cell renewal:

Nourish: You can’t make 300 billion vibrantly healthy cells out of thin air (or the standard American diet).

Restore: exercise that stimulates blood flow to support cell and tissue function.

Vitalize: All repair and regeneration is energy-intensive. Bio-energetic treatments and products and nutrition can enhance mitochondrial efficiency to optimize energy production.

Let’s look at Ten ways you can protect and renew your cells to look and feel younger right now!

The dark side of the sun
Damage caused by excessive sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging of the skin. The sun’s harmful rays not only cause the skin to wrinkle prematurely, but also destroy the collagen in the skin and lead to skin discolorations. So avoid excessive exposure to the sun, especially during the hot summer months even if you wear a sunscreen. Wear a hat when on the beach and choose makeup products that offer sun protection (SPF 15 or higher).

Clear the air and put time on your side
Smoking is bad not only for your health but also for your beauty. Smoking decreases the flow of blood to the skin, leaving your complexion dull, it promotes wrinkles and fine lines and deprives your skin of oxygen and essential vitamins. Smoking ages skin faster than anything else apart from sun damage. Smoking contracts your blood vessels and therefore doesn’t allow enough oxygen to reach the skins surface, resulting in dull-looking skin. What more reasons do you need to stop smoking?

Limit alcohol to one a day
When you drink alcohol your skin capillaries dilate, leaving your skin blotchy. Drinking alcohol also dehydrates your skin and body and slows cell renewal, leading to a dull complexion and potential long-term damage. The professionals advise to take vitamin C every day, to drink plenty of mineral water and to eat fresh fruits rich in vitamin A and vitamin A all essential to help the body recover from alcohol. That said savoring a glass of wine or a beer at the end of a hard day may be just the tonic to relieve stress, help you think more clearly, fend off heart disease and promote longevity.

The beauty of moisturizers
Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for every skin type and for every age. Dehydration often leads to thinning of the skin and promotes development of fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet. Being dehydrated can change the appearance of your skin it may appear flushed, dry and older-looking. The best way to prevent dehydration is to make sure you drinking plenty of water and other fluids every day and to use hydrating face creams or moisturizers daily.

Pace yourself and reduce stress

Fatigue is the price we pay for pushing ourselves beyond the point where our minds and bodies say “no more”. So think of where you might be pushing yourself beyond your natural limits. Cut back on some of your activities. Don’t work or exercise as hard, as fast or as long as your have been. Take frequent breaks. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep – meaning you sleep well enough and long enough to wake up refreshed.

Get loose feel good

A general warm-up followed by regular stretching raises the temperature in our muscles and enables us to move smoothly and with full range of motion – like we did when we were younger. In addition to relieving stress and tension, stretching improves flexibility, enhances performance and helps prevent injuries.

Cellulite – What to do about it?

The best way to reduce cellulite is with aerobic activity that burns calories throughout the entire body. Spot reducing doesn’t work you must get your heart rate up and keep it up for 20 continuous minutes at least three times a week. Try limiting your total fat intake to around 25 percent of your calories staying away from high fat fare such as cakes, cheese, fried foods and processed luncheon meats.

Anti-Oxidants to the rescue

Oxygen the glorious stuff that fills our lungs and keeps us alive is involved in a process that can seriously hurt us. The body’s cells use oxygen to burn fuels such as glucose (blood sugar) and, in the process, some oxygen molecules may lose an electron. This renegade electron is called a free radical, which must be balanced so goes in search of another molecule to attach itself in attempt to become balanced once again. Your body isn’t entirely helpless when free radicals go on the warpath. In fact, it actually starts producing enzymes to combat the invading free radicals. The problem is the older we get our bodies don’t produce enough enzymes to totally stop these scavenger electrons. Research shows that adding foods rich in or supplementing with vitamins C, E and beta-carotene protect your cells from free radical scavengers.

Exfoliate it’s easy as pie and worth the effort

Exfoliating is skin treatment where the upper layers of dead skin cells are sloughed off by a loofah sponge, sea salt, brush, a facial or body scrub product. Exfoliation helps to speed up the process of cellular shedding, by taking off the uppermost, dead layer of cells to expose the finer, more translucent tissue underneath. The average human generates a new layer of skin every two to four weeks. At the end of the cycle, the old, dead cells on the surface are shed. You can improve your complexion tremendously by exfoliating and sloughing off the old, dead skin cells. If the old, dead skin cells are not removed, they can clog the sebaceous pores, leading to superficial spots or blackheads.

Quiet your mind

Meditation involves silencing our mind. It is not an intellectual activity, but an attempt to expand our consciousness and be aware of our ‘real sense of being.’ Meditation can be a practical tool for relaxation, concentration and better health; it can also be an invaluable tool to self discovery. Through meditation we develop the capacity to be content with ourselves as we are. It is a happiness not dependent on external wealth and success. If practiced correctly, meditation can be a powerful antidote to depressive thoughts.

For more information about how Institut’ DERMed products and services can help you achieve deep cell renewal go to http://www.idermed.com/Page4596.aspx

I recently sat down with my newly acquired personal fitness coach, Annette Cavalier, to ask her some heart felt questions about how she works with women and their bodies. I wanted some insights into how her profession has enlightened her about women in their quest to fit their ideal image of who they want to be and how they want to look.  As we women know, this is a complex subject that has layers of emotion, self-esteem issues and learned messages from society, the media, and men. Body image matters to us and we often struggle with how to unite our hearts, heads and bodies to make us a whole person who likes who we are inside and out.

BodiBuddie: How would you describe your purpose?

A: When a woman comes to me she is asking for help. My approach is one based on how I can assist a woman to heal, to live more consciously, to provide honest answers that will build holistic strength for body, mind and spirit.  The work creates a personal connection between us that changes lives for the better. Also women who are making an investment in themselves monetarily, physically benefit.

BodiBuddie: Why did you decide to be a fitness coach and body therapist?

A: I was in a 10 year relationship that was not healthy for me.  I hated my job and I was over weight. I had to make some changes. I started working out and as I lost the weight, I started getting compliments and finally had the courage to leave the relationship and the job.  I discovered who I was as a powerful woman through training, toning and reducing.   Because of my own experience and how working out had changed my life I became a trainer. I wanted other women to experience that transition from despair, set a goal, and then follow it through to attain their desired life. I try to teach by example.

BodiBuddie:  In terms of body image, let’s talk about two issues that seem to be the most emotionally charged for women, weight and aging.  How do you address losing weight with your women clients?

A: Most of my women clients come to me to lose weight. I have a philosophy that the extra fat on the body is the symptom of an underlying cause.  When I approach weight loss I know that the weight will not come off or not stay off if the reason it’s there in first place is not included in sessions with clients.

Many women view their body as the enemy that they dislike or even hate because it doesn’t fit the mold of how we have been programmed to think it should look in order to be attractive to others.  The body hears you and it responds.  Not liking the body results in a life long discontent that almost always leads back to the same shape you try to avoid. Positive attitude matters. It needs to be cultivated and included in any fitness program, especially for long term results. When you start doing healthy things for yourself you want to do more healthy things for yourself.

BodiBuddie: So how do you cultivate a positive attitude to get better results?

A: I think that it is important to have some insight break-throughs in realizing why you want to lose weight.  A very positive attitude to have is wanting to lose weight for you, not because you crave praise from others or to manipulate getting attention so you won’t be rejected, especially by men.  In our society women are continuously reminded that if you look a certain way you get what you want. And so they struggle to try and get ‘that look’ but this is not a natural motivation and is not sustainable.  When you do it for someone else, it becomes a bitter sweet fight.

The attitude I promote is one that suggests to my client that she match up the picture of what she has in her heart and head with her body.  The mantra is ‘I’m tailoring my suit to be who I want to be in the world.’  We move away from the negative attitude of being thinner means I’m more lovable towards loving herself for who she is.

BodiBuddie: How do you think fitness influences women in their daily lives?

A: When women start feeling those endorphins from working out they start to change. Instead of addictions to bad food, sugar, smoking, etc. they start to make choices that promote their new found natural energy.   The fat padding that was insulating and protecting her from damaged emotions and unhealthy habits starts to drop away and you can see her start to express confidence. Even losing a couple of pounds starts to revitalize her. She may start off wanting to lose weight to get outside attention and find out that through the process she has discovered a spiritual connection to herself and the world. She starts to carry herself straighter. She starts to feel limitless.  I see her overcoming the fear that she is not enough.  From this uplifted space she finds her spirit.  That’s why it’s called self-esteem.  She has to see her value, believe in her value and get to that place.

BodiBuddie: What kind of attitudes do you run into with the aging woman and her changing body?

A: I work with many women who, for most of their lives, got attention for their physical attributes and they identify their physical with who they are.  They continue trying to keep themselves in their mid-30’s as the state that they best identify with in terms of being attractive. Some women are terrified and feel like, ‘Oh my god what’s happening to me?’  Their being attractive is so tied into how they relate in the world. They have always seen themselves in someone else’s eyes. Then as they age, they stop getting that attention. They look in the mirror and see that older woman’s face and body looking back at them and they are scared and feel out of control. They start comparing themselves with younger women, the perky breasts, slim legs and now it starts affecting their self esteem.  Again I see a woman that perceives her attractiveness as being how she is loved and accepted by others.  Of course there are varying degrees of this association, but it is very prevalent.

BodiBuddie: What are some treatment strategies you use to help the aging woman to feel better about herself?

A: We have discussed that whenever you do something for yourself, the simple act in itself nurtures you and your body responds and feels this. It hears you.  I really love to help the aging woman connect more with her higher self through body treatments such as detoxifying lymphatic massage, Synergie, and corrective body products.   I have a client that has been coming to me once a week for 5 years for lymphatic massage. Her sessions with me support her to relax, relieve stress and boost her immune system.  She has expressed to me that her weekly treatments give her the space to let go of the fear of aging. And after struggling with a dysfunctional, dissatisfying relationship for years, at 60 she has re-invented herself and is in a new, more joyful relationship.

BodiBuddie: I’m an aging woman.  I am now 55 and still very inclined to exercise especially now to help keep me flexible, prevent age-related illnesses and of course, to keep off unwanted pounds. Are you suggesting that body treatments and products be added to exercise regimes for the aging woman and if so why?

1. A. I do recommend body treatments and products for the aging woman because one thing that slows down with age is circulation and cellular rejuvenation that includes layers of the skin.  The body ages just like the face. Loss of elasticity causes sagging in body parts that are helped with treatments like Synergie and CelluliteRx that manually increase circulation from the outside in. Of course exercise is critical for over-all health and the body needs exercise to function optimally.  The aging woman needs a little extra help to jump start cellular metabolism in the skin to improve elasticity and fortunately today’s technology can do that.

BodiBuddie: Thanks Annette for your insights, dedication to women’s health and continued inspiration that is helping change women’s lives….for the better.

Do you live and/or work in Santa Cruz County?
Contact Annette: Personal Training, Synergie Body Contouring, Micro Current Facials
(831) 332-0309 www.annettecavalier1@hotmail.com

Our bodies need buddies.

When we have made a deal to work out with a friend that commitment becomes more than just a work out.  It translates in to an action of self pride and being able to follow through with keeping your word with others.   You can’t be a slacker because it will be known and you just won’t let that happen!

This is my story of becoming a BodiBuddie.

Approximately four months ago my husband and I were across the street at a neighborhood party.  I was having a conversation with Flo, our next door neighbor, and as often is the case with my social interactions, we started to talk about working out.  Flo,  now in her 50’s who a few years ago  trained and participated in marathons,  was now getting up at 5:30 am to power walk with hand weights around the neighborhood before she left for work at 7:30.  Not being an early riser myself, I was particularly complimentary of her efforts and praised them with a kind of awe and respect.   Then she said, ‘Hey Jeri, why don’t you join me. That would be really fun to have someone to walk with.’    My first thought was, you’ve got to be kidding!  Then I listened in complete shock to my reply as the words came rolling out of my mouth ,‘ Sure. I’ll do that with you.’

So I did it.  I made that deal to show up to work out with another woman and my self worth was on the line. But this time it was not at 5:30 pm it was at 5:30 am…big difference to my usual routine.  And it was still a chilly winter season and pitch black at 5:30 am.

Monday, the day of the big commitment meant preparing the night before:  set my alarm on my cell phone, lay out the gear…I had decided to go for maximum slimming and cellulite reduction benefits by layering to increase heat for fat burning:  CelluliteRx Step 2,   micro massage compression shorts, tights, nylon pants..then scarf, knit cap, gloves, thick jacket…hand weights…shoes.  OK…now try to fall asleep before 10:00.

Ring…ring…What’s that?  I fumbled to try and answer the phone on the night stand and realized after coming conscious to some degree that it was my cell phone alarm. Oh my God! My eyes felt like they had sand bags tied to the upper lids.  I laid in bed for   5 minutes wondering how in the hell I did this to myself!  But, I had no choice. I am a woman of my word.  Shit!

I stumbled in to  the bathroom splashed cold water on my face, brushed my teeth, pulled my  hair back into a pony tail and tried to not wake up my husband as I creamed my thighs and stomach with CelluliteRx, pulled on the 3 layers of clothing…got on the cap, scarf, gloves..shoes..did some leg stretches in the living room and then quietly slipped out the front door in to another world that was unfamiliar, uninviting, but was the course that I had chosen to enter for my health and to back up my buddie, Flo.  I shivered and started walking…

And I am still walking 4 months later. Waking up at 5:30 am continues to be a challenge but I’m not getting back in bed after the walk like I used to in the beginning. Rather I’m discovering I have the quiet of the morning hours to meditate and more time in the day to get things done.  I am also realizing muscle tone in my arms, slimming and less cellulite, even from just a 30 minute walk, which I didn’t expect.

A couple of weeks ago I invited my husband to join us. He is an early riser so why not?  Now we are all BodiBuddies. You’ll find us up at dawn walking, sharing our lives and watching out for the garbage trucks on Tuesdays.  The mornings are now warmer and brighter as we head in to spring and our mutual work outs have bonded us together.

For me, what I am learning about being a BodiBuddie is that we all can help one another if we just make that choice, follow through and then recognize the benefits to not only our bodies but to our relationships.

More BodiBuddie stories