M for

...magnesium. What does it do.

What is it? Magnesium is an essential mineral required by every organ in the body for a range of activities including bone, protein and fatty acid formation. It is also essential in activating vitamins B and D, relaxing muscles, regulating calcium levels and helping blood to clot and is required for the secretion of insulin. Many of us do not get enough magnesium in our diets. Adults require about 300 to 400 milligrams a day.

Where is it found?
Magnesium is found in varying levels in nuts, wholegrains, dark green vegetables, fish and meat. Rich sources include pumpkin and sunflower seeds, bran, tofu, potatoes, spinach and baked beans. The pros • Extensive research is continuing into magnesium's health benefits, but researchers believe maintaining adequate levels is beneficial in treating and managing the following conditions: asthma, diabetes, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, migraines, osteoporosis, pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension), premenstrual tension and restless leg syndrome. •Some studies indicate that magnesium deficiency increases the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis and increasing magnesium intake may prevent the bone loss that leads to osteoporosis. •Magnesium is also thought to play a role in the sleep cycle. The cons •There are no negative aspects to maintaining sufficient magnesium levels through diet or supplementation, but excessive supplementation can lead to diarrheoa and stomach upsets. •Magnesium supplements can interfere with certain medications, so check with your doctor before taking supplements. When not to take it People with kidney or heart disease should consult their doctor before taking magnesium supplements. How to take it Everyone needs to make sure they have adequate magnesium levels. See a dietitian if you think you do not get enough from your diet. Too much stress, processed food, caffeine and alcohol, or heavy periods, can lower your levels. It's relatively easy to become mildly deficient in magnesium, but simple dietary changes or supplements can restore your levels. Magnesium chloride supplements are generally considered to be the form that allow for the greatest uptake and availability. bodyandsoul.com.au
So eat up and stand like peerless mount for being healthy.

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For the Hair

Been having hair issues due to too much foreign elements on it? Here are some tips from bodyandsoul.com.au:

Problem: DIY hair colour leaves you with orange locks When turning darker shades blonde, there are several stages of lightening involved. One of these is orange. People often rinse away the formula too early when they check the strand and see the clownish colour. The solution? See a professional. “A colourist at a salon will tone the hair and colour-correct,” says Hollywood hairdresser David Babaii, who styles the strands of Nicole Kidman and Gwyneth Paltrow. “Bleach is extremely damaging to the hair so you need to get moisture back into it. Use an intensive treatment and make regular use of leave-in hair oil and in future, remember that if you’re making a dramatic change, you need to see a professional.” Try: Burt’s Bees Avocado Butter Hair Treatment, $19.95, www.burtsbees.com Problem: Oily roots, dry ends As the elements dry out the ends of your hair, excessive sebum flow (due to the warm weather and perspiration) leaves your scalp an oil slick. Use a mild, balancing but hydrating shampoo and conditioner, backed up with treatments. “You need to rebalance the moisture content of your hair,” Babaii says. “Apply treatment oils to the mid-lengths and ends of hair and keep rich oil- or moisture-based products away from the roots. Get regular trims to eliminate dry, broken ends.” Try: Endota Native Mint Condition-dota and Shamperfect, $23 each, www.endota.com.au Problem: Over-processed, bleached hair Hair like this is prone to breaking, so you need to strengthen and hydrate it. Have your hairdresser cut away as much damage as possible, while maintaining a hairstyle you’re happy with. Then, put back what chemical processing has stripped out. “Use a shampoo and conditioner with nourishing ingredients,” Babaii says. “Use an intensive treatment in place of conditioner for one week. Choose one that is keratin-based for strength, but that also has moisturising benefits. “Try hair oil as a treatment. Coat dry hair and leave it overnight. In the morning, shampoo and condition as normal.” Try: David Babaii Miracle Elixir, $29.95, 1300 387 204.

But I would suggest to just wear your hair naturally and don't over style it. I think the hair with less style is the strongest and healthiest and is the best to look at. I suppose one has to find the delrin levers of being fashionable, that is cosmetics.

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It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real?

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Distinct Smell

I read last week that the most important essence in making the Channel No 5 perfume cause allergy to some users and there are plans to change to synthetic. Come on. I don't own one yet and I have a desire to own at least a small bottle - that's along the list to buy pet beds. :) Then came the latest advert with Brad P in it. Come on, again! Can he sell it? The brand is already known for what it is and then came the nonsense. I read the comments in the youtube video and they are hilarious. I have always been captivated by the ad though.

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It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real?

Read More