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Vitamin C, the immune booster

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

Especially now in autumn, the water-soluble vitamin is back in fashion because it strengthens the immune system. And in the current Corona times, it is even more in demand. Vitamin C also protects and supports the skin. But not everyone can take it. Have you ever heard of a vitamin C allergy or intolerance? Neither do I until I got it. To be more precise, I reacted extremely badly to ascorbic acid, as vitamin C is also called. It started with the fact that every time I took pain pills that combined acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) with ascorbic acid, I got thick puffiness under my eyes. If I ate too many foods containing vitamin C, I felt sick and the toilet became my best friend. Often times I wasn’t even aware of an overdose. Because vitamin C is not only found in fruits and fresh vegetables, where one suspects it. It is also used as an additive in many products, such as sausages and meat products, to make them more durable and prevent discoloration. Because ascorbic acid reduces the formation of free radicals, which can arise from the oxygen in the air. So it’s a natural antioxidant. Unfortunately, I didn’t succeed much better with vitamin C in cosmetics either. Instead of glow and long-lasting moisture, redness and pustular appearances adorned my face. And what does the dermatologist say? Dr. Hans Peter Schoppelrey, dermatologist and allergist at the „Haut- und Laser Zentrum“ in Munich, promptly provided me with confirmation that one can actually be allergic to vitamin C. “It’s true,” he says. “But for the medical professionals it was rather a surprising finding that some people develop intolerance and even allergies to vitamin C taken orally. However, many products today contain industrially produced, high-dose vitamin C. In the event of an overdose, the vitamin is excreted in the urine because it is water-soluble, but some of it can be stored on the passage through the intestine.“ And because vitamin C also travels through the kidneys, problems with an overdose can occur, especially in people with underactive kidneys. Oxalic acid is then increasingly formed in the kidneys, which promotes the formation of kidney stones. And how does an allergic reaction manifest itself? “With bitches on the tongue, gas and diarrhea,” explains Schoppelrey. “Perioral dermatitis can occur around the mouth.“ How can you tell when it is better to avoid cosmetics containing vitamin C? Schoppelrey: “Vitamin C on the skin can cause two reactions.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Fermented active ingredients in “The Truth Serum” from SKŌUD

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

Fermented active ingredients are not only a top beauty trend and are considered an anti-ageing booster, they are also an absolute game changer in natural cosmetics. In everyday life, we are familiar with the fermentation of foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and cheese, but also beer and wine to make them more durable. Korean cosmetics manufacturers, who are ahead of us in many beauty areas, have been working with fermented active ingredients in skincare for a long time. The packaging then says something like “galactomyces ferment filtrate”, “bifida ferment lysate” or “saccaromyces ferment filtrate”. What are fermented active ingredients? The fermentation process is a special fermentation process in which organic substances are converted with the help of fungi and bacteria under anaerobic conditions (without oxygen). The conversion work of the microorganisms during fermentation produces many health-promoting substances such as amino acids, vitamins, lactic acids, polysaccharides and beta glucan. A fermented active ingredient also breaks down into smaller molecules and proteins, which improves its bioavailability, i.e. it can be absorbed more easily by the skin. It is also better tolerated as allergenic proteins are partially converted into non-allergenic substances. Most fermented substances also have a lower pH value and naturally ensure a longer product shelf life. Fermented active ingredients not only score with maximum bioavailability, best tolerance even for sensitive skin types and a top shelf life. The amino acids they contain have a firming effect and can promote collagen production. Vitamins act as antioxidants to protect against UV damage, one of the main causes of premature skin ageing. Support for the skin barrier SKŌUD Skin Health is committed to maintaining healthy skin – with natural, innovative ingredients at a high-performance level. Their “Truth Serum” is a holistic 360° multi-defense serum that protects the skin from harmful environmental influences such as UV radiation, blue light or fine dust with its highly concentrated and natural bioactive ingredients. It neutralizes free radicals that can cause irreversible damage to the skin, thereby perfecting the skin’s appearance. To protect the skin barrier, the serum uses biotechnologically obtained moss extract and fermented oats with their skin microbiome-strengthening properties. It also contains the specially developed active ingredient complex AERI5, which homogenizes the skin’s own microbiome and thus also strengthens the skin barrier. My test I not only like SKŌUD’s philosophy, but also the clear, no-frills presentation of the products and their formulation. The serum has a light and cooling texture that makes it suitable for all skin types.… weiterlesen

Blue Light: Blue Alert

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

Blue light has been with us all day long since smartphones, tablets and computers became part of our everyday lives. We are said to use our cell phones alone up to 150 times a day. According to a study by auditing firm EY, Germans aged 21-30 spend 6.9 hours a day surfing, using apps and playing games. Blue light is not as harmless as you might think. These are rays that penetrate deeper into our skin than UVA rays. Although research is still in its infancy, creams and glasses are already available to protect the skin and eyes from the effects of blue light. Blue Light – what exactly is it? Blue light is not an invention of the computer age. Blue light, known as HEV light (High Energy Visible Light), has always existed. It is the visible light that colors the sky such a beautiful blue. In the wave spectrum, it lies directly next to the UV range, so it also occurs in normal daylight. It makes up almost half of the sunlight spectrum. But it’s not just our popular communication tools that emit blue light, neon tubes and modern LEDs do too. Excessive exposure to such light sources can damage the eyes and disrupt the sleep-wake rhythm. This has been scientifically proven. But blue light also has its good sides: In small doses, it can also have positive effects, just like sunlight. In dermatology, blue light has been used for years specifically to treat acne and neurodermatitis. Studies have shown that it also benefits the psyche, e.g. in cases of winter depression. Do you already have a “screen face”? Less encouraging is a more recent finding that radiation causes us to age prematurely. Experts speak of “indoor smog” and the “screen face”. “Blue light penetrates deep into the lower layers of the skin,” explains Swiss dermatologist Dr. Felix Bertram. “We assume that the high-energy blue light causes oxidative stress in the skin, similar to UVA radiation.” On its way into the deep tissue layers, HEV forms large quantities of free radicals, which cause the destruction of important connective tissue fibers such as collagen and elastin. This in turn causes wrinkles to appear at an early stage and the skin loses elasticity, particularly in the chin and cheek area. In addition, the natural barrier layer becomes weaker and therefore more susceptible to external influences. This then manifests itself in irritation and redness, for example.… weiterlesen

Vitamin Supplements – The Best Time To Take Them

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

Vitamin supplements are now part of many people’s everyday diet. More than two thirds of people in Germany take food supplements every week. But you should know which vitamins or multivitamins are best to take and when, and which substances are incompatible. Vitamin supplements are on everyone’s lips and are being consumed more and more regularly. According to Statista, vitamins (61 percent) and minerals (36 percent) are the most widely used in Germany. They are followed by proteins, which are taken by one in four of the study participants. Only 23% still rely on their food to provide them with the nutrients they need every day. The revenue generated in the Vitamins & Minerals market market worldwide in 2024 amounts to a staggering US$31.93bn. When comparing revenue on a global scale, it is evident that the highest amount is generated in China, reaching US$5,328.00m in 2024. To put this into perspective, in 2024, the per person revenue in the Vitamins & Minerals market stands at US$4.12 worldwide. A stressful lifestyle, genetic variations, age and the current phase of life, such as pregnancy, may make it necessary to take vitamin supplements. However, anyone who does not meet their vitamin and mineral requirements through their normal diet should consult their doctor before taking vitamins or similar supplements. Under no circumstances should vitamin supplements replace a balanced diet. At best, they can supplement missing nutrients. Vitamin supplements – which ones for whom? Pregnant women, for example, need folic acid and iron. An iron supplement may also be necessary during menstruation. Vegetarians and vegans often have a B12 deficiency, older people need calcium and the majority of the population needs vitamin D, especially if they live in areas with little sunlight. Those who have little fruit and vegetables in their diet should also help with vitamin supplements. Multivitamins are very popular. These are food supplements that contain vitamins and minerals in varying amounts and in a dose that is recommended to support general health and to cover deficiencies in the diet. “The body absorbs vitamins and minerals from multivitamins in a similar way to food. The nutrients are broken down in the digestive tract and then absorbed into the bloodstream, where they are transported to different parts of the body to perform their functions,” says Dr. Jennifer Martin-Biggers, HUM Vizepräsidentin in Los Angeles. What should a multivitamin supplement contain? All B-complex vitamins are important. Trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iron and calcium as well as fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and E are also beneficial.… weiterlesen

Why SUP Yoga Is Good For Your Health

Written by Julia on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

SUP yoga, i.e. yoga on stand-up boards, is particularly fun and good for you all round. The water surface is also ideal for balance exercises and deep muscle training. Julia Klesse is the founder of WOGA, Germany’s first SUP Yoga Academy for stand up paddle yoga and fitness courses and training. SUP yoga is not only interesting, but also a new challenge and a varied variation for yoga practitioners. The Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) becomes a floating “yoga mat”. The asanas on the popular boards are a fantastic and healthy pleasure, especially in the beautiful natural surroundings. If you love yoga as much as the water, you can combine these two wonderful things perfectly. SUP yoga allows you to enjoy your body playing with the elements of sun, wind and water. Sensomotor skills training close to nature Stand Up Paddle Yoga combines two wonderful activities. Surfing in Hawaii and yoga from India: SUP yoga can be combined very well. It is a sensomotoric workout as it stimulates all the senses. The sense of balance in particular is trained. It also stimulates proprioception, the so-called deep sensitivity. This is responsible for processing interoceptive information to control movement. This means that the sense of position, sense of movement, sense of resistance and strength are trained in equal measure. This type of yoga is a health-conscious experience and is suitable for both enjoyment and fitness. Yoga on the water offers a completely new stimulus, namely to adapt gymnastic, meditative and relaxing exercises to the surroundings. Using the undulations of the water Combining sport in harmony with nature and the element of water is good for body, mind and soul. SUP yoga is an active balance to everyday life – get out of the house, away from the stress of everyday life, put your cell phone aside and enjoy the fresh air instead. After all, SUP yoga is ideal for practising on the water of a natural swimming lake. The direct contact with the water is an essential reason for this type of yoga and means relaxation, a vacation feeling and a sense of happiness. The movement of the waves also offers a special experience and can serve very well for exercises and moments of relaxation. Especially in Shavasana, the relaxation pose in a completely motionless supine position, lying calmly and relaxed on the board and feeling the surroundings, it is easier to let go of everyday life and recharge your batteries.… weiterlesen

Check Your Diet: Health Starts On The Plate

Written by Vanessa Killmaier-Fischer on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

A healthy diet or our daily food is more than just a source of energy. It is the key to your general well-being and health. A balanced diet plays a key role in our lives. It is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. In this comprehensive article, supported by the expertise of renowned nutritionist Vanessa Killmaier-Fischer, we look at how a balanced nutrition can have a positive impact on our lives. From strengthening the immune system to improving mental health. The basics of a healthy eating: the 80/20 rule In order to incorporate a healthy nutrition into everyday life, it is crucial to understand the basic principles of a balanced diet. A key approach here is the 80/20 rule recommended by Killmaier-Fischer. This rule states that 80 percent of our diet should consist of healthy, nutrient-rich sources, while the remaining 20 percent leaves room for so-called ‘soul food’ – foods that may be less nutritious but are satisfying for our soul. This balance not only promotes physical health, but also mental well-being. Another important aspect is the optimal plate layout. The expert advises dividing the plate as follows: ¼ of the plate should consist of protein sources, about ⅛ of healthy fats. Carbohydrates, preferably in the form of whole grains, should take up about ¼ to ⅛ of the plate, while the rest should be filled with vegetables – the key to a nutrient-rich diet. This distribution ensures that the body receives all essential macro and micronutrients in the right proportions and forms the basis for a sustainable, healthy diet. Specific nutritional recommendations for different groups Our body’s needs vary depending on lifestyle, age and activity level. For athletes, for example, an adapted diet is essential to achieve optimum performance and support recovery. The focus here is on an increased calorie intake and an increased need for carbohydrates and protein. These macronutrients serve as essential sources of energy and as building blocks for muscle building. A balanced ratio of these macronutrients ensures sufficient energy during training and supports muscle recovery afterwards. In children and adolescents, proper nutrition is not only crucial for physical growth, but also influences cognitive development and social integration. A nutritious diet promotes the ability to concentrate and general performance at school and during leisure time. It also contributes to a healthy self-image and supports social integration by preventing obesity and the associated social exclusion.dert. Different nutritional recommendations apply for adults and especially for senior citizens.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Wake up fit with “vedi up” by Sandhya

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

“vedi up” – Waking up fit in the morning, even if the night before was long, the drinks a bit too much and the food too rich. Is that possible? Waking up without a hangover or feeling of fullness from the night before, but starting the day fit? Sandhya has the recipe for it: Ayurvedic capsules for a better wake-up experience. They are vegan and consist of powerful plant extracts, inspired by traditional Indian medicine, which nevertheless work for our western lifestyle. Wake up fit thanks to seven power plants Seven highly potent substances are in the capsules: Chicory root has bitter substances that stimulate liver protection, strengthen intestinal health and the immune system. Kalmegh herb is highly valued in Ayurveda for its blood purifying effect, provides balance in case of mental and physical overload. Grape seed extract is known for its antioxidant effects. Contains oligomeric proabthocyanides (OPC), which, taken before or during the party, are released in the following sleep. Date fruit powder has high levels of fiber, minerals such as potassium, calcium, and anti-inflammatory magnesium, and supports liver metabolism. The bitter cruciferous flower plays an important role in Ayurveda because of its antibacterial and detoxifying effects. Amla fruit also supports toxin removal in the liver. Ashwagandha root, on the other hand, is not without reason known as “sleeping berry”: It is used as a harmonizing element that reduces stress and anxiety, prevents sleep disorders, increases performance and inhibits inflammation. “vedi up” – bringing enjoyment and health into harmony I usually don’t drink a lot of alcohol. But my summer life in Tuscany requires exceptions. Negroni or Sprizz are particularly tasty here, the food so delicious that even I like to reach for it once too often. It’s not unusual for my stomach to feel so full in the evening that it’s hard to get to sleep and I wake up the next morning still stuffed and with an unpleasant feeling in my stomach. I can do without that, but I don’t want to miss the Tuscan evenings with friends and family. Then I heard about the Ayurvedic capsules “vedi upfrom Sandhya under the motto “balance is not something you find, it’s something you create”. That’s right, after all I am responsible for my own well-being and I have always been a great believer in Ayurveda. In the “vedi up” capsules there is a lot of it, plants and their components, which can have a balancing influence on our organism.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: 8-Day Cure “OliPhenolia C” with oranges from Fattoria La Vialla

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

The “OliPhenolia Bitter” from Fattoria La Vialla has become a regular ritual for me. 3-4 times a year I do a 16-day cure with the liquid dietary supplement. My skin thanks me as well as my immune system. In the meantime, I have gotten used to the bitter taste of the brown liquid. Now OliPhenolia has got competition from In house and in yellow with a big “C”. OliPhenolia with Vitamin C The basis for “OliPhenolia C” is still the olive water extract, which is produced during olive pressing. The supposed waste product is particularly rich in polyphenols, including hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleocanthal. These three phenols, for example, are said to be highly active and demonstrably enhance the healing effect of fibroblasts. These are the cells that play a critical role in repairing damaged skin from injury. “We found that fibroblasts migrate when exposed to the phenolic compounds. This means that they move to close the gap caused by the wound, which favors their healing action,” confirms Lucía Melguizo-Rodríguez, a scientist at the University of Granada. Oranges from Sicily The “C” owes the new Oliphenolia Sicilian oranges (70%). They are a natural source of potassium for a healthy nervous system and normal muscle function. Especially rich in vitamin C, they strengthen the immune system. But vitamin C has many other positive effects on our organism: it promotes collagen formation, which is important for the functioning of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth, and increases the absorption of iron. In addition, it reduces symptoms of fatigue. First stir, then eat However, the yellow concentrate takes a little getting used to. In the small jar is only a little liquid with a semi-solid core from the whole oranges (Citrus sinensis), because the peel of the orange contains three times as much vitamin C as the pulp and juice and four times as much fiber. Those who like to eat “marmalade”, that is the typical English orange marmalade, will be pleased. Tastes so similar. Before you can consume the “OliPhenolia C”, you have to stir it up with a small spoon, but carefully so that none of the liquid spills out. Then you can eat it spoon by spoon. Personally, I’ve never liked orange marmalade, and when I first tried “OliPhenolia C” I immediately made a face accordingly. But the benefits of vitamin C motivated me to stick with it. And what can I say: In the meantime, I have become accustomed to the taste and the small jar is emptied quickly.… weiterlesen

The König Ludwig: Everything In Balance

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Culture, Health & Beauty.

It is a luxury hotel and has all the features that make up this category: detailed, well-designed rooms, suites and chalets, lounge areas, an excellent restaurant, a first-class spa with state-of-the-art fitness and yoga facilities, as well as a huge indoor and outdoor pool area with a view of Hohenschwangau, one of the castles of the Bavarian fairy-tale king Ludwig II. Not to mention the highly trained, friendly staff that is always on hand at the König Ludwig to accommodate even special requests with a smile. But that is by no means all that makes the König Ludwig Hotel in Schwangau stand out from the crowd of upscale hotels. It is the personal. “The motto of owner Florian Lingenfelder, who took over the hotel from his father Werner but first made it into the gem it is today, is “perceive people as individuals and pick up on their themes. He has also taken over his attitude to property. “Creating instead of managing,” hotel manager Florian Lingenfelder. A holistic approach Guests can expect a genuine life-changing concept at the König Ludwig, provided they are prepared to commit to it. This starts with the treatments in the 6,600 m2 spa wellness area and workout instructions and extends to the 5-course dinner in the restaurant. But of course, people are also welcome in the König Ludwig who simply want to spend a few nice relaxing days, alone or in pairs, with a dreamlike mountain backdrop and good food in the “adult only” resort. Let’s start with the three-part Bio-Balance concept developed by König Ludwigs’ spa chef Sven Huckenbeck (among other things, “Global Director of the Year” at the Hall of Well awards). He has incorporated his background in sports science, Myoreflex therapy and acupuncture massage according to Penzel (APM). The idea is to break up muscle tension and imbalances. “The body has to find its own balance again – that’s what I help it with. No more and no less,” says Huckenbeck modestly. “The body speaks, even when it is silent.” Sven Huckenbeck Yet it is much more. I have experienced it in my own body. An artificial hip joint, several sports accidents and my predominantly sedentary job as a journalist have caused my muscles to shorten despite – or perhaps because of – frequent up to daily workouts in the gym. Huckenbeck explains it plausibly: “A normal person sits 10 hours a day.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Microbiome Supplement „In Shape“ from Within

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

The microbiome is essentially responsible for our well-being. A healthy intestine is supported by about 500 different species of bacteria. In total, there are about 100 trillion bacteria that settle in it. Many of them have not even been researched according to the current state of science. Microbiome with multiple tasks What is proven, however, that listlessness, mood swings, impure skin, poor sleep and many other complaints often have their origin in the intestine? The totality of our intestinal bacteria, the microbiome, is responsible for many important processes in the body such as digestion, metabolism or the immune system. If the microbiome is out of balance, the entire body suffers. Brings the body in „Shape Of course you can support your intestinal flora with the right diet and sufficient exercise. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work in everyday life – not for me either. That’s why I tried the „In Shape” capsules from Within. Why „In Shape” and not one of the three other products in the line – “Skin Glow”, “Sleep Well”, “Inner Strength”? Because I wanted to do something not only for my gut, but also for my figure. As we know, the human microbiome also plays an important role in controlling body weight. “With its millions of bacteria, its very individual microbiome, our intestine has immense importance. It is responsible for our physical and mental balance – and thus also for our appearance! Each individual can influence it himself: with the right diet, the right exercise and, if necessary, the right support – for a good and healthy gut feeling,” says Dr. Maren Kemper, biochemist and founder of „Within”. One capsule – 10 billion microorganisms The vegan „In Shape” capsules are a power combination of high-dose probiotics, biotin, zinc and green tea extract. Each ingredient has an important function to perform: Probiotics strengthen the microbiome and maintain optimal intestinal function, green tea extract additionally stimulates fat burning, biotin helps maintain normal mucous membranes as well as intestinal lining, and zinc promotes fatty acid metabolism. Each Within capsule contains 14 scientifically tested bacterial strains with 10 billion viable microorganisms that ensure an intact, balanced microbiome. The stomach-resistant capsules ensure that all the ingredients arrive where they are needed, namely in the intestines, and are not attacked by the aggressive stomach acid beforehand. They are so well protected that they do not need to be stored in the fridge. Dampens the feeling of hunger For the past four weeks I have been taking a „In Shape” capsule every day half an hour before lunch.… weiterlesen