For Life - Probiotics as Skin and Health Supplements

This morning, I was reminded to share about the probiotics I’ve been taking. I was having breakfast with a friend when the conversation veered toward the topic of skin and digestion issues, and it clicked in my mind that probiotics might be really beneficial for her. For the past 5 months, I’ve taken these supplements every morning and have seen a huge improvement in my digestive comfort and skin condition. Taking probiotics has helped me to feel more balanced and light, and I’m convinced that it’s also had a positive effect on my skin. 

What are they? Probiotics are active, live cultures of good bacteria that are the antithesis of antibiotics. While antibiotics are taken to kill harmful germs causing infections and disease, they are also indiscriminatory and can wipe out beneficial bacteria in the process. So, probiotics are used to replenish the natural flora in your gut and restore balance. Hence, their names correspond to their purpose – anti means against, pro means for and -biotics means life. Though the thought of ingesting bacteria may not seem palatable at first, we actually need a healthy level in our intestines to assist in getting rid of waste in our bodies. Over the years, poor eating and lifestyle habits can accumulate harmful toxins and manifest in acne, severe digestive problems, illness, allergies, etc.

Who should take them and what do they cure? Our bodies are so interconnected that all our systems work symbiotically. When one area feels off, it affects our entire health and being. Digestive problems can be linked not only to the obvious but also relate to the immune system, acne, asthma, food allergies, etc. Probiotics may sound like a cure-all, but what happens is your body chooses what strains it needs from the many types of bacteria in each capsule. Additionally, anyone who’s taking antibiotics should look into probiotics to recolonize good gut flora.

How do I take them? Right when I wake up every morning, I take a pill because probiotics work best on an empty stomach. That way, they don’t need to fight through the other agents in your stomach and can be easily absorbed. For the first few days, if you have pretty severe stomach problems or just want the pills to work faster, you can take two pills a day (once in the morning and once right before bed).

How do I choose a brand? I use Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics 12 Plus ever since reading Kimberly Snyder’s recommendation (she's a celebrity nutritionist and awesome raw foodist/yogi). There are 12 potent strains of bacteria in each pill and each has a different function. These receive rave reviews because they are extremely effective, due to their enteric coating. The outer layer protects it from the acidic juices in the stomach, and only melts away after the bacteria travels safely to the start of the small intestine, where it works to eliminate toxic byproducts collected over time. A lot of other brands don’t have this coating, and so the bacteria strains are rendered useless since they’re no longer biologically alive and kicking. If you chose another brand, just make sure they have a protective layer. Amazon sells these, but I buy mine at MyNaturalMarket for the best price (someone commented it looks sketchy but I promise it's legit). In fact, I just received two more boxes yesterday!

I still need to finish writing part 2 of my skin recovery journey, but probiotics plays a part in the process. Skincare is only a fraction of the formula –the other factors all relate to maintaining a healthier lifestyle, eating better foods, exercising regularly, and taking necessary supplements. In the past 5-6 months, I’ve seen huge improvements externally (in skin) and internally (digestion). If you’re having any problems, I would give probiotics a try!

 Picture taken about a month ago (I'm on the left). You can see that there are still scars/marks on my cheeks, but I'm amazed at the dramatic improvement my skin has had since last fall!

The Bar Method: Small Moves for Big Changes

During senior year of college, my roommate and I started going to Dailey Method classes in Piedmont as a way to shape up before spring break. We averaged 3 classes a week for a month and I was amazed at the difference it made! Our laziness and lack of funds overcame our ability to continue past the new student introductory month, but I have continued to boast of the results I got from the few classes we were able to squeeze in. Approximately 10 lbs lighter and more toned than I've ever really been, it was the best workout I've ever tried.

Now that I've relocated to LA, the Westside and South Bay are actually quite littered with a few Bar Method studios--all inconveniently too far from me to attend regularly. After putting off making the trek for a year now, a Pasadena studio finally opened up this summer, offering the perfect stop for post-work days! I've been going for 2 weeks now and it's been such a great way to end the day after sitting in front of a computer all day. The Pasadena studio is gorgeous and large enough for classes of 20 to comfortably fit. It's conveniently located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena where you can park in the public parking lot on Delacey Avenue for free, grab lunch or dinner, or even do some shopping after class. I love that they stock their bathroom with Aveda products (including eye make up remover!) for the convenience of stopping by before work if I ever get up early enough for 6AM classes. What I've really loved most about it so far are the instructors--all sweet, helpful, and energetic girls! One of the girls is even a Cal alum! I've yet to take any classes with co-owners Kate and Liz, but am looking forward to soon.

So what exactly is the Bar Method and why does it work? Each 1 hour class consists of interval stretching, toning, and strengthening exercises and poses. The instructors throw in use of free weights, resistance belts, exercise balls, and foam pads for some moves as well. The focus of the bar method is to both burn fat and elongate muscles--a perfect combo for looking leaner. I've heard that it's supposed to help sculpt a dancer's body and the use of the ballet barre for stretching and back exercises offers a fun twist to other types of workouts I've tried. Who wouldn't want to look as lean and graceful as a ballerina? With a regime of controlled, repetitive sets, it's amazing how sore each class has left me because I somehow manage to work every muscle group while I'm there. What's great is that there are many suggested variations to making each set more difficult depending on how much you want to challenge yourself. According to Burr Leonard, Bar Method founder, this is an "exercise that holds a long term fascination."

Each studio offers a $100 new student introductory package, which includes unlimited visits for the first month! If you're interested in trying out one class, there is also the option of paying $10 for the first class and upgrading to the $100 package later. With a schedule as busy as mine, I'm glad that there are later evening classes that I can catch on my way home and multiple weekend classes to start my Saturday and Sunday mornings off with.

I'm looking forward to keeping this up and seeing some more changes! For now, it's so rewarding to know I can barely walk up the stairs in my house after only an hour of getting my butt kicked in class. This is a pricier alternative to a gym membership, but for someone who needs motivation to stay in shape, I couldn't have found anything better.