Stephen Holt, MD, LLD(Hon.) ChB., PhD, DNM, FRCP (C), MRCP (UK), FACP, FACG, FACN, FACAM, OSJ, Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Chairman, New York Department of Integrative Medicine at NYCPM, Advisor, Natural Clinician LLC
Abstract:
Natural Medicine has found favor in medical spas and anti-aging practices that focus on beauty and physical appearance. The concept of “inner beauty” has emerged with great strength as modern science defines increasingly the importance of general body health as the key determinant of a youthful, attractive appearance. Oral supplements are quite complementary and perhaps more effective than natural substances used in topical formats. These circumstances have led to advanced nutraceutical technology that has created a range of “beautyceuticals” that are delivered in oral or topical format. The value of REDOX balanced antioxidant treatments is more apparent when antioxidants are given systemically, rather than when they are administered by topical means. Signs of skin aging are promoted by oxidative stress and amplified by physical insults such as excessive sunlight exposure and substance abuse.
Carefully defined synergistic formulations of nutrients and botanicals that support skin, hair and nail structure and function are available in innovative nutraceutical formulations. Botanicals, such as Polypodium, have found a special role in the protection of the skin from UV radiation. There is extensive use of thalassotherapy, with the application of topical and oral seaweed-based products. Marine nutrients have been used in body-sculpting and supplements for weight control. Fucoxanthin is a powerful antioxidant found in certain seaweeds. This substance promotes the oxidation of fat by increasing Uncoupling Protein-1 (UCP-1) in white adipose tissue (thermogenesis); and it increases omega-3 fatty acid synthesis in the liver, while exerting important upregulation of glucose transporter 4 mRNA expression of L-6 myotubes, thereby controlling glucose uptake in muscles.
These biochemical effects are valuable in the reversal of abnormal metabolism found in the Metabolic Syndrome X which is often present in mature females who seek aesthetic, medical interventions. Anti-aging medicine has incorporated many aesthetic procedures which cause iatrogenic trauma. The use of homeopathic Arnica and supporting nutrients to accelerate wound healing or trauma recovery following aesthetic procedures is now a very important intervention in recuperative medicine. Many individuals seeking aesthetic interventions have engaged in forced dietary restrictions which result in occult malnutrition. Correction of general nutritional deficiencies in individuals who seek surgical or laser techniques is very important and often overlooked in clinical practice. Many patients benefit from multivitamins combined in whole vegetable, fruit, greens and berry powders that contain important phytochemicals.
Innovative technology exists for the systemic renewal and replenishment of collagen in the skin, by using synergistic formulations that include hyaluronic acid. The role of body cleansing in aesthetic medicine has become evidence-based when combined with positive lifestyle change including the restoration of restful sleep, aerobic exercise and good general nutrition. Modern concepts embrace the notion that “beauty lies within the body.”
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
To discuss the orle of nutrition and natural medicine in the support of anti-aging medicine with special focus on aesthetic procedures.
To review the evidence-base for specific nutrients or botanicals in the support and anti-aging and aesthetic medicine.
To provide evidence-based examples of intervention that have been supported in peer-review medical literature.
TEACHING OUTCOME
Attendees at this presentation will have developed an understanding of an evidence-based nutritional and botanical approach for the complementary management of medical aesthetic that are used in the practice of recuperative medicine.
Attendees will be give n the most recent information on innovative nutritional or botanical approaches for the promotion of a youthful appearance
Attendees will understand the importance of the promotion of general body health aesthetic medical practice by understanding the concepts of “beauty from within the body.”
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Clinical Trauma and Medical Procedure Recovery
Stephen Holt, MD, LLD(Hon.), ChB, PhD, DNM, FRCP (C), MRCP (UK), FACP, FACG, FACN, FACAM. Distinguished Professor of Medicine, NYCPM, NY
The large number of cases of skin trauma from aesthetic, medical intervention has created a major need for remedies of natural origin that may soothe post-medical procedure trauma. Several natural substances may variably accelerate wound healing and resolution of pain, bruising or swelling. Nutritional deficiencies retard post-procedure recovery, but it is not cost-effective to investigate routinely the nutritional status of patients undergoing aesthetic procedures by using complex, laboratory investigations. It would seem logical and justifiable in the presence of any suspicion of suboptimal nutrition to recommend a reasonably intensive and balanced nutritional supplement program prior to any form of elective surgery. Many patients who seek liposuction, plastic surgery, face lifts, laser procedures etc have irregular eating habits and many may have used fad or crash diets. These individuals are clearly at risk of mixed nutritional deficiencies, which may be occult. Any form of malnutrition will predispose to delayed post-procedure recovery.
There has been a tendency to focus on skin health and beauty by the application of topical agents, at the expense of understanding the important concept of skin health from within the body. Modern dermatologic practice has recognized increasingly the value of applying nutrition in a systemic manner, rather than the inefficient use of topical skin nutrients. The skin is the largest organ of the body and its appearance is always a reflection of inner health.
Modern concepts in dietary supplement formulations have led to the development of products that have a good range of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, phytoantioxidants and other whole food nutrients that can provide a reasonable “umbrella” form of “nutritional insurance.” It is not enough to merely use a multi-vitamin and berries, greens with other nutritious sources of vitanutrients are a preferred approach. These types of supplement regimes can be included in protocols for the nutritional preparation of a patient for elective surgical or aesthetic procedures.
It is notable that a deficiency of essential fatty acids (EFA) may retard wound healing9. The use of enteric coated fish oil supplements to provide extra nutritional support with essential omega 3 fatty acids prior to elective surgical procedures has become a focus of recent interest. There are two important issues. First, omega 6 fatty acid deficiency is rarely present and there is often an imbalance in the ratio of the dietary intake of omega 6 to omega 3 EFA. Second, enteric coated fish oils are able to deliver higher, therapeutic levels of omega 3 EFA, compared with standard fish oil capsules or liquids. Furthermore, enteric coated fish oil has superior patient compliance with less side effects, in most people.
The complexity of the physiological cascade of events involved in soft tissue healing has led to the proposal that multiple substances can be formulated together to provide a more effective, synergistic way of achieving desired outcomes. A comprehensive review of medical literature implies that an evidence-base exists to support combinations of homeopathic Arnica Montana with bromelain, grape seed extract (OPCs), vitamin C and vitamin C helpers such as rutin and other bioflavanoids that are found among the class of OPCs. Controlled clinical trials support these conclusions.
A protocol for the use of oral supplements for assistance in clinical trauma and medical procedure recovery can be applied in stages. Stage 1: general nutritional support to avoid the presence of isolated or general deficiency of nutrients that may inhibit healing, using whole food vitanutrients in berries and greens powders that contain full RDI of vitamins and relevant minerals, Stage 2: the combination of homeopathic Arnica Montana with other dietary supplements that have an evidence base to support healthy healing and Stage 3: a healthy diet, good sleep patterns and positive lifestyle change are strongly advised to promote any form of recovery.
Reference
Holt, S., Gengo L, MacConchie C. Natural Approaches to Clinical Trauma and Medical Procedure Recovery, Townsend Letter, 98-103, Dec 2007
