Nexus - 0603 - New Times Magazine-pages

Page Content (OCR)

All of the above were supported by anecdotal evidence. It was my task to come up with the correct explanations, especially in light of evidence that the formulation accelerated regeneration and prevented scar tissue formation. for new life, but also contains genetic material—RNA and DNA—plus various hormones, enzymes, growth factors and cho- lesterol. Each of these contributes in a beneficial way to the heal- ing process. However, cholesterol deserves more mention, as do sulphur-containing amino acids. NUTRITION AND WOUND HEALING The influence that nutrition has on wound healing was brilliant- © CHOLESTEROL: A BENEFICIAL SUBSTANCE ly dealt with in articles written by Bruno (1979) and Schuman Cholesterol, although much maligned for its ‘dirty role' in 'caus- (1979) and presented during a symposium on wound healing. ing’ cardiovascular disease, is actually a very beneficial natural They both shared findings that malnourished patients and their substance. It is only man's sceptical and destructive attitudes that bodily tissues were neither immuno-competent nor hormonal prevent a proper understanding of its importance. competent. Wound healing progressed very slowly, incompletely, Cholesterol was first discovered in gallstones by Poulletier de and resulted in abnormal regeneration with greater-than-normal La Salle in 1770. Since then it has been identified in practically scar tissue formation. The approach that they took to remedy this all living organisms—animal and vegetable and microscopic. It is situation was via the systemic route of delivering all essential present in bacteria, blue green algae and fungi. It has been found nutrients. The contribution of each of these is shown in Table 1. in waters of the Gulf of Mexico and it is hypothesised that various The topical application of nutrients to dermal injuries was never | compounds found in crude petroleum are formed from choles- considered. terol. Commercial sources of cholesterol include lanolin alcohols Idson (1978) found that it was possible to achieve higher local (wool workers have beautiful skin on their hands and forearms concentrations of vitamins in the skin by topical application than _ through contact with it), animal fats, fish oils and spinal cords. by oral dosage. These vitamins included A, D2, E and panthenol. Human skin and sebum are rich in cholesterol. And because As a consequence, skin conditions such nervous tissue is high in cholesterol con- as keratosis, ichthyosis, wrinkles, con- tent, expectant woman should not nective tissue loss and stretch marks reduce their cholesterol intake during would benefit from application of these pregnancy, as this may lead to imperfect vitamins. Cholesterol, although much nerve formation and dysfunction in the acids and pron hydrolysates aso hada | aligned for its “dirty role’ I oera earn an weighing 6S kilograms beneficial influence on skin physiology in ‘causing’ cardiovascular there is approximately 210 grams of peoriasis and dermatitis. However, pene. | , 0190090; I8 actually a Very Fein i the skin, Cholesterol is an tration of the skin was limited by molec- beneficial natural substance. important physiological component of ular size and other physio-chemical cells. It is bound to the proteins of the properties (Johnsen & Chiostri, 1978; external membranes, it is a necessary Johnsen, 1984; Prottey, 1977; Takehara, growth factor in cells, and it is a precur- 1983). sor to steroid hormones in the adrenals, The problem with all of these approaches was that people were ovaries and testes. It is present in fingernails and in the enamel of dealing with chemically altered states rather than with natural, teeth, and it increases the vitamin D3 content of the skin. unaltered states, and that, in the majority, the research was per- As an ingredient in topical products for certain skin disorders, formed by companies seeking profits rather than honest, long-last- cholesterol serves as a skin protectant and treatment by simply ing benefits for consumers. replenishing itself. Incorporation of one per cent of cholesterol to Before Healfas NMF, there were no commercially available olive oil increases the absorption of olive oil by the skin. products that considered satisfying the complete nutritional Cholesterol is also used in hair tonics to stimulate hair growth, as requirements of the skin—and there have been none since. is white, soft paraffin which normally sits on the skin surface; but Centuries ago, European peasants used certain food combinations when cholesterol is added to the paraffin, the penetration is for topical use, but these had a very short shelf-life due to lack of increased by 33 per cent, which overcomes problems such as preservatives. interference with surface cooling and inhibition of perspiration. The Healfas formula supplies everything and more that the skin Cholesterol is an especially active compound that can eliminate requires to remain healthy and capable of quick regeneration, with polymerisation of light; thus it posse sun-filtering qualities. It almost no lag time in commencing regeneration and healing time also prevents induced erythema of the skin. reduced by as much as 50 per cent. The first sign that regenera- Cholesterol is found in situ in the skin, and oily skin contains tion is occurring is how quickly the inflammatory phase subsides high concentrations of it. Exposure to the sun slows its formation, after application of the product. This is important, for inflamma- and interference with its synthesis produces dryness and chapping tion is the first step in the healing process and usually lasts three of the skin. to four days (Bruno, 1979). Its purpose is to elicit cellular migra- The lipid film of normal skin dermis is derived from the epider- tion, blood flow and nutrition to the area. The rapid reduction in mis and sebaceous glands. The "barrier" within the hairy layer of inflammation is via a biofeedback mechanism which signals all the skin is said to be responsible for inhibiting diffusion of water. the necessary building blocks present to cease supply. The power of this barrier to retain water is primarily due to lipids The healing process is classified into three phases: defensive, that contain up to 90 per cent cholesterol. reconstructive and regenerative. The last phase may take up to The composition of human skin lipids changes from birth to two years after the trauma has occurred. puberty. Cholesterol concentration is low at five days of age, and Because the Healfas product is made from fresh eggs and nut _ increases to a maximum level between four to eight years of age oils, it not only contains the entire spectrum of nutrients necessary (one could argue that at this time the skin is at its most beautiful); 24 - NEXUS APRIL —- MAY 1999