Blog - PearlMD Rejuvenation

ReShape to your best Body!

Dr. Jennifer Pearlman, MD CCFP NCMP FAARM ABAARM

Despite the fad diets, we are now the fattest generation in history. Obesity levels in Canada have increased from 3% in 2003 to over 20% in 2017, with the greatest rate of increase seen in women. But it is not that we are simply eating more and moving less. The calorie equation cannot account for the increase. Instead, a range of environmental, lifestyle and metabolic risk factors are leading to an obesity epidemic that is threatening our waistlines but also our survival.

The emerging field of epigenetics has led to insights into the impact of gene-environment interactions on our health, aging and risks of disease including obesity. Newly established genetic susceptibilities may predispose to diet-induced diabetes and obesity. Pathological shifts in the microbiome (the collection of gut bacteria) can lead to metabolic changes and increase the risk of obesity. Environmental exposures to low-level chemicals that can also affect metabolism and lead to weight gain. These obesity-inducing environmental toxins (obesogens) may work as hormonal disruptors and can increase the risk of diabetes, cancer and other disease.

These novel risk factors emerge over longer periods of low levels of exposures (i.e. toxins, stress, gene-environment interactions) and as a result contribute greatly to age-related weight gain. The complex web of interactions affecting our weight and health explains why diets, regardless of regimen, too often fail. Dieters committed to the broken calorie equation find themselves in a weight loss-weight gain yo-yo which poses risks to the body as well as to the brain. The vicious cycle of diet and rebound weight gain can indeed be hazardous. Recent research suggests that yo-yo dieting results in reduced cognitive performance and neurotoxicity as redistributed fat-stored toxins released in dieting can cross the blood-brain barrier with deleterious neurological effects during the weight loss phase. Hence the finding that diets may make you “dumb”.

So if diets don’t work and the calorie equation is broken, then a new framework is needed to combat age-related weight gain. A shift from the quantitative mindset to a qualitative one is in order; what and when we eat matters. Periods of fasting intermixed with a plant-based whole food nutrient-rich diet is ideal. There are no cookie cutter solutions. But by understanding an individual’s genetic, hormonal, metabolic, inflammatory, nutritional, and behavioural profile in the context of their habits, preferences and lifestyle a comprehensive plan may be designed. The following five steps underpin a modernized approach to target midlife weight gain:

Fasting

Our DNA is designed upon ancestral dietary patterns that required prolonged periods of fasting. Fasting can reset your metabolism, stifle the flames of inflammation, die out dysbiotic pathogenic gut bugs and drive a nutritional ketosis. All of which are adaptations that are helpful to kick start weight loss. Try a water-only fast of 16 to 24 hours within the first week of your program!

Lo-Hi Diet

Food choices and food energy (measure as calories) matter. The Lo-Hi diet refers to low energy (less calorically dense) and high nutrition (enriched with vitamins, minerals and health-boosting nutrients). Plan your meals by adopting a super food, nutrient enriched plant-based ketogenic approach. Translated- this means that volumetrically the diet is based on high-nutrient, low-calorie vegetables (arugula, spinach, kale, broccoli, cucumbers, peppers, carrots) combined with healthy fats, soluble fiber and lean protein (fish, poultry, nuts, seeds). Try to minimize added fats (sauces, dressings), refined sugars, and processed foods by keeping to a raw food diet.

Reset Insulin Sensitivity

Insulin is the king of metabolic hormones. High insulin levels and acquired resistance at the cell level to respond to insulin, result in metabolic inflammation, high blood sugars, weight gain, visceral (belly) fat accumulation and eventually diabetes. Genetics, diet, lifestyle and hormones can lead to insulin resistance. For women, 50% of their insulin responsiveness is lost by their menopause. Rebooting insulin signaling is key to any successful weight loss and reshape program. A two-pronged approach is needed- addressing insulin production (by the pancreas) and insulin responsiveness (by the liver and working muscle). A low glycemic index diet is best to curb insulin. The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how much a give food source will trigger insulin release. Ideal low GI foods are those that are low in sugars, free of refined sugars and other chemical additives and high in soluble fiber. Exercise is the best way to boost insulin sensitivity. A vigorous workout regimen combining aerobic, anaerobic and weight training can be as effective as diabetes drugs like metformin in boosting the cell’s ability to respond to insulin and control blood sugar.

Optimize Hormone Health

Declining sex hormones; estrogen and progesterone in women and testosterone in men produce changes in body composition with redistribution and accumulation of deep fat stores coupled with a loss of lean body tissues such as bone and muscle. The role of hormone therapy is well established for maintenance of lean body mass, redistributing fat stores, and improving insulin sensitivity. A personalized assessment by a qualified expert on the risks and benefits of hormone therapy will ensure that the right hormonal plan is set.

Restore key Nutrients

Addressing underlying nutritional deficiencies is key to metabolic health and achieving weight loss goals. Vitamin D deficiency activates insulin’s fat storing signaling. Other key nutrients include vitamin B, magnesium and essential amino acids like methionine and choline.

Repair the Gut

Overgrowth of unfavourable gut or dysbioisis can trigger an increase in the calories extracted from the food we eat. Furthermore, bacterial signaling can affect diet-related behaviours leading to food cravings and less favourable choices. Optimizing the microbiome with a diet high in pre-biotic foods and soluble fibers can lead to increases in favourable bacteria. Adding fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut along with probiotic supplements can ensure a healthy microbiome with optimal gut function and metabolism.

Reset Brain Controls

Sleeplessness and excessive psychological stress are associated with weight gain and poor dietary choices. Chronic stress produces a state of elevated cortisol- which in turn can lead to insulin resistance. Psychological stress has been shown to alter levels of the satiety hormone, leptin leading to over-consumption of comfort foods (high fat, high sugar). Mindfulness-based interventions and stress management techniques such as tai chi, yoga, meditation, visualization and deep breathing have been proven to be effective in keeping stress at bay and improving sleep.

This seven-step approach targets the metabolic, hormonal, nutritional, environmental and behavioural factors that may contribute to weight gain. The new era of Precision Medicine is delivering a new formula to replace the broken calorie equation. It is now possible with a diet and weight loss plan designed just for you to truly achieve your goals.

By Dr. Jennifer Pearlman, MD CCFP NCMP FAARM ABAARM
Dr. Pearlman is a nationally recognized expert in Women’s health, hormones and functional medicine and is Medical Director of Pearl^MD Rejuvenation, a state-of-the-art Women’s health and wellness facility.

How to do a Science based Holiday Detox

By Dr. Jennifer Pearlman

‘Tis the season of holiday indulgence, decadent dining and festive feasting all of which may threaten to uproot even the best intentions around diet and lifestyle. But the holidays do not necessitate throwing in the proverbial towel. By sticking to these science based detox tips, you can successfully navigate the holiday season while staying safely onboard the health wagon.

By ramping up your body’s internal detoxification system, you can kick start your metabolism to manage the seasonal indulgence. Our body has evolved complex metabolic processes to inactivate toxins and chemicals to which we are exposed, both knowingly through our diet and unknowingly as environmental exposures in addition to the chemicals formed as intermediates and byproducts of our metabolic activity.

Augmenting our innate detoxification and elimination functions through a targeted lifestyle based approach can enhance our ability to navigate toxic exposures and optimise our metabolism and health. To understand how to optimize our detox system -it is important to first understand they steps involved.

Detoxification involves three steps -two phases of detoxification that occur in the liver with the transformation and inactivation of substrates to a form that can be eliminated in a final step in urine by the kidneys or in feces by the gut. Phase one reactions involve paired reduction-oxidation reactions to increase water solubility of substrates to allow inactivation by conjugation. Phase two detoxification involves conjugating reactions in which intermediates are combined with substrates to further transform, inactivate and eventually eliminate. Two important conjugation reactions involve methylation and glutathionization. Glutathione is one of the most potent anti-oxidants and plays a critical role in detoxification and metabolism of drugs, hormones, neurotransmitters and environmental toxins. Genetic variations and nutritional deficiencies may render some individuals to be impaired in one or more steps of their detox system, increasing the risk of disease, toxicity and metabolic or hormonal imbalance.

Simple lab testing can uncover blocks to detox function, including impaired liver or kidney function, glutathione depletion and markers of oxidative stress.

With an understanding of the detoxification process and targeted testing to map out your own unique footprint in genetic susceptibilities and nutritional or lifestyle risks, it is possible to formulate a science based and precise “Detox Diet.” Here are my top six recommendations:

Take A Break:

During a prolonged fast, the body shifts to a more energy efficient mode of ketosis in which stored fat becomes the preferential and more energy efficient fuel. Throughout our lifetime our cumulative environmental toxin exposures accumulate in our body fat stores. In a fasted state, the breakdown of body fat and release of stored energy may also trigger a deep whole body cleanse. With a prolonged or even an intermittent fast, the detox apparatus can be reset with a metabolic boost.

Approach Abstinence

Alcohol is one of the most pervasive liver “toxins” and consumption often ramps up during the holidays. Research suggests that even moderate consumption (within the conventionally recommended limit) can increase health risks such as heart disease, cancer and death. Taking drink holidays throughout the season can allow a avoiding alcohol consumption on consecutive days and limiting the weekly intake to fewer than 4 glasses of wine or a bottle. A large nutritional study conducted on over 180,000 Europeans who drank modestly and regularly suggests that drinking within recommended limits can still increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and death < http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24415611>. Less is more. Sobriety is a good first step to Detox.

Stay Clear of Chemicals:

Chemical toxins are The diet presents an important source of potential toxic exposure. From dioxin containing pesticides in our produce to a vast array of food additives including stabilizers, preservatives, chemical flavours and colorants used in processed foods; chemical contamination is rampant. By mindfully selecting organic produce and curtailing our consumption of packaged and processed foods, we can cut down on the toxic burden.

Eat Colourfully:

A plant based diet that spans the colour wheel of phytonutrients provides essential anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals required as co-factors in Phase I and II of detoxification. Micro-nutrient deficiencies resulting from inadequate intake or malabsorption can impede detoxification.

Crucifers are King:

Cruciferous vegetables like kale and broccoli reign as the kings of detoxifying foods as they are rich in glucosinolates; phytochemicals that induce Phase II of detoxification and inactivate carcinogenic chemicals. Cruciferous consumption (unlike total fruit and vegetable consumption) has been associated with reduced risk of lung, colon and breast cancer <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2737735/>. The effect is dependent on variations within human genetics and the presence of gut flora that convert glucosinolates to protective compounds known as isothiocyanates and indoles (i.e. sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol (I3C)). These phytochemicals increase urinary excretion of estrogen and may help to prevent both breast and endometrial cancer.

Ferment to Prevent:

The microbiome describes the collection of micro-organisms that are housed within the human body, largely in the gut, and play a critical role in our immune function, metabolism, and detoxification. Referred to as the “Second Genome”, the microbiota contains 10-fold the genetic material of our human DNA. Gut flora play a role in the absorption and activation of vitamins and induce Phase II and III of detoxification. Fermented foods offer a naturally occurring symbiotic combination of food substance and probiotics. As an alternative or adjunct to a probiotic supplement, consuming fermented foods like kefir, kimchi and kombucha may be beneficial in restoring optimal balance to the gut ecosystem.

Get Going:

Dehydration and constipation impede the body’s ability to eliminate the waste products of detoxification. Adequate intake of water and soluble fibres ensures final excretion of toxins in the urine and stool. Good sources of dietary fibre include fruits, vegetables, seeds (chia, flax) and whole grains. Regular aerobic exercise further helps to keep the bowels moving and lymphatics draining. So get moving to get elimination going.

These steps to a science-based Holiday Detox can help you navigate the holiday festivities and get your New Year off to a clean and healthy start!

Dr. Jennifer Pearlman, MD CCFP NCMP FAARM ABAARM
Women’s Health, Hormone and Beauty Expert focused on aging well from the inside out.

What Is Non Surgical Facial Rejuvenation?

Do you want to restore the youthful tightness to your skin, but are reluctant to undergo surgery? We understand that patients are busy and don’t have time for the downtime and healing that comes with surgery. Non surgical facial rejuvenation technology has become comparable in effectiveness to surgical technology. Contact Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto, ON today to find out why these treatments can be effective and long-lasting.

What Is a Non Surgical Facial Rejuvenation?

Non surgical facial rejuvenation is a category of facial treatments that involve no invasive procedures and surgery. The treatments aim to rejuvenate the face by introducing necessary elements to the skin and tissue or stimulating the rebuilding of the skin.

As we age, we begin to see lines on our skin. The skin begins to lose elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid; wrinkles form and the skin begins to sag. The laxity of the skin can be reduced by surgery, but it can be costly, time-consuming, and risky.

For most patients, the best option is to seek a non surgical remedy. Non surgical facial rejuvenation technology has advanced to the point where effective and long-lasting treatments are not difficult to find. At Pearl MD Rejuvenation, we can provide you the best options in facial rejuvenation without surgery.

BOTOX

BOTOX is an FDA-approved and reputable injection treatment that can provide facial rejuvenation. Millions trust BOTOX to tighten their skin and remove lines and wrinkles. The treatment is quick and easy with no downtime. Most patients can receive their BOTOX treatment and return to work or their daily routine.

This treatment is noninvasive and involves no surgery. BOTOX is effective for removing deep folds and lines by relaxing the muscles and filling in indents and pockets. Patients commonly treat forehead lines, indentations, marionette lines, brow lines, and wrinkles with BOTOX. The treatment lasts for between three and four months before a touch up is needed.

Revanesse Pure

Revanesse Pure is an injectable treatment designed to give your skin the hydration it needs to look youthful and healthy. The treatment uses hyaluronic acid to allow the tissue to absorb the optimal levels of hydration that it needs. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin, tissue, and joints of the body. As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in our body decreases and allows moisture to escape from the tissue.

Revanesse Pure introduces hyaluronic acid to the tissue to increase the volume by holding more water molecules. Wrinkles and lines that form from the loss of hydration are naturally reversed for a youthful appearance. The treatment is completed in our office in just minutes with no healing or downtime. Results begin after treatment and improve over the next few weeks. Treated skin can remain tight and smooth for between six and nine months. You can receive another treatment to touch up the area.

Profound Skin Rejuvenation

Profound is a treatment that rebuilds collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin. We lose these substances in the skin as we age, causing wrinkles, folds, and lines in the skin. Rebuilding these three elements helps the skin restore its youthful appearance. Profound Skin Rejuvenation uses radiofrequency technology to heat the tissue beneath the skin and stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and collagen for natural skin rejuvenation.

Patients treated with Profound will see results after only one treatment. The treatment is completed in under one hour with no surgery or invasive procedures. The skin continues to rebuild for as many as six months after treatment. Patients will continue to see youthful and tight skin for up to two years after treatment.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peel treatments are an excellent way to rejuvenate the skin without surgery. The treatment nourishes your skin and helps rebuild collagen. A chemical peel does more than just strip away toxins and dead skin, it can make your skin feel moisturized and smooth. A chemical peel will leave your skin radiant as new skin growth is stimulated.

The treatment can be repeated, with most patients incorporating a chemical peel into their monthly routine. Chemical peels can allow your skin to better absorb other products and makes applying makeup smoother. Patients should wear UV protection after the treatment to protect the new skin and make the treatment results last.

Who Is a Non Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Candidate?

There are a variety of facial rejuvenation treatments that do not involve surgery, and there is something to suit all skin types. Patients of all gender and ages can benefit from facial rejuvenation. Patients interested in non surgical facial rejuvenation are often looking for an option that will not have significant downtime. Some patients may be hesitant to undergo surgery due to risks or health concerns and want a safer option. Surgery can often be more expensive than other treatment options, and often the results are similar.

Patients prefer our non surgical treatments because they can quickly be treated and return to work or their daily routine. The treatments do not result in dramatic lifestyle changes or time spent healing. In most cases, patients can wear makeup and practice their skincare routine the day of the treatment or by the next day.

Getting Started

Are you ready for a consultation to find the right non surgical facial rejuvenation treatment for you? You can remove wrinkles and fine lines by rebuilding your skin with our treatments. Visit Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto, ON today for your initial consultation. We offer a variety of treatments to suit your needs.

REBOOT your GUT-IMMUNE AXIS to ENSURE your BEST HEALTH

By Dr. Jennifer Pearlman

Internationally recognized women’s health, hormone and aging expert and Medical Director of Pearl^MDRejuvenation.

With Winter time bugs emerging and flu season in the air, our microbiome and digestive health are facing seasonal challenges! A well-functioning gut is key to our optimal health and wellbeing. So if you have the belly blues- read below for science based tips to a complete mind-body approach to get your Gut back on track.

The digestive tract truly is the cornerstone to our health. From mouth to anus, the gut is like a wonderous garden that simultaneously serves as; a nutrient-absorbing surface, a barrier to potentially harmful waste, an immune defense system, a sensory signaling network and a home to the bugs of the microbiome. Optimizing the gut’s complex immune system, neural network and barrier function is key to digestive health and a thriving microbiome, contained within.

The microbiome is the collection of diverse microorganisms that have symbiotically evolved with humans housed largely in our digestive tracts (but also in other areas like our skin and nasal passages). The microbiome contains a range of bacterial species and outnumbers our own cells by 10-fold. The billions of bacterial cells lining our gut mucosal surface play a critical role in our metabolism. Referred to as a second genome, the microbiota bacterial DNA is 100-fold more abundant that human DNA and can further affect human health by altering expression of human genes. Dysbiosis describes unfavourable shifts in the microbiome leading to loss of bacterial diversity and overgrowth by pathogenic (disease causing) and immunogenic (inflammatory) strains. Dysbiosis is associated with a range of human health problems and disease including; obesity, diabetes, eczema, allergies, depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s disease. While we may be born with a near sterile gut- the microbiome is shaped throughout our lifetime. Eating a highly processed diet void of soluble fibre, inadequate nutrition, exposure to infection and illness, medication use (especially antibiotics), sleeplessness, psychological stress and even negative emotions can all contribute to an unhealthy gut microbiome. It is thought that a one week course of antibiotics can alter the gut flora for over two years. Conversely, the practice of meditation can improve the microbiome and bacterial diversity. Clearly, gut bugs are vital in shaping our health, aging and contribute to an important gut-brain connection.

Indeed, the gut is equipped with a brain of its own. The enteric nervous system, or second brain, is a complex network of over 100 million neurons, more than is found in the spinal cord. These enteric neurons feed information from the lumen of the gut to the Vagus nerve which in turn sends 80% of all sensory information to the brain. Nerve conduction studies suggest that as much as 90% of the sensory signals carried within the Vagus nerve arise from within the gut. The gut brain not only plays a sensory role but also controls gut health, motility and function. Over 95% of the body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood, is produced by the gut and is involved with gut-brain signaling.

The intricate connections of the gut-brain-immune system and our microbiome necessitate a true mind-body-environment approach. With this in mind, these five steps can help repair, rebalance and restore digestive wellness.

The 5R GUT PROGRAM is a personalized mind-body-gut approach that involves the following steps:

REDUCE and REMOVE

This step involves removing harmful chemicals as well as inflammatory and immune triggering foods and substances. Reducing your intake of processed foods and selecting organic produce can protect you from ingesting potentially harmful chemicals. Screening tests can help guide the strategic elimination or rotation of immunogenic foods associated with food sensitivities or allergic reactions.

REPAIR

Increased intestinal permeability triggers the immune system and adversely affects gut health. Through direct measurement, the protein serving as the tight junctions between our luminal gut cells, known as Zonulin, can be determined. Increased blood or fecal Zonulin is associated with gut permeability and increased susceptibility to the deleterious effects of toxins, immunogenic food and pathogenic bacteria within the gut. Consuming soluble fibre and gut healing anti-inflammatory herbs and nutrients, as found in Pearl^RX GI Revival Rx, can repair the barrier function and help heal a leaky gut.

REPLACE

Optimal digestion and metabolism depend on many vital factors. Replacing inadequate or missing micronturients (vitamins, minerals), enzymes, and other substances is key to digestive health. Through targeted testing for micronutrient deficiencies and enzymatic imbalances a personalized replacement plan can be determined.

REPOPULATE

A robust microbiome is the cornerstone of good health for the gut, body and brain. Measurement of the metabolic waste of pathogenic strains can be a clue to dysbiosis and further qualitative testing can be done to elucidate the type of bacterial strains comprising the microbiome. Measured spikes or overgrowth of specific pathogenic strains have been associated with a range of conditions and diseases. A multi-pronged approach can help favourably repopulate the microbiome through consuming prebiotic foods like asparagus and onions, with symbiotic or fermented foods like sauerkraut and kombucha. While the concept of single strain targeted probiotics is not yet mainstream, we can strategically supplement a gut healthy diet with evidence based strains of probtiocs, like Pearl^RX BioFlora, to support the microbiome and to target certain symptoms and disease.

REBALANCE

The intricate gut-brain connection requires that we address the neuro-psychological signals shaping digestion. Ensuring optimal sleep, stress management, and emotional wellbeing is key to a thriving gut and only through gut healing is total mind-body wellness possible. Employing evidence based practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing can help rebalance the microbiome and your digestive health. With neurobiofeedback tools, you can train yourself to masterfully use these practices in your day to day lives. Because even more than food, our thoughts and feelings are the fuel to our inner wellbeing.

The 5R Gut approach offers a step by step plan to better digestive wellness and health. From removing and rebalancing, to repairing and replacing, we can restore our digestive wellbeing for a more balanced and healthier gut, mind and body. So make this Spring time the season of your best gut health!

Dr. Jennfier Pearlman, MD CCFP CFA NCMP FAARM ABAARM

For a questions and inquires contact info@pearlrejuvenation.com or 416.644.1112. More information can be found at www.pearlrejuvenation.com. The above is not intended as medical advice but only general health information and does not constitute or replace a physician patient relationship.

Common Questions About Dysport

A woman’s age is her secret. With the help of anti-aging treatments, you can look years younger than your chronological age. At Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto, ON, we proudly offer several anti-aging treatments to help you reclaim your youth and vitality.

Answers to the 14 Most Common Questions About Dysport

1. What Is Dysport?

Dysport is a neuromodulator that contains the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A. Cosmetically, it is primarily used to treat moderate-to-severe laugh lines, frown lines and smile lines. This can be achieved because the active ingredient in this neuromodulator treatment is a neuromuscular blocking agent and acetylcholine release inhibitor.

While this may sound complicated, it’s actually beautifully simple. Lines and wrinkles on your face deepen when your muscles are hyperactive. The injection simply relaxes these hyperactive muscles to improve the texture of your skin.

2. Is It Safe?

Health Canada has approved Dysport for safety and effectiveness to treat many medical conditions and cosmetic concerns. These range from leg spasticity in children ages 2 and older to arm and hand spasticity in adults with cerebral palsy. It is also Health Canada-approved to treat lines and wrinkles between your eyebrows.

3. Is It the Same as Botox?

It is not the same as Botox. While both injectables contain the neurotoxin abobotulinum toxin A, the doses are vastly different. Moreover, there are distinct differences in how long the treatments take to work and how long the results last.

4. How Long Does It Take to Administer?

How long this anti-aging treatment takes to administer depends on several factors. These include the severity of the condition you’re trying to treat and how many locations you’re trying to improve in one treatment session. On average, however, you can expect your treatment session to last no more than 10 to 15 minutes.

5. How Long Does It Take to Work?

How long this treatment takes to work depends largely on what you are trying to treat. In the case of moderate-to-severe frown lines, you can expect to see a significant improvement in just one to two days.

6. How Long Do the Results Last?

Ideal results from this treatment last approximately four months. If you want to maintain your enhanced appearance, we strongly recommend coming in quarterly for a “booster shot”. This ensures that your results remain satisfying.

7. Can I Get It Online?

You cannot order this treatment online. It is only available with a doctor’s prescription. More importantly, it must be administered by a healthcare professional who is trained and licensed to administer this medication. Such healthcare professionals may include cosmetic aestheticians, plastic surgeons, primary physicians or dermatologists.

8. Is This Treatment Right for Me?

This treatment may be right for you if the following describes you:

There is no inflammation at the injection site
The injection site does not have deep scars
You do not have thick, oily skin
You have not undergone a brow lift or facelift
The muscles in the treatment area are fairly strong
Your face has a lateral symmetry
Your eyelids or eyelid folds do not droop or sag
Your wrinkles can be smoothed when spread apart
You are not allergic to botulinum toxin
You are not allergic to cow’s milk protein
You want to look younger
You do not want to undergo an invasive medical procedure
You are no older than 65
You are older than 18

9. How Long Does Botox Take to Work?

Unlike Dysport, Botox takes two to three days to take effect.

10. How Long Do the Effects of Botox Last?

The effects of Botox only last approximately three months. Thus, to see continuous improvement in the quality of your skin, you would need to come in for follow-up treatments every two months. That’s six times per year!

11. How Long Does Botox Treatment Take?

Botox treatment sessions typically take 15 to 20 minutes. This may not sound like a significant time difference. However, you need to consider that Botox requires an additional two appointments per year.

And it’s not just the time it takes to receive treatment you have to consider. You need to consider the time spent traveling to and from your appointment, as well.

12. What After-Care Steps Do I Need to Take?

Fortunately, Dysport is non-invasive. Thus, there aren’t many after-care steps you need to follow. The best thing you can do for your skin after your treatment is to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This protects your skin from sun damage that can make your skin look older.

13. How Much Downtime Should I Account For?

After your anti-aging treatment, you don’t need to plan for any downtime. You are free to go back to your daily routine as soon as your treatment is finished. Try not to engage in high-intensity exercise for the first 24 hours after your treatment, though. This gives the medication time to settle into the treatment site and ensures it does not shift to nearby locations accidentally.

14. How Can I Prepare for My First Treatment Session?

To prepare for your anti-aging treatment, remove all makeup from your face. To prevent infection, gently cleanse your face before you come in for your appointment.

Improve Your Life Today

To learn more about Dysport, schedule an initial consultation with Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto, ON today. We can help you decide if Dysport is right for you.

A Breast Healthy Plan! An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Emerging research into the complex genetics of breast cancer and estrogen metabolism are opening the door to new risk markers that will better enable preventative health strategies and early detection. Find out what you can do to reduce your risk!

Breast cancer results from uncontrolled growth of breast cells. About 1 in 8 Canadian women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Only 20% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer and known gene mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2) account for only 5 to 8% of cases. This means that most breast cancers occurs in women without a family history.

Women living in the US have a 10-fold greater risk of dying from breast cancer as compared to women living in Thailand. When women migrate from areas with a low incidence of breast cancer (i.e. Asia) to North America their breast cancer risk increases. These facts suggest that environment, diet and lifestyle play an important role in shaping risk and combine with our genetic predispositions to determine our health, aging and risk of chronic disease and cancer. Breast biology is largely determined by hormonal and tissue factors. Estrogen is the dominant hormonal signal stimulating the breast and, in more differentiated cancers, the most common hormonal trigger for metastatic spread. Other tissue factors such as inflammation and injury (chemical, physical or radiation) can also increase risk. The transformation of a normal breast cell to a cancer cell often proceeds the diagnosis by 7 years. During this critical window, early breast cancer remains below the detection limit of our screening tests such as mammograms and physical exam. But in the early subclinical stage, there is the greatest possible impact of risk reduction and prevention through hormone balance, estrogen metabolism and detoxification support, and anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative therapy. The following six steps provide a complete plan for breast healthy living:

Balance your Hormones!

Through the menopause transition hormone levels fluctuate. In peri-menopause, estrogen increases while progesterone, which blocks estrogen’s stimulatory effects, decreases. Unopposed estrogen is a potent stimulator of breast tissue and linked with hormone sensitive breast cancer.

After menopause, there is a shift in the type of estrogen produced in the body. Ovarian estrogen falls and estrone, an estrogen converted in fat tissue by an enzyme, aromatase, from testosterone becomes the predominant form. Estrone can have more toxic effects when it binds the estrogen receptor, and can increase the risk of breast cancer and stroke.

Maintaining hormone balance throughout the transition can support breast health. By maintaining a healthy body weight and consuming nutrients including omega3, green tea extract (EGCG), chrysin and flavonoids, you can support hormone balance. Prescription medications called aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole work in treating and preventing breast cancer by inhibiting this enzyme.

Enhance Estrogen Metabolism!

Detoxification and inactivation of estrogens is a complex process that occurs largely in the liver. The first phase of estrogen metabolism involves the cytochrome reactions to increase water solubility for elimination. These intermediates can be measured through specialized testing and can provide insight into risk. If the ratio of good to bad metabolite is low or unfavorable it has been shown to confer increased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women.

Phase 2 detoxification involves conversion of estrogen metabolites into a more water soluble compound that can be excreted by the body. Methylation is one of the most important phase 2 reactions that aids in the elimination and inactivation of potentially toxic estrogen metabolites. Women who are poor methylaters may be at increased risk of breast cancer due to accumulation of toxic intermediaries. Genetic risks, nutritional deficiencies and toxic exposures can all affect methylation status and therefore may increase cancer risk.

Dietary factors found in cruciferous vegetables, such as kale and broccoli support both phases of estrogen detoxification. Cruciferous consumption (unlike total fruit and vegetable consumption) has been associated with reduced risk of lung, colon and breast cancer. The effect is dependent on variations within human genetics and the presence of the ideal gut flora needed to activate the protective compounds.

Click here to view our PearlMD Breast Protect product designed to support estrogen metabolism and detoxification to promote breast health and hormone balance.

Combat Age related weight gain!

Carrying an extra 10 pounds of body fat after age 30 increases the risk of breast cancer by 25%. Deep abdominal fat is most toxic to the body as this fat store (unlike cellulite) is metabolically active and triggers inflammation. Fat also is the major site of estrogen production after menopause. Women who gain more than 50 lb from age 18 years or 30 lb through the menopause transition have double the risk of breast cancer after menopause. Whereas, women who are able to loose weight after menopause are rewarded with a lower risk.

Get Going- move your body!

Regular aerobic exercise reduces insulin resistance and body fat and independently can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Data from the Nurses Health Study has shown that even after a diagnosis of breast cancer, women who exercise enjoy better survival rates.

Give Sobriety a try!

Excessive consumption of alcohol is an important risk factor for breast cancer ranking after family history and obesity. Alcohol is a known liver toxin and impairs estrogen metabolism. Drinking more than 3 glasses per week increased the risk of breast cancer by 5-fold in the Nurses Health Study. More recent research suggests that there may be no safe limit. In the pan-European ECHO study, women who consumed within the recommended guidelines still faced a higher risk of breast cancer, all cancer and death.

Live Clean- Mind your exposures!

Over 85,000 chemicals have been produced and released into the environment since the end of the Second World War. Chemicals in industrial plastics, pesticides and herbicides (i.e. DDT) as well as chemical additives to food as personal care products as colours and flavours can bind to estrogen receptors. These hormone disrupters are called xeno-estrogens and have been linked to early puberty and breast cancer in women, and infertility in men. Xeno-estrogen exposure can be limited by consuming organically grown produce, avoiding plastic food containers -especially when rewarming food, and reducing intake of red meat as industrial pollutants bio-accumulate up the food chain.

These six breast health tips are designed to help you live your best life and take a proactive targeted approach to prevention. But a preventative health plan is not intended to replace the need for regular screening with mammograms. Breast cancer that is detectable on mammography has likely been evolving for over 7 years. This means that prevention is needed at least a decade before routing screening typically begins, which in Ontario is in a woman’s 5^th decade. Screening mammograms have been shown to save lives through early detection. While the provincial screening program begins at 50 years of age, early baseline testing may be recommended if risk factors are present.

It is never too early to get started with a proactive approach to health. This six step Breast Healthy Plan has been designed as a road map to help you get started. Prevention is within reach. New science, tests and technology can help to precisely build your plan. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Smooth Wrinkles and Eliminate Crow’s Feet: The Power of Botox

If you find yourself avoiding the mirror, or worse yet, purposely not smiling to avoid creating laugh lines, it may be time to consider Botox injections. This treatment has been around for many years and offers quick results to common, dynamic facial wrinkles. Treatments should only be done by specially trained professionals, like those at Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto, Canada.

What Is Botox?

Botox is an injectable serum derived from botulinum toxin. While this comes from the same bacteria that causes botulism infection, it is sterilized so there is no risk of infection. The serum itself is only available as a prescription, and it should be administered by a trained medical professional.

Once administered, the toxin works to paralyze your facial muscles by disrupting the communication between them and your brain. If muscles cannot move, they are also not able to form expressions that result in the appearance of wrinkles. Because the muscles are relaxed, new wrinkles do not form. This is how Botox works to take years from your appearance.

Botox has an excellent reputation as a cosmetic injectable. Despite its long history, there are no generic versions of the treatment. There are, however, similar treatments, like Dysport, that utilize other strains of botulinum toxin to address concerns about wrinkles.

What Types of Wrinkles Does It Treat?

Treatments are designed for what are called dynamic facial wrinkles. These are the ones that appear as your facial muscles contract with your various facial expressions. That is why it is especially effective for laugh lines and crow’s feet around your eyes. Treatments are also very popular for the horizontal lines that appear on your forehead and furrows between your eyebrows.

Does Botox Fix Wrinkles or Just Prevent Them?

Once your muscles are paralyzed from the treatment, your facial expressions will be more muted. Wrinkles that usually only appear when you laugh, frown, or have animated facial expressions will likely not be visible. If they are, their appearance will likely be minimized because your expressions will be smaller and more controlled.

Many people also feel that Botox prevents wrinkles from forming. This is true in the case of dynamic wrinkles that form as a result of repeated muscle contractions. Because you will not be using those facial muscles, they will not be contributing to the formation of new wrinkles. So, yes, Botox can help treat existing dynamic wrinkles as well as help slow the formation of new ones.

What Happens During a Treatment?

While everyone’s treatment experience may be slightly different based on their unique treatment plan, there are some things that you can expect at nearly every visit.

Analysis

First, a facial analysis will help determine exactly where injections will be administered. Careful placement is important to ensure the best results without affecting the natural appearance of your face.

Icing

Ice or a topical numbing agent may be applied to your treatment areas at the start of your appointment. Then your doctor will administer the injections. The treatment should only take about ten minutes to complete once it is started.

One of the nice features of Botox cosmetic treatments is that they can be performed right at your doctor’s office. They are completely non-surgical in nature and do not require a trip to a hospital or outpatient surgery center.

There is virtually no downtime after a treatment session. You can return to normal activities right after your appointment. That means you can even schedule your injections for your lunch hour and then return to the office without anyone being the wiser.

What About the Results?

You should expect to see results from your treatment in as little as two to three days. However, you should expect to see maximum results about one or two weeks after having your treatment done.

Results from a treatment session generally last several months, with some people seeing improvement for up to six months. There is no danger in having treatments repeated once results start to fade. Many people feel that, after several sessions, their wrinkles appear smaller and new ones do not form as fast. This may be because facial muscles become retrained to avoid certain expressions that lead to new dynamic wrinkles forming.

Are Treatments Safe?

Botox has been in use for many years with much success and widespread popularity. It is FDA approved and can only be obtained with a prescription for a licensed physician. Administered with a minimally invasive technique, it is widely considered as a safe and effective method of treating and preventing dynamic wrinkles in adults.

Are You a Good Candidate for Botox?

While only you and your doctor can decide if Botox is the right treatment for you, there are some general guidelines. Adults of virtually any age can use Botox, although it is most commonly used on those over thirty. Treatments are generally not advised for people over the age of 65.

You should not get Botox treatments while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any allergies to any of the ingredients. People with nervous system disorders are also not good candidates for treatment. Contact the staff at Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto if you think Botox may be right for you. They can schedule a consultation where you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and goals.

Reasons Why Hormone Health is Important to Your Wellness

Certain life events, such as pregnancy and aging, throw our hormones off balance. At Pearl MD Rejuvenation, we’d like to educate women on the importance of hormone health to your physical and mental wellness so that you can live your best possible life.

How Hormone Health Affects Your Wellness

Your hormonal system is simultaneously complex and fragile. If you have too much of one hormone or too little of another, you can experience many negative effects. These include rapid weight gain, an increase in visceral fat, depression and anxiety. Here are a few reasons hormone health is important to your wellness:

Mood Elevation

When it comes to hormone health, many people don’t think of its correlation to mental health. However, imbalanced hormones can wreak havoc on your mental health. Adequate levels of certain hormones are linked to improved learning and memory, certain muscular functions, digestive health and mood regulation. If there isn’t enough hormones in your system, you can experience weight gain, insomnia, extreme carbohydrate cravings, migraines and depression.

A Sharp Mind

Testosterone is typically thought of as a “male hormone,” but it is just as important for women. Testosterone, by nature, is an anabolic steroid which helps your body grow muscles and maintain muscle mass. This is particularly important as we age and begin to lose muscle mass rapidly. Testosterone also plays a crucial role in reducing your risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, low libido, Alzheimer’s disease, dangerous visceral fat around essential organs and depression.

Regulate Stress

Excess levels of certain hormones lead to storing fat in your midsection, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. On the other hand, if you aren’t producing enough hormones, you are at a higher risk of developing health conditions.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation

For more information on how hormone health affects your mental and physical wellness, you can talk to the dedicated medical professionals at Pearl MD Rejuvenation during an initial consultation. We can assess whether your hormones are imbalanced and recommend the best course of action to get them back in check. Our office is conveniently located in Toronto, ON. Contact us today to book your appointment and get started. We look forward to hearing from you!

Venus Freeze: Non-Surgical Body Sculpting

A newer cosmetic treatment is called Venus Freeze, and it’s one of the top options for non-surgical body sculpting. If you’d like to have toned, firm skin and need to get rid of cellulite, then this procedure should be considered. With Venus Freeze, you can stop dreaming about the body you’ve always wanted and get it.

How Venus Freeze Sculpts Your Body

This procedure is effective for smoothing away cellulite, and it can remove inches from problem areas. An additional benefit of undergoing this treatment is firmer skin. With the help of multipolar RF energy, the Venus Freeze system can penetrate deep into your skin and create energetic reactions within it.

When the multipolar RF is combined with pulsed magnetic fields, heat is dispersed into deep layers of your skin, and as a result, your skin will become toned and firm. Despite the name, Venus Freeze doesn’t freeze your skin, and the technology doesn’t cause any discomfort. Although heat is generated deep within your skin, it isn’t enough to require cooling cream, and when compared with other treatments, Venus Freeze is significantly faster.

What It Can Do for You

If you’re considering this procedure, you should know that it can eliminate unwanted fat from your body, which is measured in inches. The Venus Freeze system is especially good at recontouring the body, and it’s designed to target unwanted pouches and bulges.

This procedure will tighten and reshape your body and give you a firmer, leaner appearance. Unlike some alternative treatment options, this treatment uses three times the RF energy, and it requires significantly less time for treatment.

Are You a Candidate?

Before considering Venus Freeze, you should know if it’s a good fit for your cosmetic goals. Ideally, you should want a sculpted body, and the best candidates want to avoid traditional surgery. It’s important to know that Venus Freeze isn’t liposuction, and it focuses more on correcting problems with skin laxity and cellulite.

How the Treatment Targets Fat

This procedure is effective against fat because it harnesses the power of multipolar radiofrequency energy and pulsed magnetic fields. When applied correctly, this technology promotes the synthesis of elastin and collagen, which helps to facilitate FGF-2. As a result of the multipolar RF energy, you’ll end up with smoother, toned skin.

For non-surgical body contouring, you should consider treatments with Venus Freeze at Pearl MD Rejuvenation in Toronto. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and get started!

Boost Brain Vitality – Harness the Power to Build a Better Brain

Our brains are more adaptive than we ever imagined. Neuroplasticity describes the amazing ability of our brains to reorganize and adapt itself to form new neural connections throughout life in response to interactions with our environment. The brain is not hard-wired as once imagined, but rather a complex dynamic network that is both adaptive and malleable and can be “re-wired” by signals driven by our thoughts, body and environment.

The ability to rewire and even regenerate new neural connections indicates that there is a powerful role that our lifestyle and life choices can make in shaping our brain performance and its resilience to the deleterious effects of stress, disease and aging. The power to age well is within our reach and with a precise plan that targets our unique risks and susceptibilities -we can indeed build a better brain. From our thoughts to our actions, here is an 8-step plan to get started.

Challenge your Brain Daily!
If you don’t use it, you risk losing it! Between the ages of 60 to 70 years, women who continued to work had 40% less risk of memory problems than those who never worked. By challenging your brain often with novel and engaging activities, you can improve focus, concentration and recall while buffering against the risks of dementia. Learning to play a musical instrument, speak a new language or taking on a new hobby can provide the mental stimulation to boost brain vitality.
Build a Healthstyle for your Brain!
It takes 30 days to entrench a new habit and can take even longer to break old ones. But- swapping healthy lifestyle habits such as a daily night time walk for the less healthy ones- such as a nightly glass of wine or late night sugary snack, can have an enormously favourable impact on your health. Persistence even in the face of adversity can be the key to break through the barrier to positive change.
Practice Positivity and Action-oriented Thinking
Optimism works like a buffer to protect the brain from stress. On the other hand, ruminating, negativity and self-doubt can actually kill neurons and prevent the creation of new ones. A morning ritual of inscribing in a gratitude journal can stimulate positive thinking. When optimism becomes automatic and habitual, the brain is more likely to be ready to plan. Planning and action-oriented thinking is an effective brain building habit. When the brain thinks about an activity, the learning and neural networking that occurs nearly matches the mental memory laid down by actually performing the action. As the Canadian psychiatrist, scientist, and acclaimed author of “The Brain that Changes Itself”, Dr. Norman Doidge, has said; “imaging an act engages the same motor and sensory programs that are involved in doing it.”
Keep your Body active
Sitting is the new smoking. In addition to the many physical benefits of exercise, being active is critical to mental and cognitive health. Exercise has been shown to increase production of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that signals growth and differentiation of nerve cells and synapses as well as promoting survival. BDNF is essential for learning, memory, recovery from injury and protects from aging and senescence. Exercise-triggered increase in BDNF has been associated with improved concentration and memory as well as reduced risk of anxiety, depression and dementia. Outdoor activity like a brisk nature walk may boost memory and mood while also reducing stress.
Superfoods for a Better Brain
A nutrient enriched diet high in healthy fats may improve mood, memory and brain performance. The omega 3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) earns top rating as a brain superfood. DHA is found in the flesh of cold-water fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, cod liver and tuna. Populations with shore-based diets and increased dietary intake of DHA have been shown to have lower rates of depression and better memory. Other brain super-nutrients include the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients found in blueberries (anthocyanins), broccoli (vitamin K), turmeric, pumpkin seeds (zinc), dark chocolate (flavonoids), green tea (L-theanine, polyphenols), and coffee (caffeine and anti-oxidants).
Sleep Soundly
A good night’s sleep is vital to brain health. During sleep the brain actively reorganizes and recovers from daytime tasks. Key brain activities during sleep include the cementing of memories and new knowledge while flushing away accumulated metabolic waste (like beta-amyloid the hallmark protein of Alzheimer’s). While the ideal sleep duration is about 7.5 hours –there may be night to night and individual variation. Research has shown that even small reductions in sleep duration can have deleterious effects. After 2 weeks of sleeping 6 hours nightly the impairment in memory and reaction time is similar to having not slept at all. Sleep disturbance often proceeds, and is now considered causally linked to, the diagnosis of depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s Disease and is commonly seen following traumatic brain injury. So sleepy time is critical for not only the body but for the brain as well.
Buffer Stress
Stress serves as a common denominator in aging the brain and body. The toll of sleeplessness and depression on the brain is similar to that of chronic stress; with shrinkage in the key areas of the brain; the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex responsible for memory, learning and biofeedback. While what doesn’t kill us may make us stronger, when stress is too intense and too chronic in nature- the impact on brain health and performance can be extreme. In fact, stress induced changes in neural networks can be transmitted to future generations through the transgenerational effects of epigenetics. Although stressful situations cannot always be avoided, we can indeed become more adept at implementing stress reducing techniques such as the practice of meditation, deep breathing, tai chi and yoga. Neurobiofeedback devices can facilitate these practices by improving self-monitoring.
Boost your Social Network
Spending time in the company of friends can be good for your brain. Social interactions have been shown to boost mood and memory. On the contrary, social isolation is an important risk factor for dementia in older adults. So cherish your friends as they are another key to your brain vitality!

The power to build a better brain is within your reach. Harness the science of neuroplasticity to shape a healthstyle and daily habits that will help you boost your brain vitality.

Dr. Jennifer Pearlman, MD CCFP NCMP FAARM ABAARM
Dr. Pearlman is a Women’s health, hormones, and aging expert and Medical Director of Pearl MD Rejuvenation, a state-of-the-art Women’s health and wellness facility in Toronto. To learn more, contact info@pearlrejuvenatio.preview.crystalcleardm.com.