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Why Does Food That’s Bad for You Taste So Good?

I recently came upon a beautifully written article on a subject that has nagged at my brain for quite some time.

Why does food that’s bad for you taste so good?

The author’s premise is that there is an evolutionary survival basis for meats and sugars that protected the caveman in addition to the healthy foods they ate.  Meat provided protein, vitamins and minerals for a long slow burn of strength and energy.  But there was also the need for quick burning energy:  “Evolution made us neurotic about filling the tank with high-octane foods that pack the most energy per gram swallowed.”  Our early ancestors also didn’t live long enough to suffer the negative effect of atherosclerosis caused by fatty foods and diabetes caused by raw sugars.  In fact, there were very few raw sugars available then—perhaps sugar cane—and the rest were found in healthy berries and fruits.  But they did need immediate energy to run away from those saber-tooth tigers!  Then they likely needed salt replacement from all the sweating and stress of a near-death experience.

Let’s take a look at my fabulous young granddaughters.  One is being raised vegetarian, and both of my daughters are very careful to feed their children in as healthy a way as possible.  They love fruit, they love vegetables, live a very healthy lifestyle and do not crave junk food.

On the other hand, they don’t really know about junk food…. yet.

What happens when you introduce a child to cookies, chips and candy?  Remember what their face looked like the first time they tasted ice cream?  Know anyone who nibbles on a Cheeto and then says, “Thanks, one is enough for me”?

I don’t know why God does this.  I don’t think Darwin can fully explain it.  There is just something inexplicably delicious about sugar, salt and fried foods that is not found in Brussel sprouts, cauliflower or kale.

If God could have a do-over, would this be the one?  Maybe, but I think Gallagher was right when he said that noses were designed wrong.  Why put something so drippy upside down above your mouth?

Dirt: Where Does It Go?

In Dr. Seuss’s masterpiece, The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, there is a famous scene where, upon draining the bathtub, a long pink ring has formed around the inside of the tub. In the cat’s attempt to clean it up, the pink spot transfers to the children’s mother’s white dress, the wall, their father’s pair of $10 shoes, a rug, their father’s bed, the television, a pan, then finally outside to the snow until all the snow becomes pink. A spectacular feat of magic is finally required to fix the situation.

Fantasy? Not really, except the part where the pink snow is magically changed back to white.

What about dirt? Like the pink bathtub stain, it never really vanishes-it just moves. Perhaps we need to consider dirt (and cleanliness) in a different way.

Think about it- what happens when you clean a spill from the counter? Perhaps you pick it up with a sponge, then wash the sponge in the sink. You’re just putting the spill into the drain and downstream- eventually into the Pacific Ocean, if you happen to live in Los Angeles. Perhaps
you clean it with a paper towel? You’re just transferring it to the garbage- and eventually to the local dump, where it resides for most of eternity. So when we clean our house, what are we really doing? Well, we’re moving as much as we can out of the house- that’s all. To the ocean, or to the dump. You can see where I’m headed with this.

So what’s the deal with dirt? We didn’t create it in the first place, so why do we feel so guilty about it? Think of all the money spent on getting rid of dirt, when in fact we’re only pushing it around. Are we making the world worse by all the things we use to clean?

Sadly, there is no spectacular magic “VOOM” like the Cat used to clean up the snow. We are doomed to simply move dirt-to put it somewhere else. In the Greek myth, Sisyphus, King of Ephyra, was condemned by Zeus to eternally push a boulder uphill. However, as soon as he would reach the top of the hill, the boulder would roll down and Sisyphus had to push it back again.

Perhaps we should relax a bit and stop pushing dirt around so much?

PRP Facial Injections a.k.a. “Vampire Facials” Exposed

A procedure that started as a way to speed up healing for sports injuries is beginning to gain popularity as a facial. Claimed benefits of the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Facial Injections include reducing the prominence of scars, wrinkles, sun damage, and dark circles. Supposedly, your skin will be tighter and more radiant after undergoing the procedure. Yet, rigorous scientific studies on this popular “Vampire Facial” procedure find that it is no more effective than injecting saltwater into your face.  

Kim Kardashian popularized PRP Facials a couple of years ago and gave them their informal name, the “Vampire Facial.” First of all, the procedure does not even require a certified surgeon. The operation can be done in spas by dermatologists and estheticians. The process begins by drawing a couple of vials of blood from the arm of the patient. The blood is centrifuged to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood. A local anesthetic is applied to the face, and the platelets are shot into the face via mini injection holes. Commonly, PRP Injections are paired with microneedling, a tactic in which fine needles puncture the skin, stimulating cells to create more collagen and producing a youthful look. These facials are not FDA approved because technically, the patient is not getting injected with drugs, but their own blood. 

While many specialists say patients will recover from Vampire Facials in just one day, many find that their skin has not fully recovered even five days later. Bruising (especially under the eyes), burning, intense itching, swelling, dryness, puffiness, and redness are results of the “facial” that can continue for up to a week after the procedure (1). Many claim the results are long-lasting (up to two years) but at the same time, they encourage a regimen of monthly treatments for three to four months and after that, on an annual or biannual basis. If treatments are so long-lasting, why would they need to be performed every month and every year? 

The Truth about PRP  

Claim: PRP Facials are regenerative because your platelets accelerate healing and vitality. 

The Truth:  This statement is more marketing than biology. Cell survival and interaction with parent cells are scientifically relevant, but insufficiently understood elements of platelets in their function of healing and revitalizing tissue (2). There are not reliable studies showing that platelets are useful in healing tissue. PRP’s original function as a sports injury therapy has still not been proven effective. Doctors say they’re still not sure if it helps with chronic or acute injuries. Studies show that PRP may be more effective when compared to cortisol injections, but its results do not hold when compared to placebos.  

Claim: More platelets means more healing.  

The Truth: Dosage is critical with many medicines. Routinely, higher dosage is worse for health. There is no evidence that increased platelets will speed up healing.  

Claim: PRP is a natural treatment; it’s safe and healthy because there’s nothing foreign going into your body.  

The Truth: There are lots of things in your body that are not beneficial to be extracted, increased in potency, and then returned to your system. Many hormones are part of the same healing process as platelets, but having too many will harm you. 

Following the logic that having more of something natural is better, you would think that having more red blood cells is healthier, to give an example. Red blood cells are essential to life and provide vitality and healing. Yet hemochromatosis is a disease—an excess of iron—caused by the presence of too many red blood cells. In this case, absorbing too much is a problem, not a benefit. 

On top of that, injecting materials into muscles is not unequivocally harmless. There’s conflicting evidence about PRP being myotoxic, meaning poisonous to muscles (3).   

Skin infections can also occur between multiple PRP Facial sessions, with a higher risk posed to those with sensitive skin. 

Claim: Studies have shown that PRP is effective. 

The Truth: The only good news is coming from isolated or scientifically flawed studies.  

Reliable, randomized controlled trials are largely inconclusive. “The observed trend towards benefit with PRP use still remains questionable” (4). The first rigorous study testing the effectiveness of platelet injections finds they are no more effective than injecting saltwater (5). 

If you’re looking for a safe, effective, and natural facial rejuvenation with lasting results, consider Natural Fat Transfer with NanoStem Serum (NSS) instead. A serum is created from your body’s own fat cells and injected into the skin to improve skin quality, tone, and complexion. The procedure does not involve any incisions or surgery and has a quick recovery time with permanent results. The process of extracting, concentrating and administering these fat-derived stem cells has been proven in medical studies to have beneficial effects (6). There is minimal risk for negative effects of using fat as a filler because no one is allergic to their own fat. While the same logic is argued for a patient’s own platelets with PRP, the effects of platelets must be investigated further, whereas it’s clear in the scientific community that using fat as a filler is successful for adding cushioning under the skin (6). NanoStem Serum is cost effective, safe, and has the added benefit of moving unwanted fat from one part of the body to a place you do want it. Read more or watch a video from Dr. Koplin.

 

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Sources 

1. Maria Del Russo, “The Cold, Bloody, (Kind of Disgusting) Truth About Vampire Facials,” http://www.refinery29.com/2016/10/128208/prp-treatment-vampire-facelift-review, October 31, 2016. 

2. Vogel S M Gawaz, “Platelets in tissue repair: control of apoptosis and interactions with regenerative cells.” Blood 122, no. 15 (October 2013):2550–4. PubMed #23963043. 

3. “Myotoxicity of Injections for Acute Muscle Injuries: A Systematic Review.” Sports Medicine 44, no. 7 (July 2014): 943-956, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-014-0186-6.  

4. Dhillon RS, Schwarz EM, and Maloney MD, “Platelet-rich plasma therapy—future or trend?”, Arthritis Res Ther. 14, no. 4 (August 2012):219, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22894643.  

5. Gina Kolata, “Popular Blood Therapy May Not Work,” New York Times, (New York, NY), January 12, 2010.  

6. George KH Li, Joseph HP Chung, Lawrence HL Lieu, Velda LY Chow, Gregory Ian SK Lau, and Richie CL Chan, “Fat grafting: A safe and effective treatment of craniofacial depression,” Surgical Practice 19, no. 2 (May 2015):75-81, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1744-1633.12114/abstract.  

Natural Fat Transfer and LMK NanoStem Serum 

Natural Fat Transfer using NanoStem Serum (NSS) is a very important component of your facial rejuvenation journey. To directly improve skin quality and tone, we create a serum from your body’s own fat cells. This serum is injected into the skin to create a healthier, more youthful complexion. Most essential to a successful procedure is working with a well-trained, experienced plastic surgeon who will artistically and carefully place your injections. 

The procedure is safe and simple—no incisions or surgery involved. It also has a quick recovery time. The results of this procedure are a smoother, healthier, and younger looking complexion. Usually, Natural Fat Transfer is employed in conjunction with liposuction because fat is already being removed, and this way it can have an additional benefit to smooth and cushion the desired area. Natural Fat Transfer and NanoStem Serum are also performed as stand-alone procedures to artfully rejuvenate faces, earlobes, and hands. 

Stem cells reside in fat as well as other tissues in the body. The process of actively extracting, concentrating and administering these fat-derived stem cells has been proven in medical studies to have beneficial effects, and its function as an aesthetic filler under skin is well-documented (1). There is very little risk for negative effects of using fat as a filler because no one is allergic to their own fat.

 

First, a physician extracts natural, healthy fat cells from under your skin using liposuction. The fat layer resides below the dermis and epidermis (skin) layers. Removing fat from an unwanted area is an added benefit of NSS.  

The key to this procedure is a gentle extraction of the fat. The fat is then washed and excess water is removed. Then it is put into a Nano Emulsifier and run through a Nano Filter to be processed and concentrated. 

The washed, emulsified, and filtered fat is then centrifuged, where it separates into oil, particulate fraction, and liquid fraction.  

The separated elements are now ready for injection. The physician should take care to make sure that the bed where the fat is to be injected will accept the new fat and allow it to thrive. This procedure is all about skillful and artistic technique—be confident that your medical professional will not place your fat in a lumpy or unnatural-looking way.  

To fill deeper lines, particulate fraction is injected. Liquid fraction treats the finer lines. The results will be a smoother texture, less visible wrinkles, healthier skin color, and cushioning and support for the epidermal layer. The results should be permanent when done properly. The injected fat that thrives will have a continuous blood supply, so with a well-executed procedure the extra volume provided by fat transfer should last for many years (2). NSS has more permanent results than injectable fillers which require reinjection to maintain the benefits (2). 

Dr. Koplin has been doing the Natural Fat Transfer procedure for more than 20 years and has participated in the recent development and refinement of NanoStem Serum techniques. He holds a double board certification in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery, and is regarded as an innovative artist in the field of plastic surgery. An expert and perfectionist, Dr. Koplin’s top priority is to craft a youthful, natural-looking elegance.  Read more or watch a video from Dr. Koplin.

Make An Appointment
For Your Consultation

Call Now

 

Sources 

1. George KH Li, Joseph HP Chung, Lawrence HL Lieu, Velda LY Chow, Gregory Ian SK Lau, and Richie CL Chan, “Fat grafting: A safe and effective treatment of craniofacial depression,” Surgical Practice 19, no. 2 (May 2015):75-81, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1744-1633.12114/abstract.  

2. West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University, “Fat Grafting,” http://westcountyplasticsurgeons.wustl.edu/Surgery/Body-Contouring/Fat-Grafting, 2015. 

Shallow End or Deep End?

I’ve met and treated a lot of patients in my career, and have come to the conclusion that there are two basic personalities when it comes to decision making.  I compare them with the two options we have when deciding to swim in a cold pool: Shallow End Steppers or Deep End Divers.

The pool is cold—how do we choose to get in?

Most people go in slowly.  Toes first, then feet to the top step.  Get acclimated.  Down to the next step, get acclimated again and continue.  It takes time and patience, but it gets the job done.  That’s a Shallow End Stepper.

A smaller group of individuals find it easier to make the decision, are certain in their choice, and just jump in.  They have weighed the options, know what to expect, and are eager to get on with it.  That’s a Deep End Diver.

You have seen this many times before.  At the beach, most people go in slowly and scream every time the water moves a bit higher.  But a few brave (or reckless) souls run in full throttle, diving under the approaching wave and surfacing with a shout and a shake of their head.  Some kids wiggle a loose baby tooth for days and weeks, not allowing anyone to touch it until the last thread breaks loose and the tooth is out.  Other children (not many) grab and pull that tooth to get it out as quickly as possible- and under the pillow for a Tooth Fairy reward.  In a vaccination line, most of us want to be at the very back, but a few others push to the front to “get it over with.”

Plastic surgery is a very personal choice, and making that final decision to proceed isn’t always that easy.  I notice that most successful business individuals seem to be able to make a quick decision: to move ahead, have the surgery and make plans for their schedules during and after recovery.  Most of us don’t decide quite that easily!

I have also noticed that the “first” decision is often the most difficult.  You don’t know us; you don’t know the temperature of the water.  Familiarity, trust, comfort and great results make it much easier to dive in.

My job, and the job of everyone in my office, is to make the decision making process as stress-free as possible.  We won’t pressure you.  We won’t push you.  If you need to talk with us several times, we are here for you.  Patients who consider future surgeries after knowing us find the water to be much warmer.  We will always respect your pool personality!

Feel Good Patient Review

Cosmetic surgery isn’t always about what is seen in Hollywood.

There are times where we help our patients during their recovery from life-threatening and life-altering situations. It is a great feeling when we hear back from our patients saying how we helped them feel better and regain their confidence after such a difficult ordeal. You can’t help but smile after reading patient Continue reading “Feel Good Patient Review”

May 20, 2015
  News

LMK Tinted Sunscreen

Dr. Lawrence Koplin is proud to announce our new LMK Tinted Sunscreen-SPF 40, just in time for the summer season! LMK Tinted Sunscreen is like no other sunscreen found on the market. It delivers powerful protection from the sun’s dangerous rays while giving you the soft feel when applied to your delicate skin! Continue reading “LMK Tinted Sunscreen”

April 6, 2015
  News

Timely Death of the Lifestyle Lift

The Wall Street Journal reported today the shutdown of the cosmetic surgery chain Lifestyle Lift. Will this leave a gaping hole in the facial rejuvenation universe, or is this Darwin cleaving the weakest member of the herd?

The answer is the latter: Lifestyle Lift is a shopping-mall bargain basement embarrassment to the plastic surgery universe whose loss will not be eulogized by anyone other than the owners and staff. Started by an osteopath trained as a “facial” plastic surgeon in 2001, it had bloated into a national embarrassment Continue reading “Timely Death of the Lifestyle Lift”

March 4, 2015
  News

On Becoming a Grandparent

Over the past 26 months, my family has doubled. From three single children, my two oldest (daughters) added husbands and this week my oldest gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl!

Coming from a small family with only one sister and her son, there is something very lovely and special about large ones, with giant family gatherings, picnics, outings and vacations. Each of my daughters immediately acquired these extended families with their marriages, and I know they treasure the situation Continue reading “On Becoming a Grandparent”

Palindromes

A palindrome is a word or phrase that is the same backward and forward. Like “dad”, “mom”, “pop”, “Abba”, “kayak”, “deified” and “racecar”.

I like palindromes. There is something very clean and orderly about them. They are the comfort food in the vocabulary supermarket, having symmetry and balance that makes the brain warm and happy.

There are complete books of palindromes. Two favorites are titled, “So Many Dynamos!” and “Sit On a Potato Pan, Otis!” Your head will spin (in Continue reading “Palindromes”