Tag: women

Posted in health, women’s health

What is Adenomyosis?

Posted on by M Artisans

April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month

Disclaimer: The information on this post is not intended to diagnose, treat or evaluate a condition. It is for informative purpose only, for individuals seeking general information.

Adenomyosis is a condition in which the lining of the uterus grows into the walls of the uterus

– Yale Medicine

Adenomyosis (pronounced add-en-o-my-OH-sis) is a gynecological condition that causes the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. It enlarges the uterus, and may lead to painful and very heavy menstrual bleeding.

Experts are not sure what causes adenomyosis.

Symptoms

Sometimes, adenomyosis causes no signs or symptoms or only mild discomfort. However, most symptoms are overwhelming such as the ff:

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
  • Severe cramping or sharp, knifelike pelvic pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • bloating

Treatments for adenomyosis include hormonal contraceptives (pills), pain medication and surgery. Some women with mild symptoms choose to manage adenomyosis nonsurgically until they enter menopause. Women with severe symptoms need a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).

Posted in health, natural medicine, women’s health

What are food – inflammatories?

Posted on by M Artisans

Food that can trigger an inflammation is considered an inflammatory. Women with endometriosis/ or adenomyosis should stay away from these inflammatories to lessen flare up & discomforts we experience regularly. 

Inflammation – is our body’s immune response, a natural response to protect itself from harm.

When our body is in continuous inflammation due to stress, bad habits & unhealthy eating, it becomes “chronic” manifesting into various symptoms such as; fatigue (loss of energy), digestive problems like diarrhea or constipation, skin issues, allergies, asthma, depression, anxiety, & high blood glucose levels.

With body in constant inflammation, our cells start attacking our body (auto-immune response). This results to many illnesses, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, heart diseases and cancer.

 

So what are these inflammatories that we should get rid from our diet?

  • refined carbohydrates

  • processed foods

  • fast food

  • saturated and trans fatty acids

  • GMO food

  • conventional dairy

  • alcohol & caffeine

  • sodas & other drinks with artificial sweeteners

 

food alcohol beer foam
Photo by Tookapic on Pexels.com

 

After that very painful attack recently, I’ve made a decision to really eliminate the inflammatories in my diet. In our international community we call it – endodiet. 

I thought I was going to die in severe pain, while vomiting everything I ate that day. Perhaps, this is life-changing for me, optimistic as always, dealing with endometriosis while helping fellow endo-sufferers by sharing my story, learnings and researches. 

 

Usual expression, but it is true – food is medicine. 

Since inflammation can have so many triggers and there are inevitable factors such as pollution, injury or sickness. We have the power to control and be mindful of what we eat/drink to stay healthy or pain-free. Join me for further studies on how to help and manage our unique condition.

Next post we will discuss the best anti-inflammatories. 

 

 

Read more:

Having Endometriosis & Adenomyosis; avoiding hysterectomy by lifestyle/diet change

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-foods-that-cause-inflammation#section2

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php

 

 

Posted in health, women’s health

My endometriosis story: Journey through pain 2

Posted on by M Artisans

I do not know how to begin my next personal entry. I’m pretty sure others would be eager to learn that my condition became worse. While a few close family and friends are immensely concern and worried.

I believe there’s a power to every story.

Not just for endo-sufferers like me, but for everyone…

For the last 7 years, I have lived with endometriosis, talked about it in previous posts;

Recently, I have been getting sicker. Been bleeding for more than a month now. And so I decided to see my trusted doctors, one happens to be a good friend of mine.

I’ve missed them, it’s been a long time since my last check-up. They’re genuinely compassionate, I can feel it. And they talk to me straight, only mere facts, without any sugar-coating.

My years with endometriosis is exhausting, there are times I refused to visit a local specialist because I know she’d remind me the same dismal news. It’s also tiring to always explain my condition, the more if inquisitor is clueless about this “incurable” disease. And to my fellow endo-sufferers, surely you can relate – people often think we make all these up or it’s all in our heads. Sadly, it’s pain who is talking. I tried to mask the affliction by managing my weight. Taking different medicines, oral therapy (hormones), supplements and herbal, to the point of repugnance is a daily norm.

First, I had an ultrasound followed by SISH (Saline Infusion Sonohysterography). Both are endometrial procedures to diagnose and identify the cause of this haemorrhage. After a thorough and cautious examination, they found a polyp & among other complications of endometriosis. Something unfamiliar to me, seeing it from the monitor I thought it was a fetus (I wish!) but oh no, it was a tubulocystic structure called hydrosalpinx.

it was a tubulocystic structure called hydrosalpinx.

Hypdrosalpinx – is a type of fallopian tube blockage. Read it here hydrosalpinx, causes and treatment. Distended in my abdomen, it appeared sausage like and a probable complication of endometriosis. Along with other pelvic adhesions, I was told that conceiving is now non-viable. It is easy to succumb and dwell on despair and sadness when one is overwhelmed with trials. And so I try to see something good, something to be thankful for in my everyday life. Waking up pain-free is what I cherish the most, being able to take no medication for a day is next.

We, together with my loving family and trusted doctors, deal with it one at a time. And it helps to be hopeful, hope gives us incredible strength.

hope gives us incredible strength.

My endo-sisters our journey through pain is much sweeter if we hold on to our family, to our loved ones, if we face it together. Facing it alone will just makes things worse and heavier. I thank God for I found a local community that I can relate with, and to be part of an international organization that’s united in one goal – to end endo. 

 

Reference/s:

http://www.verywellfamily.com

http://www.endometriosis.org

http://www.endohope.org

 

Posted in beauty and wellness, Gift Ideas, health and beauty, mother's day

Gifts any mom would love on Mother’s Day

Posted on by M Artisans

There’s a myriad of gifts to give your mom this Mother’s Day but giving her something useful, practical and that will last is what we all desire for our special “Mama”.

So here are five (5) gifts any mom would love to receive on Mother’s Day. 

  • Organic soaps

Every mom loves to be pampered and bath time is no exemption. Lathering in organic, handmade and natural soaps is the most inexpensive luxury. Main reason is because they often lack time and just stick with the basic skin care – a gentle bar of soap. Gift her with one that is not just any soap but also effective to remove skin problems like acne, pimple marks, warts, and other imperfections. Tried and tested by the Japanese – Kojic Acid Soap is a perfect example, and so are the likes of Rice, Oatmeal, Gluthatione, & Papaya Soaps. 

Price starts at P100 shop here POSH BOUTIQUE ONLINE

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  • Makeup

Another staple, whether it is lipstick, eyebrow pen or powder. Moms need to look put-up and fab even in a time constricted life. Featured in past post How to look lovely when you’re always in a hurry – some beauty hacks for busy mothers.

*A Korean makeup trend is orange or peachy lippie hue that compliments almost any skintone.

Price starts at P99. Shop here POSH BOUTIQUE ONLINE

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  • Skin Care

The fame of K-beauty is due to its emphasis on skin care. From the simplest sheet mask to the more sophisticated serum and oils. The goal is to have clear, smooth and fair skin. And who doesn’t like that?!

Price starts at P39. Shop here POSH BOUTIQUE ONLINE

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  • Travel essentials

Mothers don’t need to travel in order to have these must-haves, these are essential items in any working mom. Commuting can bring so much stress to our dear momsies especially in dealing with Manila traffic. Bag organisers or cosmetic bags are very practical and so is eye cooling mask. Relaxes tired eyes from a day’s work or trip. 

Price starts at P149. Shop Here POSH BOUTIQUE ONLINE

confort-vel-macio-de-veludo-m-scara-de-sono

 

  • Coin Purse/Wallets

Koreans also came out with cute, fashionable and most importantly – affordable coin purses/wallet. Moms know first and foremost how to save every peso coin. Giving her a purse will be of greatest use for her and she will surely be delighted.

Price starts at P49. Shop here POSH BOUTIQUE ONLINE 

 

 

PLEASE NOTE: PHOTOS DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE ACTUAL COLOUR OR APPEARANCE OF THE ITEM. 

much love,

mitch.e

Posted in health, health & fitness, women’s health

My Endometriosis Story: Post Op

Posted on by M Artisans

God decided to do certain things in a certain way,

and why He did this is a secret known only to Him.

– Paulo Coelho

Pre – operation, I would have diarrhea and extreme lower back pain every menstrual period. The reason for this was explained later on by the laparoscopy procedure done to me. They found out that my posterior uterus adhered to the intestines already. And you could imagine the monthly agony I went through, I felt like dying every time. Area/s affected by endometriosis will most likely manifest symptoms of pain & discomfort yet some cases I read are asymptomatic (oh lucky them!)

To simplify its definition – Our womb (uterus) is where a baby grows when pregnant. Endometriosis is a disease in which the kind of tissue that grows inside the uterus grows outside the uterus.

Our womb (uterus) is where a baby grows when pregnant.

Endometriosis is a disease in which the kind of tissue that grows inside the uterus grows outside the uterus.

The procedure provided a great relief but it was short-lived. For new findings of cysts, adenomyosis and enlargement of uterus were seen recently as bleeding becomes heavy again. I regret relying on the temporary relief of surgery. I thought that was it and oblivious of what could have been a chance for me to be healthy-er.

Many studies showed that unhealthy diet, chemicals and environmental pollution, lifestyle and mostly stress, compounded over time are the culprits behind our afflictions. Though there is no clear explanation for the cause of this illness, I believe that I’m guilty on the “work-related” stress, environmental factors and unhealthy eating which brought me to this present state of health.

it’s not too late…

There’s hope.

About a month ago, I become a member of Endometriosis Philippines Group, and it’s heartwarming to belong to a group that knows exactly what you’re going through, to have an advocacy and bring awareness to this disease.

Next post I will share the medicines, supplements, homeopathic medicines and vitamins I took or currently taking, which provided relief or just a waste of money. Of course, my body’s reaction can be entirely different from yours.

herbal supplements for Endometriosis

Still hoping to help other Endo-sufferers.

Thanks for your time.

mitch.e

 

Learn more:

My Endometriosis Story: Journey through Pain 

What is Endometriosis, signs and symptoms (UCLA-ObGyn)

Endometriosis- Symptoms and Causes by Mayo Clinic

16 Endometriosis Symptoms www.medicinenet.com

Our group – Endometriosis Philippines Discussion Group

Posted in beauty and wellness, health and beauty

Beauty in a budget v.2

Posted on by M Artisans

Let’s face it, not all can afford high end make up! But, being money savvy doesn’t mean you’d be ugly. Praise heavens for beauty brands that now cater to budget conscious ladies. Aside from their pocket friendly prices, some products come in cute and earth friendly packaging which I personally prefer 🙂

Here are the beauty-in-a-budget brands you should check out;

  • Onsaemeein – a brand from South Korea that makes great moisturizers with price as low as P399. Their bestsellers ~ Perfect Moisture Cream, Milky Whitening Soft Cream & Lumiere Gold Cream.

 

  • Boomdeah Dah – another Korean brand that is also very inexpensive. The Everyday mask retails at P30 each and they have great skincare line, too!

  • Ellana Minerals – Proudly “Pinoy” and the first in the Philippines that offers mineral based products in affordable prices. They promise to give poreless and complete coverage with their organic and cruelty-free makeup. Their popular items are Mineral powder (multi-use) & Loose mineral powder foundation.

    4943F356-210B-4177-BAB9-12E49D4126F7

 

  • Y.E.T – Stands for Yes, Enjoy Time! Another K-beauty entry that was just recently established but became highly popular among the trendy and fashionable. It’s now included in the top 10 cosmetic brand in Korea. They have the cutest Sheet Masks in the market, addressing the basic skin problems like dry skin, ageing, and enlarged pores or oiliness. 

  • LadyKin – another successful K-beauty Company that was launched the same year as that of Y.E.T which was 2012. And it’s mission is to provide high quality but affordable skincare and beauty line. Top selling items are Confidence Nude Face Cream, Shadow Stick, Snail Cream, Real Like Innateline Eyebrow, & many others. 

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That’s it for today lovelies. Because beauty doesn’t mean we have to break the bank, spend wisely and choose brands that are budget-friendly. 

Love,

mitch.e

Shop for budget-friendly makeup here 💕

Next post – all about Eyebrows 😍

Posted in health and beauty, Korean Makeup, Korean Skin Care

New Affordable Mask Sheets to try

Posted on by M Artisans

K-beauty just released new brands that offer affordable but effective sheet masks. These trendy masks are not just budget friendly but target the prevalent skin problems such as excessive oil production, pores, dehydration and premature skin aging.

Photos and information are taken from their official website.


  • Boom de ah dah

This new brand has 8 different flavors of mask sheets. Yes they call it – flavors – because their masks are made of natural fruit and vegetables. As Nature has the best skin solution. Suitable for all skin types, and each flavor has specific use/s as indicated in its packaging.

  1. Green Tea
  2. Aloe
  3. Lemon – Lime
  4. Rice
  5. Honey
  6. Berry
  7. Pomegranate
  8. Olive

  • Y.E.T Don’t Worry Sheet Masks

Fashionable and cute, these masks instantly caught the attention of K-beauty fanatics.

Straight forward, each mask focuses on the 3 main skin concerns; dehydration, wrinkles or skin aging and oiliness.

https://facebook.com/commerce/products/1693676680674962

  1. Heart beating mask – nutrition

  2. Infant mask – wrinkles

  3. Police mask – Oil control

Heart Beating/Nutrition

This mask protects lipid of skin and gives skin nutrition and moisture.

Also creates hydrated and resilient skin while exfoliating the surface.

Helping the skin become bright and energetic.

Best for exfoliation, nutrition, and moisture all in one mask.

Infant/Wrinkle

This anti-wrinkle mask replenishes and locks moisture in the skin.

While also improving elasticity and fighting against wrinkles to help you achieve baby soft skin.

Oil Control

Has lemon extract and contains natural AHA that controls sebum and removes waste from the skin.

Try one of these masks tonight 😊 it won’t hurt your wallets and will help keep your skin healthy and young looking.

Much love,
Mitch
👍Shop for masks Affordable Sheet Masks
Posted in beauty and wellness, makeup

How to look lovely when you’re always in a hurry

Posted on by M Artisans

I’m following this beauty guru in YouTube for years now – Wayne Goss. This expert knows what he’s talking about. He makes videos and known for his brief, effective and practical beauty hacks and makeup lessons. Goss makes everything simple, a basic eyeshadow trick for even the laziest girls. Much of what I’ve learned are from him and from a few other famous personalities in the web.

Yes there’s hope,

💕

I’m sharing some useful tips for us Pinays who are always nagmamadali or always on the go.

💕

Tip #1 – Choose products wisely

Select products that will help you achieve that wow look in no time, like BB creams or tinted moisturizers. Skipping a few steps in our daily struggle is crucial. After skincare, apply a fair amount of BB cream/tinted moisturizer. You’ll be surprised, they’re so easy to apply and blend compared to liquid or cream foundations as your base.




Tip #2 – Kilay is Life (eyebrow is life)

Haha, but yes it is. Eyebrow is huge nowadays. I can’t imagine myself going out with no eyebrows or my brows in halves, shameless! Don’t fret my loves, there’s a ton of brow products in the market right now for as low as P100. Make sure to pick the one that’s long wearing and with spooly/brush.


Tip #3 – Eye makeup in a flash

I actually skip this step most of the time since I’m wearing my glasses. But, when certain occasions demand a quick eye makeup, I’ve got an arsenal of products that’s highly recommended. Stick eyeshadow is heaven sent and will give you the fastest eye makeup imaginable. Yes, in less than a minute for me 😉 Just swipe and blend with your fingers, easy peasy! Apply liner or mascara as desired and voila pretty eyes.




Tip #4 – Crush blush

Flaunt your cheeks baby. Yes, rosy and plump cheeks is a sign of youth and vitality. And like what I’ve learned from Goss, you can use the same blush to subtly contour your face by applying it in the high points of your face. For that youthful and lovely sun kissed glow.


Tip #4 – Lipstick finale

This is no doubt a no-brainer trick, when it comes to appearing put up in an instant, lipstick is the key. One swipe and you’re good to go. Choose moisturizing lipsticks over drying matte ones if you like to avoid putting on lip balm.

Hope these help, till next post.

❤️ Mitch

Shop for Products, link here 💗

Posted in beauty and wellness, health and beauty

Beauty 101: Kojic Acid

Posted on by M Artisans

What is Kojic Acid?

Kojic Acid – is derived from several species of fungi and is known to limit melanin production. A fungus – “aspergillus oryzae” which in Japanese named as “Koji”, hence the name Kojic Acid. It is a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice, for use in the manufacturing of sake, the Japanese rice wine.[1] It is a mild inhibitor of the formation of pigment in plant and animal tissues, and is used in food and cosmetics to preserve or change colors of substances.

A fungus – “aspergillus oryzae” which in Japanese named as “Koji”, hence the name Kojic Acid.

There are many uses of Kojic Acid, here in the Philippines it’s a widely known component of whitening soaps. Other uses of this acid include; prevention of oxidative browning on fruits during cutting and production, to preserve the red/pink colors of seafood, and as antibacterial and anti-fungal. These useful benefits aside from naturally lightening the skin only prove that Kojic Acid is indeed a wonderful discovery from nature.

here in the Philippines it’s a widely known component of whitening soaps

Let’s discuss the side-effects of Kojic Acid, these “side-effects” maybe beneficial for some but harmful for sensitive and irritated skin.

  • this acid is a peeling agent and should be used with caution. It assists in skin exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, oil, dirt and debris from our skin

  • penetrates deeply into the skin and remove the outermost layer of the skin

  • As the outermost layer is stripped off, new skin is exposed. Kojic Acid enhances cellular turnover to compensate for the lost tissue during exfoliation. Your skin now has clean, soft, smooth, flawless, and fair skin

  • Kojic Acid, as an acid and may alter some of the skin’s normal flora. According to Material Safety study by Oxford, it was found out that Kojic Acid – as purely unprocessed Kojic – is a dangerous substance by itself so it’s better to read product labels, go for the organic and natural ingredients before putting anything to your face

 

kojic soap
we recommend – Organic Kojic Gold Soap. Click this photo for details.

 

After exfoliation, the new skin underneath is more sensitive. The new, fresh skin is more sensitive to sunlight, pollution, radiation, and to other harsh products. It’s a must to apply sunscreen with SPF 20 or higher especially when going out to avoid further damage on skin. Sun Protection

The skin is now also at risk for dryness so apply a generous amount of moisturizer or lotion while using Kojic acid.

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we also recommend a variation of Kojic Soap with the addition of Papaya to whiten and moisturize the skin. Click this photo for details

 

 

 

Kojic acid is an important product in skin whitening but should be use with caution and ample product knowledge. It’s always best to go for natural and organic.

 

hope this helps 🙂

much love,

Posted in beauty and wellness, life, motivational

Self Confidence for All

Posted on by M Artisans

Today, I felt the need to post something about – confidence or self esteem. Many of us had or have low self-esteem. It’s deeply rooted from painful childhood experiences, neglect, abuse, illness/debilitation, painful life events such as losing loved ones or a job, divorce, and the most common is discrimination.

As a daughter, grandchild, mother, sister and friend, my dream is to empower people most especially women and young ones and help them boost their self confidence. Yes it’s not easy, I know. I’ve seen enough death in my family, my granddad who was like a father to me died in a car accident when I was very young, sudden passing of my younger brother then my father. And to add discrimination and scrutiny on the side. The negative early events later on become contributors to Low Self Esteem.

I’m no expert but I’m talking based on experience. It’s never too late to believe, to stand up and it all starts with forgiveness. To let go of these thoughts, forgive yourself and always remember that there’s always another chance. New hope.
Think positive. Instead of saying, “I’m a loser” or “no one really likes me” why don’t you talk to yourself and be your first and only effective motivator and coach – “You can do this!”

Positivity leads to positive outcomes.

Smile, laugh and surround yourself with happy and positive people. You’ll feel better as go through the process. They say faking confidence can help, and that’s true. I’ve tried that many times, put your chin up, dress up, use accessories or wear makeup just to elevate self confidence.

When you look better, you will feel better. 

And it may take time and effort. But trust me, I’ve been there and it will all be worth it…

 

with much love,

mindful_mp

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