Post-Carnival Care for a Healthy Life in 2020

For many people, the year begins after Carnival. So, this is the ideal time to start fulfilling those promises that many make to have a healthier lifestyle and dedicate themselves to achieving some body goals. Therefore, we have gathered some important tips from specialists with the main guidelines that can be followed right after the festivities.

As this period may have involved excessive food and drink, the initial suggestion may be to detoxify with some specific foods, and then establish a daily routine for meals. Nutritionist Fernanda Pignaton emphasizes the importance of hydration during this period, with a minimum intake of 2 liters of water per day, and also advises on how other foods can help in this process.

“The intake of water helps eliminate toxins, dilutes pollutants, improves kidney function, and contributes to the digestion process. Green leaves – such as lettuce, spinach, arugula, Swiss chard, among others – are excellent sources of fiber and participate in this detoxification process by reducing the absorption of fats and toxins, aiding in the intestinal tract. It is also essential to prioritize the consumption of natural and fresh products. Avoid industrialized and processed foods. This is a tip to follow always, but now it is especially important,” she indicates.

Fluid retention is very common at this time due, mainly, to poor diet and the consumption of foods high in sodium. Therefore, to minimize these effects, nutritionist Rodrigo Rosa from Bio Mundo recommends teas and natural spices to help with anti-inflammatory, diuretic, digestive actions, and also to optimize metabolism.

“In particular, green tea and black tea are rich in antioxidants and help detoxify the body. Other powerful teas include boldo, picão, and lemon balm. Among the most recommended spices for these situations are turmeric, rosemary, and oregano. They can be used interchangeably and variably, even with supplements. Additionally, grains are also powerful allies, especially whole grains. Examples include: wheat, barley, oats, rye, canary seed, sunflower seeds, and flaxseed.

In addition to healthy habits, resuming the post-Carnival routine also includes some body care. Lymphatic drainage, for example, is pointed out as a method to help, especially with body swelling. Aesthetician Magda Rothier Motta Sartori highlights the benefits of the procedure. “It activates venous and lymphatic circulation and thus reduces fluid retention and decreases swelling. It also helps combat cellulite, which is an inflammation in the cell caused by the accumulation of fat. Thus, circular movements improve the appearance of dimples,” she indicates.

Speaking of cellulite, another procedure that can help reduce it is X-Wave. According to plastic surgeon Fabricio Regiani, the treatment can be done on the belly, buttocks, thighs, saddlebags, and arms. The process is painless, as the shock waves are only internal and stimulate blood flow in the area and collagen formation. The ideal for the success of the procedure is to perform six to ten sessions, spaced just 48 hours apart, depending on each case, with 5 minutes of application per region using the device.

“The treatment is done in eight sessions, with two weekly, and it is already possible to observe an improvement during the process, with firmer, stronger, smoother, and fuller skin. After the session, no special home care is required, but we always recommend that, in parallel, patients follow a healthy and low-calorie diet, engage in regular physical exercise under the guidance of a professional, and drink about two liters of liquid per day to facilitate the rapid elimination of product residues,” he advises.

To eliminate any traces on the face from sleepless nights enjoying the block parties during Carnival, plastic surgeon Fabricio Regiani recommends Ultherapy, which works with high-pressure focused ultrasound. It allows for the improvement and tightening of connective tissues.

“This equipment recently arrived in the state, and with it, it is possible to visualize the layers of the patient's skin through ultrasound, emitting energy at the ideal depth, temperature, and precision. Thus, the procedure utilizes the body's own regenerative response (collagen stimulation) to promote: treatment of facial flaccidity, double chin, and neck; facial lifting; improvement of wrinkles; and also improvement of fine lines on the décolletage,” he explains.

There is also Exilis Elite, which promises to reduce measurements and restore tone in facial and body areas such as buttocks, saddlebags, arms, and face. The result of the process is smoother skin without “folds,” which can be perceived right after the first session. In general, a total of four sessions is recommended, with weekly intervals and maintenance every three months.

“The equipment stimulates collagen formation through radiofrequency waves that generate heat, thus achieving an improvement in flaccidity. The procedure works through thermal waves to deeply heat the skin and reach fat cells. It does not generate any unpleasant sensation, and it is also not necessary to interrupt normal daily activities,” he concludes.