Aging is a natural process of every human being. It all begins from the second we take our first breath. As children, we are dependent on the adults who care for us until we reach young adulthood. As we mature, we begin to build our own habits. Some help to ensure good health for the rest of our lives. Some develop habits that will deteriorate our bodies and minds.
Can we actually slow down our aging process? Is there really a "fountain of youth"? Why do some people look younger than their actual age? What are their secrets? It is quite simple: Diet, exercise, and taking care of their skin.
Deciding which foods to eat should not have to be a challenge. Look for foods without preservatives and additives. Include fresh fruits and vegetables with rich antioxidants such as: blueberries, walnuts, beans, red apples, and artichoke hearts. The more plant based foods incorporated in your diet, the healthier you will be. Foods with bright colored skin are high in antioxidants and help in repairing damaged cells. Antioxidants can help prevent cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and even Parkinson's disease.
Antioxidants also help keep you young. They neutralize the "free radicals". A chain reaction of free radicals can kill cells, tear holes in cell membranes and mutate DNA which is the mastermind of cell activity.
Vitamin A and Vitamin C are two known antioxidants. Rich sources of Vitamin A are found in carrots, squash, spinach, and collard greens. Citrus fruits are the best sources for Vitamin C.
The best way for our body to assimilate what it needs comes from good nutrients from natural healthy foods. Try packing a daily lunch instead of depending on the fast food places is an ideal way to start eating healthier. Take supplements to insure you are getting proper nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Regular exercise such as walking 20-30 minutes three to four times a week helps burn excess fat and tone muscles. Walking strengthens the bones in your lower half, improving the onset of osteoporosis. Consistent exercise maintains blood sugar levels, strengthens cardiovascular system, improves stamina and memory, boosts immunity and provides a good night's sleep.
Few people can retain their strength and vitality until middle age. A lot of people look older than they actually are. Our body has the ability to renew and regenerate. The best way to attain this is by practicing Yoga on a regular basis. Practicing deep breathing and meditation relieves stress, increases oxygen and blood circulation which improves energy levels. Movements and flow with your practice gives the body flexibility and strength. It helps to bring balance to the body. Inversions bring the flow of blood back to the head to help combat the anti aging process. Inversions help with the graying hairs by turning them back to its natural color or delaying the onset of the hair color change.
Manage your stress. Yoga helps to relieve stress which helps in slowing down the aging process. It helps by providing elasticity to the spine, firming up the skin and removing tension from the body. It corrects poor posture, strengthens the abdominal muscles, it helps firm up the loose arm muscles, eliminates the possibility of a double chin. All of these will help the body to look and feel young once again.
Yoga revitalizes the mind and rejuvenates the body. The practice allows people to feel better today than they did when they were younger. They say a person's age can be determined by the flexibility of his spine, not how many years he has lived. The practice also helps increase mental competence allowing a person to feel younger. It helps to give the body power to fight internal and external diseases and dangers. It is key in helping an individual to live longer. Whether your twenty or eighty, consider taking a Yoga class three to four times a week. Age does not matter, just start your practice and you will see a difference.
Next, find
quality skin care products. A regimen should contain the following: exfoliation, toner, day sunscreen hat has Sun Protectant Factor (SPF), and a moisturizing night cream will provide the best results. Be consistent by using these twice a day and results should be seen within four to eight weeks.
Look for an
exfoliation wash that contains the ingredients, kaolin clay and dimethicone. These are two key ingredients and ideal for sensitive skin and will benefit with the overall improvement of your skin and texture. Kaolin clay will help draw out impurities from the pores and exfoliate the dead surface skin cells making your skin more radiant. Dimethicone will help clear up breakouts and is a skin barrier strengthener.
The
hydrating toner will help to brighten dull-looking skin. Look for a toner containing creatine which enhances cell renewal and begins improving the rejuvenation process. Creatine is a skin energy booster.
To help rebuild natural collagen production and improve the skin's elasticity, reduce appearance of wrinkles and protect the skin from the UVA/UVB rays, use a
sunscreen day protectant with SPF 15 or higher. The sunscreen will act as a dual purpose of protection and moisturizer when combined with quality peptides, antioxidants and dimethicone.
A
night cream will help maintain moisture in your skin and rebuild collagen as you sleep if it is one that will increase the skin's temperature and water loss.
Incorporating these important steps into your daily routines should give you a healthier life both inside and out.
