Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Health, Nutrition and Anti-Aging, Part 2

In our last article on Health ( dated 16th Sept. 2013 ) we commenced to cover the topic 'Is Anti-Aging a Reality?' We covered two of the three aspects listed i.e. Diet/ Detox and Health & Behaviour. The third important aspect, Cosmetics, was noted for mention and this we shall now deal with, along with an important fourth aspect - Food & Nutrition.
Cosmetics: Do Anti-Aging creams really work? My research indicates that the jury is still out on this one. One well known Australian beauty writer says that in limited application, benefits can be seen. However, over use can be harmful and indeed cause life long damage.
The most common types of creams are Alpha Hydroxy Acid ( AHA's ) and Retosin ( Retonols ). These products are becoming popular with the middle aged and the younger who have been exposed to too much sun. They are, however, not cheap, so you want to be getting good results. Manufacturers show convincing examples of successful applications, but some professionals are more cautious.
Dermatologist Dr. Natasha Cook warns high potency AHA's can dehydrate the skin and cause raw dermatitis. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin, only use low potency AHA, and then no more than twice per week. There are now also products available which do not include AHA's. The rejuvenation effect includes removing layers of dead skin and making the skin stronger. The potential for long lasting adverse effects should be considered, and if you have any doubt about the product or its benefits, it may be wise to consult your doctor.
<b>Food & Nutrition</b>: It's a statistic that Heart Disease shortens more women's lives than any other disease. The most common forms of Heart Disease are high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. It stands to reason therefor that if you are concerned about longevity ( and who isn't ), you really should look into this. And the good news is there are many things you can do to reduce this risk.
In our previous article we dealt with the important matters of not smoking, diet and foods low in saturated fats, the importance of exercise and avoiding stress. Now let's examine a few more important points:
Minimise Salt Intake: Salt can have a significant effect on high blood pressure. Avoidance of processed foods and tasty 'take aways' helps to reduce intake, and try never to add salt directly on to your meal. Rather, eat lots of fresh fruit & vegies, they contain potassium and nitric oxide which relax the blood vessels and help lower blood pressure.
<u>Eat Oily Fish</u>: Cold water fish such as sardines and salmon are rich in Omega 3 which acts to counter harmful blood fats and regulate heart rhythm.
Caffeine: Caffeine is known as a stimulant and can increase blood pressure. It is found in carbonated soft drinks, tea and coffee. It should be treated with respect and only consumed in moderation.
Herbs: There is a variety of herbs readily available in the stores which benefit the heart, including gotu kola, hawthorn, Chinese red-yeast rice and garlic. However, it is a good idea to consult your herbalist or doctor to assess your best choices and benefits, especially if on any medication.
Cutting Calories: Cutting back on calorie intake was recently considered to be a reliable means to prolong life. Indeed, some previous scientific study showed positive results in this field but, unfortunately, was limited only to insects and rodents. Newer studies at the National Institute For Aging however, using monkeys as subjects, although showing significant health improvement, did not necessarily conclude a longer life span.
I myself have concluded that by knowledge and discipline one certainly can live healthier, happier and indeed longer.
The Fountain of Youth may still be a myth, but there is certainly a lot we can all do as individuals to extend our life span. The secret is Health and Fitness and Good Diet.
At our Blog http://loseitandexist.com we try very hard to give you the best and latest information in this regard. You'll also find information on products and features of interest.
That site again http://loseitandexist.com see you there.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8062391

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