Slow the Signs of Aging

Aging is perhaps one of those necessary evils, and an inevitable aspect of our lives, but you can take small steps daily to reduce the effects it has on your face and body. There are nearly an infinite amount of theories as to the cause of aging. Research has blamed everything from stress and the environment to nutrition and genetics. Evidence does show, however, that aging occurs because there is a decline in the amount of substances that naturally occur within our bodies. Whichever is the core reason for aging, you can begin to take powerful steps in maintaining a youthful appearance, or even reversing the signs of aging. Preventing the signs of aging begins with blocking the damaging effects of free radicals. One effective way of fighting free radicals is to use a topical antioxidant made in the form of a moisturizer or serum. Be sure to look for ingredients like lycopene and resveratrol, as they are known for protecting the skin against the effects of the environment. Also use products that have a variety of B-vitamins which help to increase cell turnover.

Eating is a great way to achieve healthier and more youthful skin. Look to what has been coined as “superfoods.” These powerful foods have been studied for their amazing benefits to the skin as well as the body. If your goal is to reduce, or prevent the signs of aging, it is important that you up your servings of fruits and vegetables such as Acai (ah-sigh-ee), a fruit from the Brazilian rainforest which has a variety of fatty acids, Vitamin E which is loaded with enzymes and amino acids; blueberries and blackberries which are packed with antioxidants like Vitamin C and carotenoids; Goji Berries which have beta carotene, essential minerals, Vitamin B and Vitamin C; sea vegetables which are high in beta carotene and omega-3s; and do not forget to drink teas such as white, green, black, rooibos and yerba mate; these teas are high in polyphenols. Reduce as many “inflammatory” foods from your diet as possible.

Foods that produce a high amount of inflammation, those that are overly processed, sugar laden, starchy and fried, may increase your risk of being afflicted by chronic diseases and premature aging. This inflammation process is destructive and dangerous because it cannot be readily seen as with the visible kind of inflammation that shows itself in the form of redness, swelling or a sunburn. This “subtle” form of inflammation occurs at a cellular level which invades the body and manifests itself in different diseases, including arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and wrinkles.

Another key element related to diet, is sugar and its negative effects on the aging process. Too much sugar in one’s diet has been found to speed up aging in the body. The way the body metabolizes sugar and the byproducts that result can oftentimes compromise the elastin and collagen in the skin due to a process known as glycation.

It is also wise to mention that, as cliché as it might sound, age is a state-of-mind. With the anti-aging field growing with actual doctors who specialize in anti-aging medicine, many of these experts believe that growing old is actually a mental construct. So, with the proper diet and exercise as well as mental balance, achieved through yoga and meditation, aging can be viewed as something in which you have control over, and can also be viewed as a rich aspect of your life that produces wisdom and a wealth of different experiences.

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