Unfortunately, we have not yet discovered how to defy the inevitable aging process. However, premature aging is a common concern and event in today’s modern world. Premature aging, normally characterized by early wrinkles, brown spots and dull blemished skin, is mainly caused by poor dietary habits, stress and environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution. Luckily, these are all factors that are in our direct control so there are things we can do for ourselves to promote anti aging.
How to Avoid Premature Aging.
Start now. This is the first piece of valuable advice – as it is never too late. Our bodies are capable of cell rejuvenation and repair and there are a number of things we can do to promote that. Generally, the focus should be put on reorganizing the way you eat, the way you handle stress, the way you protect yourself from the environment and choosing the right kinds of anti aging skin care products and treatments.
1. Anti Aging Diet
There is a popular theory at the moment, the Free-Radical Theory, which states that the body ages due to accumulation of free radical damage over time. Free radicals are normally occurring in the body and vital for certain functions but apparently, as we age we become more susceptible to the damaging effects of free radical build up. It is thought that antioxidants help control against free radical damage. So, it is important to adapt your diet to include foods rich in antioxidants. These foods are: berries, broccoli, red grapes, garlic, spinach, carrots, soy and whole grains.
In addition to antioxidants, some other compounds in foods, that impact inflammation at a cellular level, can affect aging. These foods possess anti-inflammatory properties: yogurt, sprouts, hot peppers, nuts and seeds, buckwheat, beans and lentils, barley, green colored vegetables, garlic and onions and acai fruit.
Incorporate these foods in your diet and they will help to minimize premature aging and age related illnesses.
2. Anti Aging Vitamins and Supplements
If you are eating a well balance diet, packed with the foods mentioned previously then you are probably getting the essential anti-aging vitamins you need to prevent wrinkles and dull skin. But just in case, you can supplement your diet by taking these vitamins: selenium, vitamin E and vitamin C. These are known to have antioxidant properties and will enhance your anti aging skin care and health care plan. Here are some anti aging vitamin supplement recommendations:
3. Anti Aging Lifestyle
Beyond encouraging an anti aging diet plan and supplementing it with anti aging vitamins, you can also adapt your lifestyle to promote anti-aging processes in your own body. Stress management and regular exercise are the key here and they are related. It is really important to maintain an active lifestyle – so take the stairs when you can, walk or bike instead of driving or get yourself to the gym or a yoga class on a regular basis. The benefits of moderate, regular exercise are enormous and anti aging and stress management are definitely among them. Also, you should be protecting yourself from the sun with appropriate attire, such as clothing, hats and or sunglasses (with UV protection). Using sunscreen daily on your face and on your body prior to sun exposure will also help to avoid wrinkles, brown spots and other signs of premature aging. More information about the aging process and how to adapt your lifestyle to promote longevity can be found in this really great book:
4. Anti Aging Products
If you are doing all that has been mentioned thus far, then you will definitely benefit from using good, anti aging products. I am a big fan of moisturizing creams. Moisturizing alone helps reduce early wrinkles and keeps skin hydrated and elastic. But for that extra benefit you can choose anti aging products. If you have read my previous articles, you will know that I prefer choosing natural skin care products but there are also a few other products out of the all natural category, that I like. Below are some suggestions, but I encourage you to do your research and choose ones that are appropriate for you.
In conclusion, although we cannot prevent aging, we can definitely do our part to prevent signs of premature aging. Choosing the right foods, adapting our lifestyle and choosing the right anti aging products are directly in our control. Start developing your own anti aging treatment regime today. Here’s to living long and looking young!