March is National Nutrition Month

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What you put in your body affects your skin as much (if not more) as what you put on the outside of your body. March is National Nutrition Month. There is not a better time to start eating healthier for your skin. By adding the following three foods to your diet, you can transform your skin.

Mangos- If your skin is dry and dehydrated, eat mangos. Mangos are a great source of Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps reduce wrinkles by increasing retention of water, collagen production and skins ability to withstand injury.

Cottage Cheese- Cottage cheese is a great source of Vitamin E and calcium. Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant that boosts immunity and heals the skin. Studies also show that Vitamin E helps improve acne challenges and decrease the affects of photo aging. Calcium is important for cell renewal and improved lipid barrier function (keeps skin young and hydrated).

Mushrooms- Mushrooms have B Vitamins and selenium which help decrease the skins anti-inflammatory response and calm and decrease redness. Selenium (obtained from food sources) may help decrease sun damage and skin cancer. In addition, selenium is needed to maintain skins elasticity. (Note selenium obtained from supplements has been shown to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and other cancers). As a bonus, according to Self.com, mushrooms that have been exposed to UV light have large quantities of Vitamin D. Great news if you are a vegan being this is the only natural non-animal Vitamin D source.

Ingredients to Avoid

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This chart pretty much sums it up. (source rawforbeauty.com)

Magnesium

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Do you consider magnesium as an essential mineral when it comes to health benefits?  Many of us know the benefits of calcium and zinc however health experts stress the importance of magnesium for staying healthy.  Magnesium is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses, body temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production, and the formation of healthy bones and teeth.  Studies show that magnesium helps aid in the symptoms of PMS and menopause.  In addition, there is overwhelming data that suggests magnesium may reverse osteoporosis, prevent cardiovascular disease, decrease blood pressure and the risk of developing diabetes, and treat headaches, insomnia and depression.

Foods rich in magnesium include nuts (not roasted) especially almonds, fish, wheat germ, green leafy vegetables, cocoa (dark unsweetened chocolate), squash, pumpkin, edamame, Tahini, and bran.

(source: www.newsmax.com January 20, 2011)

Chiropractic Care

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Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic is pretty widely accepted in the medical community, and thus qualifies more as a “complementary” medicine than an alternative one. The practice focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, including pain in the back, neck, joints, arms, legs, and head. The most common procedure performed by chiropractors is “spinal manipulation” (aka an “adjustment”), which involves applying controlled force (typically the chiropractor’s hands) to joints that have become “hypomobile.” The idea is that joints’ movements become restricted when surrounding tissues are injured either during a single event (tweaking a muscle during a weight-lifting session) or through repetitive stress (sitting with poor posture for extended periods). Chiropractic adjustments of the affected area are intended to restore mobility and loosen the muscles, allowing the tissues to heal and the pain to resolve. Studies of chiropractic generally affirm its efficacy, with research suggesting the practice can decrease pain and improve physical functioning.

Source: Greatist.com