Flossing

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I had my six month dental check up and cleaning today and like every time before my hygienist, Kim, reminds me that I need to floss everyday. I admit it, I am not a regular flosser; in fact I maybe floss once a week at best. This is very disturbing to me because I (and my friends and family) consider myself one of the healthiest people I know yet I am not practicing regular flossing. I told Kim that in her honor I would dedicate this entry to her.

 There are many health benefits to flossing. Combining brushing and flossing improves oral hygiene. Floss removes plaque from the tight spaces between teeth and under the gums (plaque under the gums leads to gingivitis and gum disease). Less plaque means less time in the dental chair for cleanings and treatments. I think this is bitter sweet because if you like your hygienist (like me), you will not spend as much time in her/his chair. An unhealthy mouth is much more than bad breath and yellow teeth it can lead to heart disease, lung problems, diabetes and life threatening systemic diseases. Health problems cost money. If the above reasons have not convinced you to start flossing consider this. Flossing can decrease the costs of dental and medical bills that are directly related to poor oral health. (Resource: 5 Reasons Why Flossing is Extremely Important by Matt Cunningham)

How to boost your memory

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I was talking with a friend today and she commented on how she cannot seem to remember things lately. As I thought about her comment, I realized that my husband has had problems with my short-term memory as well. In order to have a healthy brain, one must first have a healthy body. Healthy heart=healthy brain. Eating foods rich in flavonoids, folate and omega 3 fatty acids can help boost memory.

Studies have shown that flavonoids help protect against the loss of brain cells and may help reverse memory loss. Berries, especially blueberries, are the best sources of flavonoids. One study from Britain showed that people that ate blueberries enhances spatial memory and learning.

Leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and greens are chocked full of folate. Foods high in folate help reduce homocysteine levels in the blood. People with high homocysteine levels have shown to have higher risks of heart disease and memory decline. An Australian study showed that a diet rich in folic acid helps increase information processing and recall in the brain. Bonus: add lemons to leafy greens to help the body absorb iron more effectively.

Salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Rush University Medical Center in Chicago conducted a 6 years study regarding memory decline amongst 3000 people. The study showed that those that ate fish one day a week had a 10% slower decline in memory than those that did not have fish in their diet. (resources: Joy Bauer and Livestrong)

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)