Wednesday, November 21, 2007

The Keys To Good Health

The Keys To Good Health
Water and anti-oxidants could be called the keys to good
health. Your skin texture is the best indicator of your
body's health and water-content. If your skin's texture is
dry, cracked and has many fine lines, it is obvious that
your water intake is not sufficient. Common symptoms of
dehydration are: thirst, loss of skin elasticity, dryness,
decreased urine production, irritability, restlessness and
fatigue. Fatigue can actually lead to nervous disorders,
weight gain and over time, having negative effects on your
over all general health.

Water affects and is needed for all functions of the body -
this includes the skin and internal organs. Water is vital
to the look, texture, function and health of all organs but
we can see the need on the skin. Without water, nothing
would be energized. Our DNA would be damaged, our immune
system would not work properly, toxins would build up in
our body, and all of our cells would dry up, leaving us
dehydrated. It is essential that our body receive an
adequate amount of water each day. Water is an important
part of the hydro-lipidic layer on top of the skin that
acts like a barrier against internal water loss. It also
protects the skin from elements that try to harm our body
daily, like bacteria, pollutants, and UV radiation.

The visible signs on the skin help us know we are over due
in water needs. Our skin will become dry, irritated,
sensitive, blotchy, tight, cracked and dull if we do not
drink enough water. So keeping the water content of the
skin cells high will keep the cells lubricated and
hydrated. This is needed for the skin cells an cells in all
organs to be plump, nourished, and to the skin,
young-looking. Water also helps maintain a clear
complexion. Indigestion, constipation, or any other type of
metabolic problem causes blemishes on the skin, also acne
breakouts, lines, irritation, eczema and other skin
problems. When we drink enough water, the skin acts like
our third kidney, filtering out impurities, removing them
from the body leaving our skin clear and healthy. Moisture
is also needed for the skin to keep collagen and elastin
fibers supple. Without water, these fibers become stiff and
hard, making skin loses its flexibility and pliability.
This allows other aging symptoms to appear as well. Skin
may also appear tight, puffy and blotchy, with an almost
balloon look. This is not because of too much water, as
many people think, it is the skin activating its own
survival mechanism, holding onto whatever water is left in
the tissue - resulting in water retention.

It is evident that the best way to have normal, functioning
cells is to drink an adequate amount of water. We can get
water into our system in two ways: first drink pure, clean,
natural water. Tap water needs to be filtered to remove the
chlorine. Second eat fresh fruits and vegetables. The
foods with high water-content are also high in beneficial
nutrients and antioxidants: romaine lettuce, tomatoes,
watercress, zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, cantaloupes,
carrots, grapefruit, oranges and their juice, peaches,
spinach, watermelon, apples, blueberries, yogurt, tofu,
kiwis, avocados, plums, soy milk, cooked whole grains,
beans and soups.

How much water should you consume each day? Our bodies lose
up to three quarts of water a day because of digestion,
assimilation and elimination. The body does not store
excess water, so drinking six to eight glasses of water per
day will replenish what is lost. This amount may vary based
on your weight, health condition, activity level, etc. An
easy way to calculate your personal daily need is to drink
half of your body's weight in fluid ounces. For example, if
you weigh 150 pounds, you need about 75 ounces of water a
day, that is up to nine, eight ounce glasses a day. Keep in
mind, beverages containing caffeine have an adverse affect
on the body. Caffeine will cause you to lose more water
through urine. Caffeinated beverages do include water, but
they also include other ingredients that negate water's
cleansing effect and may cause other health issues in
addition to dehydration.

Next to water in importance to your health and appearance,
be sure to add foods to your diet that are packed with
antioxidants to help keep you healthier and feeling
younger. We've all heard broccoli, tomatoes, and green tea
are "super foods" to be included in our diet, but what
about apples, artichokes, nuts, and a slew of other
antioxidant-rich foods? They help stabilize free radicals
(molecular compounds linked with diseases such as cancer),
I recommend eating foods high in antioxidants everyday.

Antioxidant-packed foods to keep in mind while you shop:
Apples: Red Delicious in particular. Berries: Especially
blueberries, but also cranberries, blackberries,
raspberries, and strawberries. Artichokes: Hearts or the
petals, artichokes have the most antioxidants of all
vegetables. Oregano: Make it easy to reach in the kitchen,
so you'll use it for soups, pizzas, etc. Nuts: Pecans! Use
them in baking your favorite holiday recipes this season.
Beans: Small red beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and
black beans. Plums and Prunes: They make good snacks!
Cherries: Fresh or frozen, sweet or sour, not maraschino.
Nature has provided what we need to stay healthy and
looking great. Choose natural foods and beverages.


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Kathy Wright is a beauty and wellness expert, author,
speaker and CEO of B&P Company the manufactures of
Frownies Beauty patch and skin care line. Read other
articles written by Kathy at http://www.frownies.com/tips

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