Today, I’d like to talk about aging gracefully and naturally, especially for women in their 40s and 50s. It’s not uncommon for our skin to begin showing signs of age during this period. Several factors come into play during these years, and let’s explore some significant ones.
First, hormonal changes play a crucial role. As we enter perimenopause and menopause, our estrogen levels start to decline, which impacts collagen production. Collagen is essential for maintaining youthful and vibrant skin, reducing wrinkles, and keeping that plump, hydrated appearance of the skin. Our diminishing estrogen affects this vital aspect.
Stress is another key factor. Modern women often experience considerable stress, which can increase our nutrient requirements and hinder food digestion. Stress also profoundly impacts our emotional well-being, which can manifest on our skin. So, the solution to supporting our skin health and natural aging comes from within.
It’s important to understand that our skin comprises multiple layers, and the cells take about three months to migrate from the deepest layers to the surface. This is why caring for your skin and embracing the aging process gracefully and naturally starts with addressing your internal well-being.
Today, we’ll explore how you can nurture your skin naturally.
Stay hydrated.
Hydration is key. Ensuring you drink an ample amount of fluids is essential. Hydrating your body keeps your skin moist and is vital as our skin tends to become drier with age. This internal hydration also aids in flushing out toxins from your body.
Support gut health.
Supporting gut health is crucial. A healthy gut aids in better nutrient absorption and the production of skin-friendly nutrients by beneficial gut microbes. These microbes contribute to skin health and toxin elimination. Remember, your skin acts as a large elimination organ, so if toxins aren’t removed properly, they can manifest as age spots, dullness, or breakouts. Therefore, prioritise your gut health.
Stress management techniques
Many women constantly juggle numerous responsibilities in their modern lives, impacting overall well-being and nutrient absorption leading to skin issues. Implementing effective stress management techniques is essential. While we can’t escape life’s demands, we can change how we respond to them and support the nervous system.
Benefit from restful sleep
Ensuring restful sleep is essential. Sleep is a dynamic process where detoxification, cellular repair, and growth hormone production occurs. These activities contribute to our overall health and, consequently, the health of our skin. Sleep is a vital time for nourishing our bodies and ensuring youthful skin.
Boost your Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid with nutrients
To achieve youthful and glowing skin, focus on nutrients that support collagen and hyaluronic acid production.
- Vitamin C is vital for collagen production and acts as an antioxidant. Incorporate berries, tomatoes, kiwifruit, pineapple, and capsicum into your diet to boost vitamin C levels.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, found in deep-sea fish, flaxseed oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds, enhance skin hydration and plumpness and can reduce inflammation.
- Amino acids like proline and lysine are essential for collagen production. Eggs, cabbage, asparagus, fish and beans provide these building blocks for skin health.
- Silica and copper strengthen skin and overall health. Foods like oats, nettle tea, horsetail tea, onions sautéed in olive oil, nuts, seeds, and shellfish help maintain these minerals.
- Bone broth is a natural source of collagen and hyaluronic acid intake. Add this to your cooking to support skin health.
- Foods like tempeh, tofu, and soy products can balance hormones, especially estrogen, to support collagen and hyaluronic acid.
- Incorporate leafy greens in salads or smoothies to support liver detoxification and hyaluronic acid synthesis for youthful skin.
Ageless Beauty…
Ageless beauty does not always come from a moisturiser jar. Instead, it begins from the inside. After all, as the saying goes….. Beauty comes from within.
Combining the holistic approach of Naturopathy and the science of Biochemistry can support not only the health of your skin but also your energy, sanity (moods), emotions and waistline.
Feel free to contact me if you seek support on your journey to aging gracefully with natural beauty.
Just drop me a message or visit my website and ask for a free 15-minute ZOOM chat. Let’s explore how I can assist you.
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This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
