Beauty from Within
By Angela Cortright, Principal, Spa Gregories
Sparkling... radiant... glowing - these are words you want to hear when someone describes how you look. The skin, nails and hair are the mirrors of your health and happiness. There are wonderful treatments and products available that can help revitalize and rejuvenate, but beauty really begins from inside.
Eating a well balanced, healthy diet full of nutrients will show the in the glow and sparkle of your face. A diet brimming with variety, color and taste can provide you with all the ingredients necessary for beautiful skin, nails and hair. "You are what you eat" was the slogan of the ‘60s and they were right - but we now know so much more!
Australian researchers recently discovered that what you eat has a direct effect on your looks. Their research found that the type of foods consumed and the amount of direct sun exposure correlated to the amount of wrinkling present. Individuals who ate more vegetables, olive oil, fish, legumes (beans and peas), eggs, yogurt, nuts, olives, cherries, melons, fried fruits, prunes, apples, pears, whole grain breads and pastas, and drank water, exhibited the fewest amount of wrinkles. Junk foods and sugars, as well as fatty and fried foods, red meat, dairy products and sodas produced the greatest amount of wrinkles. Here are some tips for a healthier lifestyle:
- Water: The first essential ingredient of any diet should be water - at least 64 oz per day. (That’s 2 quarts, 1.89 liters, or about 3 of the tall size bottled waters). The body is made up mostly of water and it needs to be replenished constantly. Dehydration can be seen in dull, lifeless skin or hair, and can be felt in achy, tired bones. Drinking lots of water flushes toxins from your system and adds vibrant, luscious moisture to the skin from within. If you’re not drinking that much already, try it starting today. You will be amazed at the improvement in your skin in just one week!
- Lean protein: Lean protein is necessary for vibrant skin and bouncy, shiny hair. Lean protein can be found in poultry, fish, beans, tofu, eggs and some dairy products.
- 'Good' fats: Moist, luxurious skin - and healthy nails and hair - can be achieved by adding essential fatty acids (EFAs) to your diet. There are two types of EFAs - Omega 3 and Omega 6. Omega 3 is found in fatty cold-water fish such as tuna, halibut, salmon, mackerel and sardines, whose fat is used as an extra layer of protection for the skin. Omega 6 EFAs can be found in evening primrose, flaxseed, and borage oils.
- Fiber: Enough fiber is needed in a daily diet to eliminate the unhealthy and toxic waste materials consumed voluntarily or involuntarily. Fresh fruits and vegetables (broccoli is tops), beans, nuts, brown rice and bran are excellent sources of fiber. A good diet consists of 20 - 30 grams of fiber per day. A ¾ cup serving of broccoli has 7, a medium apple has 4, certain beans have up to 18 grams per ½ cup!
- Multi-Vitamins: A good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement also are important for healthy-looking skin, nails and hair. Look for these key components: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin E, B-Complex Vitamins, and Essential Fatty Acids. All directly benefit skin, hair, and nails.
- Herbs and Detox: Our bodies collect toxins from many sources: the air we breathe, foods we eat, medications, pesticides, fumes, synthetic materials, cigarette smoke, caffeine, preservatives, and more. The accumulation of toxins manifests itself in sub optimal organ function, including skin problems. Regular internal cleansing via herbal supplements or detox will promote healthier organ function and a more vibrant appearance. It is best to see a Herbalist, nutritionist, or your physician for specific instructions on a herb/detox regimen.
- Rest: All the nutrition, water, and supplements in the world will have a hard time restoring a body depleted of rest. Most people need 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and proper exercise helps clear and rest the mind as well as improve physical health. Of course, a trip to your favorite spa is great for a massive dose of restoration, quick!
At Spa Gregories, we are dedicated to improving your health and your appearance both outside and in. We offer these guidelines as a means to a more beautiful, revitalized you, however be advised to consult your physician regarding your particular health care concerns. Our entire staff of aestheticians, massage therapists, nail technicians, as well as our licensed Acupuncture, Nutrition, and Herbal Medicine specialist hope that you find improved health and beauty from the inside out.
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