annual health and wellness guide
TO COMBAT AGING, MIND YOUR ANTIOXIDANTS Known as the body’s “master” antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) combats free radicals and helps support immunity, the gastrointestinal and nervous systems, and more. Your body is most vulnerable to oxidative insult when you wake up—especially if you had a drink the night before, since the body uses glutathione to metabolize alcohol, says Lise Alschuler, ND, author of Five to Thrive (Active Interest Media, 2011). Supplement with glutathione’s precursors, glutamine or N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and eat Brazil nuts daily, plus sunflower seeds, eggs, garlic, cinnamon, and raw or lightly cooked fresh foods such as spinach, avocado, and strawberries. Dose: 250–500 mg glutamine or 500–1000 mg NAC daily.
Regenerate the plant-based way
An important recent antiaging breakthrough, plant-extracted stem cells (often from apples and argan) boost your skin’s ability to regenerate its own cells, thus reducing wrinkles. They’ve also been shown to help manage thinning hair by repairing aging follicles. Find them in lotions, creams, shampoos, and conditioners.
Save face
Every morning, address the two most important skin care concerns—moisturizing and UV protection— by applying a single dual-action natural cream. Look for a product with nourish- ing oils, protective antioxidants, and minerals zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to fight UVA and UVB rays. Try: MyChelle Daily Defense Cream SPF 17.
SLEEP OFF WRINKLES Sure, you feel better, but it’s no myth you’ll look better too when you get sufficient rest. Why? When you’re anxious or not getting enough sleep, cortisol, the “stress hormone,” increases and attacks collagen, the important protein that keeps your skin taut. But during sleep, your body produces human growth hormone (HGH), which rebuilds and rejuvenates skin cells. Aim for eight quality hours nightly. ➻
34 deliciousliving | august 2012
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