Achieving Youthful Healthy Skin with Vitamins A, C and E
Charlene J. Nuble

We all want healthy skin. While the main reasons for pursuing healthy skin tend to be purely shallow and cosmetic in nature, healthy skin is beautiful and keeps us looking younger than our years and there are actually some practical health benefits to maintaining the good health for our skin. The purpose of the skin is to act as a barrier. It serves to prevent bacteria, viruses and other contaminants from entering the body and causing infection, illness and disease. There are many vitamins and minerals that help to keep skin healthy and thus be able to serve its vital role in the protection of the body.

Antioxidant vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are very important to healthy skin because it is these vitamins that share in the responsibility of controlling the damage that free radicals byproducts of energy production within the body and of environmental contaminants such as air pollution produce. Among the several types of damage done by free radicals is the destruction of collagen and elastin which are fibers that support the skin and keeps it looking supple. As these are damaged wrinkles and a lack of that youthful firmness can occur. Vitamin C also plays a part in the production of collagen making it essential to the function and look of the skin. Recent studies have found that Vitamin C and E used together may help to repair sun-damaged skin.

Vitamin A has its own important role in skin health and beauty in addition to its anti-oxidant properties. In terms of diet even small deficiencies can negatively affect the skin causing flakiness and dryness. Dryness can make lines and wrinkles that are much more apparent. Its primary use however, is as a topical solution for the treatment of severe acne and the reduction of lines and wrinkles themselves. Recent research has showed that a topical solution that contains both Vitamin A and Vitamin C can in some cases reverse the damage done by the aging process and by sun-damage.

Deficiencies in the Vitamin B complex can leave the skin prone to cracking, bleeding and dangerous skin lesions that allow all kinds of bacteria, viruses and other contaminants to easily enter the body. But in terms of strictly cosmetic concerns even a little shortage of the Vitamin B complex can result in scaly and poorly textured skin. Topical preparations have been found to play an important role in the hydrating of skin cells leading to noticeably firmer and healthier looking skin.

Vitamin K has been found to relieve those awful dark circles under the eyes. Some research has found that creams made up of both Vitamin K and Vitamin A are more effective than those that just contain Vitamin K but researchers are still following up on these results.

Minerals important to the look and to the health of the skin include selenium, copper and zinc. Selenium whether used as a topical solution or taken in the form of a dietary supplement is thought to play a big role in the prevention of skin cancer. Copper, zinc and Vitamin C work together to form elastin which helps to support skin keeping it firm and healthy.

Topical solutions and dietary supplements can help to keep the skin healthy and youthful in appearance. However, it is important to recognize that these are powerful substances and using them within the standard guidelines of dosage is essential to good health. There is such a thing as too much of abusing such natural healing powers which could then result to a not so pretty sight. But when used correctly however, your skin can look better than ever.

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About the Author

Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about Vitamins, please go to: http://vitamins.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/

Tags: Air Pollution, Author, Bacteria Viruses, Byproducts, Charlene J. Nuble, Collagen And Elastin, Dietary Supplement, Dietary Supplements, disease, Energy Production, Environmental Contaminants, Flakiness, Free Radicals, Good Health, Health And Beauty, Health Benefits, Healthy Skin, illness, infection, prevention of skin cancer, Severe Acne, Skin Cancer, Skin Health, Sun Damaged Skin, Topical Solution, Topical solutions, Vitamin A, Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin C C, Vitamin K, Vitamins And Minerals, Vitamins Minerals, Youthful Firmness —

A Cheap and Natural Way to Healthy Skin
Wendy Owen

Healthy skin happens when we eats good foods, have enough exercise, minimize stress and protect our skin from the harsh environment.

Certain foods are especially beneficial to the skin. Garlic is one such food. It contains sulphur compounds (which give it its rather strong odor) which are beneficial to your skin. It also acts as a natural antibiotic and cleanses the whole system. If you like garlic, eat it as much as you can. If the smell worries you, chew a piece of parsley afterwards and this will neutralize it. Odorless garlic tablets are available if this is all too hard.

Vitamin C is probably the most important skin vitamin in my opinion. Not least because the human body can neither make it or store it. This vitamin helps collagen formation which keeps the skin looking young and plump. This could be why smokers skin can look older than a non smokers. Smoking also uses up the oxygen in the blood. Give it up if humanly possible or at least cut it down.

Vitamin C is best consumed together with bioflavonoids, the way it is normally found in nature. The two have a synergistic effect. They can be found in Citrus fruit, berries such as strawberries and blueberries and vegetables such as broccoli.

Broccoli also contain vitamin A, an important vitamin for skin as it helps it fight infection from the inside out. Great for those with acne! Have some every other day if you can.

Carrots are a great source of carotenoids such as “beta-carotene” which your body converts to vitamin A . Beta-carotene is absorbed into the skin and can also protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Carrots also contain “alpha carotene” which protects against free radical damage. Carrots are a great way to get your vitamin A as excess carotenoids are expelled by the body. Too much vitamin A is toxic to the body.

Dark leafy green vegetables, particularly kale and spinach are a good source of zinc and iron. Iron will make sure your skin gets enough oxygen and zinc is a great pimple fighter. Eat some every day if you possible can or include some in a fresh juice.

Parsley deserves a separate mention as it is rich in just about all the skin boosting nutrients. It contains beta carotene, chlorophyll, vitamin B12, folic acid (great for firm skin), vitamin C and iron. Parsley can be added to juices, casseroles, sprinkled over any savory dish or simply chewed by itself. Its great for fresh breath too. Parsley is easy to grow, pop some in a pot and keep it near the kitchen door.

Olive oil is fabulous for dry skin and wrinkles. Use it for cooking – it contains monounsaturated fats and anti oxidants- or slather it on your skin after a bath.

Flaxseeds and flax oil (also known as linseed) contain the essential omega 3 oils not found in many foods. (Fish also contains omega 3). Flaxseeds contain fiber and phytoestrogens which balance the body’s hormones and are vital for younger looking skin. Sprinkle some on your cereal or use in soups and stews.

Avocados give skin (especially dry skin) a boost. Although fairly high in fat, its the healthy monounsaturated kind which makes dry skin supple. Avocados contain glutathione which is one of the most powerful antioxidants around and will prevent cell damage in all skin types. They are also high in potassium.

Drink as much water as you can, this flushes out toxins and helps to hydrate the skin. If you cant drink eight glasses a day – I cant unless its 40 degrees – then just drink as much as you can without being uncomfortable.

Skin needs sufficient protein to replace and repair itself. Most of us have plenty of protein in our diets but a lot of it comes with a lot of fat attached. If you can substitute low fat items e.g. milk, peanut butter, cheese etc, then do so. Youll still be eating the same amount. Lean meat is fine, fish is even better as it contains natural omega 3 oils which are great for your skin and your health.

Try and add as many fruits and vegetables as possible to your diet. If you re a committed junk food junkie this may seem impossible, but if you tackle it in small bites (pun intended!) It will be easy. Commit yourself to healthy foods on certain days of the week or drink water instead of soda in the afternoons. When this becomes comfortable, expand it to every day. Its just breaking old habits and replacing them with new ones. After a while youll be comfortable with it. And youll feel better and loose weight too.

The purists tell us that all vitamins and minerals can be obtained from foods and there is no need for us to take supplements. In theory this is true, however the stress of life today probably robs our system of vitamin B. Smoking uses up about 35 mg of vitamin C per day.
Added to this, the practice of storing fresh produce for extended amounts of time, cant help but deplete the natural vitamins in these foods. The pollution in our cities and some of our bad habits like eating junk and smoking (who me?) leads to the production of free radicals in the body. For this we need an antioxidant which contains among others beta carotene (a precursor of vitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, lycopene (found in tomatoes) and zinc.

Healthy skin loves exercise! It doesnt matter what kind. Walking, jogging, all types of sport, aerobics, thumping around in the gym, whatever you enjoy try and fit it in three times a week. If you dont enjoy any exercise, find one! Join a group of people or find a walking buddy, you will get to enjoy it I promise!

Stress is bad for you and bad for your skin. Stress will slow the circulation of blood to the skin causing a shortage of oxygen to the cells. It will also deplete certain nutrients from the body – for example vitamin B. It can ruin your sleep thus preventing the repair and regeneration of skin cells. It will put worry lines on your face and will make you look old before your time! Who needs it? No-one! check out this page on stress to see how you can deal with this incapacitating disorder now!

As you may have gathered from all this, having a healthy skin is the same as having a healthy body, its worth maintaining a good diet and lifestyle so you not only look great but you feel great too!

About the Author

Like to have better looking skin? http://www.holistic-facial-skin-care.com will give you detailed information on all facets of skin care. The author, Wendy Owen has had a lifetime interest in general and alternative health and skin care.

Tags: acne;, alpha, Alpha Carotene, Author, Beta Carotene, Bioflavonoids, Blueberries, Carrots, Citrus Fruit, Collagen Formation, committed junk food junkie, cut, disorder, flax oil;, folic acid, food;, Free Radical Damage, Garlic Tablets, Great Source, Harmful Uv Rays, Harsh Environment, Healthy Skin, infection, Leafy Green Vegetables, Natural Antibiotic, olive oil;, Piece Of Parsley, Source Of Zinc, Sulphur Compounds, Synergistic Effect, Vitamin A, Wendy Owen —

I know you’re tired of the pouch you have on your stomach that you just can’t seem to get rid of no matter how many crunches you do, and that you are considering a tummy tuck (if you weren’t you probably wouldn’t be reading this article) the next logical question is how long is the tummy tuck recovery period?

A tummy tuck, otherwise known as abdominoplasty, is a major surgery and you have to make sure you understand everything that’s involved before you make your decision to have it done. As with all surgeries there is a risk of complications so be darn careful when you pick out the plastic surgeon, as well as the surgery center, who will perform the procedure.

Also, make sure you have someone who can help you out with your daily activities for at least several days post surgery. You won’t be able to do much at all, even cooking, getting dressed and moving around your house will be a challenge. Of course, you won’t be able to drive for a while after your surgery so make sure you stock up on groceries around your home (or get one of your friends to help you out).

Make sure you have someone who can fill your prescriptions. The doctor will usually prescribe something for pain and usually some form of antibiotic as well to prevent infections.

Since some types of pain medications can make you constipated, which is the last thing you want after having abdominal surgery, many surgeons will prescribe a laxative to take after the surgery. Whatever your doctor prescribes, take it. Make sure you take your pills on time. You don’t want to have unnecessary pain or risk an infection, take your pills on time every time.

It’s also a good idea to have a thermometer on hand so you can check for an infection. Infections are a common complication of having surgery and one of the first signs of an infection will be a fever. By being able to check your temperature often, you can see any signs of an infection early on, which is good (so you can treat it early before it gets to serious) and something you want to watch for during your tummy tuck recovery.

Don’t think that you don’t have to listen to the doctor or follow his instructions either. A tummy tuck is major surgery, you don’t want to risk injuring yourself of ripping out your sutures, so follow his directions. These instructions will cover everything from when you can take a bath how often to change your bandages, how much you can lift and what activity levels you should restrict yourself to, all the way up to when you can have sex again. Listen to him.

Recovering from a major surgical procedure will take time, in order to make your tummy tuck recovery as painless and as quick as possible make sure that you fully understand and follow all your doctors advice, this is not the time to be a know it all.

Tags: Abdominal Surgery, Abdominoplasty, Antibiotic, Constipated, Crunches, Fever, First Signs, Groceries, infection, infections, Laxative, Logical Question, Major Surgery, Pain Medications, pain;, Plastic Surgeon, Prescriptions, Recovery Period, Signs Of An Infection, Surgeries, surgery, Surgery Center, Thermometer, Tummy Tuck, Unnecessary Pain —

Any type of surgical procedure comes with risks, some have higher risks than others. When it comes to gastric bypass problems the risks aren’t only associated with the surgery but with the lifestyle after the surgery as well. In order for you to have a successful outcome it’s very important that you fully understand, and follow, your doctors post op advice when it comes to the type and amount of food you can eat.

For most people the potential health benefits far outweigh the risks. Everyone knows that to be overweight is to invite a myriad of health issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. For people who are hundreds of pounds overweight the sheer act of moving at all can be close to impossible which will make weight loss next to impossible without some medical intervention.

Here is a list of some of the most common surgery complications:

1. Death

2. Anesthetic complications

3. Infection

4. Leaks where the incisions are located.

5. Bleeding post surgery.

6. Blood clots.

7. Kidney failure.

Because many of these risk factors are exacerbated by having too much fat on your body, your doctor may require you to lose weight prior to the procedure. It’s important that you understand that this type of surgery isn’t an easy way out. You will need to be strict with yourself both before and after the surgery. You will set yourself up for failure if you go into this with the idea that this is some sort of quick fix, or easy solution. You will still need to watch what you eat and get plenty of exercise, just like everyone needs to do if they want to lose weight.

Another thing that you should consider is that due to the bypassing of part of your stomach and small intestine, your body will have more difficulty absorbing nutrients. For this reason you will need to take a vitamin supplement. Most often your doctor will recommend iron, calcium, protein, and B-12 to name a few. These are the vitamins and minerals that won’t be as readily absorbed by your body after your surgery.

Another common side effect of the surgery is depression. Up to 23% of the people who undergo the surgery report feelings of depression post surgery. This is commonly thought to occur because many people blame all the problems in their life on the fact that they are overweight and they subconsciously expect their life to be wonderful after the surgery. When they realize that they have many of the same problems after the surgery as they did before the surgery they can get depressed. That’s why it’s so important for anyone contemplating the surgery to make sure they have realistic expectations about what the surgery can, and cannot, do for their lives.

For many people who are morbidly obese, a gastric bypass can literally mean the difference between life and death. Even so, it isn’t something that should be entered into lightly. Much thought and care needs to go into your decision to undergo this procedure. It’s also important that you carefully consider all the possible gastric bypass problems both during and after the surgery that you may encounter so that you can be prepared for them when, and if, they occur.

Tags: Anesthetic Complications, Blood Clots, depression;, diabetes;, Easy Solution, food;, Gastric Bypass, Health Benefits, Health Issues, heart disease;, high blood pressure;, High Cholesterol, Incisions, infection, Kidney Failure, Leaks, Medical Intervention, Overweight, Potential Health, Risk Factors, Sheer Act, Small Intestine, Stroke, surgery, Surgery Complications, Vitamin Supplement, Vitamins And Minerals —