Whether cosmetic or emblematic of a deeper health issue, signs of premature aging of the skin, hair, brain or body may add decades to your chronological age. ForbesWoman spoke to dieticians, neurologists and dermatologists to find the 10 best tricks to turn back the clock and reverse premature aging symptoms.
1) Store Up Calcium in Your 20's
Elizabeth Somer, dietician and author of Age-Proof Your Body, says you build up most of your bone density prior to your 30s, so you’d be wise to store up on calcium beforehand. Then continue to follow a high-calcium diet--calcium is better absorbed from milk than a supplement—to keep bones strong. Women rapidly lose bone mass after menopause, and without a bone scan, Somer warns that the only symptom of bone loss will be a fracture or break.
2) Shield Your Face from Sun While Driving
Dermatologist surgeon Eric Bernstein sees what he calls “car windrow syndrome” in the majority of his patients. They have significantly more skin damage on the left side of their faces due to increased exposure to sunlight while driving. Always be diligent about sunscreen, and remember to shield your face while driving.
3) Eat Spinach and Mangoes to Reverse Sun Damage
Sun damage is one of the most common tip-offs to age: drying out the skin and deepening wrinkles. Experts say that anytime you get even a slight sunburn you’ve done significant damage to your skin. Fruits like watermelon and mangoes and veggies like spinach and sweet potatoes are high in Vitamin A and help repair skin cells.
4) Take Omega-3 DHA Supplement for Brain Health
Memory loss not only makes us less efficient, it signals an aging brain. A study published last year in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia, known as the MIDAS study, found that taking Omega-3 DHA supplements took three years off the brain, improving memory and learning skills. Researchers believe it may also reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.
5) Keep Working to Stimulate Mind
The brain is at the center of the aging battle and needs to be stimulated to stay young, experts say. Activity, purpose, social engagement and intense focusing all help you stay mentally sharp. Staying in the workforce longer will activate the brain, in addition to doing puzzles, learning new subjects and keeping socially active.
6) Cut Coffee and Soda
Dull skin and graying hair will instantly add a decade or more to your perceived age. Skin and hair experts advise increasing your water intake and cutting back on diuretics like coffee and soda, which are hair killers. Furthermore, the acidity in coffee will burn up calcium and create redness in the skin.
7)) Use Creams with Glycolic Acid or Retinol
A faded complexion is one of the first signs of prematurely aging skin, says dermatologist Audrey Kunin. Luckily, topical ingredients like buffered glycolic acid and retinol can rapidly improve the look and texture of skin by removing buildup of dry skin, smoothing out fine lines, improving discoloration and also helping to trigger collagen production.
8) Stay Away From Red Meats and Processed Foods
Saturated fats, white flour and sugars found in many red meats and processed foods will pack on the pounds and come out in your skin. According to Eric Braverman, neurologist and author of Younger (Sexier) You, extra body fat--usually inserted on the belly and triceps with age--will trigger other organs to begin aging prematurely. Staying lean with proper exercise and diet will keep you living longer and looking younger.
9) Lather Up the Hand Lotion
“Most people are unaware that the delicate skin on your hands shows the aging process extremely quickly and often makes you appear older than you are,” says Bernstein. Drinking lots of water, eating fruits rich in antioxidants, wearing sunscreen and lathering up every day with a good hand lotion will help your hands stay true to your age.
10) Tame The Stress Beast
Experts say many of us exceed healthy stress levels, which will eventually exhaust the body and wreak havoc on internal systems. Taking your allotted vacation days, sleeping seven hours each night, meditation and exercise will help to cleanse the ageing stress toxins.
(source from: Forbes.com, www.forbes.com/pictures/eigl45gdgk/10-tricks-to-reverse-aging)
Stay Young Stay Healthy~
Kellie B.
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