Health and Clinic Updates: January 2014 |
5 Tricks to Block Winter Dryness BluesHeaters keep you warm, but
they also wick moisture from the skin. And when you walk outside,
exposure to cold air and wind gives your outer layers an environmental
shock. Along with wintertime elements, not drinking as much water as
you would during warmer months, not getting enough fresh fruits and
veggies, and the nutritional deficit of your holiday leftovers, are all
pitfalls that contribute to drying out your skin, hair, eyes, nose and
mouth. Here are 5 tricks to block those winter dryness blues.
Bonus Tip! Burt's
Bees, a globally recognized company for its commitment to sustainable,
eco-friendly products and practices, is a favorite among naturalists
for beauty care. Skin care, lip care, hair care - everything is
natural, toxin free and relatively inexpensive when compared to other
natural products.
A hearty cereal grain that gets its distinct flavor from the roasting process it undergoes after harvesting and cleaning, oats are a full-service addition to your nutritional game plan, especially during winter. Oats are packed full of fiber, including beta-glucan which helps maintain hydration within your body. As an added bonus, the beta-glucan helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and provides lasting energy, making oats a perfect breakfast option. Studies have shown that beta-glucan also significantly enhances immune system response time and boosts your body's microbial defenses against invading pathogens. Additionally, oats help lower cholesterol, and subsequently the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. And studies have shown that the oats' phenols interact synergistically with vitamin C to nearly double the length of time LDL levels are lowered. Taking all of these things into consideration, starting your day with a steaming bowl of oatmeal will not only provide you with a slow-release of energy to help you through a busy morning, but also it may amp up your immune system and help protect you from rampant winter viruses like cold and flu. For that extra defensive boost, ditch the coffee (a dehydrator) and pair your hearty breakfast with an herbal tea or juice that is high in vitamin C. References
A steaming bowl of healthy,
fresh-cooked oatmeal is a perfect way to warm yourself on cold winter
mornings. But remember, all oatmeal isn't created equal. Instant
oatmeal is often loaded with unnecessary sugars and should be avoided.
Instead, take an extra five minutes and use organic rolled oats. This
yummy oatmeal recipe is loaded with fiber, vitamins C, K, E, B1, and
manganese. It also offers the added bonus of over half of the daily
value for hard-to-find omega-3 fatty acids and adding almond meal lends
protein to the dish, making it a well-balanced and delicious breakfast.
Ingredients 2-1/4 cups water Directions
(Serves two). Drinking
fresh, hot herbal teas during blistery winter months offers a host of
benefits. It warms your body and excites taste buds while increasing
hydration and replenishing important nutrients. A popular ingredient in
herbal tea blends, the vitamin C loaded Hibiscus packs a punch to dry
winter ailments with antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.
Hibiscus teas are commonly used around the world. Recent studies show
hibiscus may help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, help
manage weight and act as a natural angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitor. One recent study explored the antioxidant properties of
hibiscus tea on people. Researchers found that antioxidant levels drop
throughout the day, but hibiscus tea causes that level to spike within
an hour of consumption. The spike is short-lived, but significant
nonetheless. In another study, an international team of researchers
compared the antioxidant content of 3,139 foods, including hundreds of
beverages. Hibiscus tea, ranked high on the chart as one of the richest
in antioxidants. A healthy alternative to sugary fruit juices and
sodas, hibiscus tea is sour, but it's easy to sweeten up with Stevia,
and give yourself a tropical treat during winter months. Try this: soak
a handful of bulk, dried organic hibiscus flowers overnight and then
blend with a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, a teaspoon of amla
(packed with properties that aid skin, immune function, digestion and
more), and a handful of fresh mint leaves to make a half-gallon.
Sweeten to taste with your favorite Stevia. This kid-friendly (it
tastes like fruit punch) recipe may be one of the highest antioxidant
beverages in the world.
Vitamin A is complex. Contrary to popular belief, vitamin A is actually a group of related nutrients, not a single nutrient. Each type of vitamin A carries its own benefits and source of origin. Retinoid forms (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid and retinyl esters) are found in animal-foods and offer immune, inflammatory, genetic and reproductive-related benefits. Carotenoids (various carotenes and xanthophylls) are found in plant foods and most function as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients. The human body is able to effectively convert carotenoids into retinoid forms within the body. Vitamin A has long been known for its role in vision! But, did you know that recent studies have been exploring the potential of carotenoids as anti-cancer and anti-aging compounds, in part because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties? Both categories of vitamin A offer benefits (namely immune and anti-inflammatory) that go a long way during the winter months. This winter treat yourself to vitamin A rich foods including yogurt, eggs, chicken, shrimp, salmon, halibut, scallops, sardines, tuna, cod, sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens such as spinach, kale, swiss chard, and collard, turnip, and mustard greens. Your whole body will thank you. References
Similar to employing a
humidifier in your home, steam treatments are a fantastic way
to rehydrate dry skin, hair and respiratory passages. Steam helps ease
congestion, sinus infections and inflammation within respiratory
passages. Additionally, the moist heat will hydrate your skin, enhance
circulation and unclog pores, giving your skin an unseasonably healthy
glow. Adding essential oils and herbs to your steam bath will boost the
health benefits of this therapy and promote mental
relaxation. Eucalyptus and peppermint oils offer anti-microbial and
anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile, calendula and lavender are
excellent hydration aides. And dried hibiscus lends its antioxidant
properties to revitalize the respiratory system and skin. References
Photo attributions: artur84/freedigitalphotos.com, Blue_Cutler/istockphoto.com, sweetarduini/istockphoto.com, ra3rn/shutterstock.com, Dahlia/RGBstock.com, lovleah/istockphoto.com The information offered by this newsletter is presented for educational purposes. Nothing contained within should be construed as nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. This information should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet or fitness program. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of any information contained within this newsletter. |