5 Ways to Maintain a Youthful Appearance

Anyone who cares about beauty wants to keep their youthful appearance for as long as they can. Many people are even willing to have cosmetic surgery to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, tighten skin, and reduce its sagging. Instead of surgery, try these alternatives to looking younger.

Tips to Maintain a Youthful Appearance

Eat the Right Foods

Eating healthy will reflect in your skin because the antioxidants in fresh fruits and vegetables fight off free radicals that can damage it. Free radicals attract atoms in skin, which can damage the DNA of it. This process acts to accelerate aging.

Fortunately, antioxidants inhibit the production of free radicals (1), which can delay the aging process. Some of the high antioxidant foods to make sure you’re eating include:

Blueberries
Strawberries
Pecans
Dark Chocolate
Apples

These fruits are known as natural antioxidants because of their high antioxidant concentration, berry fruits are increasingly being studied as natural functional foods. It has been reported that tea polyphenols increase the antioxidant capacity of saliva by keeping green or black tea in the mouth for 2–5 minutes (2).

Create Face Cleansers

Instead of spreading $10 to $15 on face cleansers, create your own at home. One cleanser that can help exfoliate dead skin cells and make your face smoother is a rice milk cleanser. The Japanese often include rice in their skincare products due to its antioxidants and Vitamin E (3). Vitamin E is commonly listed as tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate on ingredient list of skincare products.

To make the cleanser mix 1/4 cup of brown rice flour or rice bran flour with two or three tablespoons of unsweetened rice milk, preferably organic.

Form a paste with the mixture and then apply it to your skin in a circular motion. After apply in git, rinse it off with tepid water, and moisturize your skin.

And if you would rather purchase a product there are many moisturizer products available. They work by putting moisture into the skin, as well as preventing water from leaving the skin — They can include a number of different products, including lotions, gels, creams, and ointments.

Use Cold Cream

As people age, their skin becomes duller and drier. However, you can counteract that effect by using a moisturizer, such as cold cream, to hydrate the skin. Make a good cold cream at home by mixing:

1/2 cup of an organic plain Greek yogurt.
1/4 cup of cucumber without the seeds and dice.
1/4 cup of fresh aloe, chop and peel it.
Juice from half a lemon.

Puree all the ingredients in a food processor and strain it by pouring it into a cheese cloth-lined mesh strainer. Refrigerate the mixture overnight in a covered bowl, and then in the morning, discard the liquid.

Apply a thick layer of the cold cream on your face and leave it on for 30 minutes. Then, remove it with a damp washcloth and add toner to your skin.

Apply Face Patches

Face patches nicknamed “Frownies” can reduce the appearance of wrinkles by smoothing them out. The improvement may be temporary because the patches don’t change the skin according to plastic surgeons.

However, using the patches can take the place of injections like dermal fillers or Botox. If you do opt for injectables, make sure the aesthetician has had the proper training for Botox before visiting the spa or clinic where it is you’re getting it done.

Take Vitamin Supplements

An easy way to maintain your youthful appearance, is to take vitamin supplements to get the nutrients your skin needs to stay young looking. Vitamins D, C, E, and K are the best ones to take to hide the signs of aging. Eating a diet that includes five plus servings of fruit and vegetables (4) should meet your daily requirement of these key vitamins. If that is not possible they can be taken as individual supplements, or you can take a daily vitamin that includes them.

These vitamins can help fight:

Excessive dryness
Rough skin
Wrinkles
Redness
Dark spots

An effective anti-aging ingredient is the holy grail of skincare, and some experts say collagen could be the key to unlocking a more youthful appearance. But is collagen good for skin, or is it just another trend in beauty and wellness with little evidence to back it up? One of the essential proteins naturally present in the body, collagen helps to give skin a glowing, youthful and plump appearance. But, sadly, it depletes as we age, causing wrinkles and sagging skin. (5) Collagen is essential for giving the skin elasticity. It makes the skin look fuller, plumper and smoother.

The following foods are rich in collagen or contain amino acids that help the body to create collagen:

Bone broth
Meat, poultry and fish
Eggs
Foods that are high in vitamin C, including citrus fruits, bell peppers, berries and tomatoes
Dark leafy green vegetables
Garlic
Foods rich in zinc, including oysters, beans, legumes and nuts

And a bonus tip to maintain that youthful appearance

Don’t forget the sun protection! The sun and other types of light cause damage all year long. Protecting your skin from the sun by seeking shade when appropriate, wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be a part of your daily routine, regardless of how dark or light your complexion. “Besides protecting against skin cancer, sunscreen is the No. 1 anti-aging treatment we know of,” says Dr. Rebecca Kazin, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Bethesda Maryland. “It shouldn’t be an extra step. It should be one of those steps that you already do.”

There are many alternative ways to prevent or reduce the signs of aging without resorting to surgical procedures or using injectables on your face. Pay attention to your diet, moisturize your skin, and protect it from the sun to maintain a youthful appearance throughout your life.

(1) The Role of Food Antioxidants, Benefits of Functional Foods, and Influence of Feeding Habits on the Health of the Older Person: An Overview
(2) Research uncovers secret behind flavonoids’ health benefits
(3) Vitamin E for Skin: What Does It Do?
(4) What Are Recommended Servings of Fruits and Vegetables?
(5) A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study

The post 5 Ways to Maintain a Youthful Appearance appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is holistic healing safe?

Holistic Medicine is not as hazardous as you might think. However it does come with a few risks. Side effects that are most common include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and drowsiness as well as diarrhea, constipation and insomnia. These side effects should be understood and balanced against the benefits associated with alternative treatments like acupuncture.

There have never been any cases of death related to holistic medicine.

Before you start any new treatment, make sure to talk with your doctor.

What is the distinction between alternative medicine (AM) and complementary medicine (CM)?

Alternative medicine is any treatment that isn’t considered standard by mainstream medical practitioners but which has been shown to have benefits for some conditions. These include homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology as well as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and naturopathy. Complementary therapies are those treatments that go beyond conventional treatment. They can also be used with conventional medicine. These include supplements like vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids as well probiotics and other natural substances.

Both forms of medicine may be used. However, most conventional doctors will not recommend them due either to insufficient evidence nor safety concerns.

There is no consensus among health care providers regarding the best approach to integrating CAM into patient care.

Many CAM techniques are based in theories that have been around since thousands of years. However, clinical trials over the past 20 years suggest that some of these therapies might work.

Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve pain. Similarly, preliminary data show that it may reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Other studies suggest that acupuncture may improve symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Some CAM methods also appear to have potential therapeutic effects on diseases like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Although there is still much to learn about the effectiveness and safety of CAM, experts are unanimous in their belief that it can be used to treat various conditions.

As a consequence, more people turn to CAM practitioners for relief of common illnesses.

Despite the popularity of alternative and complementary medicine, many people are still unsure what they mean.

What are the health benefits of complementary and alternate medicine?

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to medical practices that are used by patients who do not feel they are receiving adequate care from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. Many CAM practitioners use treatment methods that aren’t part of conventional medicine’s standard system of diagnosis and treatment. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. There are a variety of forms of acupuncture, including those that use needles and others that use heat or moxibustion.

Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.

There is no singular definition of what constitutes “CAM”, but most definitions include at the very least one of these:

A holistic perspective which considers both body and mind, as well the environment.
The belief, that mind and body influence and interact
The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
It is important to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Combination of Western science and Eastern philosophy
Integrating mind, body and spirit into treatment methods
Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
A healing touch
Mindfulness
Meditation
Acupuncture
Yoga
Herbal remedies
Homeopathy
Chiropractic care
Massage therapy
Hypnotherapy
Spiritual healing
Biofeedback
Nutritional counseling
Energy healing

There are potential risks to certain CAM therapies, in addition to the potential benefits. If used incorrectly, some therapies can cause severe harm or even death. Others pose potential side effects that must be weighed against their perceived benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.

What does a holistic medicine doctor do?

Holistic medicine doctors are those who treat patients holistically. They might use traditional techniques such as herbs or acupuncture, but they also integrate them into western medicine.

They treat the illness, not just the symptoms. Patients should feel better after treatment.

Doctors must not only treat the illness but also look out for ways to prevent it from returning.

Holistic refers to all aspects of someone’s life.

How safe can holistic medicine be?

Holistic medicines are safe because they are not harmful drugs but natural remedies for people who have been using them for centuries.

Many diseases have been treated with these herbs, including cancer, arthritis, chronic and severe pain, asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity (obesity), depression, anxiety stress, insomnia as well sexual dysfunction and infertility.

Millions of people across the globe who are suffering from different diseases use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy. It also includes chiropractic care. Herbal treatments. Massage therapy. Yoga. Meditation. Hypnosis. Nutrition. Counseling. Exercise. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.

What is the difference between holistic and alternative medicine?

Holistic medicine treats the whole person – mind, body, spirit, and soul. Holistic medicine examines every aspect of a person’s health. It also considers spiritual, physical, and environmental factors that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine can treat specific conditions like allergies, asthma, arthritis, and others.

Which types of treatment should not be considered holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person as a healing approach, rather than just the symptoms. Holistic medicine is a way to help people heal from illness. It also promotes good health and helps prevent disease.

Holistic medicine is a natural alternative to drugs and surgery.

Holistic medicine involves lifestyle changes such diet, exercise and yoga.

Holistic medicine can also be called integrative medicine. It integrates all aspects that a patient needs to achieve a comprehensive care plan.

Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention, early detection and healthy living.

Holistic doctors believe there is no single cause of any condition. Holistic doctors look at the whole picture, which includes genetic factors, environmental influences and lifestyle choices.

Holistic practitioners focus more on the mind, emotions, and spirit than on the body alone.

Holistic physicians consult with their patients to help them determine the best option for them.

Statistics

According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)

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What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?

The main four categories of CAM include mind-body medicines, natural products and manipulative therapy. Mind-body medicine covers yoga, Tai Chi and Reiki, as well as chiropractic care, homeopathy (naturopathy), biofeedback, hypnosis and hypnosis. Natural products include herbs, vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative therapies can include physical manipulations such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and osteopathic/chiropractic care. Energy healing involves techniques such as prayer and visualization.

CAM is an umbrella term for various health practices outside traditional Western medical models. There are many differences in the scientific support for these practices, including whether they involve drugs and surgery, as well as which conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners may also prescribe medication and perform diagnostic testing (e.g. blood tests). Others do both.

In addition to these four primary categories, there are many subcategories within each category. In mind-body medicine there are relaxation techniques. Natural products include nutritional supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathic remedies and essential oils. Manipulative therapies can include manual, movement and traction as well as electrotherapies, cupping and stretching. Soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy (or orthopedics), myofascial releases, trigger points therapy, neurostimulation, and trigger point therapy are some examples. Spiritual healing can be done through prayer or faith healing.

Many CAM remedies treat symptoms, but don’t address the cause. Some chronic diseases might be relieved by CAM. If used correctly, CAM may be a complement to conventional treatments.

There are many reasons people use CAM.

To improve their overall well-being.
To manage a condition.
To lessen pain and discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

Some people prefer CAM over conventional medicine because they feel it provides more control over the health of their bodies. Some people believe that CAM has less side effects. Others prefer CAM to stay away from prescription medications. Others prefer to avoid taking pharmaceuticals whenever possible. Others still seek out CAM, even though they’ve had bad experiences in conventional medicine.

Some people who use CAM feel that they need to be certain about their work before trying new things. Many CAM users are concerned about the safety and effectiveness. Others rely on word of mouth from friends and family members.

Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM are more happy and healthier than those who do not. This holds true regardless of gender, age, race, religion, income level, occupation, insurance status or any other factors.

An overwhelming majority of Americans are familiar with some form of complementary or alternative medicine. 95% of adults use CAM at least once in their lives. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health(NCCIH), there were approximately 40 million visits to CAM providers between 2010 and 2010.

The NCCIH estimates 10 percent of the U.S. populace uses chiropractors.

The American Medical Association has reaffirmed its support to integrative medicine in 2013, The American Medical Association recognized the need for physicians to “integrate scientifically supported complementary and alternate medicine into clinical practice…to satisfy patients’ needs and expectations.”5

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark 2007 report called “Relating Constraints” that concluded that there was no evidence to support the claim that any particular CAM intervention can prevent, treat, cure, or cure cancer.

CAM continues to gain popularity despite this finding. The 2008 number of CAM practitioners increased 8 percent compared with 2007.

Recent research found that nearly half of respondents used CAM in their primary healthcare routine.

CAM therapies may include natural products and mind-body practices as well as manipulative techniques, energy healing, modalities, exercise, and dietary supplements.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily to relieve pain, but they also have many other benefits like relaxation, improved mood and better sleep.

Acupuncture can, for example help with chronic back pain, anxiety and depression, improve immune function as well as promote weight loss.

Many CAM treatments are rooted in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Their roots date back thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which originated in China 5,000 years back, has been practiced in China ever since.

TCM has remained an important component in health care even though it was not until the middle of 1800s that Western science became popular.

TCM is used for treatment by more than 70% of Americans today.

Yoga is another popular CAM treatment. Yoga was developed in India circa 5000 B.C. It is now accepted all over the world.

Yoga has gained popularity due to its physical, mental, as well as spiritual benefits.

Yoga can reduce stress, increase flexibility, and improve strength. It also helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Although limited scientific research has been done, yoga may have beneficial effects on sleep33.

Other CAM therapies like aromatherapy, homeopathy, meditation, and/or homeopathy are also becoming accepted in mainstream medicine.

Herbal medicine is one the most commonly used types of CAM.

Herbal medicines can include herbs, spices, plants, seeds and fruits as well as bark, leaves, roots, stems, and other medicinal substances.

They are often considered safer than prescription drugs and are used widely by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society, 45% of adults diagnosed with cancer said they used alternative medicine during their illness.

The National Institutes of Health has estimated that 60% of patients with breast cancer use CAM. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that around 50% of all cancer survivors reported using CAM.

According to a recent survey, 51% reported that they used at least one type (CAM) of CAM.

However, only 8% of these individuals discussed this use with their physicians.

This lack of communication between conventional medical providers and CAM users represents a significant gap in healthcare delivery.

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