While there’s no magic pill for fending off illness, you can still support your immune system health in a variety of surprisingly simple ways. Here’s a look at a few healthy habits that may be worth incorporating into your wellness routine this spring.
Eat your veggies.
I know I sound like your mom, but she was right! Vegetables are awesome for your health and your skin! Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, and green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach are all loaded with antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation in your body and prevent free radical damage. Free radicals wreak havoc on your skin, causing lines and wrinkles and other signs of damage. Other anti-inflammatory foods include avocado, spices like turmeric, ginger and chili, berries, omega-3-packed nuts, flax seeds and salmon, and flavonoid-rich green and black teas.
Hold the sugar.
According to an article in Health, the average person eats more than 60 pounds, or 6,780 teaspoons of added sugar a year! While we love the sweet stuff, sugar is linked to acne, wrinkles, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even cancer. The American Heart Association recommends that we consume a maximum of six teaspoons of added sugar a day (that doesn’t include the natural sugar found in sweet potatoes). Try cutting out added sugar like sodas and candy, and the sugar you add to your coffee or tea. Your next step might be limiting your intake of prepared foods, which can have lots of hidden sugar and sodium, and increasing your intake of fresh, “whole” foods.
Replace a negative with a positive.
Here’s a wellness tip that will surprise you: Every time you think a negative thought, force yourself to think of something positive. This intentional mental shift can be challenging and seem forced, but it doesn’t matter. The whole point is to train your brain into thinking more positive thoughts. Research indicates that thinking positive helps lower stress and boost your mood, and it also seems to have beneficial effects on your health by reducing your risk of disease and depression.
Our goal here at Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine is to help you feel amazing in every way, one small step at a time. Most important of all, the quest to be your best should be fun and joyful! And remember, there’s no such thing as perfection! It’s all about progress. We can’t wait to help you look and feel amazing this spring and beyond. Let’s get together soon to talk about your concerns and goals. Call 415.887.8718 or request a personal consultation online today.
