Nutrition For Ageing Gracefully
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Fighting The Visible Signs Of Ageing
The skin is the largest organ of the body, and is significantly affected by the ageing process. Changes in collagen, which is a protein structure found in connective tissue can lead to diminished elasticity and skin strength. There is a distinct reduction of collagen production after menopause, with changes in vascularity following menopause and dermal blood flow decreasing significantly in postmenopausal women.
Excessive exposure to UV rays cause oxidation of the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. This, in turn, causes 'crosslinking'. Cross-linking causes the collagen in the skin to become tangled and stiffen. Therefore, this can result in sagging and loss of skin elasticity.
Free radicals are molecules created by oxidative chemical reactions within the body. These free radicals damage cellular DNA and cause mutations of the skin cells. Free radical damage can be prevented by the use of antioxidants, both internally and topically. Antioxidants attract and bind these free radical molecules, rendering them harmless.
Premature skin ageing can be avoided by preventing excess exposure to sunlight and pollutants, as well as providing your skin with the nutrients it needs to repair itself. Equip your skin with the building blocks it needs by maintaining an adequate consumption of the following nutrients:
ZINC: Zinc is required for collagen production and elastin synthesis, as well as DNA repair.
COPPER: Copper helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, helps to thicken the dermis, increases vascularity and oxygenation and works to stimulate superoxide dismutase.
SULPHUR: Sulphur is a component of the protein Keratin found in nails, hair and skin. Sulphur is essential for the production of collagen and it is required for the production of the connective tissues.
VITAMIN A: The vitamin necessary for healthy skin consisting of powerful antioxidants that are important for skin renewal. A deficiency can cause dry, rough skin.
VITAMIN D: Vitamin D has been shown to reverse skin damage and increase wound healing. Vitamin D is produced in the body in response to sunlight, and has been shown to have a beneficial effect on skin repair and hair growth. Vitamin D rarely requires supplementation, and 15 minutes of daily low-sun exposure should stimulate adequate production of this hormone-like vitamin.
VITAMIN E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that studies show may protect against the degradation of collagen and prevent skin damage.
VITAMIN C: Has powerful antioxidant properties, neutralises free radicals which cause oxidative stress that can lead to premature ageing.
CoQ10: Internal and topical applications of CoQ10 can be beneficial for preventing photoaging. Additionally, CoQ10 prevents oxidative DNA damage and suppresses the degradation of collagen.
Vayda Organics Skincare Recommendations: Moisturiser, Hydration Oil, Lip Balm
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.