Healthier Brain, Healthier Skin
Here’s a maxim that is not always appreciated in medicine. What is good for one organ is good for all organs. It does not make sense for the body to be designed any other way. So what’s good for the brain is good for the heart and vice versa. And, what’s good for the brain is good for the skin. So if you want better looking skin focus on improving your brain health. Healthier brain, healthier skin.
The brain and skin are more connected than realized. Our emotions can greatly affect our skin. When we are nervous we sweat. When are embarrassed we flush. When we are excited we get goose bumps. When we are mad we become red. Our emotions affect how well our skin functions.
Our brain function is influenced by our health habits – our diets, our activity level, our ability to manage stress among others. Better health habits – better brain function – healthier skin.
Healthier Lifestyle, Healthier Skin
All of the following improve the health of our brains and skin.
Sleep
During sleep the brain is busy producing growth hormone which regenerates and repair tissues. Skin is repaired more frequently than our other tissues and restful sleep is a must for healthier skin. Skin is damaged from pollution and toxins we consume (see below) and needs to be constantly repaired.
Toxins
Too much of anything can be detrimental to our health. Excessive caffeine and alcohol damage skin. Caffeine dries skin perhaps through its diuretic effects, and alcohol depletes the body of vitamin A needed for skin regeneration. Smoking reduces blood flow to the brain and skin. It destroys skin elasticity and increases wrinkles.
Diet
For a healthier brain and healthier skin there are foods to eat and foods to avoid. On the to eat list is fish or fish oil capsules, and foods high in antioxidants and vitamin D. Avoid all added sugars. Sugar causes damages collagen and elastin the structural components of the skin that give it its durability and flexibility. Also, avoid large and repeated fluctuations in weight. Weight gain will stretch the skin and over time skin will eventually lose its ability to shrink to its original size with sagging and hanging skin being the result.
Exercise
Exercise improves blood flow and delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and skin. This improves regeneration of the skin and wound healing.
Water
When it comes to healthier skin water is the king of fluids. By keeping skin well hydrated wrinkles are diminished and blood flow enhanced to both the brain and skin.
Hormonal Balance
Hormonal imbalance can lead to acne, dry skin, thinning skin, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Estrogen improves skin elasticity and integrity. Progesterone improves blood flow to the skin. Testosterone keeps skin thick. All of these hormones improve brain function, too.
Remember a healthier brain means healthier skin.
See related articles.
Skin Aging: Why And What To Do
Anti Aging Wrinkle Prevention: Healthy Foods
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