Surviving the harmful effects of pollution and ultraviolet radiation is the reality of modern living, take steps to protect yourself and enjoy a healthier existence.
TOXIC LIVING
An increase in negative external factors, accelerated by the deterioration of the environment and modern lifestyles (stress. poor diet and lack of sleep), have made you a prime target for toxin assault. Invisible aggressors invade daily life: apples could be coated with pesticides, the paint on your walls could be poisoning you, and ingredients in cosmetics could be doing you more harm than good.
IF YOU HAVE A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM. Efficient organs of elimination, and effective circulation and nervous systems, you may actually be able to cope with a large amount of toxicity. However, exposure to excessive amounts of toxins can lead to bioaccumulation (a build-up of foreign substances in the body), and disrupt the functioning of your organs.
UNDER ATTACK :
When the body encounters toxins, whether from foods or pollution, it increases free radical activity. Each healthy cell receives at least 10000 damaging ‘hits’ from these molecules every day. A certain amount of free radical activity is needed to kill bacteria and germs, but problems arise when the body produces too many and the process gets out of control.
FREE RADICALS ARE LARGELY. The by-product of oxidation (the same process that causes cars to rust). They are also created by a number of external agents, including pollution, pesticides, tobacco, smoke, car fumes and ultraviolet light. Research suggests that free radicals can accelerate premature ageing and are also a major contributory factor in at least 50 of our most prevalent diseases, including coronary heart disease and can.
FIGHTING BACK :
Antioxidants function as the body’s main chemical defiance against free radicals. Some antioxidants, such as oestrogen, the main female hormone, are made by the body, while others, such as vitamins E and C and beta-carotene (the precursor of vitamin A) are found in foods and cosmetic preparations. All antioxidants work in slightly different ways, but the overall effect is to mop up free radicals as they form and prevent them from doing serious damage within the body.
THERE IS STILL GREAT DEBATE. Over which is more effective, taking antioxidants orally or applying them topically. Both have their place. Antioxidants in beauty creams protect the skin from environmental factors, while antioxidants in tablets or foods help to neutralize the by-products of oxidation in the body.
SURVIVAL TACTICS :
Start drinking green tea. It’s a natural source of antioxidants, which reputedly boost the immune system and strengthen the skin’s defense mechanism, as well helping to prevent tooth decay and cancer. Research has shown that green tea has stronger effects on free radicals than vitamins C or E.
Drinking red wine. In moderation can actually benefit your health. The grapes used in red wine contain powerful antioxidants, known as procyanadins, which protect the body internally.
Take Echinacea. A native American herb best known for warding off colds and flu. It is also gaining favor as an anti-ageing remedy due to its antibiotic and immune-enhancing properties.
Half of the foods. You eat should be fresh fruits and raw vegetables. When consumed in their natural state, they are rich in antioxidants.
SUN EXPOSURE :
The sun is one of our most deadly enemies. Any exposure to ultraviolet light, whether it causes a tan, sunburn or no visible reaction at all, prompts cellular damage that leads to , at the very least, signs of ageing, and at worst, skin cancer. The sun’s light waves are categorized by their intensity:
ULTRAVIOLET A (UVA). Have the longest wavelength and they penetrate into the skin’s deepest layer, the dermis. Here they disturb the production of collagen and elastin, activate damaging free radicals and accelerate skin ageing.
ULTRAVIOLET B (UVB). Rays only penetrate the skin ’s upper layer, the epidermis and they are responsible for skin cancers, allergies and sunburn . When skin is sunburnt, fluid leaks between the cells, causing swelling. The skin reddens as the blood capillaries dilate in an attempt to rid the skin of excess heat. Skin that has been burnt six times faces double the risk of developing fatal melanoma.
ULTRAVIOLET C (UVC). Rays are the most damaging, but do not reach us because they are filtered by the ozone layer. However, there is growing concern about exposure to these rays with the thinning of the ozone layer.
IN F RA~RED (IR). light is felt as heat and inflames cells, disrupts the skin ’s support network of collagen and elastin and damages the body’s immune system.
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF SU N ~PROTECTIO N FILTERS. In sunscreen products that screen out the sun’s damaging wavelengths. Products contain either physical or chemical filters, or a combination of both.
PHYSICAL FILTERS SIT ON THE SKIN’S SURFACE. And reflect, rather than absorb, ultraviolet rays. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the physical filters used in most sunscreens. They repel radiation at all wavelengths (including infra-red waves), which is essential as cancer and ageing involve the interaction of all wavelengths at varying degrees.
CHEMICAL FILTERS ABSORB ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT. Like a sponge and prevent the sun’s rays from penetrating and attacking the skin. The fact that they can be mixed into any base, dissolved in gels, lotions, moisturizing cream bases and waterproof formulations make them cosmetically acceptable.
THE SUN~PROTECTION FACTOR (SPF). Of a product refers to the length of time you can remain in the sun safely. To calculate this protection time, multiply the SPF by the number of minutes you can stay in the sun unprotected without burning. For example, if your skin normally takes 10 minutes of sun exposure before starting to go red, using a sunscreen with SPF 15 will theoretically extend this to 150 minutes.
SURVIVAL TACTICS :
If you have sensitive, allergy. Prone skin, use sunscreens with physical filters. They will cause minimal irritation.
Smooth on a sunscreen. Before heading to the beach. Otherwise. the sun’s rays will damage unprotected skin en route.
Protect your hair. During sun exposure, as ultraviolet light has a drying effect and can cause color to fade.
Always wear sunglasses. Which comply with the standard Eye Protection Factor, as eyes are prone to melanomas and cataracts.
During sporting activity. Use a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen’ It will remain effective if you sweat or if are exercising in water.
SUN SAFETY :
PROTECTVE CLOTH NG : In the past, the only kinds of clothing that offered protection from ultraviolet rays were heavy, dark-colored garments. Now a colorless dye with UV-absorbing properties IS being used to sun-proof fabrics, giving them an SPF-equivalent of up to 50. Always wear a hat while in the sun and cover up at the beach to prevent sunburn.
FNDNG THE FORMULA : Sun-protection products come in different formulations ranging from gels to creams, lotions and alcohol-based preparations. Look for a product most suited to your skin type. If you have an oily, problem complexion, use a gel formulation with physical filters. If you have dry skin, steer clear of alcohol- or gel-based sunscreens, which can aggravate dryness. A cream or lotion will be beneficial for its moisturizing properties.
TAKE COVER: Stay out of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is at its strongest and deadliest. Protect your skin even when it’s overcast, as damaging ultraviolet rays penetrate clouds. If small, white patches appear on your upper body after sun exposure, the cause could be a common yeast infection called pityriasis vesicular. The organism is present on everyone, but during sun exposure it may change and produce a chemical which disables the pigment-producing cells. To correct the problem, apply an anti -dandruff shampoo to the affected area while in the shower once a week for six weeks. Alternatively, the condition can be treated with a course of antibiotics. Seek advice from your doctor or dermatologist.
MOLE PATROL : Examine yourself regularly for any suspicious-looking freckles, moles or skin irregularities. Pay special attention to moles that have changed in shape or size, feel itchy, tender, painful, or are inflamed or bleeding. Always have any abnormalities checked out by the experts. If you detect cancerous moles in the early stages, they can be treated quickly and easily.
SELF-TANN NG :
One of the easiest ways to improve the appearance of your body is to give it an all -over radiant glow. Exposure to ultraviolet light is so damaging that the safest way to achieve color is to fake it. Forget a session on the sun bed – artificial tanning beds are as lethal as the sun (they increase the risk of developing the deadliest form of skin cancer by seven times) – and opt for a self-tanning preparation.
FAKING A TAN HAS BECOME AN ART FORM. You can now determine the exact degree of color you require, as the level of dihydroxyacetone, the active ingredient in the product which creates the color, also dictates the depth of tone. Choose from light, medium and dark varieties. Products are easy to use and fast working. The results last for up to five days and you can prolong color with regular top-up applications.
PRODUCT SELECTION : When choosing a self-tanning product, take your skin type into account Moisture-rich cream formulas are best for dry skins; lotions suit normal and combination skins, as they are light and offer hydration without overloading the skin; and gels are ideal for oily skins, as they don’t clog the pores. Look for a self-tanning preparation enriched with an alpha hydroxy acid complex, which improves the activity of the tanning ingredients.
APPLICATION : To apply a self-tanning preparation, first exfoliate your skin using a gentle, non-abrasive scrub to avoid irritation. Then massage the tanning product into the skin, blending thoroughly. During application, pay particular attention to dry areas such as the elbows, knees and ankles. After smoothing the preparation on, blot these areas with a tissue to remove any excess product that might create uneven color.
IF YOU USE FAKE TAN ON YOUR FACE. Pay close attention to the areas around your eyebrows and hairline because the active ingredient in the tanning product can discolor your hair. One way to avoid this is to slick Vaseline through your brows before the bronzing process.
ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS. Immediately after applying fake tan and if your palms are discolored , soak them in lemon juice and then give them a gentle scrub with a nail brush.
TOXIC OFFENDERS :
Address the factors that assault you on a daily basis. Everything from cigarette smoke to the waves generated from computers can interfere with the way you feel and behave. These factors step up free radical activity in your body and can be detrimental to your health. Look at ways to cut down these risks and improve your quality of living.
RADIATION WAVES : Radio waves, radar, microwaves, televisions, stereos and telephones all contribute to electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which is linked to depression, cataracts, cancers and miscarriage. Look at ways to cut down on exposure to such radiation. Place ionizers wherever there is any kind of electrical equipment and if possible, avoid ‘check-up’ medical and dental X-rays.
CHEMICAL CONTACT : Swimming in chlorinated water drenches the skin in chemicals. Always shower directly after swimming and smooth on a hydrating body lotion.
TOXIC FUMES : Today’s synthetic paints are derived mainly from petrochemicals. With concern about the health implications of these chemical compounds on the increase, a safer option is to use paints made from plant oils, tree resins, linseed oil , orange peel oil or canarba wax. Also look for paints that contain natural color pigments.
WATER SAFETY: Avoid drinking tap water as it is often contaminated by wastes, pesticides and other toxins. It may also carry heavy residues from either copper or lead pipes. Opt for bottled spring water or filtered water.
AIR POLLUTION : Truly clean air has become a rarity. Breathing heavily polluted city air poses similar risks to smoking more than 10 cigarettes a day. Help your body to neutralize inhaled pollutants by taking antioxidant vitamin supplements. If you drive a car, minimize pollution by using lead-free petrol and by having the exhaust system checked regularly. Wear a mask when cycling and avoid jogging near busy roads.
BREEDING BACTERIA : Used tea-towels become breeding g rounds for bacteria, which can lead to food-borne illnesses. Lower the risks by allowing dishes to dry naturally and wash tea-towels soiled with meat, chicken, fish or milk before reusing them. After handling food, wash your hands with hot water and an antibacterial soap for at least 30 seconds.
CAFFEINE CONTROL : If your daily intake of caffeine exceeds 350 mg (the equivalent of four medium-strength cups of coffee or eight cups of tea), cut down. Otherwise, you can develop irregular breathing, high blood pressure and digestive problems.
SMOKING HAZARDS : Smoking 30 cigarettes a day exposes a smoker to the same degree of radiation as someone who has had 300 chest X-rays in a year. If you give up, ease withdrawal symptoms by taking a high potency B complex supplement (containing at least 50 mg each of the major B vitamins such as thiamine and riboflavin) and avoid consuming all stimulant beverages and highly seasoned foods for two to three weeks after you stop smoking.
FOOD ALERT : Maintaining a healthy diet is not as easy as it sounds. So much of the produce available today is either full of preservatives and additives or contaminated by environmental toxins such as pesticides, industrial dyes and pollutants. All of these can have adverse effects on the body, ranging from allergies to more serious complaints such as skin disorders, digestive ailments and behavioral disorders. To minimize the risks, avoid foods loaded with additives and preservatives and increase your consumption of raw fruit and vegetables. Foods labeled as having ‘added vitamins’ can be misleading. Manufacturers may be merely replacing the essential nutrients lost during processing.
HEALTHY LIVING :
Follow these steps to improve your health :
CLEAR HEAD : To avoid the morning after effects of excess alcohol consumption, try taking 1000 mgs of vitamin C before you go to bed and avoid stimulants such as coffee. In the morning, drink plenty of water and take a B complex vitamin supplement.
PREP WORK : To maintain the nutritional content of food, always steam. Back, poach or stir-fry. Cook fresh food and avoid reheating meals as this depletes essential nutrients. Steer clear of microwave ovens as the long-term effects of their radiation on the body are unknown.
REGULAR EXEROCISE : Step up the activity of your lymphatic system with regular exercise Lymph is a clear fluid that transports and expels the body’s wastes. Poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle slow down lymph flow, which causes a build-up of toxins.
JUICING BENEFITES : A one-day juice fast (consuming only fresh fruit and vegetables juices) once a month will cleanse your system. Juices are easy for the body to absorb quickly and efficiently, taking on average only 10-15 minutes to digest.
WAVE LENGTHS : Computer screen carry positive ion charges which attract positive ions from the environment. These ions cause lethargy and tiredness. Use an anti-glare protective screen, sit at least 50 cm form your computer and take a break every 20 minutes.
HEALTH CHECKS : Make sure that you have regular medical check-ups and pap smears. Always examine yourself for changes in your body’s appearance at home and keep an eye on any changes in moles and suspicious lumps in your breasts.
STRESS EASE : Stress causes chemical reactions in the brain which disrupt the functioning of the organs. An imbalance occurs when your body retains these stresses. To maintain your health, reduce stress by trying different relaxation techniques, such as yoga.
BREATHE DEEPLY : When you’re stressed, the adrenal glands go into overdrive. To slow down this activity and induce a state of calm, roll your eyes upwards and then close them, Breath deeply and slowly count to 10. Concentrate on regulating your breathing.
SUPER GRASS : Wheatgrass juice is a very nutritious drink. Made of almost pure chlorophyll, it contains vital enzymes and vitamins that assist with weight loss and maintain general health. You may feel nauseous after drinking: it’s just the juice at work.
TRAVEL EASE : Long-distance travel takes its toll on the body. If you suffer from jetlag, have a bath laced with one drop each of lavender and geranium oil before going to bed, then add two drops of peppermint and eucalyptus oil to your morning bath.
PROBLEM AND SOLUTION :
[1] Do you suffer form hot flushes when the heat is on? Drinking a cup of hot peppermint tea will have an instantly cooling effect on your system.
[2] Is watching television a good way to induce sleep? Avoid watching television before going to bed. Rays emitted from television sets can affect your nervous system, which can prevent you from sleeping properly .
[3] What can you do to soothe sunburn? Add three drops of lavender oil to 600 ml cold water. Dip a face-cloth in the solution, wring it out and apply this as a cold compress to the affected area.
[4] How can you calm yourself when you’re stressed? Inhale a whiff of lavender oil, it will have an instant claming effect.
[5] How often should you have an eye test? To maintain ocular health, the experts recommend that you have your eyes tested once every two years, but more frequently if you have any vision problems.
[6] How can you keep mosquito bites to a minimum? Eat garlic and foods rich in vitamin B during the summer months to keep the bugs at bay.
[7] Are amalgam fillings in your teeth healthy? To be on the sage side, have amalgam fillings replaced with porcelain, gold or plastic. Research suggests that amalgam is a potentially toxic material.
[8] Is there a quick fix to ease headaches? Massage your temples to ease a headache. Lying down with your feet raised on a pillow (so the blood flows back to your head) is also beneficial.
[9] Do you suffer from bad breath? Taking capsules of peppermint oil after eating neutralizes nasty odors. Chewing fennel seeds or parsley will also instantly freshen your breath.
[10] Do you suffer from sore eyes after exposure to harsh weather conditions? Apply compresses of cool chamomile tea bags to your eyelids.
