Stress, Nutrition and Beauty
Compiled by Rev. Patrice Joy, MA, Reiki Master Instructor
Call for a consultation: 937-631-5581
Private sessions: $55 per hour
Schedule a program for your group. Call for group rates.
There is this deeply held belief that stress leads to premature aging. Scientists have recently identified a direct link between stress and aging that could explain why intense, long-term emotional strain can make people get sick and grow old before their time. Elissa Epel, a psychiatrist at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), helped conduct the research indicating chronic stress appears to hasten the shriveling of the tips of the bundles of genes inside cells, which shortens their life span and speeds the body’s deterioration. As these findings are confirmed, they provide the first explanation on a cellular level for the well-documented association between psychological stress and increased risk of physical disease.
“This is the first time that psychological stress has been linked to a cellular indicator of aging in healthy people. The findings could lead to new ways to detect the early physical effects of stress and monitor whether attempts to alleviate its effects are working, she said. While cautioning that the findings need to be confirmed by additional research, other scientists said the results represent an unprecedented step in deciphering the intricacies of the mind-body connection.
There is no doubt that unrelenting emotional pressure accelerates the aging process. “This is a real landmark observation,” said Robert M. Sapolsky of Stanford University, who wrote a commentary accompanying the paper in today’s issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “This is a huge interdisciplinary leap . . . a great 2009 study.” Dennis H. Novack, who studies the link between emotions and health at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, agreed. He said, “The new study demonstrated that there is no such thing as a separation of mind and body — the very molecules in our bodies are responsive to our psychological environment.”
The researchers examined structures inside cells called telomeres. Telomeres are the caps at the ends of chromosomes — the molecules that carry genes. Every time a cell divides, telomeres get shorter. In the natural aging process, the telomeres eventually get so short that cells can no longer divide, and they then die. As more and more cells reach the end of their telomeres and die, the inexorable process produces the effects of aging — muscles weaken, skin wrinkles, eyesight and hearing fade, organs fail, and thinking abilities diminish.
Researchers studied telomeres and telomerase in white blood cells taken from blood samples. Prematurely aged white blood cells alone could make people more prone to illness because white blood cells are a key part of the immune system. But the findings hold true for other types of cells as well and the researchers now plan to do studies to confirm that. It is unclear exactly how stress might affect telomeres and telomerase levels, but it could be that chronically elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol damage the telomeres and other genes in the body and lower telomerase levels, inhibiting the cells’ ability to respond. Telomere length and telomerase may be used as a way to monitor health. Very low telomerase or very short telomeres might serve as a kind of red flag.
Learning to recognize stress factors in your life and learning to cope with them is the best way to avoid stress triggered skin disorders. What you think about affects every aspect of your health and beauty. Researchers are finding there is a link between your mental activity and your skin? In fact, various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, hives, rosacea, psoriasis can be caused by stress. In fact the connection between the mind and the skin is so powerful that experts have begun to label the phenomenon as “psychodermatiology.” Here are other ways to get healthier and have beautiful skin:
#1 Eat fresh nutritious unprocessed foods with lots of color and variety. Fruits and vegetables also do wonders for your skin inside and out.
#2 Hydrate both internally and externally. De-hydration causes fine lines and wrinkles. This doesn’t include sugary or caffeinated drinks.
#3 Exercise is great for a beautiful skin. Women who regularly exercise have a healthy glow to their skin. Exercise increases blood flow and circulation bringing nutrients to the skin.
#4 Letting the phone or cell rest against your face or chin may lead to rashes or pimple breakouts. Bacteria causes breakouts so try to avoid letting other people use your mobile and clean it frequently with a sanitizer.
#5 Vitamin A, C and E are highly beneficial for sun damaged skin and fight certain cancers, including skin cancer. Salmon and other fishes along with nuts and flaxseed are all high in Omega-3 which is fantastic for your skin and your body.
#6 Avoid wearing your makeup to bed at night. Leaving foundation, powder or even blusher on your skin overnight clogs skin pores. Your skin doesn’t breathe all night long and therefore cannot replenish and rejuvenate. Clogged pores lead to pimples, blackheads, and blemishes. Morning and night use a good skin care routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing.
#7 Rest and Get Enough Sleep. Under-eye bags and dark circles under your eyes are not nice. Stress plays a large factor in skin care, for instance of eczema has been linked to stress.
The findings emphasize the importance of managing life stress, to take it seriously if one feels stressed, to give your body a break, and make life changes that promote well-being,”