66 October 2013 © Skin Inc. www.SkinInc.com
so many different chemicals and
ingredients that the body does
not even recognize. If you read a
label and cannot pronounce the
ingredients, chances are you should
not be eating it. Stick to homemade
foods, mostly plant-based.
There are refined sugars in
processed foods. You will also
find them in sodas, sports drinks,
snack foods, cereals and even baby
formula. When consumed on a
regular basis, refined sugars can
cause obesity, which can lead to
diseases, such as heart disease,
diabetes, kidney disease and other
serious medical conditions. Sugar
also raises insulin levels. This
depresses the immune system,
inhibiting the release of growth
hormones. It also prohibits the
absorption of vitamin C into the
cells, which is important for the
body’s health, but also skin’s
appearance. Consuming sugar
on a regular basis can affect
the body in a multitude of ways,
including instingating changes
in the structure of collagen; the
development of wrinkles and
premature aging; interference with
calcium, magnesium and protein
absorption; increased fat in the
liver; headaches and migraines;
eczema; depression and anxiety;
learning disorders; hyperactivity;
and reduction of the ability to
defend against bacterial infection,
free radicals and oxidative stress. 7
And that was the short list.
Coffee-drinking is a difficult
habit to break, but you will
experience health benefits by at
least cutting back and altering
the way it is prepared. Coffee can
dehydrate you, so be sure to drink
water alongside it, and before
your first cup. Also, refrain from
adding milk, sugar or any type
of fake creamer, which are full
of chemicals. Another alternative
is to drink green tea. It still
contains caffeine, but is also full of
antioxidants.
Alcohol dehydrates and, in
order to have radiant skin, clients
must stay hydrated. If dehydrated,
the skin will be depleted of the
important nutrients that the body
and skin need to feel and look
its best. Alcohol can also worsen
existing skin conditions by dilating
facial blood vessels. A drink here
and there is fine, but stay clear of
alcohol completely while detoxing.
Always hydrate during and after
drinking alcohol to help avoid the
negative effects it has on the body
and skin.
Smoking cigarettes not only
causes illness in the body, it also
takes a dramatic toll on the skin.
Smoking deprives skin of nutrients
and oxygen. It also causes droopy,
loose skin and uneven coloring,
and destroys collagen and elastin,
which give skin elasticity and
strength. Advise clients to cut
back as much as possible during
detox, and work toward quitting
completely before they cause more
permanent damage.
Exercise on a daily basis.
Along with its other numerous
benefits, exercising can help
remove toxins from the body.
It moves along circulatory and
lymphatic systems, accelerating
the detoxification process and
moving nutrients to all areas of
the body. Exercise also helps expel
waste more quickly, and aids in
eliminating stress, increasing
circulation, improving strength
and endurance, decreasing the risk
of disease, lowering cholesterol
and preventing bone loss.
Take time to detox your mind.
Stress can have many different
effects on the body, such as
headaches, digestive issues, lack of
energy and sleep, and elevated blood
