Beauty AND Brains: Discovering The Synergies of Health

So many people think that healthy living is a drag.  They think it’s being really disciplined and doing alot of chores like eating vegetables, getting to the gym, taking vitamins, and getting to bed early.  Maybe you think that . . . and I suppose that’s sort of true. I live pretty healthfully and I do all of those things.  But I don't see them as chores or as requiring a lot of discipline. I think living healthfully is more about familiarity and routines.  Every life and every lifestyle is built upon routines.  It just happens that my routines include planning healthy meals, meditating, and exercising every morning. When I exercise and meditate, my day just works.  I love it.  

So, this idea that we have to suffer for our health is so NOT what I think most people who live healthy lives think.  It’s more of ‘Wow! Why doesn’t everybody exercise?  Why doesn’t everybody eat this food / take walks / take vitamins ?'   Ok, taking the vitamins can be a bit of a bummer sometimes. But most people who live healthfully do what they do because they want to.  And, that’s because there are so many incredible benefits.  Not getting a chronic illness is one.  Not dying early is another.  But there are others that are completely unexpected. 

For me, one of the first and completely unexpected benefits of moving towards health was a wild improvement in my skin and hair and in my cognitive function.   Yup, bone broth is magic for both brains and beauty.   

Here’s the story.  My family and I started our health journey by moving towards a gluten-free, casein free diet.  The idea was that getting rid of these seriously inflammatory foods would significantly increase gut health and reduce inflammation, especially neuro-inflammation.   My health coach at the time suggested that we do a bit of a ‘cleanse’ first to stabilize blood sugar, stop the sugar cravings, and improve our palates.  She thought that would make our transition easier.  That sounded wise, so we agreed to indulge in nothing but bone broth soup (bone broth with fresh vegetables) for 5 days.  (No, you don’t get hungry.  You can eat as much as you want but just bone broth with vegetables.  After 2-3 days, you can add in meat.)  

The effect was freaking wild!  Yes, the bone broth cleanse stops the sugar and carb cravings and definitely improves your palate.  Junk food doesn’t taste quite as good.  But the most noticeable thing for me was that all of a sudden new baby hairs started to grow on my head.  Lots and lots.  The ladies at the hair salon were amazed.  They even took pictures.  The only thing to match the awesomeness of thicker hair was the improvement in my skin.  Seriously, it wasn’t just me seeing these changes.  I started to get comments.  My skin, which had always been so dry and flaky began to glow.  I swear.

But it didn’t stop there.  I was also going through menopause at the time, and, holy cow, I was losing my mind.  Literally.  I couldn’t remember anything.  I hated getting OTPs on my phone because I couldn’t remember the 6 digits long enough to enter them into my computer.  Literally.  

OK, my brain didn’t become razor sharp just because of bone broth . . . but I definitely noticed improvement.  When I told my health coach about this improvement, she actually suggested a number of other little helpers: drinking more water, taking omega-3 fatty acids, big time upping our fruit and vegetable intake, AKA anti-oxident rich foods, and drinking more green tea.    Guess what?  All of these brain helpers also helped my skin and my hair.  What?  Who knew?

There are so many synergies to be realized when you begin to live / eat / sleep / move for health.  For example, eating more fruits and vegetables increases your fibre intake which helps balance your blood sugar and increase regularity.  But eating more fruits and vegetables also feeds your microbiome, which ensures that you are better able to produce essential neurotransmitters like serotonin AND improve the health of your gut lining, which eases systemic inflammation.  And, when inflammation is lowered your brain also works more effectively.  

These synergies are so real . . . but we can talk about these in other blog posts.  Today, let me just share a bit more detail on the five foods and nutrients that will boost both your brain health and your looks.  Living healthfully is just so good.  :-) 

The Magic of Bone Broth

Yeah, let’s start where we started.  Truly, bone broth is a bit of a miracle.  It’s a powerhouse of nutrients that can work wonders for both your brain and beauty. Rich in collagen, gelatin, and essential amino acids, bone broth supports skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles, and promotes the growth of healthy hair. Simultaneously, its amino acids, such as glycine, contribute to improved cognitive function and mental clarity.  Truly, it adds to brains and beauty. 

The Omega-3 Marvel

Omega-3 fatty acids are renowned for their brain-boosting capabilities, promoting cognitive function and reducing inflammation. But these healthy fats also play a vital role in maintaining supple and youthful skin,

The skin barrier, our body's first line of defense against environmental stressors, requires a healthy balance of essential fatty acids to function optimally. Omega-3s contribute to the hydration and elasticity of the skin, preventing dryness and the formation of fine lines. Moreover, these fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin conditions like acne and eczema.

To incorporate more omega-3s into your diet, consider adding fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as plant-based sources such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. These foods not only nourish your brain but also contribute to a radiant complexion.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Antioxidants are the unsung heroes in the battle against aging, both for the brain and the skin. These compounds neutralize free radicals, preventing oxidative stress that can lead to premature aging and damage to cells. Foods rich in antioxidants not only protect your brain but also contribute to a clear and vibrant complexion.

Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are antioxidant powerhouses. They contain vitamins like vitamin C, which supports collagen production, essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are also packed with antioxidants, along with vitamins A and E, contributing to a healthy skin glow.

Turmeric, a spice celebrated for its brain-boosting properties, is also a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Incorporating turmeric into your diet can help combat skin inflammation and promote an even skin tone.

Hydration 

Water is often hailed as the elixir of life, and for good reason. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining brain function, concentration, and overall cognitive performance. Interestingly, staying adequately hydrated is equally vital for promoting clear, radiant skin.

Water helps flush out toxins from the body, preventing skin issues like acne and promoting a natural, healthy glow. Dehydration can lead to a dull complexion, emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles. By maintaining optimal hydration levels, you support both your brain and your skin in performing at their best.

Green Tea Goodness

Green tea has long been celebrated for its cognitive benefits, thanks to compounds like caffeine and L-theanine that enhance alertness and concentration. What might come as a pleasant surprise is that green tea also boasts remarkable skin benefits.

The high concentration of polyphenols in green tea provides potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and combat signs of aging. Additionally, green tea's anti-bacterial properties make it an excellent choice for those with acne-prone skin.

Kinda amazing, hunh?  But remember, beauty is not just skin deep; it's a reflection of your overall well-being. It’s another upside of healthy living.