Guest post by: Jennifer McGregor
The human body is comprised of a collection of systems that all work together to help us to look and feel our very best. If one system isn’t functioning optimally, one or more of our other body systems may struggle to perform as well. However, there are several strategies we can incorporate into our everyday lives to support each one of our body systems, which will, in turn, lead to better neural, integumentary, circulatory, respiratory, and muscular health. To explore these easy, effective health strategies in greater detail, read on!
Better Eye and Oral Health
According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), certain things like eating empty calorie foods and living an inactive lifestyle can increase our risk of developing certain medical conditions that may negatively affect our ability to see, including high blood pressure and diabetes. However, taking a quality fish oil supplement or consuming plenty of omega-3 fatty acids keeps our eyes healthy and reduces our risk of developing dry eye, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Certain foods like tuna, herring, and salmon are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, but vegetarians can reap the same benefits by consuming flax and chia seeds, algal oil or other plant oils, and fortified soy beverages.
There is a clear link between depression and poor oral health, which makes it especially important that you care for your teeth and gums. You can improve your oral health by brushing twice a day, flossing, and going in for regular checkups at the dentist. Your diet also plays a major role in tooth and gum health, so avoid sugary foods and drinks.
Clear, Radiant Skin
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne affects approximately 50 million Americans each year, making it the most problematic skin condition in the US. However, there are several things you can do each day to prevent acne from appearing on your face, back, or anywhere else on your body. These include:
- Washing your face twice daily.
- Applying a retinol treatment to your facial area each night.
- Exfoliating several times each week with a quality cleanser that contains a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) like salicylic acid and an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) such as glycolic acid.
- Consuming plenty of anti-inflammatory foods such as dark, leafy greens, wild rice, soybeans, and fish products like salmon and mackerel.
Besides worrying about acne, you should also be extra careful about which types of hand products you use so you can prevent dryness and irritation. Use moisturizing lotion whenever you can and clean your hands with soap and hand sanitizer that won’t irritate your skin.
Easier Breathing
Like all parts of the human body, our lungs age with time. As such, we may struggle to breathe as well as the years go on, and we may find ourselves feeling winded and fatigued after performing basic daily activities like climbing a flight of stairs or going on a walk. However, certain exercises like upper-body weight training, yoga, and aerobic activity can all help to improve the functioning of our lungs when we engage in them regularly. Some of the best yoga poses for healthier lungs include Cow’s Face, Triangle, Cobra, Boat, and Fish Pose.
Strong Muscles and a Healthier Brain
Leg exercises are important for a variety of reasons, as they strengthen different muscle groups throughout the body, work our core, and help us to lose weight over time. According to ScienceDaily, however, leg exercise is also imperative to the functioning of our brain and nervous system. As such, regularly moving, exercising, and strengthening our legs is crucial to keeping our neural cells healthy and functioning properly. If you’re a senior, exercises like leg squats and step exercises can safely strengthen your legs.
If you can’t ride a bike or get to the gym on a regular basis, you can still exercise your leg muscles and reap the benefits of good neurological health by purchasing an under-desk elliptical machine. These portable devices allow you to move and exercise your legs as you sit behind a desk, helping you to tone your leg muscles, burn fat, and increase your daily activity levels. Plus, many models can also be used while standing.
However, make sure to keep your workout space decluttered if you plan to exercise at home. Having too much stuff around can lead to spikes in your stress and anxiety levels, so try to keep this area as neat as possible. Doing so can help keep you calm and prevent any negative vibes from becoming trapped inside your home.
By incorporating these simple strategies into your everyday life, you’ll soon find that you feel stronger and healthier from your head all the way down to your toes. The overall functioning of each body system depends on the health of the others, and these simple tips will help each one of your body systems to operate at its fullest potential.
Connect with Nina Rebstock to develop a big-picture health plan to meet your specific needs! To schedule a consultation, call 512-560-6925 or email ninabeucler@gmail.com.
