Katrina's Healthy Beauty Tips

If I had designed the human body, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol would be nutritional food groups. Sadly, no one asked me when we were being formed in the mist. However, there is some good news. Chocolate contains flavonoids, which are also found in apples, cranberries, and peanuts. And by the way, this is on the website for the Cleveland Clinic. According to WebMD, there is research to support that coffee drinkers may have lower incidents of certain cancers, dementia, Parkinson's Disease, and certain other health conditions. The Mayo Clinic website suggests that MODERATE alcohol use may reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and a few other health conditions. I really hope this information is accurate. Because if it is...I might never die. :-) But seriously, there are many other changes you can make in your diet that can have an impact on your mood and appearance. One thing I have recently done is substitute sorghum flour and ground flax seed in place of white flour. Sorghum contains 48% of your daily fiber needs, over 40% of your protein requirements, plus phosphorous, potassium, iron and many other minerals. Flax seed contains Omega 3s, antioxidants and fiber. Fish also contain Omega 3s, protein, many vitamins and minerals. Vegetables, all veggies, contain something your body needs daily. Every fruit also contains something your body needs. And lets not forget water. The old adage of 8 glasses a day is still a good starting point. However, everyone's fluid needs are different. I personally drink between 8 and 12 glasses of water (plus coffee and some days...wine, brandy, etc.). Water helps the liver and kidneys clean your blood, cells and flush fat from your system.

I realize most of you have heard part or all of this information before. The point is, the healthier you are on the inside, the better you will feel on the inside. Feeling better on the inside will boost your mood and attitude. A healthier body, improved attitude and mood will affect the way you look. Beauty is not just skin deep. True, lasting beauty must start on the inside.

If you eat healthy, do you really need supplements? My opinion is, yes. I'm a healthy eater. By that, I mean, I love to eat. I also genuinely like most healthy foods. However, there's no way I could possibly eat all the food necessary to maintain a healthy balanced diet everyday. First, I take a good supplement which contains at least the recommended amounts of your basic vitamins and minerals. There are many reputable brands on the market. Second, I take a Biotin supplement. Biotin helps with hair and nail growth, skin suppleness and there is new research indicating Biotin may help with insulin regulation. Second, Vitamin D, there is new research everyday about the benefits of Vitamin D. Bone health, immune system, respiratory system, stress, mood, the list goes on. Next, calcium, magnesium and zinc. These can be bought individually or there are brands that combine the 3. Calcium is good for bones, teeth, preventing colon cancer, magnesium is responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body and zinc boosts the immune system, digestion and energy metabolism. Since I'm adding flax seed to my food daily, I'm not currently taking an Omega 3 supplement. I do drink Acacia juice regularly, which contains Omega 3 and other nutrients. A few other herbs I recommend are: garlic to fight infection, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, prevent blood clots; Ginko to increase blood flow to the brain; Ginseng for increased skin and muscle tone and improved digestion; Milk Thistle can help the liver regenerate; Peppermint has been shown to help with gastrointestinal issues linked to aging; lemon grass and chamomile for relaxation and mood. Remember, the healthier you are and the better you feel on the inside - the better you will look on the outside.