Out & About December 2017

OA health & beauty

In the bleak

The British Skin Foundation has some sound advice on how to protect your skin during the coldest season of the year and don’t underestimate the health benefits of the lemon

W hile many health practitioners and well-read health buffs have long known of the almost magical healing properties of the humble lemon, it was not until recently that the main- stream health media and, by extension, your everyday health enthusiast, caught on to the wonder of the lemon. And how do you get the most out of that lemon? With a simple glass of water, preferably warm or room temperature. Lemon water goes well beyond being a delicious thirst quencher, it also nourishes us with a heady concoction of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, which are vital to the healthy functioning of the hu- man body. So what happens when you add lemon to your water and drink it on a daily basis? Well, here are just a few benefits of drinking lemon water: n Encourages a healthy, balanced bowel movement. n Cleanses the liver, by stimulating it to release toxins. n Gives your immune system a boost by providing a vitamin C hit, often one of the first things to go when you’re stressed, so it’s good n Make sure you’re moisturising regularly and using an emollient that’s right for you – keep- T he dreary British weather can play havoc with our skin, especially for those with existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Each winter our body is exposed to harsh changes, leading the blood vessels in the skin to change rapidly to account for the fluctuating temperature. This can leave the skin looking flushed, red and weather-beaten. Wind, rain, central heating and soggy clothing can all irritate the skin. Consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation trustee, Dr Bav Shergill, has some top tips for keeping skin in good shape this winter.

n Fights infections in the respiratory tract, banishes sore throats and brings down inflam- mation in the tonsils. n Cleanses blood vessels and arteries. n Improves your skin, mainly through cell hydration and high levels of free-radical fighting vitamin C. n Can help lower blood pressure by as much as 10 per cent. n Helps to dissolve gallstones, pancreatic stones, kidney stones and calcium deposits. The magical health-rejuvenating properties of lemon water have their greatest effect in the morning, before you eat or drink anything. When consumed at this time, lemon water helps to replenish cells in your body that have become dehydrated overnight. During this process, it forces toxins out of your cells and flushes them from your system, help- ing to regulate healthy organ function and give your digestive system a kickstart for a busy day of turning food into energy. n Apply a moisturiser to skin straight after a bath or shower, while the skin is still slightly damp. Drying your skin vigorously with a towel can damage it, so pat dry and don’t rub. skin, which may cause further irritation or chaffing. n While it’s natural to want to stay warm indoors, even the central heating can affect our skin. The drier air in centrally-heated buildings means the skin can dry out, so try not to turn the thermostat up to maximum. n Avoid the temptation to have a long hot bath, as this can strip away much-needed natural oil from the skin. Try and shorten the length of time and remember to keep the water tempera- ture warm, not hot. The The British Skin Foundation is the only UK charity dedicated to raising funds for all skin diseases and skin cancer research. The foundation is committed to funding quality research and they won’t stop until they’ve found cures for common skin problems like eczema and acne through to potential killers like malignant melanoma. To date, the British Skin Foundation has raised £16 million to fund research projects since 1996.

to ensure you’re getting plenty from natural sources each day. n Provides high levels of potassium, sup- porting heart health and a balanced nervous system. n Supports healthy digestion by dislodging toxins in your gut and by relieving symptoms such as heartburn, gas and bloating. n Encourages the liver to produce more enzymes than any other food. n Hydrates your body by providing electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, which speed up the hydration process. n Freshens your breath, relieves toothache and fights gingivitis. n Contains pectin fibre, which helps with hun- ger cravings, and therefore encourages healthy weight management. n Flushes uric acid from your joints, reducing inflammation, which lowers pain and stiffness. n Lowers your risk of disease by reducing acidity, something diseases thrive in. n Boosts your energy levels when it enters your digestive system. n Reduces anxiety and fights depression. n Avoid harsh, alcohol-based cleansers and soaps. Stay away from cleaning products that contain alcohol and go easy on the exfoliation. n Protect skin with warm clothing (a scarf, hat and gloves) while outside. If the rain makes your clothes damp, ensure that you change into something dry as soon as possible and don’t leave wet clothes in contact with your ing skin moist is imperative to avoid it getting cracked and infected. n Be careful with the kinds of clothes you wear. Some materials, for example lamb’s wool, may irritate skin and cause flare-ups. n One of the best and simplest ways to combat the winter effects on skin is to regularly apply moisturisers and lip salves. This will help replenish the lost moisture from the skin. All skin types benefit from a moisturiser.

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