The usual expression puts “looking good” ahead of “feeling good.” The truth is, one has to feel good inside if looking good outside is to be genuinely achieved.
Consider the human body as the big entity, the macro. But it’s the parts that make up the whole—thus, the microcosm, the world of cells.
The basic rule is simple: Good health begins at the cellular level. And this covers true beauty, too.
Here are some health issues and how to better address them.
Blood flow
Blood is a bodily fluid and highly specialized tissue in humans, composed of more than 4,000 different components, the top four being red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma. It provides the body with oxygen, nutrition and a means for waste removal.
Blood is really thicker than water; the average person has more than one gallon (five liters) of blood.
Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues. White blood cells fight infections, and platelets are the smaller cells that help blood to clot.
What does it mean when your blood is thick? Thickening of blood may occur as a result of different health conditions linked to lifestyle factors (such as smoking). When blood is thick, it becomes sticky. The result: impaired circulation and delivery of oxygen to the body as well as inefficient waste disposal.
There are anticoagulant medications designed to inhibit the clumping of platelets, which normally thin the blood. Consult your doctor.
Foods that thin the blood:
1) Berries—grapes, blueberries, acai that have compounds beneficial to the blood, especially the heart.
2) Ginger—a traditional mainstay of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, commonly used as a cure for nausea, tummy aches and indigestion. However, it also contributes to thinning the blood.
3) Curry powder—a favorite spice that keeps your circulation going.
4) Turmeric—due to its curcumin, it is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
5) Cinnamon— prevents blood clots and controls blood sugar.
6) Peppermint—a multipurpose herb which soothes the gastrointestinal tract. Its salicylate content prevents blood clotting.
7) Paprika—more than just a condiment, this spice benefits the cardiovascular system.
8) Cayenne pepper—boosts metabolism.
9) Licorice—popular for its multidimensional benefits to health; treats ulcers and stomach aches.
10) Garlic—good for lowering blood pressure and known as a blood thinner.
Always be guided by your physician.
Bright skin
Considered the largest organ of the body as well as the biggest detoxifier, your skin needs special attention. Numerous products in the market today address skin problems. Before you
decide to invest in an expensive skin care regimen, consider feeding your skin cells first. While there are no short cuts, these are sure-fire measures to achieve visible results.
1) Water—dehydrated skin needs to be hydrated. Pure and clean water is all you need—10-15 glasses daily.
2) Vitamin C—take a minimum of 1,000 mg of vitamin C (sodium or calcium ascorbate) daily. A super C plan is to consume 1,000 mg every 3 hours or a total of 4,000 mg daily.
3) Vegetables and fruits—if it’s fresh, green, leafy and bright-colored, you can be sure it has vitamin C and A—the very vitamins essential to skin health.
4) Virgin coconut oil—1 tablespoon daily will boost your energy levels and improve your skin quality. Also great as a skin moisturizer.
5) Pearl coix—an ancient Chinese and Japanese health and beauty regimen, the edible seed of this type of grass contains a seed which is polished to release a pearl barley. This grain, with its nutrient-rich seed, is especially formulated by a 40-year-old wellness company, Fine Japan Co. Ltd.
Consuming this daily will also address edema, urinary infections, hair, nail and skin problems. These rejuvenating properties are found in Premium HyC 150, a combination of collagen, hyaluronic acid, ubiquinol pearl coix and vitamin C, and is by far a superior drink for the skin (www.HyC150.com; tel. no. 5467297).
This week’s affirmation: “Within me, perfect health begins.”
Love and light!
E-mail the columnist: coryquirino1@yahoo.com