As we grow older we are obsessed with the visual changes our bodies undergo. We spend many hours stressing about the appearance of a new wrinkle on our faces AND countless dollars trying to get rid of it. BUT while we scrutinise every detail of our outward appearance, few of us ever stop to think about the ageing that is going on just below the surface.

So, let’s take a look at what is happening in your body and how this affects your appearance

It is all about our cells. To preserve your youth we need to strengthen and protect at the cellular level. Just as we nourish our skin cells with lotions and potions to look youthful, we also need to pay attention to the unnoticed cells within us that we cannot see.

We witness cellular ageing every time we look in the mirror and cringe at the sight of a new wrinkle or an unwelcomed sagging in an area that was once firm! This too is happening to the cells within us.

Cell health is weakened by nutritional deficiencies, genetic defects, stress, and damage cause by toxins flowing through our body.

3 WAYS TO STRENGTHEN AND PROTECT YOUR CELLS

1. ATP

Our cells ultimate Christmas present every year would be always the same: Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)! Our cells thrive on this stuff! ATP is the battery power that keeps us functioning. If you want healthy cells you need to give them more ATP. One way to raise your ATP levels is to boost your intake of B vitamins. They are essential for conversion of food energy into your cell’s energy (ATP).

If you are eating a nutritious whole foods diet with lots of vegetables, especially green leafys, wholegrains (oats, brown rice, quinoa, amaranth) and good quality sources of animal protein hpw (meat, fish, eggs) you are doing well. A good quality activated B complex supplement is needed when your demands are higher (pregnancy, athletes, stress) and if you have a genetic defect that affects metabolism (ask your naturopath to arrange genetic testing).

2. Oxygenation

Healthy functioning of our cells requires a constant supply of oxygen. This is highly reliant upon sufficient nutrient intake. Deficiencies in key nutrients can lead to premature cell death, inflammation and serious health conditions.

Iron is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in women. Iron is vital to produce haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. Haemoglobin binds to oxygen molecules you breath in from the air and delivers them into your tissues.

Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron. If deficient I recommend 1-2 servings of red meat per week with lots of green leafys and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Other ways to oxygenate & exercise and lots of movement, infrared saunas and massage.

 3. Antioxidants

Cells need defences from constant exposure to toxins and harmful environmental elements (i.e. radiation). As a result free radicals are produced which leads to cellular damage and death. Luckily our bodies have heroic scavengers called antioxidants, which capture these harmful radicals and remove them from our bodies.

When the amount of free radicals exceeds our antioxidants, our bodies a state of oxidative stress. Which is one of the main factors involved in cellular ageing.

Amazing antioxidant nutrients include:

• Vitamin A – cod liver oil, carrots, parsley, green leafys
• Vitamin C – citrus fruits (lemon, oranges), kiwi, green leafys
• Vitamin E – dairy, eggs, nuts and seeds
• Zinc – red meat, oysters, pumpkin and sunflower seeds
• Selenium – seafood, Brazil nuts
• N-acetyl-cysteine (supplement)
• Alpha-lipoic acid (supplement)

Ask your naturopath about antioxidant rich herbal medicines such as ginkgo, rosemary, Japanese knotwood, milk thistle and turmeric.

Ultimately your appearance is a reflection of your inner beauty.