2020 has been a year like no other. For most of us, how we do things has changed dramatically – including the ways in which we work and play and the familiar routines that once guided our lives and informed our health. In addition to spending more time indoors, and maybe snacking a bit more than we should these past few months, we are now faced with the prospect of prolonged indoor living as winter approaches.
These factors have taken a toll on our mental health and our physical health as well, including our skin, hair, and body. And as we are all doing our best to deal with our present circumstances, we at HIMistry Naturals wanted to share some tips with you about how detoxing can benefit your well-being.
How Physical and Mental Health are Connected
Before we go into the benefits of detoxing, it is useful to understand the connection between physical and mental health. Often, we may think of these two aspects of our health as separate. Yet, several studies have demonstrated that physical and mental health impact one another and cannot be separated.
As such, the effects of stress are often manifested in symptoms such as headaches or stomach upset, or lack of sleep may result in anxiety. Similarly, when our skin is dry, our appearance is dull, or we feel sluggish, it can make us feel bad about ourselves. And when we don't have such a positive view of our situation, it can lead us to not take as good care of ourselves as we should, perpetuating a vicious cycle that is unhealthy.
Although the added stress that we all have been experiencing affects each of us in different ways, it has been shown that elevated levels of cortisol can increase the occurrence of dull skin, development of wrinkles, and decrease collagen and elastin production. Stress can even disrupt the normal hair cycle, causing hair to fall out and become thin. And, yes, tension can also result in overeating, especially comfort foods that may be high in carbohydrates and sugar, leading to extra pounds.
Fortunately, there are actions you can take to improve your overall health, even in these stress-filled times. Taking simple steps to detoxify your body will help you not only to look better but also to feel better.
What is Detoxing?
When many hear the word detox, they may think of following a specific diet or using laxatives or some other aid to rid the body of toxins. But detoxing your system essentially involves engaging in healthier habits to enable the body to reach optimal functioning. Below we will share some proven natural practices that you can follow to help your skin, hair, and body repair itself.
Limit or Avoid Alcohol
Excessive drinking can be damaging to your body, inhibiting your liver from performing its detoxifying function. And because alcohol depletes water in the skin, it can negatively impact your skin's performance, causing dullness, increased inflammation, and exacerbating skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema.
If you choose to indulge in alcohol, products that fight inflammation and retain moisture are useful for improving the appearance of lackluster skin and reducing under-eye puffiness.
Improve Sleep Quality
Getting better quality sleep can be difficult when you are stressed but improving your sleep habits is crucial for everything from preventing disease to sound decision-making. Sleep allows the body's cells to repair and restore and is a natural process for flushing toxins from the body.
Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Your brain and body will thank you, and so will your skin.
Increase Water Intake
Ensuring that you get enough water is also key for your system's ability to remove waste products from the body. Men should drink at least 125 ounces of water a day. However, your body may require more depending on your weight, diet, or other factors.
Balance Your Diet
The foods you eat are also vital to the detoxification process. Sugary and processed foods impede organs such as the kidneys and liver, which are crucial for these natural bodily processes. Eating foods that contain antioxidants and are high in prebiotics, such as fruits, nuts, vegetables, garlic, and oats, keep your organs healthy and reduce your risk for disease.
Get Your Vitamins
Although it is best to get your nutrients from food, it can sometimes be challenging to get all you need from diet alone. Taking certain antioxidant-rich supplements such as vitamins A, C, and E may be beneficial for your health.
Also, giving your skin a dose of products that contain vitamins and minerals can help to provide moisture, increase collagen production, and promote cell turnover.
Drop the Water Weight
When you consume too much salt, it causes water retention, making you look and feel bloated. Drinking more water and limiting your salt intake will allow your body to do its job of eliminating excess water.
Exercise
One of the important ways exercise contributes to your health is by reducing inflammation. Doing some form of moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes a week is recommended. And while you're at it, try giving your skin a cleansing workout as you combat inflammation.
Give Your Hair Some Love
Central heating and hot showers can leave hair feeling dry and lifeless. Finding a good detoxifying shampoo may be the answer. And if you have facial hair, using a natural beard oil can moisturize your skin and soften your beard all in one step.
Looking and feeling your best means taking care of your body so that it can keep you healthy. To learn more about men's skincare and other relevant topics for men, visit HIMistry Naturals.