Diet & Nutrition

Omega-3 for Kids: Why You Should Boost Your Child’s Intake

The therapeutic properties of omega-3s can help in the treatment of many short-term ailments while also providing protection against long-term health conditions. But omega-3 fatty acids are not just beneficial for adults; research has proven that there is no shortage of health benefits of omega-3 for kids. This important fatty acid can produce a profound effect on children’s short-term and long-term health.

Here is what you need to know about omega-3 fatty acids, how they can boost your child’s health and wellness in a variety of ways and how you can ensure that your child is getting sufficient amounts of this nutrient.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

If you have spent any time researching vitamins and minerals, you have likely run across studies documenting the many benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. But what are omega-3s exactly? These fatty acids are vital to many health functions, most specifically fetal development, immunity strength, heart health and brain function.

Because your body does not produce these fatty acids on its own, they are considered essential. This means that you need to be proactive about getting them from food and other supplements.

There are three primary types of omega-3 fatty acids. You can find alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in plant foods, including some vegetables, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in fatty fish such as tuna and salmon. Many people also choose to obtain their EPA and DHA from supplements.

Omega-3 for Kids Benefits

Although the generous health benefits of omega-3s is well-documented, it has been more recently that the advantages of this fatty acid for the growing bodies of children has come into light. These benefits include both physical health advantages and an improvement of mental wellness. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your child’s diet.

Protects Against Asthma

A study out of the UK shed light on how the intentional intake of more omega-3 fatty acids can offer protection against asthma. The intake of these acids provides a preventative measure in the development of asthma in children.

Boosts Brain Health

What parent does not want to boost their child’s brain function? Kids who regularly eat fatty fish or take an omega-3 supplement have been shown to score higher on intelligence quotient (IQ) tests. In addition, multiple studies have demonstrated that omega-3 supplements may decrease the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Encourages Healthy Sleep Patterns

One of the reasons that children enjoy better mental health and brain function due to the intake of omega-3s is because this fatty acid also encourages healthy sleep patterns. The studies show that regular intake of omega-3s reduces sleep disturbances, supporting healthy sleep patterns.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Supplementing with essential fatty acids has been shown to offer protection to kids with unhealthy cholesterol levels. The protection is vital because it helps to guard against the development of heart disease later down the road. The intake of this nutrient provides this protection by increasing the level of healthy omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream. The research showed that an omega-3 supplement has the potential of changing the lipid profile of a child’s bloodstream, lowering their risk of heart disease later in life.

How to Incorporate More Omega-3s into Your Child’s Diet

While you may have to work a little harder to incorporate omega-3s into your child’s diet when compared with more accessible nutrients, it is still within reach if you are diligent about this practice. The amount of omega-3s needed to see optimal benefits largely depends on the age and size of your child. Your healthcare provider will be a good resource when determining the dosage goal that is appropriate for your child.

Start with looking at ways to incorporate the omega-3s through food. The gold standard for omega-3s is cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. Other good food choices include nuts, seeds and plant oils. Walnuts, chia seeds, flax and canola oil are some of the most accessible foods for children.

Fortunately, many of today’s most kid-friendly foods are also fortified with omega-3s, making it even easier for your child to hit the recommended intake for optimal health. It is a good idea to get in the habit of reading labels to find foods that are high in this fatty acid.

Supplements also provide an extra layer of insurance for your omega-3 needs. There are a number of omega-3 supplements designed with a child’s growing body in mind, giving you the assurance that your child will not be deficient in this crucial building block for good health.

As more evidence pours in, it becomes even more obvious that kids can benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. Health-savvy parents would be wise to consider using these fatty acids as a means to supporting optimal health and wellness for their children.

Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3: What’s the Difference?

May 18 by Ewcopywriting

While it’s known that vitamin D is essential for health, there are important differences between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Being aware of these differences is of utmost importance when seeking to improve your health.

What is Vitamin D?

Primarily, vitamin D is a nutrient that helps cells in the body absorb other nutrients. This makes vitamin D an essential nutrient for your continued health, but particularly in helping to maintain strong bone density. That’s because bone strength and growth relies upon calcium for nourishment, but bones can’t absorb calcium directly. When your body has a sufficient supply of vitamin D, this nutrient serves as a bridge that allows the bones to absorb calcium efficiently.

Additionally, vitamin D is a neuroprotective agent that acts as both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent. This means a sufficient supply of vitamin D will help promote optimal brain cell activity, ensure muscle health and support a strong immune system. The nerves throughout your body also need vitamin D to successfully carry messages to your brain from various parts of the body.

During an infant’s first year of birth, only 10 mcg of vitamin D is needed daily, but that vitamin D requirement rises to 15 mcg after those first 12 months. This requirement remains consistent until individuals reach 71 years of age, at which time 20 mcg of vitamin D daily is recommended throughout the rest of their lives. This can be a challenge in that the best source of vitamin D is sunlight, yet unprotected exposure to the sun raises the risks for skin cancer. Fortunately, there are other available sources of vitamin D, which we will discuss momentarily.

How Do Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 Differ?

Vitamin D exists in multiple forms, two of the most common being vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Before you see out additional sources of vitamin D, it’s important to understand how D2 and D3 differ. These two types of vitamin D have different molecular compositions and they’re derived from different sources.

Vitamin D2 is also called D2 ergocalciferol, while vitamin D3 is known as D3 cholecalciferol. Vitamin D2 is primarily obtained from plant-based foods, while vitamin D3 can be found in meats and other animal-based foods. Even though the nutrients are derived from different sources, they are similar in most ways and researchers have found that both D2 ergocalciferol and D3 cholecalciferol raise the vitamin D levels in the body.

Although both forms of vitamin D can be helpful, vitamin D3 cholecalciferol seems to have a more significant effect on the body. This particular nutrient produces higher levels of vitamin D in the body, and the effects are longer lasting than those resulting from D2 ergocalciferol. In a recent study, researchers found that increasing intake of vitamin D3 in subjects over a five week period had a more profound effect on vitamin D levels within the body than increasing vitamin D2 intake by the same ratio over the same period of time.

Researchers hope to undertake more studies to determine how the two different forms of the vitamin affect overall health. They also want to examine whether or not D2 ergocalciferol and D3 cholecalciferol produce health differences based on age, gender or other differentiating factors. In the meantime, alternative sources of these nutrients can help anyone increase their vitamin D levels without risking excessive sun exposure.

What Are Some Natural Ways to Increase Vitamin D in Your Body?

Besides sun exposure, there are a few reliable ways to increase your body’s vitamin D levels.

Take a Dietary Supplement

You can boost your vitamin D levels with a high quality supplement, such as Vitachron Female or Vitachron Male. These high-quality supplements provide the body with additional D3 cholecalciferol for longer lasting effects. While recent research has linked vitamin D to better sleep, you’ll better enjoy its effects when you take vitamin D in the morning or early part of the day. This is when the body is more efficient in absorbing the nutrient. Additionally, you’ll be less likely to forget your dose if you take it along with with a healthy breakfast.

Include Sources of D3 Cholecalciferol in Your Diet

Typically, seafood is the best food source of D3 cholecalciferol. For example, a single tablespoon of cod liver oil contains up to 170 percent of the daily recommended value for this nutrient. A three-ounce serving of rainbow trout contains 81 percent of the vitamin D you need daily, while a similar serving of salmon contains 71 percent of the recommended daily value. Two sardines and one egg each contain 6 percent of the recommended value, while three ounces of beef liver or tuna contain 5 percent of the recommended daily dose of this nutrient.

Include Sources of D2 Ergocalciferol in Your Diet

You can increase your intake of vitamin D2 by consuming more plant milk, such as milk derived from almonds, oats and soy. Additionally, you can drink orange juice to get more of this form of the nutrient. Fortified cereals also contain higher amounts of vitamin D in this form, so eating a hearty breakfast will help you boost your vitamin D levels each day. Mushrooms and yeast are more good sources of vitamin D, since they require sunshine to grow.

Eat More Dairy

In general, dairy products are also excellent sources of vitamin D. This is especially true with products that are made with fortified milk, such as yogurt and pudding. You can also eat cheeses and eggnog, which provide good amounts of vitamin D as a result of the milk used to manufacture them.

If you’re concerned that you’re not getting enough vitamin D, you should consult your doctor. A simple blood test can determine whether you should start taking a vitamin D supplement or increase your intake of certain foods. Before making any dietary changes, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor to avoid any adverse reactions that may otherwise occur.

Food Cravings and Nutrition: Craving Certain Foods May Point to Nutrient Deficiency

May 12 by Ewcopywriting

A food craving is a strong desire for a specific kind of food that can persist even when one may not even be hungry. Research indicates a possible link between food cravings and nutrition, suggesting that the body could utilize food cravings to make up for vital nutritional deficiencies.

Are Food Cravings and Nutrition Linked?

Food cravings usually originate in one of two different ways. A food craving that originates in the brain leads to a desire for a sugary or otherwise unhealthy or “off-limits” food. The second type of craving revolves around a type of food that may contain nutrients the body is lacking.

Food cravings can be complicated. An example of this is the common desire for chocolate. At first glance, it may seem this craving originates in the brain and is only a desire for a sweet treat. However, because chocolate contains the mineral magnesium, your craving may actually originate in a need for more of that nutritional compound. If this is the case, a healthier choice would be to satisfy your craving by eating nuts or seeds that are rich in magnesium.

Since food cravings and nutrition seem to be linked in many cases, giving into a craving can help you meet a specific nutritional need. By indulging, you can make up for deficiencies that you may not realize exist.

Another example of the possible link between food cravings and nutrition is instances in which people experience strong cravings for meat and cheese. As those foods are high in iron and calcium, the body may be using those cravings to help compensate for a deficiency in those nutrients.

Aside from cravings for regular foods, there is a condition called pica in which people experience a craving for a non-edible substance, such as soil or laundry detergent. While researchers still don’t know what causes this condition, it is known that it mostly affects pregnant women and children. Scientists suspect that nutritional deficiencies do play a part in the cravings experienced by people with pica, but the exact reason for the bizarre nature of the cravings associated with pica hasn’t been identified. Researchers are especially perplexed because, in studies where vitamin supplements ensured women experienced no deficiencies, their cravings still persisted.

Food Cravings and Nutrition: No Clear-Cut Answer

Food cravings can be tricky in that it is often necessary to determine whether the craving is the result of a genuine deficiency, or simply a desire for a particular taste sensation. Take salty foods for example: While some people do get cravings for salty foods because they have a sodium deficiency, it’s much more common for people to crave salty foods because they just happen to like those types of snacks. The key? Try to determine why you’re having the craving before giving in. Since too much sodium can increase your risks for cardiovascular problems, you should be wary about giving into this type of craving.

Cravings that aren’t prompted by nutrient deficiencies are much more common, particularly among pregnant women. This is evident in the fact that pregnant women often crave foods with little to no nutritional value, for instance foods that are high in sugar, trans-fat, carbs and starch. In fact, cravings for foods high in sugar, trans-fat, carbs and starch are the most common types of cravings in general.

When cravings are prompted simply by an urge to eat unhealthy foods, switching to a healthier diet can help control those cravings. This was proven by one study that followed participants who were restricted to a low-carb diet. As the subjects adjusted to the low-carb diet, they experienced fewer food cravings.

Ensure You’re Getting the Vitamins and Nutrients You Need

When you do have a craving for an unhealthy food, you can fulfill that craving with healthy alternatives. If you feel satisfied after eating a healthier food with similar nutrients, you’ll know that the craving was brought on by a nutritional deficiency. If you still feel the craving after eating an alternative, this indicates an unhealthy craving that you should try to ignore in the future. Here are a few common cravings and their alternatives.

Sugar Cravings

When it comes to potentially unhealthy cravings, a yearning for sugary foods tops the list. If you often find yourself seeking out sweet treats, you could be deficient in one or more nutrients. A specific craving for chocolate can indicate that you are low on magnesium. A healthier way to get this vital mineral would be by consuming nuts, seeds and fruits like bananas, kiwi fruit, papaya, watermelon and apples. If you find yourself craving sweets in general, you may be low on chromium, carbon, phosphorus, sulfur or tryptophan. In this case, adding to your diet more veggies like cabbage, cauliflower and spinach, dairy products like eggs and cheese and lean meats like chicken will go a long way towards balancing out any deficiencies.

Meat Cravings

In addition to protein, a deficiency that vegans and vegetarians commonly face is that of iron. This is also a nutritional deficiency that women experience in their pre-menopausal ages. While there is non-heme iron in plant-based foods, your body has greater difficulty in processing this form of the nutrient. You can give your body more heme iron without deviating from your diet by eating legumes, beans, nuts and dried fruits.

Leafy Greens or Seafood Cravings

In addition to leafy greens and seafood, you may also crave cereal, eggs, poultry or dairy products. These cravings can arise as a result of a deficiency of B vitamins. If you’re binge eating as the result of stress or depression, it’s especially likely that you’re suffering from a deficiency of vitamins B1, B5, B6, B9 or B12. Some medications can result in B vitamin deficiencies, so you should consult your doctor if this is a concern.

Carbs

If you’re craving pasta, bread or other carbs, you likely have a nitrogen deficiency. To make up for that deficiency without eating unhealthy carbs, eat more red meat or fatty fish. Alternatively, you can meet this need by eating nuts, beans or chia seeds.

Salty Cravings

While a sodium deficiency is rare, craving salty foods may also be the result of chloride or silicon deficiencies. In that case, you should eat more fatty fish and seeds. You can also get what you need from nuts — especially cashews.

Avoid Deficiencies With a Comprehensive Supplement

If you don’t think you can separate healthy cravings from unhealthy cravings, the best thing to do is to reduce the likelihood of experiencing them altogether. You can do this by taking a daily supplement that meets the specific dietary needs for your gender. Vitachron Male and Vitachron Female are examples of high-quality vitamins that can help you maintain proper nutrient levels for a healthy body and mind.

Prebiotics Help Reduce Anxiety When Taken Daily, Says New Study

May 10 by Ewcopywriting

Prebiotics are insoluble fibers that, when ingested, help to nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut. New evidence suggests that when consumed daily, prebiotics help reduce anxiety and boost overall mental health. Find out how you can help your gut microbiome by incorporating more prebiotics into your diet.

What’s the Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics?

While certain bacteria are harmful to your health, there are also strands of bacteria that are beneficial to your health. These helpful types of bacteria thrive in the intestines, and they form a community known as the gut microbiome. The helpful bacteria that exists in the foods we eat are called probiotics. By eating a broader range of natural foods that contain probiotics, you help to increase the population of helpful bacteria in your gut. A more diverse selection of probiotics in your gut helps to manage weight, boost the immune system and regulate many other biological functions throughout the body.

However, the “‘friendly” bacteria in your gut need nutrition to thrive and grow just like any other type of living organisms, and this is where prebiotics come in. Some of the plant-based foods we eat also contain certain types of fiber and other natural compounds that the human body can’t digest, which are known as prebiotics. Fortunately, the bacteria in your gut needs these compounds to survive.

Eating foods rich in prebiotic compounds will help grow the population of probiotics in your gut by giving them the sustenance they need to grow and multiply. In this way, probiotics and prebiotics form a process that’s beneficial to gut health and other aspects of your overall health. It also means that failing to eat enough foods that are rich in prebiotics can adversely affect your health by reducing the diverse range of probiotics in your gut.

How Can Prebiotics Help Reduce Anxiety?

The relationship between prebiotics and probiotics is important to understand in terms of mental health due to the recent findings in anxiety research. Even before the latest evidence was uncovered, researchers found that probiotics affect the brain’s ability to regulate mood. Additionally, probiotics are responsible for helping to manage stress before it has an opportunity to affect physical and emotional health. While it’s more commonly known that insufficient probiotics in the diet can lead to digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, it has also been found to increase the chances of developing depression, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of mental and emotional health problems.

Newer research has focused on how prebiotics help reduce anxiety when they are included as a consistent part of one’s diet. A recent study, conducted at the UK’s University of Surrey, focused on how prebiotic-rich foods affected a group of 64 healthy women between the ages of 18 and 25.

In the study, the group of women was divided in half with 32 receiving a daily prebiotic supplement. The women in the other group were given a placebo. Emotional health status among the women was evaluated by administering questionnaires to the subjects in both groups. The surveys inquired about mood changes, feelings of anxiety and sleep difficulties. The participants were also required to provide fecal samples to help researchers determine the health of each woman’s gut microbiome.

After 28 days, researchers found that the women taking the prebiotic supplements exhibited better gut health and reduced levels of anxiety. The women in the other group exhibited no changes in gut health or emotional health.

Dr. Kathrin Cohen Kadosh, who headed up the research project, concluded that the findings provided hope for improving both gut health and emotional health. She said that adding a prebiotic supplement to one’s daily routine could strengthen gut health, while also improving mental health. There’s also hope that this discovery may lead to new treatments for emotional and cognitive health problems in the future.

How Can You Add More Prebiotics to Your Diet?

There are a two primary ways to ensure you are getting sufficient amounts of beneficial prebiotics in your daily diet.

Take a Daily Supplement

You can directly introduce more prebiotics and probiotics into your gut by taking a high-quality daily supplement. Be sure to look for a supplement that contains a healthy supply of both probiotics and prebiotics, such as Florachron. This will ensure that you’re receiving all of the nutrients your gut needs to thrive and support your overall health.

Eat More Prebiotic-Rich Foods

Essentially, look to incorporate prebiotic foods that have high amounts of natural fiber and natural carbohydrates. The body converts the fiber and carbs into butyrate, which is a short-chain fatty acid. Butyrate is used by the bacteria in the gut for nourishment.

The best foods to eat for their prebiotic content are:

legumes and beans
peas
bananas
berries
asparagus
garlic, leeks and onions

Probiotics and prebiotics are not found in the same foods, making it important to develop a diet that includes a broad range of foods. For probiotics, you’ll need to eat more fermented foods, such as plain yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi and unpasteurized pickles. Any fermented food you eat should be unpasteurized since the pasteurization process kills the beneficial bacteria in the food.

While research into the gut microbiome’s affects on mental health continues, we already know that a diverse gut microbiome positively impacts cognitive functioning, mood and emotional health. By taking steps to create a more diverse population of bacteria in your gut, you can improve many different aspects of your health, including alleviating anxiety and stress.

Supplementing With Omega-3 Protects Against Stress, May Help Slow Aging

Apr 28 by Ewcopywriting

Omega-3 fatty acids play a variety of roles in the body, contributing to both physical health and mental wellness. A new body of research is proving that supplementing with omega-3 protects against stress, helping to slow the aging process of the body as a result. Here is everything that you need to know about this class of fatty acids, including how you can boost your intake of this nutrient for better health.

What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

You do not have to be a health nut to know that omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most important nutrients that you can give your body. But what exactly are these fatty acids and how do they benefit your body?

There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is primarily found in plant oils such as canola oil and soybean oil. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are generally found naturally in fish and other types of seafood. As an essential fatty acid, your body does not make ALA, meaning that you must be diligent about getting it from food and beverage sources or through the use of targeted supplements.

Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There is no shortage of benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can have a profound impact on the proper function of many parts of your body and brain. Sufficient intake of omega-3 is useful in fighting inflammation and in boosting bone health, helping to ward off conditions such as osteoporosis.

Because DHA is a primary structural component of the retinas in your eyes, maintaining adequate levels can be beneficial in preventing macular degeneration. Getting enough omega-3 fatty acids can also help to guard against a variety of chronic diseases and illnesses, including arthritis, heart disease and metabolic syndrome. The nutrient will also protect against autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis.

Taking in enough omega-3 fatty acids promotes better sleep while also improving the appearance of your skin. Finally, you will also reduce your risk of a host of mental disorders by boosting your intake of omega-3sm including depression, anxiety and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

It is clear that many areas of both your physical and mental health will benefit by being intentional about getting enough of this crucial nutrient.

How Supplementing With Omega-3 Protects Against Stress

A new study out of the Ohio State University revealed that daily supplements boasting 2.5 grams of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids performed the best when looking to help the body ward off the effects of stress. By suppressing the damage that stress can cause to the body and increasing protection at the cellular level, omega-3s can even potentially help to slow down the aging process.

The results of the study demonstrate that taking an omega-3 supplement is one of the easiest yet most profound ways that you can disrupt the cycle of stress on the body leading to a variety of health issues. A simple supplement is an easy way to ward off or in some cases even reverse some of the most significant health conditions that many people face.

While the 2.5-gram dose of omega-3s studied in this research is significantly more than what most people ingest on a daily basis, it is important to note that the participants in the study did not demonstrate any issues with the higher dosage.

How You Can Boost Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

It is probably easier than you think to boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Start your efforts by being intentional about incorporating the foods that are rich in this nutrient into your diet. Both flaxseed oil and canola oil are high in ALA omega-3s. Sprinkling chia seeds and walnuts on to your favorite foods will also boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

While nearly all seafood contains omega-3s, some sources are more nutrient dense than others. Salmon is a particularly rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Herring, sardines and shellfish such as lobster and scallops also supply this nutrient. Next time you make a sandwich, consider spreading a tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bread to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Because some of these top sources of omega-3s are not widely consumed by everyone, many health-savvy individuals turn to high-quality dietary supplements that provide omega-3 fatty acids to boost their intake of this important nutrient. As the recent study out of the Ohio State University proved, omega-3 fatty acids are easily processed by the body when consumed via supplements.

While there are still questions surrounding how to best harness the power of this nutrient, it is clear that omega-3 fatty acid should be an essential part of your health routine. The recent research detailing how omega-3s can protect against stress and slow the aging process is just another in a long list of compelling reasons why you should make the intake of this nutrient a priority for your health and wellness.

How to Combat Dry Skin and Improve Skin Health From the Inside Out

Apr 02 by Ewcopywriting

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and keeping it healthy is important for a number of different reasons. The driving reason behind many peoples’ concerns about the condition of their skin is the fact that poor skin health can make you look older than your real age. Proper skin care is important all year round, but protecting against dry skin in the summer is especially important when it comes to maintaining a healthy, youthful appearance.

Why Proper Skin Care is Important

Most people are concerned to some degree with maintaining their youthful appearance, which is why there’s such a huge range of available products designed to care for your skin. Additionally, your skin acts as a barrier that protects your internal organs. Unless you suffer an abrasion or laceration that compromises your skin, it will keep diseases and bacteria from accessing your body and adversely affecting your internal organs.

In addition to acting as a barrier, your skin works as a filter, removing excess moisture, salt and oil from your body. It also helps to retain water, which is essential for hydrating your organs and the itself.

When you fail to take good care of your skin, you compromise all of the beneficial things it does for your body. Fortunately, your skin will let you know when it’s not as healthy as it should be. Skin conditions, including acne and eczema, are a few of the signs that your skin’s needs aren’t being fulfilled. If your skin feels leathery or dry, this can be another sign that you need to improve your skin care regimen before more serious conditions develop. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to take better care of your skin, and there are nutrients you can take to promote skin health from the inside out and help alleviate your skin problems.

Ways to Keep Your Skin Looking Young and Healthy

Modify Skin Care Practices

As warmer weather approaches, it’s necessary to change how you care for your skin. For example, the use of steams and exfoliating products should be reduced significantly in the spring and summer. These products promote dry skin when the temperatures are higher. Instead, use a natural moisturizer more frequently to help your skin stay hydrated.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

You should also drink more water at this time of year. Your internal organs rely on water to function properly. Your skin is one of those organs, and it needs to replenish the moisture it loses through sweating. If you’re not sure about how much water you should be drinking, ask your doctor how much you need based on your BMI (body mass index).

Buy a Humidifier

In the summer, it can be very beneficial to run a humidifier in your home. This device will add moisture to dry air, helping to restore the moisture in the exterior layers of your skin. If you do notice that your skin seems leathery or worn, running a humidifier will help hydrate your skin.

Limit Exposure to Heat and Sunshine

If you want to retain your skin’s health, be sure to avoid excess heat and the sun. Even a hot shower can be enough to negatively affect your skin. Additionally, avoid sitting near open fires, such as when cooking or sitting in front of a campfire, during the day. You should also limit the amount of time you leave your skin exposed to the sun’s rays. While sunscreen can help protect your skin, you should still avoid spending long hours exposed to the sun. If you work outdoors, use clothing to help protect your skin from exposure.

Natural Nutrients That Protect Against Dry Skin

You can also help your skin from the inside by taking a comprehensive daily supplement designed to promote glowing, healthy skin. Supplements can benefit the skin by giving your body the nutrients it needs to promote better skin health. The following ingredients are especially helpful for helping the skin to retain more moisture and minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkles that can make your skin look older and more worn.

Niacin

This is a water soluble nutrient that boosts cellular metabolism by regulating cell signaling. It also acts as an antioxidant and helps to make and repair DNA. For the skin, this means niacin helps prevent the cell damage that the sun’s rays can cause. It may also play a role in the prevention of skin cancer.

Biotin

This nutrient is also known as vitamin H and is one of several B-complex vitamins. As such, it promotes healthier skin, hair and nails. A deficiency of biotin results in skin with dry patches, as well as hair loss.

Zinc

Your body uses zinc in multiple ways, but is primarily used by the immune system to help fight off disease and infection. It’s useful in this way because it’s an anti-inflammatory agent. This means it’s also useful in keeping the skin healthy by reducing redness and irritation that’s caused by certain conditions, such as acne.

Selenium

Many of the things you expose your skin to on a daily basis contribute to the decline of your skin’s health. These are things you don’t think about, such as smoking, stress and air pollution. Selenium acts as an antioxidant that helps the body fight off the oxidative damage that these things cause to the cells in your skin.

Horsetail

What we commonly know as horsetail is a perennial plant that has been used for its medicinal value for centuries. More recent research has found that it’s particularly useful in treating skin wounds and abrasions by speeding up the healing time. It also helps eliminate skin redness and discharge from lacerations.

MSM and Hyaluronic Acid

These compounds are predominantly found in the layers of the skin, although they are also found in lesser quantities throughout the body. In the skin, they bind with cells to prevent the loss of moisture. When taken as a supplement, MSM and hyaluronic acid help increase moisture in the skin, helping to protect against external factors that may leave your skin dry or worn.