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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

How A Healthy Diet Can Help Rejuvenate Your Skin Without Harsh Chemicals

by Valerie Stevens

Everyone wants to look the best they can, but have you ever noticed that the healthier someone is, the better their skin looks? The proper diet can keep your skin looking dewy fresh without the risks of chemicals or other harsh treatments.

You Truly Are What You Eat

Food is probably the most powerful beauty tool you have. Your cells are constantly dying and replacing themselves, especially the cells of your epidermis -- the outer layer of your skin. New cells are built from the foods you put into your body. If your diet consists largely of fatty, processed foods full of chemicals and additives, this is literally what your new cells will be composed of. What you see in the mirror is a reflection of the food you are consuming.

Balance Is Important

Fad diets, such as low-carb or high-fat, are lopsided and don't provide the balanced nutrition your body needs. A healthy diet includes a balance of fats, carbohydrates, proteins and fiber, which produces strong, well-oxygenated cells. Your diet should consist of 45 to 65 percent carbohydrates, 20 to 35 percent fat and 10 to 35 percent protein. Make sure that your carbohydrate intake includes 14 grams per 1,000 calories of fiber.

Hydration Is Important

Since your body is made up of 60 percent water, it's vital to every system in your body. Dehydration shows first in your skin, so if your skin is dry and you aren't taking in much fluid, that's a good place to start to correct it. The 8 x 8 rule to drink eight 8-oz. glasses of fluid a day is easy to remember; however, exercise, outdoor temperatures and certain health conditions also influence your fluid requirements. For example, it's recommended that breast-feeding mothers consume at least 13 cups or 3.1 liters of fluids each day.

Best Foods for Healthy Skin

Foods that contain healthy fats and anti-oxidants, such as those listed below, are especially good for your skin.

  • Avocado is an alkalizing food full of vitamin E and healthy fats
  • Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene, a strong anti-oxidant, as well as vitamin A
  • Green vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli and spinach help your body fight off toxins that can damage skin cells
  • Fatty fish, such as salmon, provide essential fatty acids
  • Tomatoes are chock full of anti-oxidants to prevent and repair skin damage

Cosmetic skin rejuvenation treatments such as chemical peels and dermabrasions produce temporary results that can actually damage your skin over time. A healthy diet not only creates beautiful skin, but contributes to an overall healthier body with more vitality. If chemical treatments don't appeal to you, consult your medical professional, like those at A Beach Medical Group For Dermatology, about a skin rejuvenation diet that is right for you.

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