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Seven secrets to successful rejuvenation

Feeling a little lacklustre? Try these simple steps to rejuvenation

Extract taken from Neal's Yard Remedies: Looking Good and Feeling Younger

1. Eliminate! Start as you mean to go on, and clear your larder of everything known to affect health adversely and discourage healthy ageing. This means foods containing refined sugars and flours, anything containing transfats (look for the word 'hydrogenated' on the package), and prepackaged meals, including ready-made sandwiches and all junk food. Ban artificial sweeteners, colourings and preservatives in your home.
2. Hydrate! Keeping your body hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to encourage healthy ageing. Aim to drink at least six to eight glasses of pure, fresh water. Fluid intake can also be increased through filtered tap water, herbal teas, and freshly pressed organic fruit and vegetable juices, which offer the added benefit of multiple nutrients.
3. Detox! You don't have to go on a special detox diet to encourage healthy detoxification. Our bodies are designed to rid themselves of toxins, and if you remove all the unhealthy elements from your diet, you'll make that job a lot easier! Some foods, such as garlic, onions, citrus fruits (particularly lemon), apples, carrots, dandelion greens, flaxseed, live yogurt and fresh herbs (thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano, mint, lemon balm and parsley) are known to improve the process of detoxification. Include these in your daily diet whenever possible. Leafy green vegetables and sprouted beans and pulses are excellent sources of key nutrients, which can encourage the process.
4. Exercise! Every system in your body is positively affected by regular exercise. The protective effects on your body are remarkable, and regular exercise does everything from improving your skin and nails to protecting your heart and memory! Aim for 30 minutes a day of aerobic exercise, and gradually add in some strengthening and flexibility exercise, such as yoga.
5. Protect and survive! Eat regularly to keep your blood sugar levels stable, but never overfill your stomach. Little and often is the key. Keeping your calorie count down is a proven technique for extending your life! Choose the freshest possible organic food to maximize nutrient intake. Take time out to beat stress, which takes years off your life and adds years to your appearance. Protective nutrients from mother nature include everything your body needs to withstand the pressures and pollutants in daily life. Turmeric, green tea and ginger are good first choices. Stay informed. We learn more about our bodies all the time! Get good, protective sleep, which acts as a preventative measure to a whole host of physical and emotional disorders. Look after yourself. Anything preventative is protection you can't do without.
6. Enhance! Do the best with what you've got by buying fresh, locally sourced foods whenever possible; using nurturing organic products for your skin, hair and body; exercising daily to maximize all-round muscle health and joint mobility, which will also enhance your circulation and energy levels; and choosing quality supplements, as well as nourishing oils and other remedies to enhance and maximize your vitality.
7. Act as young as you feel! Dance, laugh, meditate, build your relationships and stay positive - use selfimprovement techniques to relax and encourage the best of health and wellbeing.

Extract taken from Neal's Yard Remedies: Looking Good and Feeling Younger by Susan Curtis, Alex Kirchin and Karen Sullivan

Visit www.nealsyardremedies.com to order your copy

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