By Dr. Joseph Mercola
     with Sarah Potts

Listed below are several other contributors to premature aging that you should be aware of.

Cigarettes

Whether you smoke yourself or are around people who do, cigarette smoke exposes you to damaging free radicals that will accelerate the aging process by damaging the microcapillaries in the skin. This limits the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients, which accelerates wrinkling and aging. Antioxidants, such as those found in fresh vegetables and fruit like organic blueberries, can help to fight free-radical damage and will naturally promote healthy, young-looking skin. A diet with plenty of vegetables will also provide plenty of micronutrients and antioxidants.

Lack of Sleep

Regularly catching only a few hours of sleep can hinder metabolism and hormone production in a way that is similar to the effects of aging.

I think most of us do not fully appreciate the value of a full night’s sleep. Getting seven hours is an absolute minimum for most all of us, and most of us would benefit from closer to nine hours. In the winter months try and be in bed by 9 p.m., other months, 10 p.m. would be ideal. Read "Sleep Well to Live Well" for all of my recommendations on how to sleep for your health.

Distilled Water

Many health conscious people are often surprised to hear me state that distilled water on a routine basis may actually damage your health. While the issue of distilled water is somewhat controversial in natural medicine circles, I believe distilled water is an active absorber and when it comes into contact with air, it absorbs carbon dioxide, making it acidic. The more distilled water a person drinks, the higher the body acidity becomes. More importantly the water loses its healthy structure. If you do a search on Google you will find the many health benefits of properly structured water. This maybe is the single largest reason why distilled water is not a wise choice.

The most toxic commercial beverages that people consume (i.e. cola beverages and other soft drinks) are made from distilled water. Studies have consistently shown that heavy consumers of soft drinks (with or without sugar) lose huge amounts of calcium, magnesium and other necessary trace minerals into their urine.

Additionally, distilled water will tend to leach healthy minerals from your body, which is very difficult to compensate for in the long run, even with mineral supplements. The more mineral loss the greater the risk for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and a long list of degenerative diseases generally associated with premature aging. Read, "Drink More Spring or Filtered Water to Improve Every Facet of Your Health" for details on drinking clean, healthy water.

The Sun

Exposing your skin to intense sunlight (UV-A rays) for an extended period of time may result in sunburn, wrinkling and premature aging. Sunburned skin is more susceptible to damage and may age more quickly. Also please read my article, "Sunscreen is a toxic chemical" to learn about the dangers of sunscreen use.

Remember that sunlight is not something to be avoided. You need sunlight in order for the body produce vitamin D. The key is to gradually build up your resistance to the sun by going out slowly in the beginning of the season, perhaps 10 minutes at a time to start, and always avoid getting burned.

Certain Diets

A recurrent cycle of gaining and losing weight will cause your skin to stretch and become less elastic. As you age, this loose skin will be more prone to sagging and wrinkles simply by the force of gravity. If you need to lose weight, my book is designed to help you keep the weight off for good.

Omega-3

The main sources of omega-6 fats are vegetable oils such as corn and soy oil that contain a high proportion of linoleic acid. Please read my article "The Great Con-ola" to learn more about the dangers of these oils. It has become clear that an excess of omega-6 fatty acids can have dire consequences, and most people are consuming far too much omega-6 while consuming not nearly enough omega-3.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to healthy skin. Making sure you get enough omega-3 in your diet, by taking high-quality fish oil or cod liver oil regularly, will help to keep your skin looking young and healthy.

Dry Skin

Finally, using virgin coconut oil as you would any lotion is an ideal way to rejuvenate skin. Not only does it prevent the formation of damaging free radicals and protect against them, but also it can help to keep the skin from developing liver spots and other blemishes caused by aging and overexposure to sunlight.

Omega 3 Oils: The Essential Nutrients

Too Little Sleep May Accelerate Aging

You Should Live to be at Least 100--Find Out How

Vegetables Prevent Wrinkles

Learn Why High Insulin is the Largest Physical Factor for Most Diseases

Reduce Grains and Sugar to Lose Weight and Improve Health