A Healthy Body = A Healthy Mind

By Brooklynn Curley, APRN-C

Long ago; Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician, once said, “let thy food be thy medicine”. This is a powerful quote that still holds true today. March is my favorite month and not only because it is my birthday month. March represents National Nutrition Month, and this is such a powerful thing. One of the few things in this life that we have control over is what we choose to fuel our bodies with. This decision alone can affect us in so many ways including our health, energy, performance, mind, body, and spirit. So let’s dive in on some tips to help you become the best version of yourself.

Digest This!!
Eating is one of America’s favorite social pastimes. However, what we don’t think about is what we consume and the digestion process that follows. Did you know the acid in our stomach is powerful enough to dissolve most metals? Our stomach is a chemical and mechanical machine. Its job is to break down the food for absorption of nutrients and storage for fuel. Water helps soften food and assists with easier digestion. Our body has a circadian clock that helps regulate our daily behaviors including but not limited to the sleep/wake cycle, hormone release, and heart function. Our body expects certain fuels like fats and sugars at certain times of the day. Random eating and mindless snacking overwork your stomach and can cause bloating and indigestion. Fiber for the win, as it passes through our body undigested and can help regulate our hunger sensation. This can be found in oats, peas, beans, carrots, etc. KEY TIPS: Eat every 3-5 hours smaller meals to process food and fuel the body. Chew your food since the chewing motion mixes with saliva (packed with digestive enzymes) and helps your body absorb the greatest amount of nutrients.

Drink your Water!
When you want to reach for the diet coke, energy drink, sweet tea, or coffee….think again. Water is vital to the human body. It aids in the livelihood of cellular functions, digestion, and both mental and physical performance. The human body is roughly made up of 60% water. We are constantly losing water through urine, sweat, and even breathing. Assuring we have adequate water intake helps ensure all cells, tissues, and organs are functioning optimally. Adequate water intake energizes you and helps flush toxins out of your body. H2O is a lubricant for all joints helping produce synovial fluid and cartilage which helps maintain healthy joints and smooth movements. The smallest amount of dehydration which amounts to a loss of water at 1-2% of your body weight can affect cognitive function, concentration, alertness, and physical performance and endurance. KEY TIP: Within 30 minutes of waking up, drink 12 oz water, which will help kick-start your metabolism for the day. Also, here in the Dermatology world…hydration is key for your immune system, and it can even help prevent acne. Adequate water helps keep your skin’s microbiome strong and helps fight off acne-causing bacteria.

Our health is in our hands. What does this mean?
Don’t let 2024 be the year you fall into the fad diets and the crash diets. The theme for this year’s national nutrition campaign is “Beyond the Table”. I love this idea that addresses the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition. This campaign helps address food production and distribution, how to navigate grocery stores and farmers markets, and how to implement home food safety and storage practices. Meal prepping, smart snacking, and tips and tricks to choosing foods is a great way to get your nutrition under control for you and your family. Here are some easy-to-follow guidelines. Be sure to choose salt-free seasoning and liquid aminos for flavor. Celery, carrots, and cucumbers are foods that you can eat as much as you want as they are full of fiber and help keep you full. Do not drink your calories, meaning say no to juices, milk, or sodas. With that being said, there is nothing wrong with balancing your nutrition and enjoying life. Alcohol consumption stops your body from burning fat. It decreases the digestive enzymes and inhibits the absorption of nutrients and the breakdown of food. Hence why, it is sometimes forced to be stored as fat. KEY TIP: No sugary drinks and avoid drinking more than 1 night a week. Shop the outside of the grocery store first. Why? The outside perimeter of a grocery store is where you tend to find the freshest foods including produce, meat, and dairy. Your processed foods are typically in the center isles. By shopping this way, you have better control over your diet’s fat and sodium intake. Remember, processed foods contain preservatives or chemicals and additives to maintain shelf life.

Midstate Skin Institute: Here for you.
What can we offer you to help you meet your 2024 goals? A former trainer of mine once said, “You can’t workout a bad diet”. That has stuck with me for years. Nutrition is the key to a healthier, longer, and more fulfilling life. I truly believe that having a supportive team behind you, you can achieve anything you want in life. We are happy to offer the latest and greatest lasers, ultrasounds, and medication management to help you get closer to your “health” goals. One of our services includes EMSCULPT NEO. This uses radio frequency and high-intensity electromagnetic energies to help with fat reduction and muscle growth. The main mechanism is heat, think about an intense warm-up before a workout. Clinical studies have shown a 30% reduction in subcutaneous fat. It is non-invasive and is only 30 minutes! Another service offered is Sofwave. This is a skin-tightening ultrasound approach. This can be used on all skin types and is also noninvasive. It is FDA-approved for short-term improvement of cellulite. This machine helps stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. We would love to consult with you and come up with a plan to help you achieve success.

To sum it up…
As you can see, I am very passionate about nutrition and taking control of your life. It could be the former personal trainer in me but I LOVE helping others change their lives and feel their best from the inside out. This is why I LOVE Dermatology because our skin’s health truly starts on the inside. Knowledge is power. Feed your brain, feed your soul, feed your body and you will be unstoppable. Until next time…. Brooklynn.

MidState Skin Institute
Comprehensive Dermatology Care