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It is a singularly wondrous accomplishment to hide your age. You may try creams, potions or even surgery to accomplish this task, but before you reach for those things, consider some natural ways to get the job done. Natural beauty is more than skin deep and works for anyone at any age.

As we age, the effects of what we put into and onto our bodies begins to show. For instance, life lived in a harsh environment will affect the look and feel of your skin. Eating processed foods affects your internal environment and how it functions from year to year. With a little leg work you can change your body inside and out for a more youthful appearance no matter what your age.

1. Drink lots of water. The body is composed of 90 percent water. Water gives the body an internal shower each day. It flushes your digestive and urinary systems. With fewer toxins in the body, everything operates more efficiently.

2. Exercise. At least 30 minutes a day will improve your sleep patterns, your concentration and your reactions to stress. The brain gets more oxygen and the body begins to use it on a more efficient level. Exercise is a remedy for stress since it releases endorphins which give your mood a lift.

3. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is an epidemic in this country. Excess weight causes all sorts of conditions like hypertension, stroke, heart attacks, and heart disease. Those conditions are less likely to attack your body when you get rid of excess fat.

4. Visit your doctor. At least once a year everyone needs a physical. Doctors can conduct a battery of tests depending on your age to check for colon health, breast health, heart and lung health. Visiting a doctor is how many diseases like cancer are caught early and treated.

5. Complement your beauty with natural treatments. Everything in the store is not good for your skin. Create your own products using plants, flowers, fruits and herbs. These natural products can do the job without harmful side effects.

6. Avoid the tanning beds and use natural sunscreen. The radiation from the sun can damage the delicate layers of the skin. Getting too much sun without any protection for your skin can lead to harmful melanomas. Protect yourself when you are outdoors to avoid premature wrinkling and drying of the skin by using natural sunscreens such as titanium dioxide & zinc oxide. Try to avoid chemical sunscreens if at all possible.

7. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals in your body that attack the body’s cells and cause us to age ungracefully. Leafy green veggies, orange and yellow veggies, and all types of citrus fruits contain antioxidants that keep you looking young. If you aren’t getting enough in your diet, consider taking antioxidant supplements.

8. Sleep well. Sleep is more important than people realize. The body uses our sleep time to repair itself. Without proper rest, you feel rundown and less able to focus. Your immune system is compromised and you start to catch every bug going around. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night.

Are you getting old before your time? Try these suggestions to age gracefully and live a long and healthy life.