Written by Miss Gugan Hair for Doctify
Face creams, botox injections, fad diets – there’s not much we won’t try to keep ourselves looking young. There’s not much we won’t spend either, for that matter. As of 2013, the anti-ageing industry was estimated to be worth a staggering $261.9 billion. But what if we told you that you could turn back time for free – no £200 face cream required?
Leading Doctify Osteopath, Miss Gugan Hair is here to tell us how good posture can actually prevent some of the worst appearances of ageing.
What does posture have to do with ageing?
We are finally starting to understand that perceived age is more than just skin deep. It’s the subtle cues that give away our age to others. The reason Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman look so young is because their excellent posture does not betray their skincare routines.
As we get older, our spinal discs lose their turgidity and become dehydrated. They give to the force of gravity and flatten out resulting in a marked shrunken spine and exaggerated spinal curves. This can be seen by all as a rounded back and a forward held head. This begins to occur between the ages 35-40 years, when our body’s collagen production slows right down. If left to worsen past the age of 40, our posture becomes irreversibly stiffened and causing further visible changes such as loose and weak tummy muscles, pot belly, sagging breasts and wrinkly, loose décolletage.
The good news is, this can be prevented! Just like with the skin, it’s better to prevent and slow down the ageing process.
How do I improve my posture?
- Take up yoga and pilates. These will keep the core tight, spinal muscles strong and encourage full flexibility, keeping discs plump and slowing down the spinal disc dehydration process.
- Drink more water. Discs are 85% made up of water so keep them hydrated. 1.5 litres per day is the minimum requirement.
- Increase intake of blueberries, spinach, kale, garlic, eggs and avocado. Research tells us that eating these foods has shown improvements in collagen production as they provide the body with amino acids, the building blocks of collagen.
- Take supplements. Coenzyme q10, bamboo extract or silica, vitamin C will help maintain healthy discs. Magnesium and Vitamin D will slow down a similar ageing process affecting the bones of the spine.
- Follow good posture advice such as stop looking down at the phone, raise the computer screen, keep the head up and shoulders back when standing, walking and sitting. Keep your tummy tight when walking.
