Winter Health Risks - Preventing Heart Attacks - Dr. Oz
The weather isn't the only thing that can be frightful this time of year.
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the December 2012 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
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I don't have to tell you that the combination of low temperatures, decreased humidity, and blasting heaters can leave your skin flaky and itchy. But here's what you may not know: Because the outermost layer of your skin helps keep bacteria from entering your body, the cracks created by water loss can make you more vulnerable to infection. Using a humidifier and lotion will help, but you can also moisturize from within. Research suggests that ceramides (lipid molecules that help prevent skin from becoming dry) found in whole grains may help build up the barrier that keeps moisture in. And add more biotin-rich foods (like Swiss chard, eggs, and nuts) to your diet—they're members of the B vitamin family and promote the production of moisture-retaining fatty acids. |
