(NaturalNews) Age Spots are flat brownish skin discolorations found on skin throughout the body which usually occurs in people over the age of 40. Age spots take years to develop and are not likely to go away overnight. However, with time and consistent effort they often can be treated naturally.
Though age spots are often called liver spots, they normally have little to do with the liver. Excessive sunlight over a period of many years is the primary cause of age spots. Nutritional deficiencies may also lead to age spots.
Since excessive sunlight is a major culprit in the development of age spots, it is important to limit sun exposure to healthy amounts which do not cause sunburn. This does not mean avoiding the sun altogether, as sunlight is essential for production of natural vitamin D, an absolutely essential item for optimum health. A good rule of thumb is to move to shaded areas or indoors once the skin shows the slightest signs of pinkness.
Diet should consist of as many raw fruits and vegetables as possible, and make sure to drink plenty of water to keep the system cleansed. Processed foods, fried foods, junk foods, fast foods, sodas, sweets, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco should be eliminated.
Perhaps the most common nutritional deficiency that can lead to age spots is a deficiency in potassium. There are a great number of potassium rich foods, including apricots, avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, dates, figs, kiwi fruit, and melons, to name just a few.
A selenium deficiency can be another cause of
age spots. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in protecting cells from free radicals.
The following supplements will help in treating and reversing age spots:
Vitamin C
Vitamin E (internally and topically)
Zinc (Note: do not take more than 15 mg of zinc daily over a long period of time, as it can interfere with proper absorption of copper)
The following home
remedies have also shown to be effective in the removal or reduction of age spots:
*Rub fresh aloe vera juice on the spots twice daily for two months.
*Rub castor oil on the spots every morning and evening.
*Mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with one teaspoon of orange juice. Apply on a cotton pad and bandage it to the area.
*Eat four fresh bilberries daily, or take 80 to 160 mg of bilberry extract.
*Apply organic buttermilk to the spots. The lactic acid in buttermilk helps to restore the
skin.
*Every evening mash about 1/3 cup of chickpeas and make a paste by adding a little water. Leave it on until it completely dries, and then wash it off.
*Break the stem off a dandelion and rub the sap on the spots two to three times a day. It is said that Will Greer (Grandpa Walton) used this method successfully in treating his age spots.
*The Chinese herb, gotu kola, is said to clear up age spots, sometimes in only a few days. Add 1/8 teaspoon of the powdered herb to herbal tea, or you can just add it to hot water, mixing it with 1/8 teaspoon of ginseng and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
*Apply fresh lemon juice to the spots twice daily.
Note: Skin discolorations that increase in size or become irregular should be checked by a physician.
For other helpful articles, see:
"Natural Fruits, Foods and Remedies Give Smoother, Younger Skin"
http://www.naturalnews.com/028720_skin_nutrition.html"Natural Sunburn Remedies Help Relieve Pain and Heal Your Skin"
http://www.naturalnews.com/029019_sunburn_remedies.htmlSources:
http://www.homeremediesweb.com/age_spots_home_remedy.phphttp://www.health911.com/liver-spotshttp://homeremedies.ygoy.com/skin/age-spots.phpAbout the author
Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. Luella is in the midst of editing her ebook, "The 8 Invisible Stains of Our Souls" which will be available in the next few months. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors of books and articles about natural health including "
Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "
Collected Remedies" Luella contributes to
The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone "
Ask Tony Isaacs" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "
Oleander Soup" and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets "
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