How a Clean Lifestyle can Benefit Your Health During the Pandemic and Beyond

 By Onicia Muller of ASE Beauty

At Ase Beauty, we believe that living a clean lifestyle goes well beyond beauty. What you put on your skin, in your body, even what you feed your mind is all a part of your total health and wellness. And living as clean as possible is one way to help live a healthier, happier life. 

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When we say “clean” we mean being intentional, informed, and making the best possible choices for our bodies and health. And for women of color, this is essential for our well-being. Now, more than ever. 

As crazy as it sounds, we’re living through a pandemic that has changed and will continue to change our lives as we know it. Everyone will be affected in some way, whether directly or indirectly, and while we can’t control what’s happening in the world, that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. Clean living is one way you can take control of your health, not just during the pandemic, but for life.  

According to the World Health Organization, “People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.”

Therefore the WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves. Social distancing, wearing face masks in public, and following good hygiene and health practices can go a long way. But, for women of color, we have to do more. 

We’re dealing with a virus that puts people with pre-existing conditions at risk and the health disparities that women of color face puts us in a vulnerable position.  

AmericanProgress.org noted that, “Black women ages 45 to 64 have the highest rates of breast cancer and maternal mortality, while Latinas have the highest rates of cervical cancer.”

In 2017, Essence reported that “Black women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes compared to their White counterparts. ... And Black women have higher rates of obesity, hypertension and fibroids.”

Thankfully changing to a clean lifestyle can help prevent or reverse some ailments that might make someone more susceptible to coronavirus and others. Here are some ways  you can begin living cleaner today:

• Take time to read the labels on our food and beauty products to ensure that you make informed decisions on what goes on and in your body. Avoid harsh chemicals and irritants that put your health at risk. 
• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet of whole foods and avoid processed foods as much as possible. Aim for an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Try supplementing with vitamins to boost immunity as well.
• Don’t forget to incorporate some form of exercise. Exercising daily can help improve your mood and mindset as well as reduce your risk of certain diseases. Yoga can improve overall health and reduce stress, but even taking a daily walk can make a difference. 
• Spend time nourishing your mind and soul with centering exercises like meditation, journaling, or deep breathing. Stress can impact your immune system so you want to stay as calm and relaxed as possible. 

If you’ve ever found yourself rethinking your lifestyle, now is the time to start. 

Onicia Muller is a clean beauty enthusiast who currently serves as Culture Editor at ASE Beauty, a clean beauty lifestyle brand for women of color. You can read the original post and more at ASE Beauty’s #CleanConversations blog.

* This article was originally published here