Beautiful Skin with the Power of Plant-based Whole Food
Source From:https://homejarfitness.com/beautiful-skin-with-the-power-of-plant-based-whole-food/
BY: LANAE AGEE, RN, CHIEF WELLNESS OFFICER
It always amazes me the amount of money we, as women, spend on skincare products…me included. We are always looking for the latest and greatest to help combat aging, scarring, eczema, acne, etc. Not only do these products cost a pretty penny, but they may be doing more harm than good.
Our bodies are under constant attack from toxins, which can come from an unhealthy diet, added chemicals, lifestyle choices, the environment and stress. Too many toxins and our liver and kidneys take a beating, unable to fully detoxify our body. Our biggest organ, the skin, is then affected which can result in unhealthy skin.
Ridding our body of as many toxins as possible is always the first step. By reading labels and refusing to purchase products that are loaded with harmful toxins and chemicals is just the beginning.
Our skin is made up of trillions of cells which require a balance of the right nutrients to promote healthy skin. Nutrients like antioxidant polyphenols help strengthen the skin’s upper layer which can help protect against UV damage from the sun. The phytonutrients in the plants we eat provide us with health promoting properties, including the skin.
Eczema, also referred to as dermatitis can produce red, scaly, dry skin that is inflamed, irritated and sometimes itchy. There are several causes and kinds of eczema, but an imbalance of good and bad gut bacteria can be a factor, and it is true that dairy and gluten can be a trigger that can exacerbate eczema.
So, while staying free from dairy and gluten may help, there are foods that can nourish the skin and help clear complexion from dry, blemished areas. Foods containing essential fatty acids lubricate the skin and help replenish moisture and help fight acne prone skin. There are two basic types of EFAs: omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids, and we need them both. EFAs are anti-inflammatory and can enhance your complexion by improving the skin’s texture and softness. They also help to keep skin cells moist and strong by reducing the amount of water lost through the epidermis.
Sulfur and chlorophyll rich foods help reduce redness and inflammation. Vitamin B’s and antioxidant powerhouses (rich in quercetin, resveratrol and vitamin C) help aid in healthy red blood cells and antibodies, while helping to detoxify the body and make the skin glow.
Examples of great whole food choices for eczema include: flax seeds, avocados, berries, nuts, leafy greens, turmeric, spirulina, buckwheat and pumpkin seeds.
Bruises. I know several people who tend to bruise easily. This can actually be related to a nourishment deficiency. When the underlying tissue of the skin is injured, tiny blood vessels rupture and blood surfaces, resulting in a black and blue mark. When your body lacks Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which aids in collagen production and blood vessel health, recurrent bruising is possible. Foods rich in zinc and Vitamin K help to strengthen blood vessels and aid in clotting. Smoking and anemia also increase bruising.
Examples of foods to assist with blood vessel support: sunflower seeds, alfalfa sprouts, hazelnuts, spinach and pineapple.
Scars resulting from injury, burn, acne or surgery are caused when collagen builds up over the damaged tissue. Although scars do fade over time, certain foods added to your diet can help speed up the process. Healthy proteins provide essential amino acids to rebuild tissue. Foods rich in zinc reduce inflammation and Vitamin E helps to fade out unwanted and stubborn acne scars. Vitamin B1, folate, potassium and magnesium are key nutrients to look for. And again, an antioxidant rich diet can help keep skin hydrated, well-nourished and speed the fading of scars.
Suggestion of foods to help fade scars: Peas, broccoli, kale, almonds, black beans, sweet potatoes, oily fish, seeds and oranges.