Look after your skin!

Published: Wed, 02/03/16

Hi

We look after the organs of our body...although the one that is on the outside is the needs looking after too!

The skin is the body’s largest organ; it consists of three layers and has many functions:
  • protection from a million of foreign substances from our environment
  • enabling vitamin D production
  • body temperature regulation, heat is retained or lost at skin surface
  • absorption of lipid-soluble molecules
  • sensation through our sensory nerves
Many skin disorders can be traced back to imbalance in the digestive tracts and disruption of the liver function, hence we have to ensure the intake of the right nutrients and improve digestion and absorption.

A diet rich in antioxidant nutrients will contribute to combat damage caused by free radicals either resulting from our environment or produced by our own bodies.

MAINTAIN GOOD INTAKE OF VITAMIN C FOODS as it is vital for collagen synthesis. Collagen production decreases as we age.
  • Acerola cherries, guavas, kiwis, blueberries, strawberries, papayas, oranges, lemons
  • Red chili peppers, sweet red peppers, kale, parsley, broccoli
  • Bone broths also have plenty of skin supporting collagen.
ENSURE GOOD VITAMIN A LEVELS to control the rate of keratin accumulation on the skin, applying vitamin A rich skin cream might also be beneficial for dry skin
  • Red, orange and yellow vegetables and fruits: sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, apricots, papaya and watermelon
  • Green foods: watercress, kale, broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, Brussel sprouts and alfalfa sprouts
KEEP ADEQUATE VITAMIN E INTAKE as it maintains cell membrane integrity, and protects from UV damage.    sunflower seeds, almonds, sesame seeds, peanuts, olives. A handful of nuts and a handful of seeds a day is        fine.
CHECK ZINC LEVELS, as zinc is needed for the production of new skin cells, and insufficiency can delay wound healing and worsen certain skin problems from acne to eczema.
  • Oysters, clams, shrimps, lamb chops, steak, egg yolk
  • Ginger, mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, green peas, nuts (pecans, brazil nuts, almonds)
INCREASE FOOD RICH IN OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS in order to keep skin membranes cells supple and inhibit the production of inflammatory compounds that exacerbate skin conditions.
  • Oily fish : mackerels, sardines, anchovies, salmon and tuna
  • Flax seeds and walnuts
Recommendations
Reduce or avoid
  • · drink at least 1.5 litres of high quality water per day to keep skin hydrated and eliminate waste products
  • · gentle dry-brush massage to help rid the skin of toxins and dead cells, always towards the heart (not on acne, eczema, psoriasis or areas recently broken or scarred)
  • ·         topical applications :dry skin: aloe vera, evening primrose oil, calendula, coconut oil, vitamin E oil
  • avocado, yoghurt masks.
  • oily skin: clay and mud, masks may be beneficial, spray lavender water on face.
  • For spots many swear by the application of antimicrobial colloidal silver  so it's worth a try!

  •  exposure to environmental factors, such as sun, wind, chemicals, cosmetics, excessive bathing with harsh heavily perfumed soaps
  • smoking
  • ·alcohol and caffeine are diuretics which will cause the skin cells to lose fluids and essential minerals
  • foods that cause allergic reaction, wheat and dairy often trigger skin symptoms
  • too many animal fats (once a week is fine), processed food and sugar


 Love the skin you are in!

Kim


Kim Chandler
Nutritional Therapist
07875 163901
www.eatwellandworkout.com


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