Healthy skin can make or break a first impression. The skin is the largest organ of the body and unfortunately it is exposed to several toxins throughout our daily lives. Our skin absorbs toxins from air pollutants, the unfiltered water we bath and swim in, and the harmful chemicals in some soaps, shampoos, and other cosmetics. The good news is the appearance of our skin can be improved dramatically by incorporating specific nutrition strategies into our diet and eliminating certain harmful foods and products from our daily routines.
Start by eliminating refined sugars from your diet. This will not only reduce your body fat percentage but it will reduce any inflammation inside the body including your digestive system, allowing your skin to naturally glow with a clear smooth appearance. Sugar is extremely inflammatory and hinders our body’s ability to absorb the vitamins and minerals from both food and supplementation. Eliminating refined sugars (white flours, granulated sugar, high fructose corn syrup, etc), will naturally improve the appearance of your skin. The natural sugars in fruit are fine in moderation, it’s the man-made chemicals found in refined sugars that are harmful.
Eliminate Trans fatty Acids also known as hydrogenated oils from your diet completely. Trans Fatty Acids are chemically altered fats used to prolong the shelf life of processed foods, like cookies, crackers, pastries, frosting, coffee creamer, etc. These are not only bad for your skin but they have been proven to increase risk for heart attack and obesity. Instead, aim to have heart healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, and cold water fish like salmon.
Foods to eat regularly for healthy skin include:
Vitamin E has been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars on the skin and the effects of eczema. Foods that are rich in vitamin E include almonds, spinach, turnip greens, and kale to name a few.
Selenium is a mineral found in many foods that has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage, it also aids in thyroid and immune health. This cellular protection can dramatically improve the appearance of skin over time. Foods rich in selenium include lean meats, poultry, seafood, walnuts, Brazil nuts, and eggs.
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) is responsible for proper brain, nerve and skin development in the body. Without adequate vitamin B-6 the skin will not thrive and in some cases it will cause eczema skin rash. Foods rich in vitamin B-6 include fish, lean beef, beans, legumes, sunflower seeds, broccoli, turnip greens, and yams to name a few.
When food shopping try to get certified all natural products to avoid any additional fillers and chemicals that could negatively affect the skin and metabolism.
This is a preview to an article that will be featured in Men’s Health. Check back for the full article.
Dr. Kantor’s greatly anticipated new children’s book, The Green Box League of Nutritious Justice, is now available. Be sure to order this highly reviewed book, filled with healthy living tips for the whole family. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.