You are what you eat – our mothers told us to eat our veggies and other nutritious foods. It appears that our mothers have known for years that a healthy lifestyle not only keeps you healthy and fit, but also gives you a glowing complexion. Our skin is a reflection of our overall health and literally mirrors the state of our body. The skin is the largest organ of the body and an indicator of how healthy we are.
Diet is a major factor of a healthy lifestyle, which includes antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, fish, eggs, etc. A healthy and nutritious diet keeps our internal organs functioning properly while giving our body a healthy appearance. An unhealthy diet will cause premature aging of our skin and hair. A healthy skin and glowing complexion signal a strong circulatory system. Smokers have fewer blood vessels in their skin making it appear less healthy.
Good skin is more than skin deep and by ensuring that the blood is continuously circulating healthy nutrients to our cells, we can experience a glowing radiant complexion. When we eat a healthy diet, we promote a cleansing mode in the body, which eliminates toxins. Internal organs must be functioning well to give us a beautiful skin. The organs that play a role in keeping our skin healthy are liver, kidneys, adrenals, thyroid, small, and large intestines. The liver and kidneys act as filters, which remove impurities. The thyroid gland produces hormones for keeping our skin supple, and when our thyroid gland is weak, our skin appears dry and flaky. Clear complexion is also an indication of a clear digestive system.
Diets That Are Good For Your Skin
- Mediterranean diet – It consists of fish, leafy greens and vegetables, olive oil, red wine, tomatoes, and fruit. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish help to maintain the strength and elasticity of the cell membranes. Antioxidants present in olive oil, tomatoes, and red wine protect cells from sun damage.
- Vegetarian/Vegan diet - A diet rich in fresh produce and whole grains helps neutralize the free radicals, which contribute to signs of aging including brown spots and wrinkles. Most vegetarian/vegan diets are low in fat and adding oils helps the cells retain moisture and keep the skin supple.
- High-protein, low-carb diet - Atkins diet and South Beach diet cuts back on white bread, pasta, and refined sugar. Such diets lower release of the stress hormone, cortisol, and minimize skin breakouts. It also increases antioxidants and collagen-producing protein.
- Low-fat diet – Saturated fats damage our skin and cause premature aging due to release of free radicals. Our skin benefits from good fats, which are found in olive oil and nuts. These good fats are complexion-friendly and strengthen cell membranes, absorb antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins giving the complexion a glow.
- Raw food diet – People who rely on raw diet believe that raw foods retain natural enzymes that aid in better digestion, energy, and weight loss. Raw food diet has benefits that leave you with a clear and supple skin.
What Foods Ruin Your Complexion
Drugs, alcohol, substance abuse, processed foods, and trans fats are damaging to the skin. The three main culprits that ruin the skin and complexion are processed white flour, sugar, and dairy. Sugar enters the blood stream and bonds with protein molecules that are found in collagen and elastin. This process results in the degradation of collagen causing sagging and wrinkles.
Now that you are better equipped about the relationship between your diet and complexion, make necessary lifestyle changes to maintain a glowing and radiant skin.
Sources for this article include:
- www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/worst-foods-for-your-skin
- www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20616602,00.html
- articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/01/your-complexion-reveals-your-diet-and-health.aspx
- greenbeautyteam.com/answers-advice/self-care/3-foods-ruining-your-complexion/
