Feed the Skin

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Feed the Skin

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it is very difficult to hide from the world. It is the body’s first line of defense from bacteria and pathogens. The skin reflects what is going inside of the body and any imbalances and can be indicative of internal inflammation. Common skin conditions that may be caused by a poor diet include dry, flaky skin, acne, dull-appearing, and premature lines and wrinkles. Many times, when people feel at their best, their skin will glow and look youthful and clear.

There are many factors that can affect skin health including sleep, alcohol, hygiene, sun care, smoking, and nutrition. Eating a balanced diet can help prevent skin concerns and can keep the skin healthy. The skin naturally shows what the body needs and the necessary nutrients. So, if you are lacking specific nutrients in your diet, it is very likely that your skin will start to show this by being discolored in certain spots and very dry.

There are specific vitamins and nutrients that you may want to include in your diet in order to improve your skin health. These include zinc, essential fatty acids, selenium, and beta-carotene.

·        Zinc is important for maintaining healthy skin. The skin contains about 20% of the body’s zinc and if the skin is lacking in zinc, acne can often times be a symptom. Some foods that are rich in zinc include fish/seafood, eggs, and whole grains.



·        Essential fatty acids contribute to the moisture in the skin and also help repair the skin. The body cannot make essential fatty acids, so it is essential that you consume them in the diet. If you have dry or inflamed skin, it may be beneficial to increase your essential fatty acid intake. Foods that are rich in essential fatty acids include salmon, nuts and seeds, and vegetable oils.



·        Selenium is a mineral that may help reduce sun damage, but it also helps the skin maintain elasticity and firmness. Foods that are rich in selenium include brazil nuts, whole grains, and meats and seafood.



·        Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that helps grow and repair body tissues. Bet-carotene converts to vitamin A in the body and studies suggest it may help prevent premature ageing and reduce environmental damage. Foods rich in beta-carotene include carrots, sweet potatoes, and apricots.

It is also important to be aware of dietary factors that can be harmful to the skin and body when consumed in excess. These include sodium, alcohol, caffeine, and refined carbohydrates and sugars.







-MF

Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 27, 2020 at 4:00 PM

    Molly, nice post! I didn't realize how important some nutrients are for skin health, for example, like zinc! In addition, I like how you included different examples of food items for each nutrient. I had no idea selenium can help with skin elasticity and sun damage, so cool! -MY

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