Feed the Skin
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
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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