It really is what’s on the inside that counts
It’s time we realised that there is more to having good skin than what we sploosh and smoosh on our faces. Improving what we put in our face is by far the most important beauty treatment. And, if we’re not too sure about what we should be eating to fulfil this aim, then the condition of our skin can actually provide some clues as to what nutrients we may be missing out on.
We need to take a good hard look at ourselves
Not only is our skin our largest organ, it’s also the only visible one! And while this isn’t ideal if we have an unsightly skin complaint – it makes for a pretty convenient method of diagnosis. We can determine our skin’s health by simply viewing it. Therefore, instead of thinking of a skin complaint as only that, we should also consider it as a clue to an underlying disturbance in our general health.
Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne, or simply having dry, cracked or oily skin are indications that a process in our body is working sub-optimally. The most probable cause of these issues is a deficiency in one or more nutrients.
To determine what could be lacking we need to look for additional clues. For example – if you have congested skin, weight gain, constipation, and intolerance to alcohol or strong smells – you should consider addressing your liver health.
Wholefoods provide us with the necessary nutrients (antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, alkalising minerals) to not only make up our physical structure but also to ensure that we function optimally (our digestive system, our hormonal system, and our detoxification processes.) When everything is working together synergistically, we absorb our nutrients more effectively, our elimination pathways work efficiently, our hormones are balanced, we sleep well, and we have more energy. All because we’re healthy! And, when we are healthy, not only do we feel good, but we also look good.
We need to stay strong
To make strong and vital skin, hair & nails we should ensure we eat adequate amounts of high quality protein (eggs, beans, quinoa, meat) and essential fatty acids (fresh oily fish, avocado, nuts & seeds).
Another way to provide strength to our skin, hair & nails is to supplement with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). This provides us with sulphur which is needed by our body to produce collagen and keratin. These are the building blocks that give our various structures integrity. Taking this mineral can also help to increase our skin’s health by improving its elasticity and hydration.
We need to cover off all our bases
We need to ensure we have variety in our diet to in order to support all the necessary functions of our body. This vitality will then reflect on our ‘outside’ in the form of clear, firm, glowing skin.
More, specifically we should:
- Eat wholefoods such as blueberries, brazil nuts, kale, kumara, and tomatoes (and drink green tea). These foods supply us with antioxidants (such as Vitamins A, C and E) to slow down aging and to promote healthy new-cell growth.
- Eat wholefoods such as cucumber, celery, and iceberg lettuce. These foods hydrate our skin, hair and nails to keep them soft and supple.
- Eat wholefoods such as broccoli, cauliflower, figs, beetroot, parsley, coriander and cranberry. These foods cleanse us – they detoxify the kidneys, liver and bowel (helping to balance our hormones).
- Eat wholefoods such as beetroot, blueberries, ginger, cayenne, and rosemary. These foods oxygenate us by bringing blood to our skin, hair and nails.
- Eat wholefoods such as beans, pomegranate, kiwifruit and lemon. These foods repair and regenerate our cells by providing amino acids, vitamin c + antioxidants.
Beauty really does come from within
Therefore we should pay particular attention to our diet and lifestyle – as well as to the thoughts that we are thinking. This, combined with a natural beauty regime, will give us the clear, firm, glowing skin that we’re looking for.
By Lisa Fitzgibbon, Naturopath & Medical Herbalist
Lisa Fitzgibbon is a qualified (2006), experienced and registered Naturopath + Medical Herbalist. She draws on her professional training + experience, as well as her own personal experience to bring you realistic, holistic health advice. Lisa writes the popular health blog: www.lisasaid.so.
BioBalance MSM Powder provides a form of organic sulphur which is vital to the creation and regeneration of the body tissues including cartilage, ligaments, tendons, skin, hair and nails. Buy it online from our secure online store.