Sunday, June 17, 2007

Is there a link - The Body, Diet, Nutrition & Skin Condition?

We all know that the skin is the body’s largest organ but I feel many of us forget just how intricate the internal systems of the body and the skin are at a cellular level. Many skin and hair disorders reflect some system disturbance within the body; everything from hormonal imbalance, immune deficiency, to gastric disease can affect your skin. Researchers have many different theories about the etiology of various skin disorders and several tell us there is no connection between diet, nutrition and skin condition. Is it possible that diet and nutrition can boost the immune system, assist in the repair and control of gastric disease or other diseases of the body? We believe that while diet and nutrition may not cure skin disorders they can certainly provide the body and consequently the skin with vital nutrients to improve the health of the skin and help the body fight disease.

The skin is like a mirror, it reflects everything because it is impacted by everything both internal and external of the body. Human skin is also impacted by the stresses of our lives, genetics, environment, hormones, disease and lifestyle. We have to stop thinking of our skin as just a covering on the body that we wash and scrub, bake in the sun, rub with creams, make-up, lasers and treatments. Topical treatments and cosmetics can be very dramatic but the body functions as a whole complete complex unit which includes the skin. We should nourish and treat the skin from the inside to have lasting healthy improvements.

The skin and its cells acquire and utilize nutrients from the metabolic processes of the skin and the body. When our body is lacking in vital nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and essential fatty acids the skin will eventually react.

So you are not sure what you should be eating or what supplements you need for healthy skin and hair, search for healthy nutrition information at your local bookstore or on-line, also many physicians and health plans now have nutritionist on staff. If you have a health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease speaking with a professional nutritionist is highly recommended. Most of us will find that eating healthy, taking supplements and exercise will not only have a positive impact on our skin but also on our overall health and well being.

Start by adding a good all in one vitamin supplement that has all the basic vitamin groups, some minerals, amino acids and other nutrients then add fish oil or a combination omega-3/omgea-6 supplement. I like a vitamin that only requires me to take one a day. Eliminate the fatty snacks and carbonated beverages, instead reach for fruit and even better would be raw vegetables, you can now buy them bagged fresh, cut and ready to eat. Drink more water and natural unprocessed fruit juices, use a blender to make your own. Save time by making a gallon at a time and drink up. Pass on the milk, cheese, and red meat. The cows get so many hormones and other boosters these days who need theirs when we have our own hormonal issues. Just say no to fried foods and processed breads.

To those with skin conditions, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and dry skin types put it to a test for 90 days once you determine what foods to avoid and what supplements to take. Be patient it will take your body some time to react to all this goodness. If you are patient and consistent you should notice some improvement.

Please don't do this if it causes stress in any way because stress is a possible contributor to flares in many skin conditions. Only do this if you can enjoy it, embrace it and can make it a welcome part of your world.

If you like the Information and found it helpful please send me an email

Next Article: Antioxidant nutrients and skin protection

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