Gut Health = Skin Health

Healthy skin is ALWAYS in !

For ages women and men across the globe have wondered the secret to healthy, glowing skin. Different skin crazes have spread like wildfire in the recent years due to everyone wanting flawless skin. The secret is this..... the mirror of your gut health is your skin! Every meal that you put inside your body will show on your skin. Your gut and your skin are connected. When toxins start being eliminated through your skin rather than your digestive system due to build up, they have the potential to manifest as rashes, pimples or blackheads. Consider reading up on the gut-brain-skin axis theory to understand how all body systems are connected.
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Here's a list of 6 different foods that you can add to your meals that will aid in your skins health:

*You'll notice a trend here, most foods that are good for your skin are high in zinc, good fats (Omega-3 fatty acids), vitamins and antioxidants*

1. Kiwi!  This tropical fruit is packed with tons of good Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps maintain the collagen in our skin, keeping it firm.​ *Most other citrus fruits will do the same* 
2. Sunflower Seeds! These seeds are filled with vitamin E — a powerful antioxidant that decelerates the aging of skin cells, keeping us looking younger longer. Vitamin E is also known for its ability to diminish the appearance of scars. Sprinkle raw sunflower seeds unto of your salads and voilà!
3. TEA! I am definitely a tea-fanatic. Drinking Green or Black tea throughout the day will help tremendously with your overall skin health. These beverages have their own supply of acne-fighting antioxidants and phytonutrients (the healthy compounds found in plant leaves). The underrated Green tea will heal your skin from the inside-out promoting glowing skin and protect against UV rays! Alternating a cup of tea between glasses of water will yield the best results.
4. Dark leafy greens! Will help detoxify your gut and are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber. Vitamins A & C will help your skin glow, encourage healthy skin cell production, and other protective factors. *dandelion root, cruciferous veggies (like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, arugula, cabbage, brussel sprouts), cilantro and parsley, beets are great examples.
5. Avocados! This mayo-substitute is rich in good fats, Vitamin A, D and E, which nourishes  the deepest layer of your skin. Avocado oil has been proven to increase collagen levels in the skin and retain skin's elasticity. Avocados are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats nourish the skin by reducing the body's production of inflammatory substances, decreasing clogged pores, and averting fine lines and wrinkles over time. Keeping your skin soft, supple, and protected from UV rays. 
6. Probiotic (fermented) foods! One of my new favs. Fermented foods contain strains of healthy bacteria, or probiotics, which are the most important nutrient when it comes to gut health and skin health. Probiotics prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria and other harmful pathogens, and help support the body’s natural detoxification and elimination process. Probiotics will directly affect the gut in a good way, which will then translate to the skin. Many anti-acne and skin-care protocols will recommend taking a probiotic supplement and eating probiotic foods in the first stages of healing. To get more probiotics in your diet, try yogurt, pickles, tempeh, kimchi, and kombucha tea or kombucha juices. ​      ​​​​

EAT PLENTY OF: flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, oats and hemp seeds ! Seeds, nuts and oats are also high in Omega-3 fats acids to reduce inflammation throughout the body and skin. These can be added to smoothies, salads, and much more. 

Healthy, glowing skin can only happen if you are conscious of what you eat. 
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Disclaimer: Now, we would not expect the effects of these foods to happen right away but over time with consistency and drinking LOTS of water we should see a difference in our skin's appearance. The reason we need to drink  lots of water is because our bodies are made up of 70 to 80 percent of water. When our bodies are lacking water, our cells are not able to properly regenerate themselves and remove waste, resulting in a build up of impurities. It is recommended that we drink half of our body weight (in ounces) of water every day. It may seem like a lot but I promise it is doable. Lastly, exercising regularly will increase gut movement, riding the body of waste, which also helps with ensuring healthy skin.

My number one tip in preventing acne is this: Minimize simple sugars & dairy products. Sugary foods break down fast in the body, thus spiking your blood sugar levels, triggering hormonal imbalances and inflammation--both of which encourage acne. Try to AVOID: all sugary foods and juices, all refined wheat products (cereals, cookies, cakes, etc) and LIMIT white rice, white bread and white potato which break down into simple sugars. 

In regards to Dairy, especially cow’s milk dairy. Cow’s milk in particular tends to spike blood sugar levels, which can increase inflammation (leading to pimples). It also increases insulin levels encouraging the production of skin oils (sebum). Plus, a lot of the commercial milk contains other hormones that disrupts your hormonal balance (and again, can trigger the overproduction of sebum).

Always remember: the better your gut health, the brighter and healthier your skin will be, too. :)

Till next time,

Chérie Jade
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