Think of your favorite meal. What is it? Typically our favorite meals are the meals that are not so good for us such as pasta, steak or lobster soaked in butter. Now although it is well known that creamy fettuccine is not a very healthy meal choice in terms of calories, do we ever think about the other side affects it may cause? I'm talking about what food like this may be doing to our skin.
Many of us have had breakouts in our lifetime. Sometimes they are due to hormones, or stress. But what about the unexplained breakouts? Have you ever connected those to what you are eating? There are certain foods that are just as bad for our skin as they are for our waistline.
Top Acne Agitators
1. Sugar
When you ingest sugar or high-glycemic foods that rapidly convert to sugar - whether it's in the form of an apple or a piece of cake - your body breaks down these carbohydrates into glucose, which raises your insulin levels. Simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar, white bread and soda, cause your insulin levels to spike, which leads to a burst of inflammation throughout the body. Not only is sugar linked to acne, but it also can cause premature aging, so back away from the dessert table!
Alternative: Stevia (a natural sugar alternative)
2. Dairy
Dairy contains its own hormones and growth factors that are absorbed into the bloodstream. These hormones have androgenic effects that can cause acne in women. Dairy products are also pro-inflammatory, which means they can worsen acne issues and also accelerate aging.
Alternative: Sesame seed butter, almond milk or goats milk
3. White Flour/White Rice
The digestive system sees refined carbs as foreign invaders and pulls out all the
stops to protect itself from it. This causes a number of internal problems, one being inflammation. White or "bleached" flour and rice cause a chemical reaction in the body that can drive your system to a state of imbalance. This causes an extra heavy load on your organs of elimination, hormonal imbalance and toxic buildup - resulting in acne.
Alternative: Brown rice, whole grain, rye, sour dough
4. Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated fats, even in a small amount, will induce a chemical reaction that can cause free radicals in the body destroying the Essential Fatty Acids essential for healthy skin.
Alternative: Pure extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil or sunflower oil.
5. Red Meat
Some experts believe red meat is linked to problematic skin because it can increase levels of the male sex hormone testosterone in the body. People who are more sensitive to testosterone are more likely to suffer breakouts.This is because higher levels of the hormones lead to more skin cells growing, and more sebum oil being produced. This can in turn, block pores and causes acne.
Alternative: Chicken or Fish.
*If you're going to eat red meat, have a lean steak with veggies to help negate the inflammatory effects, instead of having a burger with fries!
Along with the
foods that aren't so good for your skin, there are some "Super Foods"
that can help to fight acne,
minimize wrinkles, and enhance your skins natural beauty...
Broccoli is high in antioxidants, including vitamins C and E. The vitamin C
in broccoli aids in collagen production and keeps your skin healthy and supple,
while vitamin E protects your skin cell membranes and guards against UV damage.
Onions have enormous anti-aging benefits. The
antioxidant vitamins A, C and E fight against the damage caused by harmful UV
rays as well as prevent free radical damage which is responsible for causing
premature aging of our skin. Onions also help in purifying your blood and
supply your body with flavonoids which assist Vitamin C in its important functions.
The consumption of onions can keep your skin healthy and glowing. The
anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of onion can
work wonders on your skin. It is a powerful antiseptic which protects your skin
from acne-causing bacteria and other skin infections.
Watermelon is a rich source of antioxidants like lycopene, Vitamin A
and C. These help reduce free radicals in the body, thus preventing signs of
aging.
... These are just a few examples of how some super foods can help
with your skin concerns from the inside out. Some other foods you can try to
help enhance your skin are garlic, carrots, apples, spinach, grapes, almonds,
sunflower and sesame seeds!
Supplementation:
There are many vitamins and minerals that our skin requires to
maintain a healthy balance, and although we may try our best to get all that is
necessary through whole food sources, supplementation can have a great impact
on our skin as well.
Our skin needs a balance of essential fatty acids, vitamins and
minerals such as zinc, magnesium and selenium.
Try Ascenta Skin - a dietary supplement that helps improve skin elasticity, firmness & hydration, and helps reduce roughness, redness & inflammation. Ascenta Skin contains 6 essential nutrients; EPA, DHA, GLA, Lutein, Vitamin D and Zeaxanthin. These ingredients work together to increase your natural UV protection, provide powerful natural anti-inflammatories and essential nutrients your skin needs to lock in moisture. With continued use it will also help support heart, brain and eye health as well as hair and nail health, and has even been shown to improve mood and mental focus!
Stop by the spa and pick up your bottle today!
