It’s no surprise that skin, your body’s biggest organ, behaves like the rest of your body when it comes to health and disease. The dietary connection to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other common diseases is widely recognized. There is a clear connection between diet and common skin problems:
How Diet Affects Acne: Acne is caused by inflammation and infection of the sebaceous glands of the skin. Sebaceous glands are stimulated by hormones (particularly androgens). To avoid acne, try cutting back on saturated and hydrogenated fats, especially those in processed foods. Also cut down on junk food and foods high in sugar. Eat more raw vegetables, wholegrains, fresh fruit and fish. Try to include selenium-rich foods such as Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, fresh tuna, sunflower seeds, walnuts and whole meal bread.
How Diet Affects Psoriasis: Psoriasis appears as red skin patches with silvery scales, most commonly on the elbows and knees. The patches are caused by rapid growth and proliferation of cells in the outer skin layers. Patches can be itchy and sore and in severe cases, the skin may crack and bleed. Although research has yet to confirm a definitive link between diet and psoriasis flare-ups, you might discover that your symptoms improve when you avoid certain foods. An elimination or exclusion diet is the best way to determine what foods trigger your symptoms, though always check with your doctor before cutting out major food groups. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) from fish oil or cold-pressed nut and seed oils are important to include in your regular diet. It is recommended that your diet also be low in saturated fat and include anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, red pepper, ginger, cumin, fennel, rosemary and garlic.
How Diet Affects Eczema: Eczema is a skin condition that usually begins as patchy redness, often on the hands but can appear anywhere on the skin. Although there are many triggers, one of the most common is food sensitivity. The most common provoking foods are milk, eggs, fish, cheese, nuts and food additives. Omega-3 fats, zinc and vitamin E may help reduce symptoms.
Getting the best nutrition you can is essential for maintaining healthy skin. There are many treatments to keep your skin looking its best, but the first step to beautiful, glowing skin is nourishment from within. Once you make changes to your diet, don’t expect your skin or overall health to improve overnight. It takes 6 weeks for new skin to emerge up to the surface, so the visible benefits from dietary changes can take just as long.
Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or website to learn more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy.