10 Tips to Healthier Skin

10 Tips to Healthier Skin

1. Drink your requirement of pure, filtered water!

What is your requirement you ask?  Simply divide your weight by 2 and there you have it.  If you weigh 140 lbs, you will need 70 ounces of water a day.  You can add freshly squeezed lemon, lime, or chlorophyll.  Or, try adding slices of watermelon, strawberries, or cucumber for a refreshing twist.

2. Load up on fiber. 

Fiber enhances the elimination of waste products by keeping your intestinal track clear and regular.  Did you know that if you don’t ‘go’ once or twice a day that you are considered constipated?  It is important to keep things moving to avoid skin problems.  You may want to consider adding a fibre supplement that contains both soluable and insoluable fiber to your daily diet.  You can call or visit the clinic for recommendations.

3. Populate your bowel with beneficial bacteria. 

Either take probiotics or add fermented foods like raw sauerkraut and/or miso to your daily routine.  The benefits to your health are far reaching.  See one of our Naturopaths to find the right probiotic for you.

4. Eat plenty of antioxidants. 

These will help slow down cellular aging and protect your skin from the sun.  Fresh, organic fruits and veggies are your best choice.  If you can’t afford organic, buy local.  Aim for 5-6 servings a day, cooked and raw.  The dark colours are best.  Think blueberries, goji berries, kale, collard greens, etc.

5. Food combine. 

For stubborn skin problems, try eating protein and carbohydrates separately to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.  Eating these foods together can cause fermentation in the colon if digestion is weak.  Fruit should be eaten away from other foods.

6. Get your Essential Fatty Acids. 

EFA’s are vital to healthy skin and because your body does not produce, them they should be added to your daily diet.  Eat whole grains, seeds, nuts, dark leafy vegetables, cold pressed oils (flax, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, walnut) and oily fish like sardines, mackerel and wild salmon.  Consider taking a supplement if you feel your diet is lacking.  E-mail balancepointhc@yahoo.com for recommendations.

7. Employ a mini-cleanse. 

Every morning, drink a warm glass of pure filtered water with 1/4 of a freshly squeezed lemon.  This will stimulate the organs of elimination.

8. Reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption.  

Both drain fluids from your body.  Try replacing one coffee a day with a fresh greens smoothie.  Or try Dandy Blend for a caffeine free coffee or Yerba Mate from the health food store, a natural stimulant.

9. Reduce table salt. 

Salt causes the body to retain water and could lead to puffiness.  Instead of regular table salt, try sea vegetables, Herbamare, unrefined celtic sea salt (grey and damp looking), or a herb substitute.

10. Reduce mucus forming foods.  

Red meat, dairy, bananas, oranges, refined foods, fried foods and foods that contain hydrogenated oil are the worst offenders.

10+. Apply raw honey to your skin. 

Smooth over face once a week, let sit for 30 minutes and then wash off.  You will be surprised by how great your skin feels!

If you have problem skin and have tried everything, consider seeing our Registered Holistic Nutritionist for a dietary analysis.  We also carry clean and natural skincare products!

You might want to consider having an electrodermal screening done by our Naturpath as well because somtimes skin issues can be aggravated by certain foods you are eating.  Call us at 289-291-0254 to learn more.

Linda Ljucovic, Holistic Nutritionist, Oakville

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