Solve Skin Problems with These Dietary Changes

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Solve Skin Problems with These Dietary Changes




As the adage goes, you are what you eat. Our skin is a reflection of our overall health. The good news is that you can overcome or manage many common skin disorders like acne, eczema, sensitivity and blotchiness by paying close attention to your diet.

Acne, Large Pores and Oily Skin

Possible nutritional deficiency : Vitamin B6. This B vitamin helps regulate the skin’s sebaceous glands. Excellent sources include yellow fin tuna, salmon and bananas. Taking zinc supplements and eating foods rich in zinc (pumpkin seeds, red meat) can help calm the inflammation associated with severe acne.

Atopic Dermatitis
Possible nutritional deficiency : Vitamin B complex, especially Biotin. Food sources of Biotin include bananas, eggs, oatmeal and rice.

Blotchy skin

Possible nutritional deficiency : Zinc. Food sources of zinc are organic eggs, beef, pumpkin seeds. Try taking an additional 15-30mg. zinc supplement daily.

Broken Capillaries

Solution: Visible capillaries on the skin are more likely result of lifestyle and genetics than a nutritional deficiency. People prone to broken capillaries need adequate amounts of Vitamin C (from citrus fruits and supplements). When taken with Flavanoids, Vitamin C helps to strengthen the capillary walls. The flavanoid Pycnogenol supports the body’s vascular structure and keeps vaso-dilation in check.

Dry, Flaky Skin

Possible nutritional deficiency : Vitamin A. This antioxidant is necessary for maintaining and repairing the skin’s tissue. Most fruits and vegetables are good sources of Vitamin A.

Dull, Lifeless Hair
Possible nutritional deficiency : Selenium is found in foods like steel-cut oats, apples, honey, avocados, artichokes, sunflower seeds

Excessive Female Facial Hair

Possible problem : When women have more facial hair than normal, it’s usually due to a hormonal imbalance. Foods high on the Glycemic Index like white flour, bagels, muffins, pasta, bread and sugar can trigger hormonal problems and unwanted facial and body hair.

Solution : Follow a well-balanced, low carbohydrate diet.

Hives (Uticaria)
Hives are raised red blotches on the skin`s surface. They are usually the result of an allergy to food or medication and can cause itching and swelling. The most common food allergies are strawberries, citrus fruit, seafood, shellfish, nuts and peanuts.

Solution : Avoid foods that have caused hives or allergic reactions in the past.

Psoriasis

Possible nutritional deficiency : This unsightly skin rash is linked to low levels of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). Food sources of EFAs include salmon and flaxseed oil. Consider adding fish oil or evening primrose supplements to your diet.

Rosacea

Any number of foods can trigger a flushing episode in a Rosacea sufferer. At some point, flushing gives way to bumps, pimples and papules that resemble acne. To control flushing, learn to recognize your food triggers— and avoid them.

Problematic foods often include : sugar, spicy dishes and hot soups. Some experts also suggest avoiding acidic beverages like coffee, tea and soda. Keep skin cool by drinking lots of water though out the day.

Solution : Some studies show that washing or spraying your face with mineral water can help reduce irritation and encourage the skin cells absorb the moisture.