Inside - Out Beauty

Skin grows from the inside out, and therefore has special and specific nutritional requirements. These consist of Proteins, Good Fats, and Water.

Vitamins And Minerals to Enhance Skin

Vitamin A is required for all epithelial tissue. Vitamin C is needed for all connective tissue and capillaries. Vitamin E protects the fat in every skin cell. Zinc is necessary for connective tissue and immune function.

Deficiency Symptoms

Bumps on the back of your arms or the tops of your thighs, sensitivity to light, dry hair or skin, and chronic bronchitis or chest colds all may signify a need for more Vitamin A. Also, not getting enough sun (especially in winter), older age, and a family history of osteoporosis mean you should consume more Vitamin A.

Easy bruising, bleeding gums upon brushing or flossing, premature wrinkling, poor immunity to colds and flu, and achy joints may indicate a need for more Vitamin C.

Excessive consumption of fatty or fried foods requires more Vitamin E.

Poor skin elasticity, easy bruising, catching colds and flu easily, and white spots on your fingernails may signify that you need more Zinc.

Thyroid

Among other functions, the thyroid gland is responsible for regulating body temperature and controlling circulation to the skin. The lower your body temperature, the slower the circulation to the skin. This results in less nourishment and poor removal of toxins and wastes from the skin, lowering vitality and leaving the skin vulnerable to more disease organisms.

Symptoms that can occur because of hypothyroidism include dry skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, boils, impetigo, winter itch, generalized itching of the arms and legs, scaly skin, and cellulitis.

Natural ways to raise body temperature: begin taking sea kelp tablets, and remember that exercising often raises body temperature and increases circulation.

Colon

This organ has the function of removing waste products. If wastes are not eliminated, they often get re-circulated into the blood stream and therefore to the skin as a means of elimination. Women who have taken antibiotics and/or birth control pills are especially susceptible to changes in the colonic environment, and have a greater production of waste products. Women who eat high-refined carbohydrate diets may have the same problem.

Some things to try: increase your protein intake, consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, begin taking acidophilus to help balance the colonic environment.

Best Healthy Foods

1. WATER

Every day we need to drink a half ounce of water for every pound of body weight. Water is great to help us detoxify, and to keep our skin clear and hydrated. It helps to reduce those fine lines and wrinkles.

2. SALMON

The best fish to eat is cold-water fish. Include sardines, tuna, mackerel, cod, herring, and trout as well. All of these have the best essential fats for smoother skin, increased energy, improved immunity, decreased pain, and all are very beneficial for your heart.

3. OATMEAL

Plain, old-fashioned, whole-grain oatmeal is inexpensive and has no added sugar or fat. Oatmeal provides great fiber for the colon, helps reduce cholesterol, and it's full of B-complex vitamins.

4. OLIVE OIL AND OLIVES

Mediterraneans have one-third the cardiovascular disease of Americans. They eat lots of olive oil. It is great for salads or sauteeing and is very heart healthy. Remember that fat does not make you fat! The right fats actually help you lose weight.

5. NUTS

The best are walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts. These little packages of protein, good fat, and fiber are also chock full of minerals. The good fats provide cardiovascular protection as well as help to lower cholesterol.

6. SEEDS - PUMPKIN, SUNFLOWER, FLAX, AND SESAME

All of these seeds provide vitamins and minerals to help us use our fuel efficiently. They also contain good fats that help soften our skin and increase our energy.

7. GREENS

Make sure to have several servings of green vegetables every day. The magnesium helps to keep us relaxed and regular, and is necessary for the normal function of our muscles, including the cardiac muscle - our heart.

8. ALL ANTIOXIDANT CONTAINING FOODS!

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Thank you: Renee Loureau