diet for perfect skin

Beauty is more than skin deep, but it does start there. Our skin, the largest organ of the body, renews itself every 28 days. It serves as a pressure valve for the entire body, moderates temperature, fluids and sensory perception as well as releases excess energy and stress. Our complexion is an important factor in our attractiveness.

How Does Our Diet Affect Our Skin?

The body’s nervous system, circulatory system, lymphatic system, and the acupuncture meridians are all affected by the condition of the skin. What can not be eliminated by the kidneys, intestines and lungs, moves to the skin. The liver also aids in the detoxification process. The long term effects of an improper diet cause a build up of fat under the skin. The skin also absorbs sunlight, and protects us from pollutants and toxins in the environment. In Oriental medicine, it is said that the surface shows the inside. Skin, essentially, is a barometer and indicator of the overall health of our organs and systems.

Skin and Proper Nutrition

The skin maintains its health by receiving proper nutrition in the form of moisture, oils, various nutrients and oxygen from inside. When healthy, it appears moist, slightly shiny, resilient, is free of blemishes, and does not break or bruise easily. Healthy skin also heals very quickly from injury. When the skin gets clogged, it begins to age in an unhealthy way, as it is no longer able to receive proper nutrition. It becomes dry, then rough, develops blemishes, and eventually becomes doughy to the touch. I have observed that the skin oftentimes becomes doughy before someone receives a more serious health diagnosis. My clients are always amazed at how quickly their skin responds and improves from dietary and lifestyle changes. It’s never too late to develop a healthy relationship with your skin. You can have healthy, beautiful skin at any age.

Things That Harm the Skin

These foods in excess, will clog the skin
– Animal and dairy foods
– Baked goods, and dry foods such as cookies, crackers, pretzels, and chips
– Poor quality oils and fats
– Excessive use of oil
– Fried foods
– Sugar
– Tropical, thick-skinned fruits (in temperate climates)
– Iced foods and beverages

Things That Further Damage the Skin

– Excessive exposure to sun
– Smoking
– Excessive exposure to cold and wind
– Excessive use of poor quality moisturizers

Things That Strengthen the Skin

– All whole grains, especially brown rice, barley, farro, and millet, make the skin flexible
– All beans make the skin smooth
– Sea vegetables make the skin strong and resilient
– Buckwheat noodles and shoyu in broth and cooking
– Light use of high-quality sesame and olive oils
– Sparing use of high-quality moisturizers
– A daily body rub*
– Sunlight
– All light to moderate, varied physical activity (stretching, yoga, etc.)

*The body rub is the ultimate anti-aging technique that helps maintain and restore the youthful health of the skin.