We often fall too quickly to get a new cleanser for acne, or a hydrating foundation to help cover up wintertime eczema. But what we usually don't pay closer attention to is the fact that what we experience on the outside is a true representation of whats going on, on the inside.
When I start to experience any kind of abnormal skin condition, I automatically turn to food. Our original source of medicine. Here are some of my favourite skin foods that have done wonders for my body:
Spirulina:
Honestly, if I could choose one food that has helped my skin recover, it has to be spirulina. Its an incredible source of of chlorphyll, B vitamins, protein, magnesium, potassium and small amounts of almost every nutrient out there. Because of its blue-green algae, this superfood has been used to heal so many skin disorders more effectively than many prescription medication for skin.
For anyone suffering with skin disorders, I strongly recommend that you try this superfood out.
Start with 1/2 tsp of spirulina is a small glass of water. You can safely increase your dosage up to 2 tbsp a day. If you find that you cannot handle the taste, try adding it to a smoothie.
Keep in mind that it is crucial to buy the real spirulina. There are tons of companies that sell poor quality spirulina, which has actually been show to cause serious digestive disturbances! Please be cautious of this.
My favourite brands are: Giddy Yo, Organika.
Pumpkin Seeds:
A great source of zinc, which is an important mineral for healthy skin. Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of healthy fats, so they really help to hydrate skin.
Try adding in at least 2 tbsp of pumpkin seeds into your daily diet. I love adding them to salads, smoothies or nut mixes.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Although the smell of this superfood makes me nauseous, I cannot live without it! Apple cider vinegar is incredible for almost everything, including skin health. Its nutritious profile helps to directly kill bad bacteria and increase the pH in the body. With a more balanced pH, the healthier the body internally and externally.
I have also used this directly on my face to kill bacteria. Try adding 1/2 tsp of acv to 1-3 tbsp of water and applying it directly to one spot on your face. Some people can notice a reaction, so I highly recommend trying it on only one section of your face first.
Turmeric:
This popular Indian spice has been used for centuries for a really good reason. Turmeric is an extremely powerful antioxidant that aids in lowering inflammation and boosting the immune system.
I recommend adding 1/2 tsp - 1 tbsp of turmeric into your cooking, to a shot of water or by a capsule each day. Turmeric is also best absorbed when it is taken with black pepper. Keep in mind that this antioxidant is a blood thinner, so it should not be used if you are taking any medication that may cause this.
Sauerkraut:
Known for its naturally occurring probiotics, sauerkraut is also a staple for healthy skin. Probiotics help to increase the good flora in our system to fight against the bad. Almost always, those who suffer with skin disorders have a poor digestive system, and even leaky gut, so probiotics are extremely necessary. Sauerkraut is also a great source of B vitamins, so it is easily digested.
I recommend having at least 1 tbsp of sauerkraut each day. In one tbsp we can get up to one million probiotics!
These are some of the most potent skin foods we can use in our daily diets today. I have found these to do wonders for my digestive system, and skin. Keep in mind that everyone is different so it is difficult to say when these results will appear. Consistency is so important when we are consuming foods for our health!
I hope these foods help you as much as they have helped me!
- Jass