How to Heal Your Skin From the Inside Out
What to do if you have a skin condition?
Cut out problematic foods (Sounds hard, but it’s not so bad once you get going!)
Foods like dairy, gluten, sugar, and grains can be hard to digest and can activate the immune system. This leads to inflammation and can perpetuate skin conditions. Eating refined carbohydrates leads to a rise in Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) , which causes keratinocytes to multiply, which is seen in acne. Leaving out milk, butter, cheese, breads, rice, pizza, pasta, refined foods, and sugar can make a great impact in some with skin conditions.
Get infection- free
Finding and eradicating potential gut infections is an enormous step in getting healthy. Infections like H Pylori, SIBO, candida, parasites, and other fungal overgrowths can steal nutrients, cause leaky gut, and can drain the immune system. Find a functional medicine doctor who can walk you through these steps.
Rebalance gut bacteria
In order to regain body balance, the gut microbiome must be in balance. Too many bad, or pathogenic bacteria with too few good bacteria is a recipe for disaster and for your gut health. Too many bacteria in the wrong location can be detrimental also. Once gut infections are eradicated, repopulating the gut with prebiotics from certain vegetables, probiotics from fermented foods and supplements, and fiber can help restore beneficial bacteria, which can regulate the immune system, our mood, inflammation, nutrient absorption, and metabolism, to name a few. Fermented foods= sauerkraut, kimchi, pickled vegetables. Fiber= fruits and vegetables.
Cod Liver Oil- Cod liver oil is high in Vitamin A, which can keep skin from getting scaly and rough. Vitamin A also helps the skin cells turnover and can decrease mucous secretion. Cod Liver oil also has anti-inflammatory compounds like EPA and DHA, as well as the all-important pro-hormone Vitamin D.
Vitamin C –Important for integrity of collagen, can improve scar tissue, and has been shown to reduce wrinkling and dry skin.
Bone Broth (bone broth protein can be purchased in our office)-Collagen from bone broth helps form elastin, keeping the skin looking youthful. Collagen has also been shown to reduce wrinkles and hydrate the skin.
Avoid anti-bacterial products like soaps, cleaners-The chemicals, such as Triclosan, can alter the skin microbiome and gut microbiome, leading to dysbiosis and antibiotic resistance, and can exacerbate skin conditions. Essential oil-based hand sanitizers or soaps are good replacements.
Replace harsh shampoos, body and face washes-These common household products can contain serious toxins that are harsh to the skin, gut and immune system. Instead, visit EWG.org and find out which brands are safe, non toxic, and healthy.
Hydrate-The human body is made up mostly of water. Keeping the body well-hydrated keeps organs functioning, flushes out toxins, and keeps the skin healthy.
Coconut oil- Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and can be as effective as medical creams and lotions. You can put coconut oil directly on a skin condition to moisten and treat, or ingest orally to reap the benefits from all the good fats!
Follow these tips for better skin health! If you still have symptoms after applying these, you should seek out a functional medicine doctor. If you would like to schedule a consultation with us, please click here.