Digestion: Good For Your Skin

There's an old medical saying that your digestive system is the seat of health, and that's never more true than when discussing the health of your skin. Here are 4 quick tips to improving your skin through your belly.

Drink Water - On a cellular level, water removes toxins and plumps up the cell walls. Many people are concerned about bloating when drinking too much water, but research has proven that bloating is increased only when there's not enough water. When your body is low in water, it retains everything it's got i.e. bloating. When there is plenty of water, the body only holds on to the optimum level that you need, and your skin remains hydrated and strong.


Decrease Sugar Intake - Did you know that excess sugar is considered one of the main causes of premature aging? When sugar enters our bloodstream, it can create a cumulative effect. Over time, this can result in a process known as glycation, which is when a glucose (sugar) molecule damages a protein molecule by sticking to it. The new molecules formed are called advanced glycation end-products, or AGEs. AGEs damage collagen in skin, cartilage, and ligaments and promote a loss of elasticity. Wrinkles form and skin begins to sag.

Fiber - Imagine fiber as your internal cleaning system and magical health supplement. Fiber scours your body of toxins and waste and has been show to positively affect everything from heart disease to acne. Men should have anywhere from 31-38 grams a day, and women should get 21-25. The best part is, it's easy add some fiber. Here's a delicious recommendation for you to get a quick 10+ grams of fiber: VitaTops. Remember that Seinfeld episode about delicious muffin tops? Well, now a company called Vitalicious makes delicious muffin tops with a ton of fiber in them. Trust me, go to Target, buy a box, and then leave your comment of thanks below. :-)


Get Fatty - Doing some research, we picked up the following from About.com:

Essential fatty acids are simply fats your body cannot live without. They are needed to make cell membranes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Essential fats are thought to keep your heart healthy, fight inflammation, and possibly prevent cancer. They are also particularly important to people with inflammatory conditions such as eczema and acne, and also for people with dry skin. People with essential fat deficiency sometimes notice bumps on the backs of their arms. Here are my suggestions on getting more essential fats:

• Flaxseed and walnut oil - Use flaxseed oil or walnut oil with balsamic vinegar as a salad dressing. Be sure to keep these oils refrigerated. They should not be heated or used for cooking.
  
• Cold water fish - Sardines are a good source of essential fats. Salmon is another good source, however these salmon accumulate toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (otherwise known as PCBs) in their body fat during the 95 percent of their lives they spend at sea.
  
• Supplements - Consider fish oil supplements. 

Just remember: adjustments in what comes into your body, is going to affect what comes out of your body in terms of skin health. 

Ok, enjoy your muffin tops, salmon, and new skin!!



Shannyn Pareo
Shanae Ruddell
www.pareoandwolf.com