subject: Serving Up Sensational Skin [print this page] With family vacation season starting, we are heading to the beach and spending more time outside. Our skin is exposed to many damaging insults and we become more aware of our blemishes, wrinkles, dry patches, and cracked heels than during the cooler months. We know that avoiding sun burns and drinking plenty of water will help reduce wrinkles, but some less obvious steps should also be taken to improve our skins appearance.
One of the key functions of our skin, which is our largest organ, is to provide the first line of defense for our immune system. Our skin cells are very similar to that of our digestive tract, which research has shown is responsible for as much as 80% of our immune system. Surprisingly, many problems with our digestive system are reflected on our skin and the solution begins with what we eat.
Ensuring that we are eating enough fresh fruits and vegetables provides us with necessary nutrients that are the bodys building blocks and antioxidants that protect us against the damages of excessive sun exposure. We must also ensure that we are consuming enough healthy fat, in particular Omega-3 fatty acids to help prevent dehydration of our skin cells.
Omega-3 fatty acids are not directly made by the body and much of our cooking destroys Omega-3 fatty acids. This causes an imbalance with another essential fatty acid called Omega-6. In order to rebalance our essential fatty acids, we must consume Omega-3 foods like: avocados, flaxseed, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, some dark leafy green vegetables, salmon, albacore tuna, anchovies, sardines and others. Supplementation of Omega-3 is also a convenient option. With the proper amount of Omega-3s, our skin will maintain a more youthful and vibrant look.
Pass the grilled salmon salad with avocado and walnuts please!
by: Dr. Mark Lewis, D.C., HealthSource of Manatee East
