In the United States, the beauty market is worth almost $650 billion, which tells us that a lot of Americans are more than happy to spend money on skin creams, spa treatments and cosmetic procedures in order to keep their skin looking fresh and youthful. And while there’s nothing wrong with investing in the latest skincare trends, so many of us overlook a much simpler avenue for addressing our acne, chronic dryness and other complexion-related woes: our diet.
Maybe you’ve heard what sounds like an old wives’ tale —eating greasy food like pizza gives you acne, drinking alcohol gives you wrinkles, and so on. Well, as it turns out, there’s a stronger connection between our diet and our skin health than a lot of us thought.
High-Inflammatory Foods and Skin Health
“Inflammation” has been something of a buzzword in wellness circles as of late, and for good reason. Chronic inflammation may be a major culprit behind some pretty serious health conditions. To a large extent, inflammation is something we can control through diet, along with stress management, proper sleep and other good habits.
Inflammation is a response of the body’s immune system, sending immune cells to areas of the body that are infected, injured or otherwise in distress. A high-inflammatory diet, meanwhile, is a diet made up largely of foods that inflame the body, causing the immune system to work overtime to maintain bodily equilibrium.
Foods like sugar, dairy and gluten may all contribute to elevated inflammation levels, which can negatively impact your skin in all kinds of ways, from eczema to acne. On that note, it’s worth mentioning that dairy can also elevate the hormone estrogen, and high estrogen levels may play a role in the overproduction of sebum, which is a leading cause of cystic acne.
Your Skin Needs Nutrients
Healthy skin needs nutrients, just like every other organ in the body. Failing to consume a diet rich in vitamins and minerals can disrupt our skin’s homeostasis. Take iron, for instance. This essential mineral plays a vital role in our overall health. One way in which an iron deficiency affects us is by causing our skin to become chronically dry—so much so that your nightly moisturizer isn’t going to do much to give you your glow back.
But we’re not suggesting that you overhaul your entire diet to get clear, glowing skin. A great way to up your daily intake of iron, protein and anti-inflammatory nutrients is by adding one simple ingredient: fresh Nature Jim’s sprouts.
Simply add your favorite variety to dishes you already eat like soups, salads, smoothies, sandwiches and stir-fries. No restrictive diets needed!
Note: This is not medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before making changes to your diet.
Food Intolerances May Be the Culprit You Didn’t Know You Had
If you’ve never had a food intolerance test performed before, you may want to change your tune. Many of us are intolerant to certain foods we weren’t even aware were problematic for us. One way this can present itself is by causing skin issues, from uneven skin tone to cystic breakouts.
Struggling With Your Skincare? Consider What You Eat!
Sure, you can keep applying your products religiously, and stay up-to-date on your cosmetic procedures, but if you’ve got pesky skin problems that just aren’t going away, it may be time to consider that the food you eat (or don’t eat) is the underlying cause.
About the Author
George Reynolds
Nature Jim's Sprouts Owner and CEO
Since 1996, George has been working hands on with all thing’s spouts, sprouting and sprouting seeds. He is also a natural health and well-being enthusiast who believes in the power of good health habits. George’s focus on healthy food, nutrition and exercise aligns perfectly with his many years of professional experience as the President of Nature Jim’s Sprouts and Reynolds Industries.
George firmly believes in the health benefits of sprouts and makes them a part of his daily diet. His favorite way to eat sprouts is raw and on sandwiches and salads.
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