Top Foods For Glowing Skin That You Can Find In Your Pantry

Sep 15

At WYLD Chiropractic we often get asked “What foods will help with my skin or acne breakout?” or “What should i avoid?”

"A diet focused on high-quality lean proteins, fiber, healthy oils, raw fruits and vegetables, and spices is best for supporting healthy skin," Paula Simpson, nutritionist states. "These foods tend to contain high-quality amino acids—the building blocks for firm skin—plus anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich ingredients that promote optimal skin metabolism and defense against environmental stressors."

One of those stressors is free-radical damage, "which can weaken your skin's immunity and break down its metabolic functions," says Simpson. This causes skin to eventually become uneven, and it loses that effervescent glow we're always seeking out. "It can also trigger inflammatory reactions that destroy collagen, resulting in thin, wrinkled, and blotchy skin," she continues.

Now, for the top foods you can buy on your next grocery trip, or you may just happen to have all of these ingredients in your pantry and fridge! Not only will they fuel a healthy body and mind, but they'll also help solve your biggest skin concerns and lead you to your most glowing look yet!

If you have...oily skin…

Back pain — Cinnamon

The basic spice is great for stimulating circulation and blood flow, which brings oxygen and nutrients directly to the skin. Plus, some studies have shown that cinnamon could help to stabilize and balance blood sugar levels, which is important, she says, when a diet heavy in sugar and refined carbs (ahem, holiday cookies) can stimulate oil production.

Nutrition — Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great option because of their high levels of vitamin A. "Vitamin A derivatives have been shown to help reduce oil production in the skin, and are used to treat acne,." Carrots are another solid vitamin A option.

If you have...acne.

Auckland Chiropractor — Oatmeal

This food is low on the glycemic index, a scale that rates foods containing carbohydrates according to how much each food increases blood sugar (high-glycemic foods cause a fast, drastic spike and subsequent crash, whereas low-glycemic options provide a slow, steady increase and decline). "Foods with a low glycemic index [are better] because starchy foods [that are high-glycemic] increase blood sugar, promote inflammation, and have been shown to be associated with acne breakouts.”

If you have...dry skin.

Auckland Naturopath — Avocado

"High levels of healthy oils and vitamin E, both of which are found in avocados, provide the building blocks for healthy skin cell function, they may also help improve barrier function and hydration."

If you have...wrinkles and fine lines.

Amino acids — Egg Whites

"In addition to giving your body a dose of healthy protein that it needs, egg whites are high in both the lysine and proline (amino acids), as well as collagen itself. So adding egg whites to your diet could help support your body's natural production of collagen to help fight fine lines." Vegans and vegetarians can also try nuts—peanuts, in particular—since serve up a hefty dose of lysine."

Fatty Acids — Salmon

Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner says it's the omega-3 fatty acids that are key. Sure, it's good for heart health, but those fatty acids also contribute to the production of collagen, a protein that "helps keep the skin foundation strong and wrinkle-free," he explains. The American Heart Association recommends eating 3.5 ounces at least two times per week, so use that as your benchmark.

If you have...dark under-eye circles.

Healthy Skin — Spinach

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens, along with broccoli and Brussels sprouts, are rich in vitamin K, a powerhouse nutrient when it comes to improving blood circulation and coagulation. Spinach is also loaded with zinc, "which has been shown to help reduce inflammation and help prevent acne breakouts. Spinach (as well as collard greens and kale) contains zeaxanthin, "a naturally-occurring antioxidant that protects skin and helps even out skin tone."

What To Expect At Your First Naturopathy Visit

In your comprehensive first appointment, your Naturopath will do the following:
- Discusses your health history thoroughly
- Come up with short and long-term goals
- Develop an individualised treatment plan
Your treatment plan may include:
- Nutritional analysis and advice
- Dietary supplements
- Lab test recommendations
- Herbal medicines
- Lifestyle and relaxation techniques