when deciding to add supplements, as this can lead to over- doing some of the micronutrients and can lead to toxicity. Adding foods containing antioxidants is crucial when working with a client who suffers from skin cancer growths. This does not replace going to a dermatologist to have the cancerous cells removed, but it can help slow down and sometimes even prevent new ones from forming. Clients who suffer from inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, can be helped by incorporating foods such as nuts, seeds, and a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables into their diet. Research has shown that the anti-inflammatory
micronutrients obtained from eating these foods can be beneficial in helping to clear up these conditions; and improving the diet is especially recommended when all topical creams and lotions have failed. Adding foods rich in antioxidants is also a sure-fire way to add glow to a client’s skin – creams, lotions, toners, etc., can definitely improve the outward appearance of the skin, but if the diet is lacking the micronutrients essential for strong, healthy skin, the only way to see a huge improvement in overall tone, texture, suppleness and glow is by adding nutrient- rich food containing the important vitamins and minerals to the daily diet.
PROBIOTICS
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that can be found naturally in certain foods. They promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract. True probiotics are live organisms that can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt or sauerkraut. They work to reduce inflammation in the gut, which in turn reduces skin inflammation. A too-high ratio of bad bacteria to good bacteria can damage the intestinal lining, thereby inviting irritating substances (that normally would have been eliminated) into the bloodstream. This causes a chain reaction effect throughout the entire body, and can lead to skin inflammation, redness, and sensitivity. New research shows that adding probiotics derived from natural food sources to the diet can lead to glowing skin with an overall improvement in both tone and texture. Probiotics have enjoyed a long-standing reputation for improving immune systems, digestive systems, and overall mental acuity; the latest research also shows that including a healthy amount of probiotics in the diet can lead to clear, radiant skin. Scientific studies have proven that what goes into the stomach definitely affects the epidermis. An inflamed gut leads to inflammation on the skin. Probiotics are microscopic little warriors that combat inflammation of the intestinal tract. Chronic inflammation leads to skin disorders such as acne, rosacea, eczema, skin cancer, even premature aging. Applying lotions and potions are helpful in combating these conditions, but without changing the diet topical treatments usually fail to be 100% effective. By designing a healthy nutrition plan that includes probiotics, you can get to the root of the problem. This holistic, one-two punch of treating both the outside and the inside can have almost miraculous results. The best sources for probiotics are the natural sources. Healthy food that are great sources for getting enough probiotics into the diet are: ● Yogurt with live, active cultures (check the label). ● Kimchi. ● Sauerkraut. ● Kombucha (a type of tea).
toxins. When the gut is off-balance and full of more bad bacteria than good, it affects the body’s entire system, and is the most noticeable on the face. Chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract leads to chronic inflammation of the skin – stubborn acne, eczema, etc., can all be linked directly to the gut. Cutting processed foods, sugar, and gluten out of the daily diet and adding a few probiotic-rich foods in combination with a good skincare routine can produce amazing results. Numerous studies have been done on the link between probiotics and skin conditions. Probiotics have shown to be especially effective in combating four skin conditions: ● Acne : Studies have found that probiotics, used both internally or topically, are beneficial toward treating clients with acne. A double-whammy of both adding the probiotics to the diet in combination with applying either a lotion containing probiotics (or just applying yogurt to the skin as a mask) were effective in reducing the number of acne lesions. ● Eczema : One study gave pregnant women and nursing babies probiotic supplements. The study found that the babies who received the probiotics were resistant to contracting eczema, in spite of strong family histories of the skin condition. ● Rosacea : Studies have shown probiotics to be helpful in clearing up the redness and bumps caused by rosacea. ● Anti-aging : Newer studies show that probiotics may be helpful in building collagen, the main protein in the skin that affects its tone and texture. Probiotics have also shown to be helpful in improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Probiotics come in many different strains. Some people find that adding a supplement containing the strain they need can be effective in combating severe skin conditions. The different strains have different purposes: ● Bifidobacterium Breve : This strain has shown to be particularly effective for its anti- aging properties. ● Lactobacillus Rhamnosus : This is one of the most extensively researched strains for both children and adults. This strain has proven to be especially beneficial in preventing eczema outbreaks. ● Lactobacillus Acidophilus : This is one of the most widely recognized probiotics. Studies have proven that in acne patients who have taken this probiotic, over 80% saw major improvements in their skin. It is especially beneficial for people with inflamed acne. ● Lactobacillus Plantarum : This strain has proven to be beneficial in reducing inflammation, both in the intestines and on the skin. ● Streptococcus Thermophilus : This strain has shown to be helpful in supporting overall skin support. S Thermophilus has a beneficial effect on the level of ceramides in the barrier of the skin, which protects the dermis from dehydration, infection, and chemicals. Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that make up the surface skin structure, a depletion in ceramide levels has been clinically linked to dry, damaged skin. If a client opts to introduce more probiotics into their diet by using supplements, they should understand how to shop for the most effective types. When looking at supplements, or if it’s a food like yogurt, always check the label to be sure that
● Miso. ● Kefir. ● Tempeh. ● Pickles.
● Apple cider vinegar. ● Cultured vegetables. ● Buttermilk. ● Natto. (A fermented soybean product). ● Cottage cheese. ● Gouda, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.
There are trillions of strains of bacteria in the intestinal tract. Most of the strains are friendly and are responsible for such things as aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. There are also different strains of probiotics that are helpful in combating the “bad” bacteria and can be highly effective in helping to heal various skin conditions. Adding a variety of food that’s rich in probiotics is the best defense for the skin, as that ensures getting a variety of strains into the daily diet. The GI tract and the epidermis are both detoxification organs. The body needs a healthy microbiome in the intestinal tract to break down food, absorb important nutrients, and eliminate
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