Dry Skin - Can Nutrition Help?
It's that time of the year. The weather is getting colder, and DRIER, leaving many people with dry skin.
Those suffering are left with the decision of toughing it out or layering on coconut oil every morning (and re-applying every couple of hours).
Have you ever wondered if there's anything more you could do to improve your skin's hydration during the dry time of the year?
The answer is yes! Here are some tips.
6 Ways to Hydrate Your Skin
Avoid harsh soaps. Check out what your local co-op has to offer. They usually have great options. I've been loving Pacha Soap lately.
Avoid refined sugar, white flour, food additives, and processed foods. The mechanism for this is not yet clear, but it has been shown to help. Also, avoid any foods you may be allergic to, as there is an association between food allergies and dry skin.
Ensure you're eating adequate amounts of essential fatty acids, such as fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseed oil, or sunflower oil. These fatty acids seem to work by reducing water loss in your skin, helping to keep it hydrated. Try 1 tablespoon daily.
Make sure you have adequate vitamin A intake (follicular hyperkeratosis is a sign of vitamin A deficiency). Carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are rich sources. An even better source? Organ meats! Try some liver pate.
Rule out thyroid disease. Using thyroid hormone replacement, if needed, has been shown to improve dry skin. Work with a knowledgeable doctor to assist with thyroid lab work-up, and work with a knowledgeable dietitian to learn how nutrition could further help support your thyroid health.
If related to a dermatological condition, such as atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis, I recommend finding a functional/holistic nutrition provider to work with. Skin conditions can often be tied to nutrition-related causes.
Food truly can be medicine, and I've had the pleasure of working with clients to get rid of gas, bloating, pre-diabetes, diabetes, headaches, eczema, fatigue, and the list goes on... all using nutrition and lifestyle approaches. If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with chronic disease, especially digestive issues, please schedule an appointment with our clinic or start by downloading our FREE GUIDE: 5 ways to improve gut health.
If you'd like to explore any of this information further or obtain an individualized nutrition plan, you can schedule an initial appointment at our clinic. We also take insurance and some of our clients get full coverage, which is great.
Or you can just start by downloading our FREE GUIDE: 5 WAYS TO IMPROVE GUT HEALTH
