nutrition
The skincare product industry is big business , but beauty runs more than skin deep . People often neglect the fact that the skin must be nourished from within to carry out its vital functions and remain healthy .
The skin is the largest organ in the body , and whilst it looks inert it is easy to forgot how busy this organ actually is . From having a protective role , helping to control body temperature , absorbing and
Emily Lamont BSc , BA , Dip CNE Nutritional Therapist
eliminating substances , to producing essential vitamin D , your skin is working for you 24 hours a day .
Skin issues can offer many clues about an individual ’ s general health and where they may require extra nutritional support .
The first place I look is at the diet itself . Are nutritional needs being met ? For instance , good quality protein ( meat , fish , eggs , tofu , pulses & legumes ) is needed as the building blocks for all cells in the body ; beneficial fats ( especially omega 3s from oily fish and certain nuts and seeds , like walnuts & flax ) help the cell membranes stay intact and carry out their vital functions ; vitamin C ( found in brightly coloured fruit and vegetables ) is vital for collagen which acts as the glue to your cells . These nutrients aren ’ t just for skin health – they may also indirectly help the skin by supporting other areas under duress such as the immune or digestive systems .
Next I consider what ’ s going in that might be causing more harm than benefit . It could be a food substance in excess , or an allergen , or even a way of eating that might be imbalancing the system or encouraging inflammation .
Excess toxins can exacerbate many skin complaints and premature aging . First we need to minimise our exposure to common toxins , such as cigarette smoke , alcohol , food additives , herbicides & pesticides , cleaning products and air pollution . Choose body care products wisely and take protective measures when cleaning , gardening or doing DIY with products ; use as natural and organic as possible . The skin is a major site of absorption – a pathway for harmful chemicals into the bloodstream .
Antioxidant nutrients may help the body ’ s natural defence systems to eliminate the effects of toxins . These nutrients include vitamins A , C and E and the minerals zinc and selenium ( sources of which may be fresh fruit and vegetables , nuts and seeds ). Water is the main ingredient in our body and is essential for the health of our cells , especially skin . It can also help eliminate harmful waste from our bodies .
Your skin relies on you and your choices to protect it and therefore the body . This is just a hint at how nutrition may support when your skin is showing distress .
How about you get in touch and see how personalised nutritional changes can help you thrive and achieve your health goals ?
contact me on + 44 ( 0 ) 7956 696630 emily @ emilylamont . co . uk
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