WHY WE SHOULD LOOK AFTER OUR SKIN...
We tend to think of the skin in terms of esthetics and worry about wrinkles, rashes, and scars. Most people tend not to think of the skin’s true function; which is as an organ of elimination exactly like the lungs, liver, kidneys, and intestines. In fact, the skin is a large and busy organ that “breathes out” sweat and toxins day and night. When we block off this function with antiperspirants or allow the surface cells to harden, oxidize, or become damaged by the sun, then we run a higher risk of skin cancer and poor skin condition. Holistically oriented clinicians, herbalists, and traditional Chinese medicine doctors consider the role of the liver in skin health and many traditional herbal remedies for acne and dermatitis contain herbs that support liver function like artichoke, red clover, burdock root, milk thistle, and dandelion. The reasoning is that an overburdened liver will be less efficient at filtering toxins in the blood stream and so the body will then try to rid itself of them via the skin. SHOULD WE WORRY ABOUT WHAT WE PUT ON OUR SKIN? Generally, skin care products have been poorly regulated compared to foods and medicines even though things we put on our skin are ingested when they are absorbed just as surely as something we swallow. Incredibly, there are known carcinogens in many commercial skin care products. It’s outrageous that this is permitted, but maybe someday consumer demand will force manufacturers to offer better quality products that are safer for everyone. Always reach for moisturizers, shampoos, and scents that are free of chemical fragrances, emulsifiers, and preservatives. See the Environmental Working Group’s website at www.ewg.org to see how the brands you currently use measure up. Thentix skin conditioner with a touch of honey is free of parabens and fragrances. It is excellent as a general moisturizer for any skin care needs, including stubborn conditions like eczema, psoriasis and skin reactions to cancer treatments. DOES WHAT WE PUT INTO OUR BODIES AFFECT THE SKIN? Natural medicine has a lot to offer for healthy skin. Common recommendations from natural health practitioners will often include increasing the good quality fats and oils in the person’s diet. Fish, flax, and olive oils are most well know; coconut oil and other good sources of essential fatty acids are becoming more popular lately. Don’t worry about them making you fat, they actually help with slimming and calm inflammatory processes in the body generally, so can help with joint pain, allergies and infections. Usually, people with skin conditions have a deficiency of essential fatty acids. There is often a zinc deficiency or a defect in a zinc-dependent enzyme that is involved in fatty acid metabolism. This results in decreased synthesis of the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Copper toxicity is also common. A diet of whole foods is helpful in treating skin disorders. It’s crucial to identify and avoid food allergies. Often wheat and dairy products are common triggers. Too much fruit, especially citrus, might aggravate symptoms. Try limiting sugar, animal fats, and alcohol. Common Natural Remedies for Healthy Skin: A high quality multivitamin and mineral supplement Vitamins A, C, and E Minerals like selenium and zinc A green food supplement Essential fatty acids (Evening primrose, flax, hemp, seabuckthorn, or fish oil) A good quality moisturizing cream like Thentix skin conditioner. Key Points About Skin Conditions:
This information is not meant to replace medical care. Consult a practitioner for personal advice. Reprinted by permission from Lisa Leger, Natural Health Consultant PHARMASAVE HEALTH CENTRE Parksville, B.C. Phone: (250) 951-0243 Email: lisaps@shaw.ca
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AuthorLisa Leger is a Natural Health Consultant who teaches about nutrition and wholistic approaches to health care. Her “Live Well Moments” can be heard on Island Radio stations The Beach at 88.5FM and The Lounge at 99.9FM. She hosts the Live Well Seminar Series at the Pharmasave Health Centre in Parksville, BC. You can see her blogs at www.parksvillepharmasve.com and follow her at www. facebook.com/lisa.leger10 ArchivesCategories |
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