Top 5 Foods for Clear Skin

8 Mar 2021

The skin is the window to the inside of the body. If there is a dysfunction on the inside, it will manifest on the outside. Chronic skin inflammation and disease are clues, telling us that we need to look deeper into what the root cause might be. Common root causes include toxicity and poor detoxification, inflammation, a dysfunctional immune system, poor gut health and overproduction of stress hormones such as cortisol.  Food is medicine, and the good news is that food can be used to help reduce the most common root causes of skin disease. Keep reading to learn about the top 5 foods for clear skin that will help your skin to heal and glow!

Bone Broth

A healthy gut is the secret to glowing skin, and bone broth is a gut-health superfood! Packed with collagen, it helps to heal the gut, reduce inflammation and build strong and healthy skin cells. This is especially important for anyone suffering with eczema, psoriasis, allergies and skin rashes. The breakdown of collagen is at the root of wrinkle-formation, which is why bone-broth is also considered to be an anti-aging superfood! Lastly, bone broth is high in magnesium, a blood sugar-balancing and stress-busting mineral that is necessary for healthy hormones.

Green tea

Green tea contains a powerful phytochemical called EGCG, which has potent anti-oxidant activity. Anti-oxidants help to reduce the negative effects of sun damage on the skin and reduces overall redness. But the reason I love green tea for skin health is because of its ability to lower elevated testosterone levels! This is a game-changer if you are suffering with cystic hormonal acne, especially around the jawline and chin. Green tea also contains L-theanine, a relaxing compound that reduces stress and anxiety and improves focus and concentration. It is best to consume matcha green tea powder, if possible, for optimal benefits. Make sure to skip the dairy when you are drinking your matcha or green tea, as there is evidence that dairy reduces the beneficial antioxidant effects. 

Avocado

Join in on the millennial avocado toast craze, because this trend is here to stay! Avocados are bursting with healthy fats, which are essential for reducing inflammation and hydrating the skin. This is especially important for skin conditions with a compromised lipid barrier, such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as inflammatory skin conditions like acne. Avocados also contain the fat-soluble vitamin E, which is essential for healthy skin and often deficient in our modern diets. Lastly, avocados are high in fibre, which improves gut health and detoxification of waste products that often contribute to the development of acne. 

Oily fish

Salmon, anchovies, mackerel, sardines and trout are all excellent sources of Omega 3 fats. These fats are powerful anti-inflammatories, which help to fight acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin dryness. A fantastic source of protein, they balance blood sugar and provide the building blocks necessary for healthy skin, hair and nails. They are also one of the few foods that contain Vitamin D, which is crucial for balanced hormones and a healthy immune system. Remember that a dysfunctional immune system is at the root of psoriasis and eczema, and imbalanced hormones are the most common culprit for acne development. 

Flaxseed

Flaxseeds are rich in alpha-linoleic acid, which your body converts to anti-inflammatory agents in the body. Flax is also one of the most potent vegetable sources of omega-3 fats, the benefits of which we discussed in the paragraph above. But it doesn’t stop there! Flaxseeds help to improve overall detoxification of the body and reduce estrogen dominance. This is especially important for anyone dealing with acne, as impaired detoxification and estrogen clearance are often involved. Always buy your flaxseeds whole and grind them fresh, one week’s worth at a time. Store whole and ground flaxseeds in the fridge or freezer to slow the oxidation of healthy fats contained in the seeds. 

If you are struggling with skin issues and are wanting to get to the root cause of it. I can help! Book a free 15 minute meet and greet at Natural Choice Medical Clinic in Guelph to find out if natural medicine is the right route for you!

-Dr. Kim Vance, ND