Skin grows from the inside out, and therefore has special and specific nutritional requirements. They are: Proteins (fish, fowl, meat, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, tofu, beans), Good Fats (tuna, salmon, sardines, trout, walnuts, almonds, flax oil, avocado, olives and olive oil, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds), Water (every day we need to drink a half ounce of water for every pound of body weight).

Vitamins And Minerals Specifically For Ski

Vitamin A is required for all epithelial tissue. Vitamin C is needed for all connective tissue and capillaries. Vitamin E protects the fat in every skin cell. Zinc is necessary for connective tissue and immune function.

Deficiency Symptoms

Bumps on the back of your arms or the tops of your thighs, sensitivity to light, dry hair or skin, and chronic bronchitis or chest colds all may signify a need for more Vitamin A. Also, not getting enough sun (especially in winter), older age, and a family history of osteoporosis mean you should consume more Vitamin A.

Easy bruising, bleeding gums upon brushing or flossing, premature wrinkling, poor immunity to colds and flu, and achy joints may indicate a need for more Vitamin C.

Excessive consumption of fatty or fried foods requires more Vitamin E.

Poor skin elasticity, easy bruising, catching colds and flu easily, and white spots on your fingernails may signify that you need more Zinc.

Thyroid

Among other functions, the thyroid gland is responsible for regulating body temperature and controlling circulation to the skin. The lower your body temperature, the slower the circulation to the skin. This results in less nourishment and poor removal of toxins and wastes from the skin, lowering vitality and leaving the skin vulnerable to more disease organisms.

Symptoms that can occur because of hypothyroidism include dry skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, boils, impetigo, winter itch, generalized itching of the arms and legs, scaly skin, and cellulitis.

Natural ways to raise body temperature: begin taking sea kelp tablets, and remember that exercising often raises body temperature and increases circulation.

Colon

This organ has the function of removing waste products. If wastes are not eliminated, they often get re-circulated into the blood stream and therefore to the skin as a means of elimination. Women who have taken antibiotics and/or birth control pills are especially susceptible to changes in the colonic environment, and have a greater production of waste products. Women who eat high-refined carbohydrate diets may have the same problem.

Some things to try: increase your protein intake, consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, begin taking acidophilus to help balance the colonic environment.

Which products are right for your skin? Check out our nine skin types.

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