Skin Deep

By MiNDFOOD

Skin Deep
Later in life, hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on our skin. Try these healing foods to keep problematic skin at bay.

Skin issues later in life can be a frustrating experience. Just when you thought you were over the perilous highs and lows of adolescence, bad skin rears its ugly head.

The culprit is hormones, which ebb and flow throughout a woman’s life rather than stabilise as they do in men. Certain experiences, such as discontinuing birth control medication, approaching menopause and stress levels, can adversely affect the clarity of our skin.

“As estrogen levels fluctuate – or in the case of menopause, decrease – androgens, the hormones that stimulate oil glands, can lead to breakouts,” says Jonette E. Keri, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine.

Also to blame: Stress, which raises hormone levels. One thing you needn’t stress about is controlling the condition. New remedies natural skin care and eating a diet rich in certain foods can make it easier to get the clear skin you’ve always wanted.

Healing hormonal style breakouts or problematic skin later in life can be a tough and arduous process, but it needs to be started from the inside out.

 

Blueberries

These powerful berries are low in sugar and packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. They also act to increase the ability for cell membranes to absorb and transfer vital nutrients, in and out of cells in the body. It is important to look for organic varieties of blueberries to avoid toxins and other nasties. Blueberries are also a great source of pectin which assists in the detoxification process, helping to clear intestinal toxins that can cause acne flare-ups.

Grass-fed organic butter

Contrary to what you may have heard, high-quality fats help support healthy cholesterol which is integral to promoting hormonal synthesis. Healthy fats such as those found in butter and avocado help to balance hormones. Grass-fed butter in particular contains higher levels of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), vitamins A, K2, D, omega-3s and minerals which help your body absorb fat and proteins necessary for hormonal function.

Kimchi

As gut health is directly associated with hormonal health, it is important to make sure you gut is operating at 100 per cent.

As a fermented food, health benefits of kimchi include improved cardiovascular health and digestive system. The wealth of antioxidants in kimchi exercise healing effects in the medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, obesity, atopic dermatitis and gastric ulcers.

The probiotic properties of this superfood can help to reduce inflammation and support hormonal balance in the body by healing it from the inside-out.

Make your own at home here. 

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are known as an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, A, K and boast high levels of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium and manganese. The rich, leafy greens are thought to help control sebum production and reduce inflammatory aspects of skin conditions.

Read more about eating for your skin below:

Foods that fight inflammation

Foods for glowing skin

Fermenting for health

Food for thought: Top foods that mess with your skin

 

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