As reported in Looking Fit (August, 2002): Research from Monash University in Victoria, Australia shows that what you eat directly influences the health of your skin. Skin damage in individuals living in Melbourne, Australia was compared to individuals living in rural Greece and Sweden. The studies showed that the type of food consumed influenced the amount of wrinkling and damage to sun exposed skin in older people from different ethnic backgrounds.

Those with a higher intake of vegetables, olive oil, fish, eggs, yogurt, nuts, melons, apples, pears, multi-grained bread, tea, and water had far less skin damage and wrinkling. Those with a higher intake of foods such as whole milk, butter, soft drinks, red meat, sugar, and pastries were related to more wrinkling and skin damage.

"Your skin doesn't lie", according to Robert Crayhon, M.S. C.N., " Makeup, natural cleansing agents, and spa treatments can help, but will never cover up the effects of missing nutrients and toxic foods". Crayhon, named one of the top 10 nutritionists in the country by Self magazine, suggests "pursuit of optimal nutrition" as the most powerful strategy in attaining vibrant skin. In his book, Nutrition Made Simple, he proposes several strategies for skin health:

• Avoid margarine and all foods that contain hydrogenated oils. Hydrogenated oils interfere with hormones known as prostaglandins that keep skin healthy.
• Eliminate fried foods. These highly heated fats have negative effects on overall wellness and skin health.
• Promote intestinal health. Fiber-rich foods and beneficial bacteria are both essential for healthy skin. A lack of fiber leads to constipation, which causes toxins to circulate throughout the body and come out through the skin. Unfriendly bacteria in the GI tract increase the amount of garbage the liver has to detoxify.
• Promote liver health. A healthy liver is critical for skin health. The liver and the skin are both organs of detoxification. If the liver is not doing a good job getting rid of toxic material, more toxins will come out through the skin and continue to decrease skin health.
• Don't smoke. Smoking is one of the most damaging things you can do to your skin.
• Exercise and get adequate rest. Both are very important for healthy skin.

Supplements known to promote and support skin health include Vitamin C, Magnesium, Zinc, Essential Fats, EPA (essential fatty acid found in fish oils), and GLA (found in evening primrose oil and borage oil supplements). Water is very important for skin health. Drink 6-8 glasses per day.

Related Information:
Good Nutrition = Healthy Skin And A Super Tan
Healthy-Vibrant Skin At Realistic Prices
Supplements For Skin,Hair,And Nails

---

Disclaimer

Tanning & Natural Health News is a publication of Tan Plus /Essentials Of Life, Barclay Square, 350 Route 108, Somersworth, NH. This publication is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be presented as medical advice. Product statements made have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.