Health.com
Snow is beautiful to look at, no doubt about it. But the cold that comes with it combined with extreme heat inside your house in winter can lead to parched, chapped, itchy, even painful skin. The food you eat and the supplements you take can help heal your winter skin…and help maintain it year round.
Julie Upton RD at health.com has some advice for us to protect our skin in harsh winter weather:
Drink more water. The body loses more fluid with each breath when it’s cold and dry, so it’s fairly easy to get dehydrated in the winter. Try to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.
Eat a balanced diet. Several nutrients, such as protein, vitamin A, zinc, and essential fatty acids, are important for keeping your skin healthy. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish and poultry, and healthy oils are the foundation of a diet that’s good for your skin.
Eat more fruits and vegetables, and skip the sugary desserts. In a study that looked at the diets of U.S. women, those who had the most vitamin C in their diets had the healthiest skin. Too much sugary food has been shown to have the opposite effect. Get more vitamin C by eating at least five servings a day of fruits and veggies.
Focus on healthy fats. Although research is still ongoing, preliminary evidence suggests that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help keep your skin hydrated. Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and avocados are good sources of omega-6s, and fish, walnuts, and flax seed contain omega-3s. If you’re taking an omega-3 supplement, be sure it provides DHA and EPA.
Ramp up your skin-care routine. There’s a lot you can do on the surface, as well, such as applying a heavy moisturizer while your skin is damp, turning down the thermostat, and protecting your skin with hats and gloves.
Nutrients for Skin Health
Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and collagen. The best sources for it are citrus fruit, kiwifruit, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers.
Zinc is a vital nutrient because of its power to heal damaged skin. It also has antioxidant properties. It is most available in animal products, but you can also get it in beans, nuts, and seeds.
Essential fatty acids and vitamin E occur together naturally in foods. These are excellent for skin under stress (like harsh weather) because they build up the immune system and fight inflammation. The best vegan sources for these are nuts, avocado, seeds, and their oils.
One of the best things you can do to protect your skin and your health in general is a Vegan Flush. This gentle, healthy two-week cleanse empties your system of toxins and supports every area of your body, including your skin. Whether you’re vegan or not, Vegan Flush will improve your health in ways you will notice after only a few days. Better skin, better digestion, better health, better mood…now that’s a Happy New Year! Click the link to learn more.
Sources:
Health.com
Marber, Ian. Super Eating
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends. 🙂
[fbshare type=”button”] [twitter style=”horizontal” source=”vegancooking” float=”left”]
[fblike style=”standard” showfaces=”true” width=”450″ verb=”like” font=”arial”]