Glow from the Inside Out!

Posted by Estela Cockrell Jun 12th 2020

The Gut-Skin Connection

Your skin is a reflection of your inner health. Your lifestyle, genetics, microbiome (combined genetic material of the microorganisms in your body), and of course, diet will all play role in your skin integrity. I see a lot of clients with challenging skin conditions and the one commonality among all of them is compromised gut health. Studies show that intestinal permeability aka “leaky gut” is a common issue for many of those suffering from skin issues. Unfortunately, most people try to treat their skin issues without addressing the underlying root cause of imbalance. The best way to your perfect complexion is by attending your inner health first!

So how does one go about healing their gut to get that gorgeous outer glow? Eliminate inflammation by addressing any “leaky gut,” eradicating bacterial imbalances and replenishing nutritional deficiencies. It is best to have a functional medicine practitioner guide you through these protocols but there are also changes you can make today to get you on the right path! Start by eating an abundance of real food, which will not only provide the nutrients to stop inflammation in its path, but it will also feed your beneficial gut bacteria and in turn reduce gastrointestinal dysfunction and skin disturbances. Some of your best-kept beauty secrets can come right from your garden! Below are some of the top nutrients to incorporate to improve your gut health and find your most radiant skin (pair healthy eating with your Switch2Pure products and wellness supplements to get back on, and stay on, track)!

Zinc:

This mineral plays a fundamental role in protecting the epithelial barrier in the gut aka preventing leaky gut! Zinc is also crucial for cell division and regrowth and therefore the development of skin cells necessary for clear skin. When bacteria get into a clogged pore it can create irritation and lead to blemishes. Zinc works to reduce the inflammatory response to bacteria that causes your skin to develop acne.

Top sources of zinc: pumpkin seeds, spinach, cashews, oysters, sesame seeds, lamb, garbanzo beans and cacao

Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Selenium, Vitamin E, etc):

Antioxidants help to fight free radical production from the sun’s radiation and from environmental and chemical toxins, which can lead to inflammation, induce food intolerances, and damage the skin. Specifically, the antioxidant vitamin C is crucial for skin as it is essential in the synthesis of collagen, which keeps skin firm and resilient and supports gut health. Many antioxidants also provide the skin with hydration and increase water retention, which is that gives skin that plump youthful glow!

Top Sources of antioxidants: Berries, rose hips tea, brazil nuts, citrus, green tea, oregano, ginger, avocado, red peppers, and kiwi

Omega 3 Fatty Acids:

Omega 3s fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatories that protect skin from the sun, prevent wrinkles by supporting cellular structure, and retain hydration by bolstering barrier function to keep water in and toxins out. Studies show that higher intake of omega-3s are linked with greater microbial diversity in the gut aka happy digestion and happy complexion!

Top Sources of Omega 3s: Wild caught salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds, anchovies

Glutamine:

Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid, which is used in large amounts in times of stress. It is the preferred fuel source for enterocytes, the cells that line the gut. Research has shown that L-glutamine can reduce IBD symptoms including in people with leaky gut. As previously stated, leaky gut causes both systemic and local inflammation, which in turn contributes to skin disease. L-Glutamine is crucial in preventing and healing intestinal permeability, and therefore healing skin from the inside out! Not getting enough L-Glutamine from your food intake? Try our Inner-balance supplement to get your glutamine levels in check!

Top Sources of Glutamine: Bone broth, red cabbage, grass-fed beef, lamb, pastured chicken, mackerel, shellfish

Be sure to eat foods that include these nutrients often, and you'll reap the benefits of having beautiful, glowing and healthy skin.

Try a few our recipes to start eating clean & green

All our nutraceuticals and supplements are cruelty-free, non-toxic, and natural. Some purist faves are the Vegan Protein for added nutrition, the Hello Beauty Collagen for promoting bone strength, complexion, cell turnover, etc., the Good Guys probiotic to help with digestion, and the Daily Must Have twice daily packets that give you all the daily vitamins you're lacking! Another package that will give you personalized vitamis is the Dailey Dose. Watch this IGTV to learn more!

Struggling with middle-aged acne? This IGTV tells you how our wellness products can get your health & your skin back on track!

Don't forget we check out our WELLNESS NOW page to learn more about our program.

Feature blog and recipe by Carli Kilgore