4 Foods for healthy skin
By: P. D. Hinduja Hospital Khar
Tags: Healthy Foods, Foods For Healthy Skin, Skincare, Food And Health

4 ways to achieve great skin naturally

You are what you eat — many of us have heard this phrase, at least once in our lives, and it’s quite true. There’s a direct correlation between the food we eat and the way our bodies function. Diets lacking in essential nutrients can lead to a host of skin disorders and also a decline in overall health. Although there are many over-the-shelf solutions to help fix your skin temporarily, a sustainable change is only achieved through a healthy, balanced diet.

Here are the top four diet fixes that will help restore the natural glow of your skin:

Eat foods rich in Probiotics

The gut consists of trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. However, the overgrowth of bad bacteria can lead to gastric distress and other disorders. A gut inflamed for a prolonged period can also adversely affect the skin, leading to issues like acne, pimples, redness, etc. This is where Probiotics come in.



Probiotics are live bacteria that help improve the quality and quantity of good microorganisms in your gut. A balanced gut flora will naturally result in better-looking skin that glows. Foods like fermented yogurt, cheese, and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics.

Sometimes, even simple home methods are effective for tackling skin issues like acne, pimples, redness, etc. but if self-care remedies fall short, it is advisable to visit a Dermatologist. You can find some of the best skin specialists at Hinduja Hospital Khar in Mumbai. To book an appointment, visit the hospital’s website.

Oils

High-quality oils like cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil and avocado oil are all loaded with essential fatty acids that help restore your skin’s natural beauty and elasticity. These oils are rich in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) which help reduce inflammation, along with promoting a range of other health benefits. Foods like Avocado, Walnuts, Almonds, etc. are rich sources of MUFA oils. Just keep in mind, moderation is the key.

Fish

Fish are abundant in Omega 3 Fatty Acids and contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that are well-known for countering inflammation and improving immunity. Chronic inflammation is one of the many causes of skin allergies.

Seafood is an excellent source of vitamin E, one of the most potent antioxidants for your skin. Along with being a good quality source for protein, fish is also rich in minerals like Zinc, another great ingredient for the skin. Thus, an adequate addition of fish in your diet is highly advisable. For vegetarians, algal oils can serve as great substitutes.

Leafy Greens

Remember your grandmother forcing you to finish all the greens on your plate? She knew best. Leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, kale, etc. are loaded with antioxidants. These antioxidants help suppress the harmful effects of Free Radicals in the body that, if in excess, can lead to various skin and health ailments. These veggies also provide the body with vitamin A, which is good for avoiding dry, flaky skin and vitamin C that is also a potent antioxidant, like vitamin E. Besides this, they are also rich in certain phytonutrients that help prevent diseases and are great for overall health.

Water

Even the best of foods will fail to work if the body is not sufficiently hydrated. This is because 60% of the human body is made up of water. If your body is dehydrated, it can result in dull, flaky skin and cause itchiness and sunken eyes. Water is essential for carrying out a host of other functions like regulating body temperature, assisting in the process of digestion, transporting nutrients, etc. Thus an adequate intake of water is vital. On the other hand, it’s important to avoid caffeinated drinks in excess — tea, coffee, cold drinks, etc. as they hasten the process of dehydration.

Partaking in a healthy, balanced diet, consisting of all these components, will not only lead to healthy skin but also boost your immunity. And right now, a robust immune system is quite essential. So, eat right and see the difference in your skin and overall health.

Written by Dr.Sadhana Deshmukh, Consultant Dermatology at Hinduja Hospital, Khar.