Discovery Fit & Health : Sara Novak

09/25/2012

A friend of mine has been detoxing for some time in an effort to increase fertility. But she didn’t realize all the other benefits that would come from pushing toxins out of her body, namely feeling and looking great. You can’t help but see the way that her skin glows and it’s a reminder of the impact that your diet has on your complexion.

Want to improve your complexion? Try some diet adjustments.

1. Add in Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 or thiamin helps with circulation. It helps to bring that glowing look to your complexion. Get it in tahini, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and pompano (a fish variety).

2. Cut the Caffeine

Photo: Thinkstock

Caffeine dehydrates you, which shows wrinkles on the skin's surface. Caffeine can also make sleeping more difficult and nothing makes you look worse than not getting enough sleep.

3. Get Your Omegas

Omega fatty acids are also great for your skin. Water filled cells and healthy cell membranes keep your skin looking great. Skin membranes must hold water in and push waste out for skin to look its best and it's omega fatty acids that keep cell membranes working efficiently. Get them from flax seeds, fatty fish, and hemp.

4. Add in Vitamin E

Vitamin E is also great for skin health. It’s an antioxidant that fights the free radicals that cause aging. Get it from almonds, raw seeds, mustard greens, Swiss chard, kale, turnip greens, and plant oils.

5. Add in Vitamin C

Photo: George Doyle/Thinkstock

Vitamin C helps with the production of collagen, keeping your skin from sagging. Get it from citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers to name a few.

6. Eat Your Red and Greens

Red and green vegetables are known for beta carotene, which like vitamin E, fights the free radicals that cause aging.

7. Keep Your Adrenals Healthy

The adrenals are responsible for moderating stress response throughout the body. Located just above the kidneys, they control the production of hormones including DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. When your adrenals are taxed it shows from the inside out. Reduce stress to the adrenals by avoiding coffee and sugar as well as getting enough rest.

8. Add in Coconut Oil

Coconut oil helps the skin maintain the moisture that keeps it looking good. The fat keeps water from escaping skin cells when eaten and when applied directly to the skin.

Photo: Thinkstock

Like this? Follow me on Twitter and Facebook