The skin is the largest organ in your body, and it needs as much nourishment as any other part of the body like the heart and lungs for its maximum function. You get your nutrients from the food you eat every day, so it is essential that what you eat is enough to give your body the nutrients it needs. For the skin, studies show that foods loaded with protein and certain vitamins can help prevent premature aging such as the appearance of wrinkles. In general, eating a good, healthy diet is important for improving the health of your skin and avoiding certain skin conditions.
The simplest way to ensure a well-balanced diet for optimal nutrition is to follow the recommendations of the USDA Daily Food Guide, universally referred to as the Food Pyramid. The pyramid encourages eating at least three ounces of cereal, crackers, pasta, whole grain bread, and rice; and a variety of fruits and vegetables (especially dark green and orange) daily. Calcium-rich foods such as low-fat or skim milk and other dairy products should also be consumed at least once a day, and the intake of poultry, meat and fish should be regulated. These foods are full of valuable vitamins and minerals that contribute to some health benefits for your body. The antioxidants in vitamin C and E have been found to protect the skin when it comes to sun damage and free radicals. Vitamin A is useful in maintaining and repairing skin tissue during infection. With a deficiency of one or more vitamins in your body, they may manifest themselves in the appearance of your nails, skin, and hair: nails may become brittle and thin, skin may look dull and lifeless, and your hair may lose its shine and volume.
While it is true that foods that contain certain nutrients can contribute to the health of your skin, there are certain foods that can have negative effects on your skin and aggravate certain skin conditions as well. Acne, eczema, and psoriasis can be made worse by eating certain foods and drinking alcohol. Doctors around the world recommend that patients with chronic skin conditions be aware of their food intake, so that they can better manage their treatments. Those who suffer from acne note that certain foods – especially chocolate, soft drinks, peanuts and greasy foods with a high fat content – worsen the condition of their skin, and are advised to follow a strict and balanced diet.
Another chronic skin condition known as eczema can also be exacerbated by certain foods. Eczema — characterized by dry, itchy patches on the skin — can worsen when you eat eggs, peanuts, wheat, fish, milk and peanuts. Also, psoriasis, a medical condition that affects the immune system, is triggered by alcohol consumption. This skin condition is characterized by red, raised skin patches covered with silvery-white scales.
Doctors don’t actually stop you from eating certain foods, but sometimes, the effectiveness of your skin treatments can be hampered by ingredients that aggravate your condition. This is why it is best that individuals who have any questions about how their diet affects their health and the appearance of their skin visit a doctor or dermatologist to fully discuss their concerns, and ask for their recommendations.
