Reading your body like a book

Have you ever looked at your body, your skin and wonder why is it looking this or that way?  In this blog post, I am going to delve deeper into the first sign, that your body gives to tell you that something is either amiss from your diet, or that something is out of balance:  your skin.  Because the skin is the largest organ (and it sits on the outside), it is quite easy to spot when something has changes, for example dry skin, cracked lips, and so forth.

Your stomach is your “second brain,” and for good reason.  When the pH-level in your gut is out of balance, dis-ease sets in.  Many ailments, including cancers, breed in an environment that is very acidic.  Therefore, it is important to make sure that you not only add more alkaline-based foods to your diet, but also take a probiotic or alkaline / acid- powder, to maintain a balanced pH-level.

Rosy cheeks are often associated with and English lass, or someone that drinks a lot.  However, as we get older, our stomachs stop producing adequate levels of hydrochloric acid and pepsin.  Adding supplements that contain these elements, can correct this problem.  If your face is red all over, it could be acne rosacea.  Using mediation and/or ointment can help, but adding hydrochloric acid and pepsin, is proven to help combat acne all together.  Again, if you have low stomach acidity, digestion can be hampered, thus, better to fix it as soon as possible.

People have either a “yellow undertone” or “blue undertone” and this determines what colours will suit you best when choosing clothes and make-up.  However, people over 50 can also have either a slightly yellow tone or brownish-yellow flecks on their skin.  This can either be due to the beforementioned reason, or it can be a lack of B12.  The brownish-yellow flecks can either be “old age” or can also point to an underactive thyroid, diabetes or insulin problems.  Other signs that it could be an underactive thyroid, is persistently low body temperature, dry skin, poor hair and weak nails.  Again, these are just guidelines and not a definite cause.  Brittle nails can also be linked to a lack of Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium.  Best to speak to your medical practitioner or a health expert, if you notice any changes.

Adult- and teenage-acne can both be caused by either an allergy or food intolerance, diet and/or hormonal changes.  Topical creams that contain niacinamide, azelaic acid and pantothenic acid, can reduce acne, as well as tea-tree oil.  Changing your diet, eliminating sugar, eating more foods that contain zinc and essential fatty acids (for example unroasted sunflower- and pumpkin seeds), can be very helpful. 

If you have a bumpy or rough skin on your elbows and/or heels, it could point to a deficiency in vitamin A.  Eating more carrots, sweet potatoes, yams and squash, can help.  Also make sure that you don’t have a vitamin B-deficiency. 

Our skins love to be pampered with body lotions, face creams and the like.  However, no cream will work if you don’t nourish your skin on the inside.  Dry skin often points to a diet that lacks essential fatty acids.  Eating more fish, nuts and salad oils (or taking a supplement), can help.  Drinking enough water to keep the skin hydrated from the inside, is important as well.  Being out in the sunshine is also important; yes, without sunscreen!  Otherwise, your body cannot absorb vitamin D.  Do remember, to stay out of the sun when it is at its hottest.  If you want to protect your face, wear a hat.  If you don’t like being out in the sun, or live somewhere where it is not as hot as in other countries, make sure to take a vitamin D-supplement.  Not only is it good for the skin, but also the brain, our immune system and our general well-being.

Eczema and Psoriasis are both caused by allergies (food and/or other).  Ointments can alleviate it, but be careful if you are using cortisone, as this causes the skin to become thin (causing bruises easily).  Essential fatty acids and zinc, seem to alleviate eczema, while nickel and bromide can help with psoriasis.  Before using or adding it to your / your child’s diet, consult a health practitioner first.  Eliminating the cause of the allergy are also key.

Wrinkles, varicose veins, easy bruising and skin creases, can all appear as we age.  Not every wrinkle or bruise is a sign of something seriously wrong.  Using creams with added collagen, taking collagen- and omega-supplements can help with wrinkles, for example.  Varicose veins can be alleviated by lying with your legs against the wall for 15 minutes; especially if you are on your feet for most of the day.  Flavonoids, found in citrus fruit, blueberries, all red, blue and purple fruits and vegetables, vitamin E, magnesium and thinks like bilberry, gingko, hawthorn and horse chestnut, can help with it.  Bruising easily?  Take extra vitamin C as well as vitamin K (found in flavonoids).  Skin creases is something that the older generation gets.  It is not something to worry about, unless you start to feel different.

Our skin is a wonderful gift; a tool that will quickly tell you if something, internally, is out of balance.  In the coming weeks, I am going to delve into other parts of the body, to see what it can tell us when it comes to our health and well-being!

PS:  If you don’t suffer from any skin allergy, but your skin is itching, exfoliation can do the trick.  Exfoliating at least once or twice a week, can help.  Be careful when exfoliating parts like your face, where the skin is not so thick as the body’s skin.  using an exfoliating gel is very useful.  Dry body brushing is another quick and easy way to get rid of the dead cells and skin, as well as boosts circulation.  Always remember to brush the right side from the body first, in the direction of the heart, and down on the left side.