They say you are what you eat, but now one nutritionist has explained how your diet really impacts your complexion – and the six ways you can get glowing skin fast.
Food author Jessica Sepel said that anyone who ever has told you that your gut is the key to good health is right – because it is where 70 to 80 per cent of the immune system lies.
‘When your gut is functioning optimally, you will notice better energy, skin, mood and immune function,’ Jessica wrote on her blog.
On the flipside, she said, if your digestive system is sluggish, you will experience ‘constipation, diarrhea, bloating, hormonal imbalance, skin issues and more’.
Food author Jessica Sepel (pictured) said that anyone who ever has told you that your gut is the key to good health is right – because it is where 70 to 80 per cent of the immune system lies
‘When your gut is functioning optimally, you will notice better energy, skin, mood and immune function,’ Jessica (pictured) said – if it’s not, you’ll feel sluggish and you’ll break out
So why is digestion so important, and how can you get glowing skin fast?
Jessica said that it helps you to absorb nutrients, which in turn promotes healthy skin.
‘Digestion also clears toxic build up. The gut helps to eliminate toxins, so if your digestive system is compromised, you may not be eliminating toxins as effectively’.
Finally, she said digestion helps to reduce inflammation, which promotes redness, swelling and breakouts in the skin.
For those who want a clear complexion, there are six ways to help yourself from the inside out.
One of the ways in which you can get glowing skin fast is by eating ‘real food’ – in the form of ‘good quality proteins, healthy fats, plenty of greens, veggies, nuts, seeds and pulses’
Eat real food
This might sound obvious, but it’s something many of us fail to do.
Jessica recommends you stick to ‘good quality proteins, healthy fats, plenty of greens, veggies, nuts, seeds and pulses’.
She said you should ideally eliminate processed, packaged and convenience foods, and rid your diet of artificial sweeteners which promote breakouts.
Optimise digestive enzymes
Next, she said you should think about the levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which helps to break down food, thereby aiding digestion.
‘I recommend sipping on two litres of water with a dash of apple cider vinegar throughout the day,’ Jessica said.
As well as taking a daily probiotic, Jessica recommends you eat as many probiotic-rich foods as possible – these include kombucha, sauerkraut and kefir
Supplement as much as possible
Supplements are extremely useful for supporting good gut function.
Jessica said a probiotic is a great idea for aiding digestion, while her own Skin and Digestion tablets are also useful.
Eat probiotic-rich foods
As well as taking a daily probiotic, Jessica recommends you eat as many probiotic-rich foods as possible.
Fermented foods like kombucha, sauerkraut and kefir work especially well here.
All of these items will also help to reduce inflammation and enhance your metabolism.
While you might shy away from fats in your diet, our skin loves good quality healthy fats and foods that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (pictured: Jessica Sepel)
Stay hydrated
Water is critical for good skin health, and two litres is the optimum amount.
Jess said you can bulk this out by way of herbal teas and putting apple cider vinegar into your bottle to sip throughout the day.
Eat healthy fats
While you might shy away from fats in your diet, our skin loves good quality healthy fats and foods that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
‘Foods such as oily fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, eggs and olive oil have fatty acids that nourish the skin and are important for a radiant, soft complexion,’ Jessica said.