How to Keep Your Skin Healthy Based on Nutrition

The skin is the largest organ of the body and yes, it is an organ. Like any other organ of the body, the skin must be maintained in a healthy condition and yet it is the one we tend most to damage. One of the key components to maintaining healthy skin is nutrition.

The US Department of Agriculture has established a guide for a balanced diet and it is a good measure to use if one is concerned with maintaining overall health.

Basically, the recommendation is four to five cups of fruits and vegetables, three plus ounces of whole grains, three plus cups of dairy (milk, cheese, or equivalents) and an appropriate level of protein derived from meats, beans, etc. and the avoidance of high-fat foods.

For skin health, the US Department of Agriculture guidelines fall somewhat short. We now know that certain foods promote skin health specifically and in fact, should be consumed in greater quantities than recommended.

1. Eat more than the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. These items contain large amounts of antioxidants and antioxidants battle against the environmental and internal forces that age skin. The dark-colored fruits and vegetables contain the most and they should be eaten raw or only partially cooked. Fully cooked they lose some of their antioxidants into the air.

2. Hydration is crucial to fighting skin aging and discoloration. Cells receive all liquids put into the body. The more water, the healthier they are. Consume at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day, more if you can do it. The more the better. Additional water intake also acts as a cleansing of harmful chemicals and toxins. Do not add coffee or soda to your daily intake count, as they contain caffeine which acts to promote elimination of water from the body. Thus, you end up with less fluid in the body from drinking these.

3. Weight gain and loss can be pretty critical to overall skin appearance. Individuals who gain weight stretch their skin, and if a lot of weight is gained, the skin can be stretched significantly. If weight gain occurs when one is young, the skin usually has enough elasticity to shrink itself when weight loss occurs. The older one becomes, however, the less elasticity there is and if significant weight loss occurs the skin can become saggy and loose. Often, after an older person has weight loss surgery or manages to lose a lot of weight, plastic surgery has to be considered, in order to cut off the excess skin that has created a rather unsightly appearance.

4. Cooking foods is another nutritional factor in skin care. The longer foods are cooked, the more antioxidants and nutrients are lost into the air and the more the by-products of heating (free radicals) are going to be consumed. It is truly important to eat foods that are cooked as slightly as possible and certainly to avoid heavily fried foods or those that are grilled for long periods of time.

Nutrition is the first basic for skin care and healthy maintenance. Above all else, a proper diet will significantly reduce aging, discoloration, and promote a more youthful, vibrant appearance.