How is plant-based diet can aid problematic skin? Principally we are talking about the big three: acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Factors causing skin conditions
ACNE
Hormones in cow’s milk that intend to simulate the growth in calves. These #hormones release insulin while ingested and causes acne breakouts. Hormones in #milk can also interact with human hormones and the body’s endocrine system causing #acne breakouts on the #skin.
ECZEMA
Eczema is a more complex condition, it can be caused by environmental factors such as stress, a washing detergent but overall #eczema sufferers are more vulnerable to #foodintolerances. These are: diary, gluten, soy and refined sugar.
On the other hand, research suggests that fermented dairy such as yoghurt (cultured buttermilk & sour cream, filmjölk, quark, skyr, fermented cheeses) could help treating eczema or prevent its development in childhood. This same dairy / eczema debate suggests that people with #dairyallergy can make their eczema worse, if it is not replaced by the #nutrition, #minerals and #vitamins that dairy provides such as vitamin D, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
PSORIASIS
An immune-mediated disease causing red, flaky patches on the skin covered with silvery scales, usually on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Similarly, to eczema these small patches can be sore and itchy. #Psoriasis develops when the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells during an infection, when the system fighting against it and the immune system go overdrive.
How can plant-based diet help improve the above skin issues?
ACNE
Consumption of more #vegetables and #fruits have a major impact on the NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS of the skin, can result in brighter complexion, less bloating of the face and better skin texture. Lowering or cutting dairy out completely or even for just short periods of a month or two, shows mild to moderate improvement on #acneskin. But again, a #vegandiet should be monitored carefully taking the nutrition, vitamins and minerals that a simple vegan diet may not provide such as omega 3 fatty acids. If dairy, meat and processed food is not completely cut-out, hormone-free products of dairy and meat can aid the skin.
ECZEMA & PSORIASIS
There is no evidence that plant-based diet is the ultimate cure for eczema or psoriasis (as we have seen above with #fermenteddairy) however, it excludes inflammatory foods like diary. Kale, spinach, cherry, broccoli, apple are known about their HIGH ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES. However, nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and potatoes should be avoided or reduced, because they contain glutamates that promote pain and skin inflammation. Food supplements and #turmeric may also reduce symptoms of eczema. Other nutritious plant-based foods to keep skin glowing are blueberry, avocado, sweet potato, walnut, carrot and kiwi.
Each and individual person should try what works best for them but increasing plant-based products will definitely support #skincondition, if taken with awareness of what is right for you. The body should be taken care of for its overall well-being as well. Lowering stress, quality sleep, regular exercise, drinking water, using cruelty-free skincare products all contribute to a healthy skin.
#autoimmunedisease #naturalantioxidants #highinflammatoryfoods #healthbalance #healthyskin #overallwellbeing
Sources:
Urology of Virginia, The Vegan Diet and Healthy Skin: Everything You Need to Know https://www.urologyofva.net/articles/category/healthy-diet/4014497/the-vegan-diet-and-healthy-skin-everything-you-need-to-know
A. Vogel, What types of food should you be avoiding if you have eczema? https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/skin/eczema/diet/what-types-of-food-should-you-be-avoiding-if-you-have-eczema/index.php
Healthline, Why Dairy May Actually Help Ease Eczema https://www.healthline.com/health/dairy-may-help-ease-eczema
Insider: Going vegan can make your skin glow — but it comes with a catch https://www.insider.com/vegan-diet-skin-benefits-2018-7
The Vegan Review: Plant-based diets: The best way to reverse eczema? https://theveganreview.com/plant-based-diet-the-best-way-to-reverse-eczema/
Comments