“The CDC reports that as many as 80 million Americans were insulin-resistant, and most don’t pay attention to insulin resistance being a precursor to diabetes.” Insulin resistance can affect all organs in the body including the skin. For instance, you may experience dry, cracked, scaly skin, or even skin ulcers from insulin resistance. Making simple changes in your life may help you feel better and encourage skin healing. How well our body renovates and repairs organs, tissue, and DNA determines how we age on a cellular level. Studies show you can reverse diabetes, diabetic skin conditions, and poor circulation in the skin, with a plant based diet. And when you address one challenge, another is cleared.
7 Tips for healthier skin
1-Let’s take a look at our mitochondria. Mitochondria and brain function rely on blood sugar and insulin balance. Several disorders of the skin are linked to alterations of mitochondrial energy metabolism. Mitochondrial damage is susceptible to environmental toxins and medications including antibiotics may alter the energy supply of a cell. Metformin, a diabetic medication, may show up as skin eruptions such as rosacea on the face or trunk of the body. Tell your doctor if your skin is reacting to prescribed medications. Also work to reduce your intake of processed sugars.
2-Insulin Resistance interferes with absorption of cholesterol. The stratum corneum contains cholesterol and our adrenals rely on cholesterol. Imbalances in cholesterol disrupt our skin barrier function, leaving it dry and itchy. As the destructive nature of adrenal hormones overrides the body, we lose our connective tissue. Additionally, hyper-pigmentation of the skin has been recognized to be a symptom of adrenocortical insufficiency. One thing we do know, it may be difficult to keep hormones and cholesterol in balance under chronic stress and overeating. You can work through stress by including daily meditation and exercise.
3-There is an inflammatory connection between poor intestinal flora, junk foods, and poor skin health. When suffering from inflammatory reactions such as candida overgrowth, we can experience hives, fungal infections, or diabetic rashes. All the while inflammation will prolong recovery of the skin following a disruption.
Address any and all gut issues whether diagnosed or undiagnosed (example: leaky gut, or IBS). Having good gut bacteria is key for glowing skin. You can begin by adding in probiotic rich foods to your lunch or dinner.
4-“A high intake of meat, dairy, and butter, increase our changes of wrinkled skin.” But that’s not all! “Meat consumption is a risk factor for diabetes.” The same is true for a high meat/sweet diet increasing the
workload on the kidneys. Make a conscious effort to consume more plant based foods such as organic broccoli and spinach.
5-Fluoride is a factor in premature aging by negatively changing collagen production, and the mineralization of connective tissue. Decreased collagen production affects wound healing. Fluoride is linked to calcification of the pineal gland. “Melatonin is a circulating hormone that is mainly released from the pineal gland, and it’s deficiency has an interrelationship between accelerated aging, and diabetes.” So it’s no surprise that fluoride may increase our risk for kidney damage and dry cracked-skin as early as 30 years old. You can avoid fluoridated city water and fluoride in toothpaste. Consider purchasing a water filtration system for your home.
6- According to the World Journal of Hepatology, psoriasis is related to both obesity and metabolic syndrome. Obesity seems to predispose to psoriasis and psoriasis seems to increase the risk of obesity. Research tells us, lifestyle modification and changing dietary habits can play an important role in the treatment of metabolic complications of psoriasis. Address poor skin circulation by adding in nutrient rich foods to feed cells. Dry brush for lymphatic circulation and consume homemade salads (without bottled salad dressing) at each meal and give your skin a chance to glow.
7-Various autoimmune disorders are found in people diagnosed with vitiligo, which causes depigmentation of skin. For instance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes are increased in patients with vitiligo. Alcohol addiction can be causal in vitiligo. as well as dehydrated skin conditions. Ditch the alcohol for healthier skin, liver, and gut microbiome.
Why sleep is necessary?
Chronic insomnia harms kidney function and causes premature aging in our skin. A few causes of insomnia includes diet, insulin resistance, diabetes and blood sugar imbalances. What can you do? Avoid caffeine and eating a large meal before bed. Additionally, EMFs can be causal in blood sugar imbalances and insomnia. “According to the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, EMFs from cell phones disrupt glucose levels.” Design your bedroom as a place for rest and sex only. You can start by removing your cell phones, computer, and television from your bedroom.
Why sweating is necessary?
Sweat is an important biological process for healthy skin. Sweat eliminates toxins from the body through the skin. Exercise until you sweat improves insulin resistance, wound healing, stress and oxygen levels within the body. Plus, studies show, thermal sweating can improve renal function. Authors note: You may find it necessary to increase your water intake to avoid dehydration when sweating.
Only you can avoid sugary skin conditions.
Daily sugar spikes can destroy adrenal function and challenge the metabolic and the endocrine systems. The skin functions as an endocrine organ. Refined salt, alcohol, junk foods, and coffee habits disrupt the endocrine system, add to premature aging, poor kidney function, diabetes, and increase our risk for poor skin health.
Finally, the skin produces and stores vitamin D. Gluten sensitivity, (wheat is sugar) and adrenal fatigue disrupts this process. My suggestion is to start your day with a healthy breakfast such as organic blueberries, avocado and chia pudding instead of sugary cereals, toast, muffins, and donuts.
Connie Rogers www.bitesizepieces.net