Monday, 01 December 2014 13:43

Our Skin is a Mirror of Internal Health

Written by   Sheilah Fulton, L.E., B.S., M.B.A., aesthetics instructor

Human beings have trillions of cells throughout the body that perform intricate functions to maintain the overall integrity and health of the skin. The metabolic processes and utilization of energy – ATP (adenosine triphosphate) – all impact the overall health of the body.

It is recognized that free radical damage, which occurs within the cells, also damages energy pathways like the conversion of energy source seen in the Krebs cycle.

Inefficient mitochondrial energy production can lead to an array of chronic health conditions such as autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and heart disease. In particular, it is the decline in oxidative phosphorylation that limits life expectancy.

How to Improve Internal Health
Our longevity is 30 percent genetics and 70 percent lifestyle. In order to protect the cells from premature aging, it is most beneficial for one to begin with a plant-based diet. Plants provide phytochemicals, which decrease inflammation that can lead to chronic illnesses. Moreover, a plant-based diet allows the body to maintain an alkaline pH. Also, this diet can be easier to digest, is lower on the glycemic index, is lower in calories, cleanses the colon, provides the powerhouse of the cell (the mitochondria) with necessary nutrients for molecular pathways, and supplies energy for metabolic pathways.

Skin Benefits with Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals, also referred to as phytonutrients or bioflavonoids, are found in fruits and vegetables. Phytochemicals include anthocyanins in fruits and glucosinolates in vegetables. The antioxidants in phytonutrients, such as lycopene, found in tomatoes and pink grapefruit, offer support to collagen. In return, a diet rich in phytonutrients protects against ultraviolet damage and maintains skin elasticity. Lycopene plays an integral role in the repair of the skin cell DNA. A diet abundant in fruits and vegetables can enhance and improve skin texture and tone, and eliminate inflammation that can lead to breakouts. One thing to keep in mind is that at least half of our client’s diet should involve fresh fruits and vegetables eaten in their natural form rather than processed or fried. When clients navigate to eating a plant-based diet or a diet rich in phytonutrients, they gain intrinsic and extrinsic benefits. Their skin will become radiant, nourished, and toned. The health impact of a plant-based diet increases longevity and prevents skin-deteriorating conditions that prematurely age clients. Though there is no fountain of youth, phytonutrients are the closest to one as they offer the most natural benefits
to anti-aging.

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