PIGMENTATION GETTING YOU DOWN?

Here’s an easy fix…

4th January, 2020

In her recent article, Bella Lindemann of the Functional Gut Health Clinic stated that beauty begins with the bowel. If you have chronic constipation, certain toxins are reabsorbed in the bloodstream through the colon, eventually moving  out of the body through the skin, impacting the latter negatively. It does not end there—due to constipation the gut bacteria culture is not the best and that again creates a problem for the skin.

Apart from poor gut and bowel health, hormonal imbalance in testosterone, insulin, thyroid, prolactin etc. also make your skin prone to acne, pimples or pigmentation. Dietary deficiencies and poor lifestyle only add to skin woes.

Ancient beauty rituals and natural ingredients have worked wonders for generations before us. If you are ready to get rid of the beauty apps and filters and incorporate real changes instead, here’s a list of superfoods that are guaranteed to make you feel beautiful inside out.

SKIN:

1. Yoghurt:

An important part of the daily Indian diet, yoghurt tops the list of anti-ageing foods. Rich in proteins, calcium and vitamins, it is crucial for muscle and bone strength, helping fight immune-related diseases. In addition, yoghurt acts as a probiotic, helping you digest food better. A happy gut gives clear and glowing skin.

2. Berries:

Berries themselves look delicious and beautiful and do the same to our bodies by giving us the required antioxidants and vitamin C that help reduce free radicals, prevent cell damage and control inflammation.

3. Leafy Vegetables:

Green leafy vegetables increase our longevity. The levels of beta carotene, copper, selenium and zinc in these vegetables can help reduce skin pigmentation. Opt for vegetables like peas, lady finger, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli and peppers on a regular basis to get your daily dose of these vitamins and minerals.

4. Nuts:

Nuts not only add texture to our food, but they also give us the best unsaturated fats that are much-needed to keep our skin healthy. They are rich in phyto-chemicals and vitamins that help slow down the process of ageing by preventing cell damage. Opt for cashews, pistachios, almonds etc.

5. Ginger and Garlic:

They may be used in minor quantities in our food, but both ginger and garlic play a major role when it comes to our health. Studies suggest that the component allicin present in them have anti-inflammatory as well as  antifungal properties. Garlic helps in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure as well as prevents cell degeneration.

6. Avocado :                                                                                                     

Avocados are rich in vitamin E that help repair skin besides reducing blood pressure. Being rich in folate, they help prevent osteoporosis as well. Use avocado dip with a slice of bread or salad to get the maximum benefit.

7. Tomatoes :

Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, which helps prevent sun damage and reduce skin pigmentation caused due to sun rays. Opt for cooked tomatoes as lycopene is released on cooking tomatoes.

8. Sweet potatoes:

Available in abundance in the winter season, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin C that is known to help build layer of collagen under the layer of the skin. Being a great antioxidant, vitamin C also helps fight free radicals and reduce skin pigmentation.

9. Green tea:

Green tea is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Many are prone to hyperpigmentation which occurs due to sun burns. Studies have shown that green tea extracts may improve hyperpigmentation.