Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (190 page)

Your skin is the largest organ of the body. It accounts for 16 percent of your total body weight. Besides protecting delicate internal structures, the skin assists the colon, lungs, and kidneys in the elimination of toxic waste. It also regulates your body’s thermostat by increasing sweat when you get too hot or producing goose pimples when the temperature falls to the other extreme.

CAUSES MAY INCLUDE

Age.

Climate.

Pollution.

Stress.

Fluctuations in hormones.

Nutritional deficiencies.

Action plan

Good fats provide the foundation of this nutrition plan that will leave you with hydrated, supple skin.

EAT/DRINK

Foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, romaine lettuce, and broccoli are especially important. They improve the health of your skin by stimulating oil production, helping in the production of collagen, and protecting against cell damage.

Foods containing essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated oils, which help to create moister, softer skin and tissues. These include salmon, tuna, flax seeds, raw pumpkin seeds, raw shelled hemp seeds, olive oil, and almonds.

Apples, pears, cabbage, brown rice, soups, watercress, radishes, pumpkin, millet, seaweed, peaches, plums, celery juice, cauliflower, chard, chickweed, olives, flax, turnip, daikon, and apricots all contain nutrients needed for healthy skin.

Avocados are a source of good, healthy fats, iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E. They are also rich in oils that rejuvenate the skin and reduce eye puffiness.

Fiber. It keeps your intestinal tract regular, and aids the elimination of waste products from your body. Good sources of fiber include brown rice, millet, quinoa, beans, peas, lentils, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Filtered or mineral water, at least six to eight glasses daily. Make sure that it is not ice cold, though. This will keep you hydrated and will flush countless toxins from your body as well as help to keep your skin healthy and fresh.