Skin & Gut

Inflammation and cellular stress affect the whole body, from your gut to your skin. Beauty inside and out. According to Dr. Julie Von, a Manhattan-based holistic doctor, "Skin is a major detox organ, skin disorders often reflect internal inflammation. You might find that inflammation is manifested in hives, rosacea, eczema or acne". "Refined sugar and processed foods can alter the gut flora composition of your body. Then gut flora composition is compromised, the body is more susceptible to inflammation and free radical damage. Many (people) develop allergies later in life which can sometimes explain why people suddenly develop adult acne that doesn't seem to go away," says Nicolas Travis, founder of Allies of Skin. According to Dr. Von, the simplest way to treat inflammation is by making wiser decisions about the food we eat. "Eating whole, non-GMO foods is a simple way to lower overall inflammation." If you want to take this a step further, adaptogens are a great place to start. Adaptogens are plant-based substances, which balances your body's adrenals and stress hormones. "It acts as a re-calibrator and either increases or decreases the balance of hormones in your body," says Von. So if you're looking to reduce inflammation and you suspect your hormones might be out of whack because of your daily intake of sugar, which is known to raise cortisol levels, is way out of line, an adaptogen might be helpful for you. But where to find adaptogens? Maca, goji berries and licorice are the popular go-to adaptogenic foods. Also, these herbs and essential oils are the Top 8 Adaptogenics: Panax Ginseng, Holy Basil, Ashwagandha, Astragalus root, Licorice root, Rhodiola, Cordycep mushrooms and Turmeric. Turmeric As a key botanical of the traditional Ayurvedic health practices of India, turmeric root and turmeric essential oil have a long history that has inspired modern uses of turmeric today. Steam distilled from the turmeric root, Turmeric essential oil has two unique chemical components, Turmerone and ar-Turmerone.

Most commonly known for their nervous system and emotional benefits, these components make Turmeric essential oil a staple in your daily health routine. Promoting feelings of positivity, Turmeric is beneficial both internally and aromatically. Advantageous to the immune system, Turmeric may have soothing benefits that promote a positive immune response.

As well, Turmeric can help to promote clear, smooth and radiant-looking skin. Use Turmeric daily to support healthy immune function and response along with healthy circulation. In addition to the many benefits of Turmeric essential oil, Turmeric acts as a great burst of flavor to your favorite savory meals.

Primary Benefits of a certified pure therapeutic grade essential oil:

Helps support healthy glucose and lipid metabolism
May enhance cellular antioxidant enzymes (e.g. glutathione)
Helps support healthy nervous and cellular function
Has been shown to increase curcumin potency and absorption
May promote healthy immune function and response
When diffused, Turmeric provides an emotional lift and may help improve mood
Supports clean and healthy-looking skin while reducing the appearance of blemishes

Inflammation is a vital part of the immune system's response to injury and infection. It's the body's way of signaling the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue, as well as defend itself against foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria. Chronic inflammation has been linked to certain diseases such as heart disease or stroke and may also lead to autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. But a healthy diet and lifestyle can help keep inflammation under control.

The Role of Your Diet

If you want to reduce inflammation, eat fewer inflammatory foods and more anti-inflammatory foods.

Base your diet on whole, nutrient-dense foods that contain antioxidants — and avoid processed products.

Antioxidants work by reducing levels of free radicals. These reactive molecules are created as a natural part of your metabolism but can lead to inflammation when they're not held in check.

Your anti-inflammatory diet should provide a healthy balance of protein, carbs and fat at each meal. Make sure you also meet your body's needs for vitamins, minerals, fiber and water. Preferably whole-food based supplements, especially fish oil and curcumin.

One diet considered anti-inflammatory is the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers, such as CRP and IL-6.

A low-carb diet also reduces inflammation, particularly for people who are obese or have metabolic syndrome.

In addition, vegetarian diets are linked to reduced inflammation.

Foods to Avoid:

Consider minimizing or cutting these out completely:

Sugary beverages: Sugar-sweetened drinks and fruit juices
Refined carbs: White bread, white pasta, etc.
Desserts: Cookies, candy, cake, and ice cream
Processed meat: Hot dogs, bologna, sausages, etc.
Processed snack foods: Crackers, chips, and pretzels
Certain oils: Processed seed and vegetable oils like soybean and corn oil
Trans fats: Foods with partially hydrogenated ingredients
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption

Foods to Eat:

Include plenty of these anti-inflammatory foods:

Vegetables: Broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.
Fruit: Especially deeply colored berries like grapes and cherries
High-fat fruits: Avocados and olives
Healthy fats: Olive oil and coconut oil
Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies
Nuts: Almonds and other nuts
Peppers: Bell peppers and chili peppers
Chocolate: Dark chocolate
Spices: Turmeric, fenugreek, cinnamon, etc.
Tea: Green tea
Red wine: Up to 5 ounces (140 ml) of red wine per day for women and 10 ounces (280 ml) per day for men