Clean and Green to Flawless Skin Introduction- Body & Skin Cleansing Today, as well as in the past, everyone is skin conscious. They want a clear, clean complexion, free of blemishes, wrinkles, and blotchiness. We rely on store bought skin care products to attain the complexion we so much desire, which can do more harm than good (see “Are You Sabotaging Your Skin” article on my blog). Many of us fail to recognize that the path to clear skin is on the inside. Think Clean Cosmetic companies would like you to believe that they have the answer to all your skin care needs. But the reality is, a truly radiant and blemish free skin is the result of being “clean”. Clean is more than just the top layers of the skin as the cosmetic companies would have you believe. Clean is deep within the body. It is the internal mechanisms of our body and blood that produces wonderful skin. A proper skin care regime of cleansing, toning and moisturizer is only the first step to wonderful skin. A crucial part of great skin is to create clean blood. Blood supplies nutrients to every skin cell of your body and well nourished skin produces a wonderful complexion and skin all over the body. Reducing toxins from your body is a challenge today because we eat so much processed food filled with preservatives and additives of some sort. Fortunately, the body has the ability to remove toxins in our body (to some extent) as long as the body is functioning properly. Our body has specific organs that are responsible for removing toxins and providing nutrients to our skin. These include: Liver Kidneys Adrenals Thyroid Large Intestines Small Intestines
The organs listed above when functioning properly will result in beautiful skin. Liver and Kidneys The liver has over 500 functions within the body, one being clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances. They kidneys have a couple of different functions. Their main purpose is to separate urea, mineral salts, toxins, and other waste products from the blood. The kidneys also conserve water, salts, and electrolytes. At least one kidney must function properly for life to be maintained. These two filtering organs provide ongoing cleaning services. Today these organs are seriously over worked with processed foods. The goal here is to reduce processed foods, fats, and drink plenty of water. These simple steps will help these organs work properly and reduce their work load. Adrenals Lying on top of your kidneys are your walnut-sized adrenals. They manufacture and secrete steroid hormones such as cortisol, estrogen and testosterone that are essential to your health and vitality. They not only significantly affect the functioning of every tissue, organ, and gland in your body; they also have important effects on the way you think and feel. These organs are often called the “workhorses” of the human body. It is necessary to note that healthy hormones are the essential ingredients that produce energy as well s healthy skin. Thyroid The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. These cells combine iodine and the amino acid which are released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body where they control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy). Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism. Large and Small Intestines Studies have revealed that the general well being of one’s liver, kidneys, adrenals and thyroid is dependent on the general condition of the small and large intestines. Aside from providing nutrients to these organs, the small and large intestines hold the responsibility of removing whatever waste product is accumulated in the body. If the small and large intestines failed to perform this role, the waste that was meant for elimination will remain in your intestines thus causing illness. Clean intestines actually mirror a pure and flawless skin. Several reports have noted that drugs, alcohol, chemicals and heavy metals like mercury and lead do daily damage to millions of people in the world. The liver is primarily damaged by the refined oils containing trans-fatty acids, while the kidneys are damaged by the common table salt that is devoid of natural minerals. This is due to the consumptions of trans-fat and refined salt that is found in so many foods today. To promote healthy and beautiful skin, you definitely need to add foods to your diet that nourish those mentioned six organs of the beauty. Think Green There is a term that many dermatologists refer to as “Spring”. In Chinese medicine, “spring” is the season when the liver cleanses and heals naturally by way of driving out dangerous toxins in the body that were accumulated through refined foods that we consume. Many experts suggest green foods, including chlorella, are excellent for the liver. Green foods are those green leafy veggies such as spinach, kale, dandelion greens and broccoli. These foods are what many people consider as the “especially wonderful foods”. Think green vegetables for healthy and beautiful skin. Foods Necessary for Nourishing Your Body and Skin Generally, super food formulas provide a mix of nutrients necessary for the body and skin. These include the cereal grasses, algae and green veggies. In addition, such foods are ideal in the morning as they assist your blood to alkalize, raise metabolism thus giving more energy and provide minerals, fatty acids and protein to the body. Other foods known to contribute to healthy skin include the raw and virgin fats and oils. One particular perfect source is the coconut oil, which is especially good for the thyroid. Also, mineral-rich food such as dark green leafy vegetables, ocean vegetables and seafood are important. The antioxidant-rich foods like black currant and blueberry juice and green tea are a daily must as well. Furthermore, there is one more group foods that is worth mentioning – the fermented or cultured foods. These foods are actually found in every traditional culture around the world and many have considered these as the news stars of a wholesome diet. Just like the above mentioned foods, they are necessary for maintaining a healthy and wonderful skin. Conclusion As presented, beautiful skin does not come from a jar. Your diet and the function of the body’s organs must be working effectively to remove toxins and produce vital nutrients that are passed onto the skin. When thinking about skin care, think clean, internally and externally and think green in your diet. Additionally, when it comes to external skin care, think green by eliminating the chemical ingredients in skin care and make your own. Click here for more information about "green" skin care.Go to the Recipe page to find a chemical free cleansing recipe.  Back to Home Page Top of page Site owned and operated by: Carol Belanger 956-358-3248 | Contact Me |
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