Inflammation…Is It The Cause Of All Evil?!?
Now, I admit, my title is a biiit dramatic… but is inflammation the cause of many of our problems? More specifically, our skin issues? The simple answer is – Yes.
Let me explain:
What is inflammation in the skin? Inflammation on the skin can present itself in many different ways: smooth or scaly, itchy skin, burning sensation, it may sting, breakouts, blistering, cracking of the skin, thinning or thickening of the skin, amongst others. Chances are you’ve experienced some of these symptoms before.
There are 2 types of inflammation. The first type of inflammation is called Acute Inflammation – usually shows up for a few hours, or for days at a time, but quickly passes and can happen to anyone for several reasons. Then, there is Chronic Inflammation – this reaction tends to be more intense. Its culprit is usually linked to autoimmune diseases, viral infections, food intolerances/allergies, and other influences within the body. If you are constantly dealing with skin inflammation, seek out the advice of your medical professional.
Why does it happen? When your immune system is working overtime trying to fight off a foreign object, it can trigger a domino effect within your body. Causing your immunity system to go down, leaving your skin more susceptible to inflammation overall. Another reason why inflammation can manifest on your skin is your gut is trying to tell you something. Your skin is your largest organ, and your digestive system is your second largest organ. When your digestive system is inflamed, it will most likely show itself on your skin’s appearance. Your body cannot function properly without a healthy gut!
What can we do to avoid inflammation in our skin? My first advice is to listen to your body. Notice how you feel (physically & mentally). Think of your habits and what you ate that day. My second piece of advice is to try and lower your stress levels. You can’t have a great immune system if you are constantly stressed out, not getting your beauty sleep, or feeding your body nutrient-dense foods. Without a healthy immune system, you won’t have a healthy gut, and without a healthy gut, your skin will be more vulnerable to inflammation. It’s a domino effect, people!!
Many people who suffer from autoimmune diseases, eczema, psoriasis, and/or food sensitivities, are often placed on anti-inflammatory diets. This helps combat their issues by healing their gut first. We all know that sugar and alcohol are inflammatory (bummer), but they aren’t the only ones! I can’t play doctor and tell you what foods to avoid, but I can give you some suggestions as to what foods I use that are anti-inflammatory;)
Ginger
Turmeric
Green Tea
Vitamin D
Berries
Leafy Greens
Those are my favorites & I usually put them all together in my morning smoothie!! Super simple. That way, I feed my body what it needs on an empty stomach when it’s more likely to absorb the nutrients.
Have you ever thought of inflammation being the cause of your skin issues?! Let me know in the comment section!!!
XO – Pachee
