The connection between the gut and the brain, or the gut-brain axis, has been receiving a lot of publicity recently. And, rightly so! This is because our mental health, emotional resilience, and overall health are not the only things that our microbiome affects. In fact, having a healthy microbiome is also essential to maintaining healthy skin and complexion. So yes – your gut health has a lot to do with how your skin looks.
Now, while it may be tempting to purchase the latest serum or cream that promises you it will reverse any signs of skin problems, they are often a band aid solution to a greater internal problem. When it comes to maintaining healthy skin – it’s important to get to the root cause and that means, start with what you eat and drink.
Beauty is more than skin-deep and to get your skin glowing and healthy, there are a whole host of herbs and antioxidant-packed ingredients that are easy to incorporate into your diet that can help improve your skin’s texture and appearance, as well as prevent or reduce signs of eczema, rosacea, and acne.
Globally and historically in eastern traditions around the world, you’ll see the concept of the gut and the skin as being almost one organ. A healthy gut equals a glowing and healthy skin. Changes in gut and liver health, hormone imbalances, dehydration, lack of sleep, and inflammation can all show up on the skin as telltale signs that we need to make a change in our lifestyle.
Western medicine is also onboard with the fact that skin inflammation has a lot to do with gut inflammation. However, before reaching for an anti-inflammatory or steroidal cream, one way to kickstart gut healing is by adding demulcent herbs into your diet.
Demulcents are herbs that are slippery and slimy.
What makes these herbs so special is that they can actually help combat inflammation. A demulcent (derived from the Latin: demulcere “caress”) is an agent that forms a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane. This means that they can be used internally and externally to hydrate both the skin and the gut. Choose from Indian Gooseberry (amla), goji berries, marshmallow root, slippery elm, aloe vera, and licorice.
We all know how important antioxidants are for your skin, and these tasty brightly colored fruits and veggies are treats from nature. Antioxidants promote cell turnover and fight free radicals which means they help protect the skin from DNA damage. Pick your favorite: Blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, Indian gooseberry (my favorite), raspberries and strawberries are all beneficial for your skin.
So get ready to dive into a skin-perfecting smoothie.
Smoothie recipe for healthy summer skin from the inside out
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh organic blueberries
- ½ cup fresh organic raspberries or strawberries
- ½ cup organic mixed greens
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp amalaki powder (Indian gooseberry)
- ½ tsp marshmallow root powder
- ½ tsp rosehips powder
- Shot of aloe juice
- Coconut water (click here on how to make your own)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy!
For more healthy recipes, check out our meal-plan here. 5 delicious recipes weekly. Recipes that are right for your gut, your dosha and ultimately your skin.
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