Kerri-Lynn LaPointe, ND | August 9, 2010 | 10:08 am
Most people do not make the connection between what they eat and how their skin looks. Poor eating habits, low quality food choices, a weakened digestive system, or poor liver health will often present as a variety of skin conditions, ranging from hives to acne to eczema. There are many ways in which food and digestion can affect our skin.
As food is digested, nutrients are absorbed and waste travels towards the colon to be excreted. The longer the transit time (for example, if you are constipated), the longer food sits in the bowels. Proteins putrefy, fats become rancid, and carbohydrates ferment. In order to prevent disease, these toxins must be excreted. This occurs through the skin when digestion is impaired.
Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) naturally occurs as we age. However, the stomach requires adequate amounts of hydrochloric acid (HCl) to digest fat and protein. In addition to stomach problems such as constipation, heart burn, gas, and bloating, this condition may also result in acne, dilated blood vessels on the cheeks and nose, iron deficiency, and weak, cracked fingernails. both healthy skin and healthy digestion relies on adequate amounts of HCl. read more…
