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Courtesy of AP
We all know that beauty is skin deep. Our skin is only a reflection of what is happening on the inside of our bodies. Our inner health usually will let us know about the stress in our lives, toxic buildup and most nutritional deficiencies. Most skin problems arise to a large degree from a faulty fat metabolism. But we need fats in our bodies. Fats, which come in all forms and sizes, are very important in keeping our cells healthy. Problems arise when we take in too much of the wrong fats and not enough of the good fats.
The good fats are constantly fighting the bad fats. Bad fats, also known as transfats are artificially hardened fats that are usually deformed from a transformation which results in increased inflammation. The “good fats” are the essential fatty acids (usually abbreviated EFA). These healing fatty acids are needed from food sources because our bodies cannot synthesize them. These two polyunsaturated fats are linoleic acid (omega 6 source) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3 source.) They are abbreviated LA and LNA.
EFA’s play a number of different roles so it is a must we take them in from the foods we eat. They transfer oxygen throughout our body and hold oxygen in our cells blocking viruses and bacteria. They buffer excess acid, speed healing and reduce inflammation. They control our body’s oils and fats which keep our skin soft, smooth and youthful. EFA’s are powerful. They govern every life process going on in the body, producing energy from food sources and carrying it throughout the entire body.
Developing skin cells will take these fatty acids and convert them into messenger compounds that will act locally in the tissues and cells. These hormone-like compounds are called prostaglandins. There are three different families of prostaglandins and they are tightly interwoven to compete, compliment and interfere with each other.
The balance of the prostaglandins is crucial for the proper fat metabolism. If there is an imbalance, all kinds of problems occur. They are referred to as Series 1, 2 and 3. Series 1 and 2 are formed from Omega 6 fatty acids and Series 3 is formed from Omega 3’s and has shown to slow down the division of skin cells. They aid in reducing inflammation, even when skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. Series 1 and 3 are the good fats.
Great sources for EFA’s are:
- Coldwater fish such as salmon.
- Flaxseed and canola oil.
- Borage and Evening Primrose oils are wonderful omega 6 sources.
- Dark green leaves contain LNA.
- Chia and kukui oils also have some LNA.
For optimum health, it is important to have a balance of these fatty acids. It is best if we consume four parts of omega 6 to one part omega 3.
Prostaglandin series 2 is more associated with inflammation and it is formed from arachidonic acid, an acid we get from eating meat and dairy products. Too much arachidonic acid will result in poor skin texture aggravating complexion problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. These skin disorders occur usually from a deficiency of the essential fatty acids, especially omega 3’s. They are not a disease but they are symptoms and diet related. These disorders will improve after two months if nutrition is improved along with supplementing omega 3 fatty acids. EFA deficiency is very common in the western world, especially in an omega 3 deficiency. Deficiencies and imbalances are linked to may serious health problems such as cancer, lupus and obesity to name a few. Eczema and psoriasis are both chronic skin disorders where scaly itchy patches or lesions are present on different parts of the body. When these disorders are present, it is a sign that there is a deficiency of EFA’s.
Consuming flaxseed is helpful for these disorders either by adding a tablespoon on breakfast cereal or by adding to a smoothie daily. Eating salmon or herring twice a week is a good way to take in good oils along with organic, grass fed meat or dairy products. Wild meat like buffalo is a great choice since it has omega 3’s and it is a lean meat. Being grass fed, oils from the greens are full of LNA.
A tablespoon daily of borage oil or evening primrose oil will be beneficial. It is always a good idea to take in some nuts and seeds such as walnuts or pumpkin seeds because they both contain good oils. Dark leafy vegetables are also loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids. Extra virgin olive oil should replace vegetable shortening as it withstands the heat and will not destroy the EFA content. Taking all the important vitamin supplements such as vitamin C, (about 500-1000 milligrams twice a day) B3, B6, magnesium and zinc (30-45 milligrams a day) are necessary for these fatty acids to properly function.
By adding these fatty acids, organic foods and vitamins to the diet, the skin should heal and be on its way to being more supple, velvety and smooth in no time.
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