We often think of our skin to be beautiful, smooth or firm, but there are many things in the body that the skin can show. As the largest organ in the human body, the skin can be a good indicator of internal health. Changes in the appearance of the skin can signal imbalances in digestion, hormones, immune function, blood sugar, and inflammation.
In fact, anything from sagging skin to discoloration can be a sign that something is amiss – and in many cases, skin changes can actually be the first signs worth noticing and analyzing. Healthy skin is not just a reflection of beauty. Healthy skin is also indicative of general health.
Also, real skin care is actually much more than just face masks, body scrubs or creams.
Changed skin helps to find the cause when investigating health problems (from food intolerances to excessive stress).
Here are some possible clues as to what may be going on in the body based on the condition of the skin.
The body lacks fluids
Even dehydration can be seen by the skin. Although a single dehydration can cause headaches, dry mouth or muscle cramps. Chronic dehydration also often causes the skin to sag and itch.
To better understand whether the body is getting enough fluids (including the skin), there is a simple dehydration test. If it takes more than a second or two for the skin to recover after being arrested, it may indicate dehydration.
Many experts recommend 2 liters of water per day per 70 kilograms of body weight to maintain the balance of fluids throughout the body and have clearer and less itchy skin.
More useful information about maintaining fluid balance in the body can be found at: 6 tips to keep your body hydrated.
Maintaining the body's fluid balance is very important in the summer or during active sports. When we sweat, we lose important nutrients. In detail:
- The most important vitamins and minerals in summer
- Profuse sweating, what happens in the body when we sweat
A sign of an autoimmune disease
Joint pain and digestive problems can be two of the many other symptoms of an autoimmune condition that many people experience. The skin can also warn of risk. For example, a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose can be a sign of lupus or an autoimmune skin condition such as eczema.
Diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be difficult and may require multiple tests and visits to more than one doctor or specialist. Also, for something like eczema that mainly affects the skin, a dermatologist may prescribe medication or an immunosuppressant steroid (in severe cases). Specialists can prescribe creams and cleansers, so they recommend applying sunscreen daily to avoid skin irritation and redness from the sun.
The skin indicates a thyroid problem
It is important to pay attention to the skin, as well as the hair and nails. You may notice hair loss and brittle nails that have visible grooves.
Hypothyroidism (also known as an underactive thyroid gland) is often characterized by weight gain, fatigue and sensitivity to cold, as well as dry, rough skin.
If you notice any of these changes, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Eating too much sugar
It's hard to give up chocolate, but eating too much sugar takes its toll on your skin over time. When we eat sugar, it damages the collagen in our body, making our skin look saggy. Not to mention, sugar can increase inflammation that's already there. Use sugar in moderation, which can cause more problems if you already have an inflammatory skin condition such as psoriasis or acne.
High-glycemic foods like ice cream, cookies, and french fries, which cause blood sugar to spike and then drop again, are especially scary because spikes in blood sugar trigger both inflammation and oil production, which contribute to acne breakouts.
If you notice that your skin has changed and is sagging while eating foods regularly, then you need to reevaluate your sugar intake. It is recommended that you include lower glycemic foods in your daily diet (think fruits and vegetables, lean protein, brown rice, and natural nut butters) and enjoy higher glycemic foods less frequently.
Nutrients recommended by experts that are important for the skin:
You are under too much stress
Excessive stress is especially harmful to the skin. Like sugar, stress triggers inflammatory reactions, which means it can worsen acne or trigger psoriasis or eczema flare-ups. Stress can also cause changes in cortisol hormone levels.
One way to deal with stress is to revisit your sleep schedule. Sleep is very important and she recommends making sure you get a consistent seven hours of sleep a night. The body can then naturally rejuvenate, manage cortisol and repair and replenish the skin.
Seven hours of sleep is the healthiest - Scientists have found that 7 hours of sleep is best for middle-aged people
Allergy or food intolerance
While certain (and severe) food allergies cause a definite acute reaction, more subtle food intolerances may have less impact on the body and may show up on the skin.
Certain foods can cause an inflammatory response in the body, which can lead to acne or rashes. One of the most common intolerances is sensitivity to lactose (or milk products in general). Lactose intolerance can appear near the forehead and chin. Gluten is also often intolerable.
If you suspect that dairy products may be a problem, it's worth trying to replace regular milk with alternatives such as coconut or almond milk. After use, see if the skin condition improves. DNA tests are also available to better understand your genetic risk for inflammatory skin conditions and certain food allergies and intolerances.
Celiac disease and the skin
Celiac disease is when the immune system reacts to gluten, damaging the small intestine. And it can really show on the skin.
Sometimes a cluster of random bumps, blisters, or a skin rash can be a sneaky sign of celiac disease. Some people with celiac disease develop a rash known as Celiac Dermatitis Herpetiformis, which appears similar to herpes or eczema after eating gluten.
Because celiac disease is a serious condition that often requires more medical attention than simply eliminating gluten from your daily diet. If you notice a rash or blister, it's a good idea to see a dermatologist.
Iron deficiency
Here's another aspect you may not have considered (unless, of course, you already have symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, such as constant cold extremities and fatigue).
Because iron is needed to make red blood cells that carry oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs, iron deficiency can affect any organ in your body.
The skin often shows iron deficiency. Pallor can be seen on the surface of the skin, as well as dark circles under the eyes.
For an iron boost, red meat isn't the only option (although lean beef, along with other animal proteins, including chicken, turkey, and tuna, are top sources of iron). You can also get plenty of iron from plant foods such as: lentils, beans, cashews, spinach and potatoes. Iron supplements are also a good solution.
Plant foods that contain vitamin C, such as oranges, kiwis, and broccoli, can help the body absorb iron better.
Iron is very important. The benefits of iron can be found at: Iron swelling and five things you didn't know about iron
It is important to rememberthat everyone's health is individual and there is no common recipe for everyone!
So, if you want to know if your body might be lacking nutrients right now, health professionals recommend a guide – "Your Day".
- In time, pay attention to the signals sent by your well-being
- Replenish the body with natural minerals, vitamins and nutrients necessary for health.
- Enjoy energy and good mood everyday!
