"You are what you eat," but have you ever thought about how it works? Well, your diet plays a quintessential role in sustaining the body's health, enhancing the functionality of vital organs, and nourishing the skin health from deep within. When you eat highly processed and unhealthy foods, you will notice that your skin is dull and lost its radiance and complexion; on the other hand, when you eat nutritious foods, your skin's texture improves, and you attain picture-perfect skin.
The skin is the reflection of your overall health and well-being, and the food you consume makes a huge difference in your health. Yes, lifestyle and genes can impact your skin, but diet plays a key role and is responsible for making your skin the way it is.
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Many people strive hard to get blemish-free and glowing skin. Here we have curated five foods that you should avoid to achieve this goal.
Also Read: 8 Must-To Have Superfoods For Sustaining Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails
5 Foods To Avoid From Your Diet Plan
Sugary Foods/ Beverages
Sugary foods and drinks, like candies, sweets, carbonated drinks, and pastries, can cause a sudden spike in insulin levels, leading to inflammation. Inflammation is one of the main causes of acne breakouts and can make your skin look dull. Moreover, having plenty of sugar-laden foods can accelerate the ageing process by impeding the function of collagen and damaging elastin, the proteins that keep your skin firm and youthful.
Pro-Tip: Choose natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or fruits for guilt-free sweet cravings without harming your skin's health and beauty.
Dairy Products
Consuming high-fat milk and other dairy products has been linked to acne and other skin woes. Dairy products can elevate insulin levels and contain hormones that may trigger acne breakouts. It can also result in inflammation, irritation, and redness in the skin.
Pro-Tip: Choose from a wide range of plant-based milk substitutes like almond, soy, or oat milk, or prefer low-fat milk products to nourish and revamp your skin health.
High-Glycemic-Index Foods
Foods with a high glycaemic index, such as white bread, pasta, refined flour, and white rice, can cause a surge in blood sugar levels, leading to increased oil production and acne breakout. These foods break down quickly into glucose, causing a surge in insulin levels and inflammation.
Pro-Tip: Choose from a rich array of whole-grain cereals, like wheat, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread, which are lower on the glycemic index and better for your skin tone and texture.
Also Read: Skin Health: 5 Must-To-Add Coloured Vegetables To Promote Skin Glow and Delay Ageing
Processed / Junk Foods
Processed foods, such as chips, junk foods, and pre-packaged snacks, are high in saturated fats, salt, trans fats, additives and preservatives. These ingredients can lead to inflammation, clog pores, and contribute to an overall dull complexion. Moreover, the high sodium content can result in water retention, leading to puffy and swollen face.
Pro-Tip: Focus on fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to rejuvenate your skin from the inside out.
Alcohol
Though an occasional drink might not cause significant harm, excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate your skin, making it look dry, fatigued, and tired. Excess alcohol in the blood can also dilate blood vessels, leading to redness and puffiness, particularly around the eyes.
Pro-Tip: Limit your alcohol intake and maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of water. If you drink, opt for skin-friendly options like red wine, which contains antioxidants, and always follow it with a glass of water.
Conclusion
Getting clear and brighter skin involves more than just topical skin treatments; it requires a holistic approach that includes a healthy diet. By avoiding sugary foods, dairy products, high-glycemic-index foods, processed and junk foods, and excessive alcohol, you can augment your skin health and beauty. Thus, it is essential to pay attention to a balanced diet laden with plenty of fresh fruits, veggies whole grain cereals, and lean and good quality protein foods to support your skin's radiance and glow naturally from deep within.
Beautiful and radiant skin starts with a healthy lifestyle. Make these simple dietary tweaks today and get the glow of clear, radiant skin like never before.
(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma Wellness Expert)
Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Diet and Skin Aging—From the Perspective of Food Nutrition
Changwei Cao,1,2 Zhichao Xiao,1,3 Yinglong Wu,2 and Changrong Ge1,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146365/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330026831_The_role_of_diet_in_maintaining_healthy_skin