The skin is the largest organ of the body and it functions in many important ways. It acts as a barrier, providing protection from micro-organisim, chemicals and UV radiation. It has receptors to temperature, touch and pain which signals changes in the environment and keeps us safe. The skin also synthesises Vitamin D3 in response to sun exposure.
Skin conditions can be triggered by a variety of reasons – allergies, inflammation, autoimmune disease, hormonal imbalance, intestinal dybiosis. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne require individually tailored cleansing and nutrition programs to address your specific concerns. The initial phase of healing any skin condition is detoxifying the digestive and lymphatic systems. This clears the channels of elimination, promoting the movement of fluids and the excretion of toxins. .
The skin-liver connection
Improving every skin condition always starts with the gut. The digestive system, specifically the liver has a direct influence on skin function and as such it is the most important organ when dealing with skin disorders. Everything that enters the body goes through the liver for detoxification. The liver detoxifies harmful substances from the bloodstream and eliminates them through the colon or kidneys. It also stores vitamins and produces bile, which helps to emulsify fats for proper digestion. If the liver is overloaded, inflamed or fatty the breakdown and excretion of toxins is reduced. The body is forced to find other channels of elimination such as the skin.
Eczema, psoriasis and acne are multifactorial conditions that need to be treated on an individual basis, but starting with a thorough liver cleanse and clean eating program is an essential first step in the healing process. Foods that adversely affect the skin are the same foods that are responsible for most allergies and intolerances – sugar, wheat and dairy.
If you suffer from any of these conditions call us to discuss how we can help.
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