While we love our multi-step skincare rituals, considering what’s going on in your body can help you achieve your best glow yet!

1.    When in Doubt Leave These Out

Did you know? Dry skin, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and even acne are common issues that may occur if you’re gluten intolerant or gluten sensitive. Naturally, we recommend avoiding gluten.

We also recommend avoiding dairy and other irritants like processed foods, additives, antibiotics, artificial flavours or colours, sugar, and alcohol.

Feeling like there’s not much left? We hear you. Start by treating yourself (and your skin!) to a hydrating mineral or electrolyte balancing drink. Not only is hydration good for gut health but it’s great for achieving that healthy glow.

2.    Reach for Antioxidant Rich Foods

After your hydrating mineral water, prioritize dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard. They’re oh-so-delicious when lightly sauteed or steamed. We also love berries as they’re full of nutrients that are essential for glowing skin.

Don’t forget that culinary herbs and spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and oregano have healing benefits that your belly will love, and your skin will saviour. Finally, reach for citrus fruits that are rich in vitamin C, and the occasional cup of green tea to help boost your antioxidant intake!

3.    Are You Getting Enough Fibre?

Dietary fibre plays a critical role in eliminating toxins and waste. This is crucial for reducing cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, and for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. The truth is, most people only get about half the daily fibre they need.

 CanPrev’s Fibre Feel contains acacia fibre that’s been clinically proven to stimulate healthy gut bacteria. Studies show this low-fodmap fibre increases levels of healthy bifidobacteria, reduces inflammation in the gut, and contributes to healthy gut permeability.

4.    Get Plenty of Omega-3’s

Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to reduce inflammation and help improve skin conditions. Since our body doesn’t make essential fatty acids on its own, we must get them through food or supplements.

You can get a healthy dose of omega-3’s from these fresh whole foods:

• Coldwater, fatty fish like wild-caught halibut
• Sardines, mackerel and anchovies
• Grass-fed meats
• Nuts and seeds like walnuts, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and their oils

5.    Be Proactive with Probiotics

Imbalanced gut flora (microbiome) may contribute to the development of inflammatory skin conditions which is why we love probiotics. Certain strains, like Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, are super beneficial for supporting healthy skin!

6.    Fall in Love with these Skin-Supporting Nutrients

As your largest organ, your skin needs as much nurturing as any other body part that you would normally care for. And, sometimes it needs a little extra care!

Zinc to the rescue

Zinc plays a key role in so many functions in the body, including keeping the lining of your digestive tract intact, promoting better tissue and wound healing, and decreasing scarring for improved skin appearance.

The best food sources of zinc are oysters, red meat, and poultry. Beans, legumes, and other plant-based foods also offer high amounts of zinc. Daily intake is important as we excrete what we don’t use or absorb. A zinc amino acid chelate is well known for its gentle and superior absorption, which makes it an ideal supplemental form.

Vitamin C and Collagen

Vitamin C shows promising effects for overall skin health. While benefits can be found in topical vitamin C, oral supplementation has been shown to reduce free radical damage causing fine lines, wrinkles, or damaged skin.

It’s well known that we experience a natural decrease in the body’s collagen production as we age. While collagen is important in keeping our skin from wrinkling, vitamin C helps boost our natural collagen production. Together they are an ideal pair for your skin! Studies show that smaller collagen peptides are designed to target fibroblasts for enhanced collagen production in the skin.

Achieving optimal skin health requires getting enough macro and micronutrients to nourish and support your gut. And, in some cases achieving better skin health might require uncovering any harmful irritants that might be causing inflammation in your gut.

 One thing is for sure, a healthy gut today means glowing skin for the future. Keep considering building a healthy gut – for overall good health, and great skin.