Our skin is our largest organ. Not only does it protect us from the elements, bacteria, toxins from entering our bodies, but it also keeps our organs from falling out of our body. Studies have shown that stress and gut inflammation can damage the protective function and integrity of the epidermal barrier.

Most people don’t make a connection that an unbalanced diet affects how you look and feel, which includes your skin. A weakened digestive system can transform into many health issues including skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea or any breed of dermatitis.

How do you know whether or not your digestive system is working optimally? The most evident symptoms of disorder would be heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation or a burning sensation after eating.

Certain foods and beverages can cause indigestion because they irritate the digestive tract. These foods include spicy, greasy, processed foods, caffeine, sugar, refined foods, chocolate, etc. If you have a compromised digestive issue, these foods will accelerate the issue further. Any food we have a sensitivity to can cause inflammation. The obvious solution is to avoid irritating foods, get tested for it, or do an elimination diet.

Another digestive issue can arise if food is not properly digested; it can leave the food partially undigested which is then transferred into the small intestines. The nutrients canā€™t be properly extracted and absorbed into the blood stream to feed cells, so undigested food sits in your small intestines where it can ferment, producing hydrogen and carbon dioxide which can lead to gas, bloating and other problems.

We can manage many of these digestive conditions by increasing or decreasing the production of digestive enzymes Hydrochloric Acid (HCl). Most people donā€™t produce enough HCl mostly due to poor dieting. In fact, as we age, we often produce less of it.

How to increase your HCl
Making simple diet changes can usually help improve acid levels, such as –

Recommended foods:
ā€¢ Wild-caught salmon, albacore tuna, avocados and sprouted nuts
ā€¢ Foods high in omega-3 oils and fiber
ā€¢ At least 64 oz of filtered water a day
ā€¢ Yogurt with active cultures

Harmful foods:
ā€¢ Alcoholic beverages
ā€¢ Trans-fat
ā€¢ Refined sugars and artificial sweeteners (sugar encourages bacterial growth)
ā€¢ Night shade vegetables, tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes
ā€¢ Simple (refined) carbohydrates and wheat
ā€¢ Peanuts, sodium nitrite foods, MSG,
ā€¢ Some common sense here, avoid any foods that give you heartburn

A simple test can help you determine if you need more HCl. After a meal, take one tablespoon of either apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice. If your indigestion disappears, then you need more stomach acid. If indigestion gets worse, then you know you have too much acid.
How does digestion affect the skin?

Food that lingers, or wonā€™t digest will sit in your small intestines and will produce toxic by-products. One of the signs that food is not digesting is when you can still taste food in a ā€œburpā€ hours after eating. The buildup of toxins in an unhealthy colon has been linked to skin disorders. The key is quick digestion to maintain optimal health and healthy skin.

By learning what foods you are sensitive to and eliminating them will help to reduce irritating skin problems. Being aware of what you eat is vital to keeping you and your skin healthy.

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About the writer –Ā Helen Chin Lui is a Certified Reflexologist, Certified Energy Medicine and Reiki Practitioner. She is the founder and owner of the HealingPlaceMedfield, MA. She specializes in helping adults and children to find long-lasting relief from chronic pain, digestive issues and heal hormonal imbalances naturally.

If you would like to schedule a FREE 60-minute consultation to learn how Reflexology, energy medicine and Reiki can help you to find long last relief call (508) 359-6463.

For Helen’s free report ā€œProven Alternative Ways to Heal Common Chronic Digestive Problems: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know Can Keep You From Healingā€ click here.

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