Hey Guys,

I wanted to write about a major beauty buster- acne!!

Stress and emotional issues can also be contributing factors. The skin is a major detoxifier, so emotional and mental challenges that we are trying to purge out may manifest in acne.  Suppressed anger and not loving oneself  can manifest in acne.

But FOOD is definitely a contributor. Your skin mirrors your liver and blood to a large extent. So here are some food tips for you!:

- Cooked fats and oils can cause breakouts because they are difficult for the body to digest and process. Fried foods and cooked oils — especially cooked vegetable oil, margarine, and animal fat — are toxic trans-fatty acids that are not miscible with water.   Since our bodies are water-based, these oils are extremely difficult to metabolize, presenting a challenge to our digestive system and our liver.  When fats and oils are not broken down properly, it leads to acne and pimples.

- Also, watch what you cook with. Though in is raw form olive oil is a healthy, monounsaturated oil, it is very prone to oxidation when exposed to light, air and heat. Heat turns the normal fats in olive oil into trans-fatty acids, creates free radicals, and causes rancidity. The only oil I recommend cooking with (if you must cook!) is coconut oil.  This saturated, cholesterol-free fat is the best to cook with because it remains stable up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Even healthy fats, like those found in raw nuts and seeds, should be eaten with green-leafy salads to ease digestion. The excessive intake of ANY fat and oil, even if it is raw, can lead to breakouts!

- Acne can also be a sign that your body is too acidic. Soda is by far the most acid-forming food, and diet soda is the worst.  Other acid-forming foods to avoid include meat and dairy (my arch nemesis!!).

- Zinc promotes cell repair and helps the lymphatic organs properly eliminate waste.  A zinc deficiency can cause acne, so consuming more zinc-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, sunflower seeds and coconut can be beneficial.

- A deficiency of Vitamin A is also associated with acne. So load up daily on the plant-form of Vitamin A, which is found in arugula, broccoli, spinach, cantaloupe, and many other foods.

-  Watercress contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E, making it a great acne-fighter. It neutralizes acidic waste products throughout the blood and lymphatic system while promoting the delivery of minerals to the skin cells.  Watercress also contains mustard glycosides and mustard oil, which act as internal antiseptics and tissue and skin cleansers. (Throw some in your green smoothies!)

- Watch your digestive system and make sure you are going to the bathroom regularly!! (Sorry but it has to be said!) You need to purge out impurities and toxins that might otherwise be repeatedly cycled through the blood and eventually purged out through the skin in the form of acne. Take a probiotic and add more fiber if you need to (again the green smoothie is great for this).

Hope this helps keep your skin radiant and gorgeous!!

Have a beautiful day!

All my very best,

Kimberly