Stretch marks on the skin are common in men and women. Women are more susceptible to streaks on the skin. Stretch marks are a form of scarring, which happens when the skin stretches beyond its capacity. The causes are growth spurts, weight gain, and pregnancy. Protect your skin against stretch marks by feeding it with nutrient-dense foods. Eating nutritional foods can even heal the scarred skin and reduce the appearance of these stretch marks.
Vitamins For Healthy Skin
Vitamin A, E & C, Zinc & Essential fatty acids repair and nourish the skin. They also help our body produce collagen, essential for healthy skin, hair, nails and other organs. Plenty of water helps keep the skin hydrated, a must for skin elasticity. Lots of fresh vegetables help with detoxification and supply the body with most of its nutrients.
The food you put in your body affects how it looks and feels. Nourishing your body from the inside out is the most effective way to combat stretch marked skin and promote natural healing.
Topically, Rosehip oil helps heal and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Vitamin E & A cream and coconut oil nourish.
Foods To Prevent Stretch Marks
- Vitamin A in carrots, Sweet potato, butternut squash, Kale, Spinach, Berries, Eggs, Butter, Dried Apricots, Broccoli, Beef Liver – increases collagen content in skin. keeps skin firm and healthy.
- Vitamin E in nuts & seeds, particularly Sunflower seeds, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pine nuts & Peanuts; Chard, Mustard greens, Spinach, Turnip, Kale, Avocado, tomatoes, plant oils – Antioxidant; heals & repairs. Reduces the appearance of scars.
- Vitamin C in leafy green vegetables, Blackcurrant, red & green peppers, Kiwi, Strawberries, Oranges, Pineapple, Parsley, Mango, Peas, Cauliflower – antioxidant. Strengthens skin. Helps with the formation of collagen.
- Zinc in pumpkin seeds, Chickpeas, Cashew nuts, Spinach, Cocoa powder, Beef, Lamb, Chicken – essential for the formation of collagen. Works like an antioxidant. Heals & rejuvenates skin.
- Essential Fatty Acids in nuts, Seeds, Nut & Seed butter and oils, Avocado, Flaxseed oil, Coconut oil, Fish, Eggs, Dark green leafy vegetables – nourish & feed the skin. Help cells retain water. Reduce occurrence of cellulite.
- Minerals & collagen in bone broth soup. Homemade from organic chicken bones – supports gut health.
How To Eat For Skin Health
Putting this all into practice.
- Snack on nuts, seeds and vegetable crudités dipped in hoummous or homemade guacamole
- Eat Salads for lunch and add pumpkin seeds & seaweed.
- Slice dried apricots and add to your breakfast
- Get a masticating juicer and have a daily vegetable juice (add an apple to sweeten it)
- Bring a BPA free water bottle with you wherever you go and drink lots of water. Aim for 2-3 L per day and remember that coffee or tea dehydrates you. Drink more water to replenish the water lost from dehydration. Herbal teas count towards water intake and are great alternatives to tea & coffee.
- Have a daily smoothie and include avocado or flaxseed oil & leafy greens
There are lots of easy ways to include these skin nourishing foods into your diet. Be creative and vary your food.
Rachael Jordan is the founder of Bia Beo.
She is a qualified Nutritional Therapist and Herbalist. Rachael helps people take control of their health by recommending appropriate treatment plans based on nutrition, herbal medicine and lifestyle changes.
