Foods that Help Your Skin

The weather is turning cooler and for a lot of people that means ITCH. With the cooler weather it also means that our skin is getting drier and we're already feeling the unmistakable sign of fall, itchy skin. This morning I switched back to a heavier moisturizing lotion than the light, scented one I had been using all summer. Yep, time to pull out the heavy guns so to speak.

For some people who have more skin problems, this problem is no joke. My sister who has been using various eczema treatments over the years always has a hard time this time of year. But lotions and moisturizers are not the only weapons you have against dry skin. You can also help keep your skin moisturized and in healthy condition by eating the right kind of foods.

2 Essential Fatty Acids to keep your skin healthy - these come from vegetables, nuts seeds and cold water fish.

Omega 6 - good sources are safflower, sunflower, sesame and corn.

Omega 3 - good sources are flax seed oil, walnuts and pumpkin seeds. Cold water fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines are also good sources.

FOODS RICH IN OMEGA 6 & 3

Fish: Two to three servings of fresh salmon, mackerel (preferably not smoked), herring and sardines per week.

Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds, one to two tablespoons per day. Mix and store in the fridge, then sprinkle over salad or grind them up and have with yogurt or cereal.

Oils: flax, sunflower, corn evening primrose and starflower oils. One to two tablespoons of flax seed oil daily initially. Use oils on salads or vegetable – but for cooking, use only olive oil as the other become unstable when subjected to heat.

Vegetables: Green leafy vegetable, particularly spinach and cabbage. Aim to have five different types each day, including a good portion of dark-green leafy ones.