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You know the old saying, you are what you eat? Well, when it comes to getting gorgeous, beautiful skin, that old saying couldn’t be closer to the truth!

It’s a fact. If you have skin problems, your diet is most likely the culprit. But if you learn to add these healthy, nourishing foods to your diet, you’ll soon be able to say buh-bye to your expensive skin creams and blemish fighting lotions!

Fight the Free Radicals.
Free radicals destroy tissue, cause cell damage, and are the main cause of the signs of aging. Fight these miniscule monsters with the power of anti-oxidants and you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll help your body slow down cell damage and generate beautiful healthy skin. Anti-oxidants are most abundant in berries such as blueberries, cranberries, currants, and strawberries. They are also found in dark leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. Green tea is also an excellent source of anti-oxidants.

Get Fat.
That’s right. Eating the right fats, specifically your Omega-3 fatty acids can help you avoid dry patchy skin and give you a healthy glow. Good sources of Omega-3s can be found in fatty fish like salmon and cod, nuts, flax seed oil, and even vegetables like brussel sprouts and cabbage. Omega-3 is also available as a dietary supplement so if eating fish sounds less than appetizing, you can always look for it in your local health food store and get the same benefits.

Cultivate a Taste for Cultured Dairy
Now, the thought of cultured dairy may seem intimidating, but relax… the easiest way to get cultured diary is by eating your run-of-the-mill yogurt. Yogurt contains live probiotic bacteria that can help boost your immune system and kill the bad bacteria that can cause skin problems like acne, leaving you with clear and beautiful skin. Make sure you buy yogurt that has “live and active cultures.” Some yogurts don’t have live bacteria because they have been heated after the culture process to increase the shelf life. Eating yogurt with live bacteria is crucial when it comes to getting beautiful healthy skin.

Make Sure You’re Getting Your ABCs
When it comes to healthy skin, it’s as easy as ABC… vitamins A, B, and C that is. Vitamin A helps your skin produce new cells and reduces drying and can be found in foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Potatoes and bananas are an excellent source of Vitamin B and keeps skin smooth and moist. And finally, your Vitamin C can be found in citrus and aids in your body’s production of collagen.

Tastes Like Chicken.
Hmmm… if it tastes like chicken, and smells like chicken… that’s because it is chicken! Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality, low fat protein that can make your skin more elastic and give it that beautiful toned look you’ve always wanted. Other sources of low-fat protein include fish and other seafood, which can also make your hair stronger and shinier for that glamorous salon look.

It’s Good to Be Complex.
The answer to clear skin is simple… simply complex that is. By switching to complex carbohydrates that are found in whole grains, you can help improve your complexion. Simple carbohydrates or processed carbohydrates can result in spikes in insulin, which can cause acne breakouts. Buckwheat germ and wheat germ are good examples of complex carbohydrates. Don’t think you can swallow the germ? Mushrooms and avocados have also been found to provide similar benefits.

So the next time you reach for something to eat, remember that old saying. By making just a few adjustments to your diet, you’ll see how easy it is to get beautiful, healthy, and radiant skin in no time.

About the Author
Dr Kevin Lau is a Chiropractor and Nutritionist. In 2006, he was awarded the "Practitioner of the Year Award" by the Straits Time, Singapore. To date, Dr. Lau has successfully treated patients with scoliosis, slipped disc, sciatica and other chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease without drugs or surgery. Special offer for readers check www.spinal.com.sg for more details.