It may seem like a strange beauty tip, but when you take care of your liver, you’re also taking care of your skin

It may seem like a strange beauty tip, but when you take care of your liver, you’re also taking care of your skin.

What does the liver do?

The liver is the largest solid organ in the human body. It performs many vital functions such as:

• detoxifying the blood
• synthesizing protein
• producing glucose and controlling blood sugar levels
• processing nutrients
• storing vitamins, fat, cholesterol, and bile

Toxic buildup

When the liver isn’t working properly, a sluggish digestive system and a poorly functioning immune system may result, potentially leading to a buildup of toxins. When toxins are excreted through the skin, inflammation or blemishes could arise. Further, if blood sugar isn’t regulated properly, dry, cracked, split skin can result, especially in diabetics. For others, an inefficiently operating liver can result in oily skin and blemishes.

Natural skin solutions

Some simple changes to your diet can maintain a healthy liver and keep your skin clear and beautiful. Be sure to

• drink plenty of water
• eat plenty of fibre, fish, and lean protein
• eat lots of vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, mustard greens, and watercress
• avoid corn, safflower, sunflower, and soybean oils
• supplement with milk thistle

What does milk thistle do?

Milk thistle contains the active ingredient silymarin, which is extracted from its seeds. Silymarin is a group of flavonoids that helps to repair damaged liver cells as well as prevent new damage by toxic substances. This anti-inflammatory and antioxidant has been used to treat liver problems for over 2,000 years.

The leaves of milk thistle can be eaten in a salad and substituted for spinach. For healthy skin it can be taken as a supplement or in a tea. Milk thistle causes few, if any, side effects and can be taken safely for up to 41 months.

Along with following a healthy diet and supplementing with milk thistle, reducing your stress level can have a major effect on the health of your skin.

Reduce stress

Stress can increase the skin’s sensitivity and cause acne breakouts. A study of university students at exam time showed that when their stress levels increased, they experienced more severe acne breakouts.  Researchers concluded that stress can have a significant effect on acne.

Try simple techniques such as meditation, yoga, walking, exercise, or aromatherapy to reduce stress and keep your skin clear and healthy.