Our body has its own way of communicating to us; telling us what we should do and should not do. It is our best defensive mechanism.

Beyond Skin Deep

Have you noticed your skin breaking out more when you are stressed? That’s because when you are stressed or in extreme tension, cortisol and adrenaline are released into your bloodstream, which is known to lead to skin reactions. Stress also triggers the release of histamine, the chemical that causes allegoric reactions.

Your skin is a good indicator of your overall health. External outbreaks on your skin could be related to the food you have been eating. When the body doesn’t tolerate a type of food well, it usually takes more effort and energy to digest and process the food. With more effort and energy expended while digesting, the food causes low-level irritation or inflammation in the gut.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Over time and with regular exposure, the irritation worsens and creates tiny holes in the spaces between our cells. These tiny holes allow bacteria and their toxins, as well as incompletely digested proteins and fats, to “leak” out of the gut and into the bloodstream. Known as Leaky Gut Syndrome (or increased intestinal permeability), this condition sets the stage for a myriad of health problems, including rashes and eczema.

The toxins create unbalances within the gut, causing the flora of good bacteria to dwindle. Toxins inadvertently flow into the bloodstream causing the skin to react. A skin rash or eczema is a sign that your body is trying to flush out these toxins.

Feel Bloated or Suffer from Indigestion?

Log cakes, roast chickens, ba kua, pineapple tarts… With Christmas and Chinese New Year approaching, the temptation to feast during festive season is higher. According to several studies, people tend to gain about 0.45 kg to 1 kg on average over the holidays.

Most of the time, meat proteins (including seafood) are the most difficult to digest and is generally caused due to food intolerance. Let your body heal by giving it time to rest and take food that requires less effort and energy to ingest. Take more vegetables and soy products as they are easily ingested and try reducing the intake of meat proteins.

Probiotics To The Rescue

If you feel bloated or have bouts of indigestion, taking probiotics can help. It aids in the ‘movement’ of your food through your gut and balances the “good bacteria” flora. It helps to alleviate conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, infectious or antibiotic-related diarrhea. Generally, taking probiotic foods or supplements are safe for most people. However, if you are unsure, do speak to your doctor.

Your body will send signals that may be in the form of symptoms, physical signs and feelings. Taking time to understand these signals may help you find out the root cause of the problem and treat it accurately.

Listen to your body and kick-start the New Year with a healthy body.

TNAP PICKS

Plushealth 30 Billion Biotic, $29.80

To ease a bloated stomach and indigestion. These vegetable probiotic capsules contain multiple strains of live bacteria that pave the way to a healthy digestive system, stronger immune system and efficient weight management.

Magnesium Transdermal Cream Island Spice, $35.00

To soothe and heal rash and eczema. Infused with magnesium chloride salts, this delicate fragrance of fermented papaya, and pure essential oils of Geranium Egypt and Magnolia cream is suitable for all skin types and does not contain parabens, petrochemical or animal ingredients.

This article is supported by EMED Pharmacy.

EMED Pharmacy is a community based pharmacy, with online shopping services, aimed at providing affordable pharmaceutical drugs, health and nutritional supplements, over-the-counter medications, skincare, and medical devices to the general population. Their vision is to provide each consumer a holistic and value-add approach to better health.

This article was first published in The New Age Parents e-magazine.

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