I’m pretty sure you’ve heard the saying, “you are what you eat” but in Ayurveda we say, “you are what you digest”.
For millennial women balancing busy lives, it’s essential to understand that our diet and digestion profoundly affects our skin’s health and appearance.
Ayurveda, an ancient holistic healing system from India, offers time-tested wisdom on how to nourish your skin from within. Here’s how you can incorporate Ayurvedic principles into your diet for that Ayurveda glow.
1. Understand Your Dosha
For some reason it’s drummed into us that raw kale salads and cold green smoothies are the panacea to good health. This couldn’t be further from the truth because may be medicine for some people but poison for others because it’s not a one-size fits all approach.
Ayurveda teaches that each person has a unique constitution,
or dosha, which is a blend of the three energies: Vata (air and space), Pitta
(fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). Knowing your dominant dosha and
which one has gone out of balance can help you tailor your diet to achieve healthy,
glowing skin
- Vata
Skin: Typically, dry and prone to roughness. Needs nourishment and
hydration.
- Pitta
Skin: Often sensitive and prone to redness and inflammation. Requires
cooling and calming foods.
- Kapha
Skin: Generally oily and prone to congestion. Benefits from
detoxifying and light foods.
2. Eat Fresh and Seasonal Foods
Ayurveda emphasizes eating fresh, seasonal foods to keep
your body in harmony with nature. The idea is to look at Mother Nature and see
what is in season in your local area. For example:
- Summer:
Water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber help keep skin hydrated and
cool.
- Winter:
Root vegetables and warming spices like ginger and turmeric support
digestion and circulation, promoting a healthy glow.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Good quality water is the ultimate skin elixir. Drinking
adequate water helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin hydrated and plump.
Ayurveda also suggests starting your day with a glass of warm water with lemon
to kickstart digestion and detoxification. If you feel like you drink plenty of
water and pee straight away then this is something to consider … you may be
dehydrated.
4. Incorporate Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are crucial for maintaining the skin’s moisture
barrier and elasticity. Include sources of good fats like ghee, avocados, nuts,
seeds, and olive oil in your diet. Ghee, in particular, is revered in Ayurveda
for its ability to nourish and hydrate the skin from within (I love it so much
that it’s my night cream … that’s right I put it on my skin).
5. Spice Up Your Life (every millennial will know this reference)
Ayurvedic spices are not just for flavour—they have powerful
skin benefits too. Here are a few to incorporate into your meals:
- Turmeric:
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce redness and
promotes an even skin tone.
- Cumin:
Aids digestion and detoxification, helping clear skin from the inside out.
- Coriander:
Balances Pitta dosha and soothes sensitive skin.
6. Mind Your Digestion
In Ayurveda, digestion is the cornerstone of health. When
your digestive system is functioning well, your skin will reflect it. Eating
mindfully, avoiding overeating, and incorporating digestive aids like ginger
tea can keep your digestive fire (agni) strong.
7. Balance Your Plate
Aim for a balanced plate with a mix of all six Ayurvedic
tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. This ensures that
your body receives a variety of nutrients to support overall health and glowing
skin.
- Sweet:
Whole grains, fruits, dairy
- Sour:
Citrus fruits, fermented foods
- Salty:
Sea salt, seaweed
- Bitter:
Leafy greens, herbs
- Pungent:
Spices, garlic, onions
- Astringent:
Legumes, apples, pears
8. Avoid Skin Saboteurs
Certain foods can negatively impact your skin. Limit your
intake of processed foods, excessive sugar, and dairy, as they can lead to
inflammation and breakouts. Also, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which
can dehydrate the skin and lead to dullness.
9. Practice Self-Care Rituals
In addition to your diet, incorporating Ayurvedic self-care
rituals can enhance your skin’s radiance. Abhyanga (self-massage with warm
oil), regular exercise, and adequate sleep all contribute to healthy, glowing
skin.
Final Thoughts
Eating right for glowing skin is a journey that involves
listening to your body and making mindful choices. By integrating Ayurvedic
principles into your daily diet, you can achieve a natural radiance that
reflects your inner health and vitality. Remember, glowing skin is not just
about what you put on your face, but also about how you nourish your body from
within. Embrace these Ayurvedic tips, and let your inner glow shine through!
