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What Your Skin Is Trying To Tell You

People say that the eyes are a window into the soul. Well, if that’s the case, then the skin is a window into the body. Not a particularly transparent one, but one that nonetheless tells a story about what’s going on inside. 

When you think about it, this makes a lot of sense. Our skin is the largest organ by weight and volume. No wonder what it looks likes reveals something about the state of our internal health. 

Here are some of the things that your skin is screaming at you about your health right now. 

Pixabay – CC0 License

You Need To Sleep More

People don’t look at your arms and legs and say, “you look tired.” You can go days without any sleep, and your shins will look pretty much the same as they always do. 

The same is not true, however, of the skin around your eyes. When you don’t sleep, something called lymphatic fluid accumulates in the small ducts below your eyes. Over time, it puts pressure on the surrounding tissues, creating the appearance of bags and dark circles, which are stubborn and difficult to remove. Needless to say, if you have dark circles or bags and don’t have a medical condition, it’s a sign that you need a little more shut-eye. Put the phone away at night and get into bed before midnight. 

Your Cholesterol Is Too High

Many people find it surprising to hear that high cholesterol is visible from the skin, but it is.

If you’ve ever noticed fatty bumps and yellowy deposits around your eyes, it’s a sign that your cholesterol levels are too high. As any experienced dermatologist, these skin patches, called xanthelasma, are accumulations of excess LDL, which often deposits in the thin blood vessels and skin on the eyelid. 

Fortunately, you can usually get these removed and then change your diet so that they don’t come back. Flax seeds, kale, and beans are all excellent foods for slashing your cholesterol back to safe levels. 

You May Have Prediabetes

Did you know that your skin can tell you if you’re at risk of developing diabetes? 

If you start noticing dark patches of skin near your underarms, it could be a sign that your blood sugar levels are out of whack. If possible, start including more chickpeas in your diet. If the problem persists or you feel lightheaded, visit your doctor for further medical advice. 

You Have Zits Around The Nose And Mouth

If you notice an abundance of zits around your nose and mouth, it could be a sign that there’s something a little funny going on in your bowels. Spots in this area are often indicative of digestive inflammation caused by compounds in the foods that you eat. 

Where possible, reduce your consumption of animal foods – these are the worst offenders. Also, cut down on junk food and processed foods with lots of added ingredients that can harm your stomach lining, like maltodextrin. You may also want to go on an elimination diet, removing foods that cause harm.

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