I've been looking into the origins of red cheeks and rosacea as part of research for a new product I am developing - not long now until participants will be trialling it. When it comes to what we can do with regards the foods we choose to consume I've discovered two key things.
Firstly, the issue of red cheeks can develop as a result of high levels of cortisol; the stress hormone which can be a sign of Cushing's syndrome if accompanied with other ailments.
Secondly skin redness which is commonly seen in the cheeks on the face is often treated medically with antibiotics and anti parasitic medication, as the cause is reported to be a microbial imbalance and or overgrowth of parasites, interestingly though antibiotics can disturb the balance of the gut microbiome.
With this in mind, if we take what natural antibiotics nature has on offer in her vast, wild, nutrient dense, majestic pantry, as an alternative, we can take steps to rebalance the skin microbiome naturally and redress the redness and even out skin tone from the inside out.
Garlic - has
Oregano - reduces the way the body reacts to allergies on account of its anti-allergic properties, the antihistamine in it reduces swelling, rashes and other allergy symptoms..
Thyme - Researchers from Leeds Metropolitan University in the UK found that topical applications of thyme are more effective for treating acne than standard creams containing benzoyl peroxide—without the irritating side effect
Wormwood extract - A tincture prepared from sweet wormwood plant may be helpful in healing intestinal parasites and thus improving the health of our biggest organ; skin.
Sage - is anti bacterial and anti-fungal making it a great choice for preventing infection as well as treating skin conditions associated with bacterial and fungal overgrowths.
Rose Essential Oil - A recent Japanese study found that inhaling rose essential oil (EO) decreased the effects stress had on the skin, like inflammation and redness. You can find Rose in the Magnificent Night Oil
Add a healthy Probiotic
The most nutrient dense of which being Sauerkraut is a source of probiotics, which provide many potential health benefits. It's also a rich source of vitamin C and contains enzymes that help your body absorb nutrients more easily. Research has reported that one serving may contain up to 28 distinct bacterial strains .Unpasteurized sauerkraut contains probiotics which are beneficial bacteria that act as the first line of defence against toxins and harmful bacteria and is great for overall health. Probiotics like those in sauerkraut can help improve the bacterial balance in your gut after it has been disturbed by the use of antibiotics.
If you haven't already then give making a jar a go - Sauerkraut is really easy to make: You will need a jar with airtight lid, a head of cabbage, table spoon of Celtic sea salt (or between 2.25 and 2.5% salt by weight of cabbage), filtered water.
Chop the cabbage or shred in food processor
Add to bowl
Massage in the salt so the cabbage releases its natural juices
Take a bit of time to tightly pack the cabbage into the jar (this should create enough liquid to ensure all cabbage can be submerged below)
Leave 2 inches at the top for the cabbage to expand
Cover the cabbage with filtered water (not much is required if cabbage not submerged in its own juices) ensuring cabbage fully submerged. More on that here
Add a cabbage leaf on top (ensure no cabbage is showing above the leaf).
Screw lid, leave for a week
then..
Eat for lunch every day, refrigerate to stop the lacto-fermentation process.
There's also a condition not that widely heard of called small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Research has shown that Rosacea is 10 times more prevalent in those with SIBO than in healthy controls than healthy controls. To read more on SIBO in general check out Amy Hollenkamp and her SIBO Diaries website - here's an article from her on the topic.
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