Diet And Keratosis

The key to the prevention of most skin disorders is the care taken to keep the skin healthy and strong. How we eat is fundamental to this. Keratosis occurs as a result of abnormal build-up of keratin (a key protein the formation of hair and nails, on the skin). So, what kinds of foods should we be eating? What should be avoided at all costs?

 

First of all, Vitamin A is vital in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, teeth and bones and is therefore important in fight to prevent keratosis. Keratosis can be found in foods like eggs, milk and meat. Omega-3 foods such as salmon, cod, walnuts and flax seeds are also essential. Vitamin C which aids the growth and repair of tissue in the body creates an important protein which used to make skin, tendons and ligaments. All fruits and vegetables contain some amount of this vitamin. Vitamin D, which the body makes when the skin is directly exposed to the skin is also very beneficial to the skin and can be found in foods such as cheese, butter, cream and fortified milk. Be careful though, continued exposure to the sun can lead to the development of keratosis.

 

Some people recommend more drastic measures in preventing keratosis, such as embarking on radical diets, e.g. a raw food diet which includes consuming raw organic produce, shakes consisting of pure water, fruit (apples, bananas, berries). Heavy consumption of all things green, including spinach, beet tops, lettuce, cabbages, etc. is essential to this kind of diet. It is supplemented with fish oil (Omega 3) and Vitamin E supplements. It is also known that keratosis could be caused by an allergy to gluten which may mean embarking on a diet that eliminates wheat, barley, rye and oats from the diet. This means eliminating a whole range of foods including: bread, cakes, biscuits, cookies, pasta, some breakfast cereals, malted drinks, sponge puddings, pizza and muesli, to name a few.

 

Prevention however, is often the best medicine when it comes to keratosis. Following a few simple but important steps can forestall the appearance of the condition:

• Always use sunscreen with an SPF of, and greater than 30.
• Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, long pants and hats)
• Avoid the sun during the hottest hours of the day, typically between the hours of ten in the morning and four in the afternoon.

 

Keratosis is an inconvenient, ugly and uncomfortable skin condition. Taking care of one’s skin should be an essential part of any health regime embarked upon

Recent Keratosis Articles:

Keratosis Pilaris Rubra – Causes, Signs And Treatments

Seborrheic Keratosis – Self Guided Research