Achieving a vibrant and youthful complexion isn’t solely about topical skincare; nourishing your skin from the inside out through hydration and a balanced diet plays a crucial role. Adequate water intake, particularly when enhanced with specific ingredients, can significantly impact skin health. Equally important is prioritizing nutrient-rich foods packed with probiotics, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and collagen – all contributing to anti-aging benefits.
A remarkable example of this approach comes from a 73-year-old woman who attributes her youthful appearance to her dietary habits. Her daughter, content creator Jessica Lee (@thedavisstandard on TikTok), shared her mother’s daily diet, highlighting its impact.
As Jessica stated: “My 73-year-old mum looks like my sister. Here’s what she eats in a day to stay healthy, youthful and glowy.” She added, “If you knew what her diet was like, you would be very shocked. I don’t know anyone who eats as healthily as she does.”
A cornerstone of the woman’s diet is probiotic-rich yogurt. The NHS defines probiotics as “live bacteria and yeasts promoted as having various health benefits,” acting to restore balance within the gut – a vital component for overall well-being.
Research published in the National Library of Medicine, titled ‘The Role of Probiotics in Skin Health and Related Gut–Skin Axis: A Review,’ supports this connection. Experts noted that “Recent studies have shown that intestinal microbiota homeostasis can influence skin health, demonstrating the existence of a gut–skin axis.” They further emphasized that probiotics could be valuable tools for improving skin by decreasing oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation, and positively influencing immune responses.
Harvard Medical School suggests various sources for incorporating probiotics into your diet:
* Yogurt
* Kefir
* Kombucha
* Sauerkraut
* Pickles
* Miso
* Tempeh
* Kimchi
* Sourdough bread
* Certain cheeses
Este Medical Group reinforces the understanding of this interconnectedness, advising that “nurturing your gut is essential for radiance.” They caution that a poor diet and an unhealthy gut environment can negatively impact skin health. Unhealthy gut conditions have been linked to various issues including acne, inflammation, dullness, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and alopecia. “When the internal workings of the body, especially the digestive tract and stomach, are unhappy, your body often tries to alert you to problems deep below with spots and pimples, as well as with the skin irritations mentioned above.”
To counteract this, experts recommend prioritizing whole foods over processed options and incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet.
Beyond probiotics, the 73-year-old’s diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein sources like eggs, beans, fish, and meat – a consistently healthy approach to eating.
To complement her dietary choices, she also practices a quick 10-second facial yoga exercise designed to combat “turkey neck,” the term for loose, sagging skin under the jawline often associated with aging.
For those seeking more information on probiotics, the NHS offers a dedicated webpage outlining their benefits and potential considerations. It’s crucial to consult a doctor before taking probiotic supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions or a weakened immune system.
