Ask a Dietitian

As seen on BCTV January 25/00
KEEPING YOUR SKIN HEALTHY

5 Common Skin Problems 1. Adult acne/ breakouts
Possible Cause:

• Too much sugar and fat, lack of water and fibre can hinder the body’s natural cleansing and elimination system.
• Stress, skin and hair care products, hormones
  Solution:
• Drink more water, boost your intake of fibre-rich foods and zinc-containing foods such as sunflower seeds, soybeans, oatmeal.2. Dark circles under eyes
  Possible Cause:
• Allergies or lack of iron
  Solution:
• Food rich in B-vitamins including vegetables, whole grains and beans as well as iron-rich foods such as eggs, lean meat, green vegetables and whole grains3. Cracks by the nose, lips or corners of the mouth
  Possible Cause:
• Lack of riboflavin (vitamin B2)
  Solution:
• Choose riboflavin-rich foods such as beef ,chicken, soybeans and milk4. Peeling, flaking lips
  Possible Cause:
• Dehydration
  Solution:
• Drink more water and emphasize watery fruits and vegetables such as celery, grapes, melon, peppers and citrus fruit.5. Cold sores
  Possible Cause:
• Herpes virus
  Solution:
• Eat vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, bell peppers and strawberries
• Choose foods containing the amino acid lysine – vegetables, beans, milk and eggs for example.

Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!

Excerpts from The 101 Most Asked Nutrition Questions by Patricia Chuey and reprinted with permission