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     Volume 4 Issue 20 | November 5 , 2004 |


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Health

PROBLEMS OF THE SKIN

Skin disease is not merely a problem with the skin itself - all types of skin disease are also different manifestations of some internal imbalance. The most common causes of skin disorders are animals' food - e.g.. meat, eggs, dairy and fish - followed by other modern dietary habits. When approaching skin disease, we should ideally not try to suppress this discharge, but allow it to come out while at the same time eliminating the cause of the problem.

All skin disease serve the invaluable function of discharging excess (toxins, fluid etc.), which has accumulated internally in and around various organs, as well as throughout the digestive and lymphatic systems. The discharge of toxins permits the internal organs and tissues to continue functioning smoothly. Since the intestines are the first to be affected, it is especially important to work initially at strengthening their functions. Weak intestines will lead to poor absorption of nutrients, and elimination will be forced through the skin. Other internal structures that are adversely affected during the course of skin problems are the kidneys, liver and thyroid gland. The kidneys are weakened by milk and milk products, sugar, fruits, chemicals and very strong drugs (e.g. antibiotics and various pharmaceuticals). The liver is weakened by over consumption of animal foods, sugar, and by the more gradual, long- term effects of ingesting chemicals or food additives. The diminished functioning of both organs results in an over-acidic and polluted blood condition, accompanied by mucus and fat deposits throughout the lymphatic system. These mucus deposits not only hinder the filtering functions of the lymphatic network. Deterioration of the thyroid often parallels that of the kidneys and liver, and underlies many cases of abnormal elimination through the skin. Until the kidneys, liver, lungs and intestines, have regained their collective capacity for eliminating toxins, the thyroid will become overworked and weakened- until eventually even the skin begins to fail as the last resort for discharging excess. If this stage is reached more severe degeneration such as skin cancer may become evident.

Skin affections such as psoriasis and eczema can be considered as a pre-cancerous stage, just as white or brown spots that appear on the skin.

Eczema is one of the types of skin problem. This condition is characterized by itchy, red and dry skin, and may be chronic or acute. Eczema may occur either as an allergy or as a general hyperreaction to irritating or toxic substances. The internal triggers are usually not revealed by conventional diagnosis, the person suffering from eczema seeks to alleviate the condition with moisturizing and softening creams and cortisone ointments applied directly over the skin.

The eczematic person has the same general dietary history which tends to produce other skin disorders. This primarily includes dairy foods, sugar and sweet-tasting foods, but also the excessive intake of baked flour products, fruits, oily or greasy foods, and chemically processed foods. The dry condition is caused by accumulations of fat and mucus directly under the skin and in the lymphatic and digestive systems as a result of general overeating and prolonged consumption of oily or fatty foods (e.g. pizza, french fries, and hamburger) and baked foods. The itchy skin characteristically reflects the declining quality of the peripheral nervous system.

Eczema is a common disease of infancy often observed in the first few weeks of life, reflecting greatly imbalance eating habits throughout the mother´s pregnancy. Most cases of eczema are apparent by the age of two years. During this time the development of the immune and digestive systems are in constant flux, depending on the relative balance of expansive and contractive foods* in the mother´s and post- breastfed baby´s diet. Harmonious eating during this time is fundamental to the prevention of eczemas. In subsequent years, eczema will also involve impaired functioning of the respiratory system, and individuals frequently develop respiratory allergies such as hay fever and asthma.

In addition to diet, an important factor in relieving skin allergies is to try and minimize direct contact with artificial clothing and environments. Synthetic or woolen clothing can irritate the skin and easily trigger an allergic reaction. Whenever possible, garments worn directly next to the skin can be of cotton; and all synthetic or irritating cosmetics may be kept to a minimum.

To help eliminate the symptoms of any skin eruption one can additionally apply certain plasters, compresses and baths.

Source: Michio Kushi - Natural Healing & Allergies

 

 

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