Did you know that skin is the largest organ in the body and absorbs nutrients from the sun as well as other sources? Our skin is part of the integumentary system and plays a major protective role in our health. One of the way skin helps to protect us from disease is due to Langerhans cells which are very important for our immune system. They help the body fight off infection by releasing a chemical signal that attracts white blood cells to a particular area.
The integumentary system includes skin, hair, nails, as well as exocrine glands. It’s hard to imagine that out of all of the organs in our body, the skin is the largest, but it is! Here are some ways to keep your integumentary system healthy:
Tip #1: Maintain Optimum Levels of Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3, which also acts like a hormone, is essential to the health of the integumentary system. It is also important for preventing skin diseases and skin infection. Vitamin D3 is undoubtedly one of the most important skin vitamins.
Here’s a summary of the important functions of Vitamin D3
- Vitamin D3 plays an essential role in overall health.
- Vitamin D3 is crucial for skin protection and for skin rejuvenation.
- Optimal amounts of vitamin D3 give your skin the ability to have proper skin cell growth and skin repair. This strengthens your skin’s immune system and helps to prevent premature aging.
Tip #2: Enjoy Antioxidant Rich Foods
Foods rich in antioxidants are great for our skin. Try eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and water to help give your skin a boost.
Tip #3: Go Green With Skin Care Products
When taking care of your skin, you will want to avoid harsh products that are filled with chemicals. Try switching to some cleaner plant-based products that won’t break down your skin. You will also want to try to stay away from products with fragrance as these can be particularly hard on the skin.
For this week’s challenge, I challenge you to incorporate more antioxidant-rich foods into your diet.
Try:
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Cherries
- Apples
- Beans
- Plums