Why I Switched To The Pegan Diet & How It Affects My Skin

More and more people are talking about gut health and how it is transforming their bodies to feel better and look better, but not many are discussing the wide variety of benefits it can have for your skin. Yes, cutting out greasy food and drinking more water does wonders for the skin, but switching to a Paleo or Pegan diet could completely balance your skin and improve the texture and appearance.

“A lot of skin issues people suffer from — they’re coming from the inside out,” says Dr. Hyman

What is Pegan?

The Pegan diet, coined by physician and author Dr. Mark Hyman, combines the best of the Paleo and Vegan diets. It follows the hunter gatherer style of Paleo, which typically includes lean meats, fish, fruits, veggies, nuts & seeds, but puts a heavier emphasis on the fresh fruits and vegetables rather than the meat. Basically, the diet cuts out grains, dairy, and processed foods, allowing the body to take in more nutrients and healthier fats.

What Are The Benefits?

By following a plant-rich diet with the addition of quality protein and healthy fats, you can transform your gut microbiome that will then improve your skin and overall well being. According to board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Whitney Bowe, good skin relies on three components of health: skin, mind, and gut.

Adding healthy fats to your diet helps your skin, hair, and nails get stronger and keeps your skin looking younger by hydrating and protecting it. The Pegan diet also recommends adding collagen to your diet which we all know can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and maintain skin elasticity.

Why Does A Healthy Gut Matter?

If you suffer from skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, or just generally have dull, dry or itchy skin, it’s usually because of what is going on inside your body. Irena Macri, author of many Paleo cookbooks like, Eat Drink Paleo, says what could be happening is “an allergy, an inflammatory response, a process of detoxification and so on. What we see with Paleo is that by avoiding foods that cause these responses and effects in the first place, we are able to achieve a healthier looking skin."

How Grains, Dairy, and Processed Foods Affect The Skin

Plain and simple, gluten = inflammation, no matter your level of tolerance. You may think you have no trouble eating foods like grains or dairy products because you don’t feel bad, but your body is likely just having a different physical response– and it’s all showing on your skin.

Eating dairy, processed foods, and saturated fats have been known to clog pores and cause skin flare-ups, so it’s best to avoid them when possible. One major effect gluten has on your skin is how it absorbs nutrients from inside your stomach, like Vitamin A and E, which help keep the skin hydrated, so cutting it out is a sure way to reduce inflammation and keep your skin soft & supple.

A Funeral For Pizza

Sorry to see you go, but this glow is much more worth it. After only a week of starting the diet, you will start to notice those fatty cravings you once had starting to disappear. This doesn’t mean goodbye forever, but save foods that contain a lot of grain, dairy, and saturated fat for a special treat– your skin will thank you.