Discussion Board

Hi all,

I'd like to ask for any suggestions that might jump-start the healing of my complexion. I've recently quit some bad habits (smoking/coffee/alchohol etc) and am transitioning into a plant based diet.

Might anyone have any suggestions on foods that can help to heal the complexion damage that I've incurred as a result of years of bad habits?

Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I can only respond in general, since I don't know what your complexion damage is. The only complexion problems I had when I started McDougalling two years ago were very dry skin on my face and body, and rosacea. I didn't even notice that the rosacea was gone until my daughter mentioned that she had a flare of rosacea recently, and I remembered that I no longer had it! My skin is a lot less dry overall as well.

I cannot recommend a particular food. This way of eating, in and of itself, is very beneficial to your entire body, and the healing will be coming from within as you eat the foods you should and cut out the foods you shouldn't eat.

I would suggest that you eat plenty of fresh vegetables, raw, in addition to the starches, legumes and cooked vegetables that you are eating. The water contained in those fresh veggies is very good for you, and help to keep you hydrated. I would also suggest that you cut back on, or watch the effect of, condiments, which can be irritants, and so could certainly irritate your skin.

Perhaps some of the others have more direct experience. Can you share with us what kinds of complexion problems you have?

Thank you for your suggestions FrozenVeg! I am hoping that a new way of eating will help to sort out some problems, it sounds like you've achieved good results.

The problems that I've encountered are many lines and uneven skin texture as a result of bad habits. I've been reading mixed comments on weather or not one's complexion can battle back from such damage. I look forward incorporating a new way of eating and I hope it will have a positive impact on the damage I've done to my skin.

Thank you for your suggestions and Happy New Year!

I used the McDougall Elimination Diet to discover the diet that works for me: http://anti-itisdiet.blogspot.com/2007/ ... foods.html

Before I started my particular subset of the McDougall Regular diet, I had acne (surface and below the surface), eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea -- as well as a host of other inflammation problems, as shown here: http://anti-itisdiet.blogspot.com/2007/ ... ation.html

I got rid of perhaps 98% of my skin problems, gradually, by eating only alkaline-producing foods: fruits, vegs, and root and gourd starches.

I got rid of the last of my skin problems (perhaps 99.9%, if I had to put a number on it) by switching to using sulphur as my standard: http://anti-itisdiet.blogspot.com/2011/ ... ssful.html

I now eat only very low sulphur foods: http://anti-itisdiet.blogspot.com/2010/ ... i-eat.html

Keys to success: I never make exceptions. I never jump off the wagon. I assume 100% compliance with my particular diet is the norm.

Yeah, don't look for "super foods." Just switch to a plant-based diet w/ no added fat. If you don't need to lose weight, stick w/ the regular plan for a few months. If you still have issues, switch to the MWL plan w/ as little processed stuff as possible. If after a few mos you STILL have issues, try Burgess' super strict plan. This way you'll know better what the problem is caused by. MOST people will find that their skin clears up on the McDougall regular or MWL plans. Keep us posted!