Hello from Mauritius Island guys! Asides from being back in this b-e-a-utiful place again, this is the first time I am able to celebrate Ramadan not in Canada! I am really excited to do this because the month itself is quite extraordinary and transformative, AND I get to break my fast about four hours earlier than I usually do in Toronto (YES!)
Just a little tidbit on Ramadan if you are unfamiliar with it. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims don’t eat or drink from sunrise to sunset (fasting). I know this might seem intense, but what I have learned over the years is that it is really a mind over matter kind of thing. Fasting is important during Ramadan because it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith and brings us closer to god. It is also a great detox for your body, mind and soul as it really shows you how little you need in life to sustain yourself and helps you focus on the things that are truly important (like god, your family, your goals and yourself!)
In this blog post I wanted to talk about the benefits of fasting for your skin and in my next blog post I’ll talk about some of the foods and nutrients and things you can do to keep your skin looking fierce.
Fasting is really incredible for my skin. I usually notice the change in as little as 1 week. My skin looks better than ever and is super radiant and clear. Fasting benefits every organ in the body. As our largest organ, the skin, is wonderfully impacted by fasting when done in its optimal way. Fasting is a reboot to the gut microbiome, the origin of most inflammation in the body. Aging is an inflammatory process, as is acne. By improving the health of the gut and its critically important microbiome, systemic inflammation is reduced and the health of the skin can be improved greatly. The amazing consequence of a lowered inflammatory state in the gut is younger-appearing, healthier, and altogether more beautiful skin. Studies show that after 4-5 days the body starts to invoke self-preservation mechanisms such as autophagy, where the old and damaged cells are broken down and removed. In addition, there’s an increase in stem cell generation – which can be great for skin rejuvenation.
This makes sense to me because when some of my friends ask me what they can do to get better skin, I always question their diets first and see if they can pinpoint any links to what they are eating when they break out. Its not always about diet, don’t get me wrong as there is a plethora of reasons why someone could be breaking out. But cutting out a certain food group might be beneficial in helping clear up your acne.
Fasting for 30 days straight might not be for everyone, but I do encourage you guys to try it out for maybe a day or 2, or even just doing a water fast for the day and I promise you will definitely feel all the benefits it brings with it. Yes obviously you will be hungry, but short term pain for long term gain really applies here. I am always in awe of how much will power and discipline this month requires, but before you know it will already be celebrating Eid!
Hope everyone has a beautiful and blessed month! Nel xoxo
Commentaires