Dr. Zenovia recently held an Instagram Live Master Class with cardiologist, Dr. Alejandro Junger! Dr. Junger is the founder of the Clean Program, a New York Times bestselling author, and leader in functional medicine.

5 Key Takeaways 

Here are 5 key takeaways from their conversation about how lifestyle factors can affect our skin and overall health.

Takeaway #1: The skin is a direct reflection of your health

The gut and skin is a contiguous tissue. Skin issues including psoriasis, melasma and eczema can be indicative of internal health issues. If you are dealing with a skin issue and over the counter treatments don’t seem to be helping, do not suffer in silence. Schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

Takeaway #2: Detoxing and intermittent fasting are worth exploring

According to Dr. Junger, detoxification, or removing toxic substances from the body can take a minimum of 21 days for processes to be reversed, restored, and for inflammation to calm down. Intermittent fasting or cycling between periods of voluntary fasting and non-fasting can help accelerate and potentiate detoxification. Before starting intermittent fasting or a detox, consult with your doctor.

Takeaway #3: Intermittent fasting has many health benefits

Fasting is a well-researched concept within the medical community. Our modern lifestyles involve eating three meals a day and consuming foods that may not be the best for us causing toxic burden on our bodies. However, as imposed by nature, humans used to intermittently fast and feast. “It’s only been in the last 100 years or so that food has been readily available. Our genes have not yet adapted to eating three meals a day and our gut needs time to restore and heal”, shares Dr. Junger. 

Takeaway #4: Stress can have a huge impact on our health

According to Dr. Junger, every disease can be a direct result of stress. It’s important to find time every day to relax and practice deep breathing. Our skin is part of the ectoderm of the brain and there is a huge neuro connection where stress affects the skin. Practicing meditation and yoga regularly can help improve our health.

Takeaway #5: Spending time in nature is important for the mind & body

As humans, we were meant to live in nature and eat natural foods. Our current lifestyles are putting our bodies into survival mode. Going on outdoor walks and breathing in nature can help reduce stress.

Making small changes can help us fight against disease, avoid premature aging, and improve our overall health.

Click Here to Watch the Full Instagram Live Master Class

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