The old saying “you are what you eat” is SO true. Research shows that the foods we eat have a huge impact on the health of our internal bodies and digestive systems. Foods also have a massive impact on the health of our connective tissue – and even our external bodies. For instance, eating a healthy diet filled with what I like to call “Fascia Foods” is an important part of my lifestyle – and I hope you can make it a part of yours.
But first things first – what is fascia? Fascia (also known as connective tissue) is a thin layer of tissue that lies under the skin and wraps every muscle and organ in the body. If you’ve ever cut into a piece of raw chicken or steak and seen that thin, white and filmy layer, that’s fascia.
The best way to imagine fascia is to think of a thin, cling wrap-like layer that lies between the skin and the muscles like a web. It wraps around the entire body and every individual muscle and organ and connects the muscles to the bones.
Fascia is key to the structural integrity of our bodies and is also where the nerves and lymph nodes lie – so it is now referred to as a sensory organ. This is where pain originates and communicates to the brain. Western medicine has only recently begun to recognize the role of fascia in the body.
The problem is that things like physical injuries, poor diet and even negative energy or emotions resulting from stress and trauma can adversely impact our fascia. There are all sorts of repercussions ranging from poor posture to bad digestion and skin and hair issues. Eating right is key. So how do Fascia Foods help revitalize your fascia? Well, there are several ways that different foods can be “fascia superstars.”
FIRST, Fascia Foods contribute to collagen production because they contain vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and zinc. They are required for your body to make collagen. Fascia itself is made of bundles of collagen fibers which means that fascia needs collagen to be healthy, and even to survive in your body at all!
As we age, it’s more difficult for our body to produce enough collagen, which is a reason why our skin gets saggier. But by giving your body a plentiful supply of the nutrients needed to create collagen, you’re making life a lot better for your skin and your fascia. That means you’ll look AND feel better.
SECOND, fascia foods contain connective tissue and amino acids, which are also essential for your cells to produce collagen. For example, bone broth and lean animal proteins have the amino acid building blocks that you need to create collagen.
FINALLY, many fascia foods such as high fiber chia seeds help contribute to your gut health. This is essential to help you better absorb nutrients that promote collagen production.
So I make sure my diet is packed with foods like bone broth, which is packed with amino acids and collagen; citrus and peppers, which have a high vitamin C content; herbs to boost my metabolism, minerals to decrease inflammation; and high fiber chia seeds for my gut health.
An AMAZING benefit of eating Fascia Foods is their power to strengthen our digestive tract. Too often in our modern lives our digestive systems aren’t in tip top shape, and that can have an impact on how well we absorb the nutrients we consume. Collagen is important because it builds gut health, which is essential to better absorb nutrients. Eating fascia super foods that strengthen your digestive tract helps repair the gut.
I’ve created a handy list of Fascia Food superstars to help you focus on the foods that will do the most for your inner and outer beauty. It’s divided by health benefits: some contain antioxidants that are needed for collagen production; some have fiber for gut restoration; and some contain the amino acid building blocks of collagen.
In my recipes – some of which are featured on my Instagram feed and mainly within my Taller Slimmer Younger Program – you’ll learn more about each of these ingredients and how to use them.
I hope you can start to integrate these “Fascia Foods” into your diet – and enjoy all the benefits that having healthy fascia can bring.
YOUR FASCIA SUPERFOODS CHECKLIST
ANTIOXIDANT RICH FASCIA FOODS:
Avocados
Extra virgin olive oil
Berries
Citrus fruits
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Honey
Onions
Garlic
Leafy greens
Dark Chocolate / cocoa powder
Tea, especially white and green
Herbs & Spices, especially ginger, turmeric, and fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and basil
