One of the first things we notice about the aging process is a change in our skin, with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And while smile lines and a little crow’s feet are naturally beautiful, it’s the loss of luster along with the redness, hyperpigmentation, deep wrinkles and sagging that are most discouraging. 

Many of these changes result from inflammation, a nutrient deficient diet, hormonal changes, blood sugar issues, disruptions to the microbiome and sun exposure causing oxidative damage. As you know, those are many of the same “root cause drivers” of the chronic disease epidemic. 

That’s why my friend and colleague, Dr. Trevor Cates (AKA The Spa Doctor) calls skin the “Magic Mirror” to your overall health. In her book, “Clean Skin From Within”, Dr. Cates reveals how the skin is a window into the health of our metabolism and shares some fantastic tips and recipes to create healthy skin. 

Before I share her recipe, let’s take a quick look beneath the skin to ensure you’re getting the nutrients essential for healthy skin, inside and out. And we’re starting with collagen.

Collagen is the main structural protein in the dermal layer of the skin and connective tissue (like cartilage, bones, nails and hair). Collagen forms a highly organized fibrous network in the dermis, providing structural support, elasticity and hydration.

We need adequate dietary collagen to form these tissues that literally glue us together and hold us upright. Unfortunately, collagen production diminishes as we age. And that’s just when wrinkles, aching joints and bone loss set in.

So what can we do to rebuild collagen? Of course, it starts with food!

Several key amino acids (the building blocks of protein) are required to create collagen: proline, hyroxyproline and glycine. These are considered “conditionally essential”, meaning that our body can’t make them in adequate levels under times of stress or illness. Welcome to modern life!

But our ancestors got the collagen they needed by making bone broth. In those days, humans worked so hard for their food that they didn’t throw anything away! They used the leftover bones and vegetable scraps to make collagen-rich, nutrient-dense broths.

Ramen, the luscious Japanese noodle soup made with pork bone broth, is a classic example of a collagen-rich broth. Traditional Vietnamese Pho is made with beef bones, ligaments and tendons and an array of fragrant veggies and spices, supplying the range of amino acid materials needed to make collagen. Even we Americans have returned to our roots, making bone broth the way our great grandmothers did! 

I’m excited to share my favorite bone broth recipe with you now! It’s from Dr. Cate’s book “Clean Skin From Within”. It’s easy to make and by far the most sustainable and least expensive way to get the collagen you need to keep your skin, joints, bones and body strong. 

I’ve got a special link for you to get her book, which includes her 2-week program to create glowing and youthful skin and a set of yummy recipes. 

I’ll share more about Dr. Cate’s work in the coming weeks, when I’ll be featured on her upcoming podcast! 

Until then, make yourself a savory pot of our favorite bone broth and enjoy “Clean Skin From Within” by using this special discount code (green button below).

#bonebroth #healthyskin #cleanskin #collagen #naturopathicmedicine #functionalmedicine #recipe