Hair, Skin & Nails

WHAT IS HAIR, SKIN, & NAIL HEALTH?

The health of one’s hair, skin, and nails speaks volumes about the internal state of the body, how well one is eating, sleeping, and exercising, including nutrient deficiencies, psychological status, infections and so much more. Further, the health of our hair, skin, and nails plays an exceedingly important role in our physical appearance, self-perception, and overall sense of well-being throughout life. This is why dry, coarse, thinning hair, and weak, brittle nails, as well as acne-prone skin, eczema, psoriasis, and a range of other skin manifestations can wreak havoc on one’s self-esteem.

One of the biggest contributing factors to lackluster hair, skin, and nails is poor nutrition, including vitamin deficiencies, as is malabsorption syndrome, a condition that affects how well nutrients can be absorbed in the small intestine including the absorption of macronutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as critical micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and overexposure to UV rays (sunlight) also greatly contribute to how healthy (or unhealthy) our hair, skin, and nails are. Fortunately, supplementation can help.

HAIR, SKIN & NAIL HEALTH 101

There is no big secret to youthful, healthy-looking hair skin, and nails; it’s merely a question of giving your body everything that it needs in terms of nutrition and exercise, avoiding too many processed foods devoid of nutrition, detoxing when necessary, and avoiding overexposure to UV rays.

Skin, our largest organ, represents some 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) and 22 square feet (2 square meters) of our total body mass, and plays a huge role in detoxing and, of course, protecting our bones, muscles, and vital organs. To maintain skin health, avoid direct UV rays because they can change the texture and colour of skin and also exposes us to harmful radiation. Make sure to get enough vitamin C, and essential fatty acids to brighten skin, promote elasticity, restore skin’s barrier, and maintain moisture. Daily exercise is also key to enhancing blood flow and stimulating toxin elimination, so will help maintain optimal skin, hair, and nail health across the lifecycle.

When it comes specifically to your nails, avoid using harsh nail polishes, and other chemical-laden products that add to the body’s toxic load. Optimal hair health requires the same basics, stick to clean shampoos and conditioners, that are devoid of harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances. However, do select your hair care products based on your hair type, as this can make the difference between shiny, lustrous hair, and dull, lifeless hair.

ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOR HEALTHY HAIR, SKIN, & NAILS

Some of the most impactful nutrients to improve hair, skin, and nail health include antioxidants such as, vitamins A, C, E, and Coenzyme Q10, as well as biotin. The B-complex of vitamins are also key, as are the minerals iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) from fish oil and flaxseed oil are also important to nourish hair, skin, and nails, as well as to reduce inflammation that can negatively impact hair, skin, and nails. Collagen, silica, vitamin C, and vitamin D also play a critical role. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or Brewer’s Yeast, a one-celled fungus that is a rich source of natural B vitamins, as well as chromium, protein, selenium, potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium, has been shown to help maintain healthy skin, hair, nails, and eyes. In addition, be sure to consume at least 45g of protein daily (or more for those that adhere to physically active lifestyles), to help build, repair, and maintain connective tissue throughout the body.