Hair, skin and nails

Hair, skin and nails reflect the inner health of the body. There are outward "signs" which can tell you a lot about your inward health.

Skin, hair and nails all consist of a fibrous protein known as keratin. Keratin production is hormonally controlled, which can show up in nail growth patterns and is also one reason for hair loss and acne.

The skin is the largest organ of the body (in terms of surface area). The skin, like the liver and kidneys, functions to eliminate toxins from the body, which it does through sweating. Anything that blocks the skin pores from breathing can cause infections and skin disorders, so it is very important to be aware of what you apply to the skin.

Hair has its own nutritional requirements, and is directly connected to all of our body’s functions. A poor diet can result in vitamin deficiencies, especially iron, which can lead to impaired hair growth. Hormonal changes, stress, skin and scalp disease and certain health disorders, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders can also contribute to hair loss.

Nails are actually a part of the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and grow on top of a nail bed. Fingernails are made of protein, therefore fingernails that split, break off or fail to grow can indicate a lack of protein or Vitamin A. Healthy nail beds are pink and indicate a rich blood supply to the area. Abnormalities or changes in the nails and nail beds can be a result of nutritional deficiencies, or may indicate some underlying health condition such as thyroid conditions, poor circulation and heart, liver and kidney disease.

Changes in their color, shape and texture may indicate the presence of disease, such as:

Bluish Fingernails – may indicate circulatory problems
Brittleness – may be caused by detergents, chlorinated water, nail polish remover, or aging. Vitamin A and calcium deficiencies may also cause brittleness of the nails. Black currant oil has been very effective for this aiding this condition
Broadening of the nail – may be a sign of possible lung disease
Dark horizontal streaks – may indicate an under-active adrenal gland
Disappearance of the lunula ("moon" shape at the base of the nail) - may indicate lung disease
Fungus in and around the nails - can be caused by lack of friendly bacteria in the intestinal system. Tea Tree oil has been effective in clearing up fungal infections of both toenails and fingernails. Tea Tree oil is very effective with even the most “stubborn” fungal infections. Tea Tree oil has been effective in clearing up fungal infections of both toenails and fingernails. Tea Tree oil is very effective with even the most “stubborn” fungal infections.
Green nails – (when the nail is slightly separated from the skin) can indicate a bacterial infection which can thrive in open space
Hangnails – lack of protein, folic acid and Vitamin C
Holes or sharp pits – may be a sign of psoriasis (a skin disease)
Ridging or buckling – may be accompanied by inflammation of the skin, around the nail. Possibly a sign of fungal infection
Splitting nails – lack of Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) contributes to splitting nails
Spoon-shaped nails – (curving upwards) may be a natural sign of aging, but also a sign of anemia, which can be caused by deficiencies or iron and/or B12
Spots or furrows – caused by virus infections, colds, high fever or other severe stresses
Thickening of the Nails – insufficient oxygen reaching the nail, a sign of lung disease
Vertical ridges – may indicate an iron deficiency
White nails – may indicate poor circulation or anemia
White spots on nails – the primary cause appears to be a zinc deficiency
Yellowish discoloration – can be a sign of fungal or yeast infection, psoriasis, lymph disorder or even liver disease. It can also indicate nicotine use, or may be the result of nail polish or hair dyes

HOW DOES DIGESTION AFFECT THE SKIN?

The health of the skin comes from the inside out. Skin conditions can be due to a person's inability to assimilate and digest fats and oils, which are essential for the body to be able to make the protective oils for the skin and hair. Food allergies are the most common causes of skin rashes.

Enzymes are catalysts of virtually all biochemical activities in the body and their responsibilities include food digestion, tissue, organ and cell repair. The body's enzymes are often divided into two groups - digestive enzymes and metabolic/systemic enzymes. When to body is unable to produce digestive enzymes, it leads to poor digestion and poor absorption of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients. Enzymes can help prevent or treat skin damage by fighting free radicals. Free radicals -- like the kind formed from sun exposure -- damage the membrane of skin cells. Cancer is probably the most serious skin damage caused by free radicals. There are many kinds of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Free radicals are not only the culprits destroying enzymes but for damaging the skin and interfere with collagen production. Many people develop an enzyme deficiency because they eat processed and refined foods. A diet lacking in enzymes puts a burden on the pancreas. Poor diet, drugs, alcohol, excessive sun exposure, environmental toxins and tobacco smoke increase free radical damage and decrease enzyme activity.

NUTRIENTS FOR HEALTHY HAIR, SKIN AND NAILS:

Optimal health of skin, hair, and nails is dependant on adequate daily intake of key nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential fatty acids and various phytonutrients.

The following nutrients for various hair, skin and nail conditions are: Vitamin A and Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Biotin, Manganese, Iron, Beta-carotene, Selenium and vitamin E, Omega-3, Coenzyme Q10 and Silica

Beta-carotene and Vitamin A are beneficial in cases of blemishes, acne, and dry skin - acting as antioxidants and by reducing the effects of aging caused by chemicals and smoke. A deficiency of Vitamin A can lead to a variety of skin conditions. Selenium and vitamin E help reduce the risk of skin and other cancers

Coenzyme Q10 is an effective antioxidant and is present in every cell in the body. CoQ10 levels in the body diminish with age. CoQ10 destroys free radicals and slows aging. Spinach, broccoli and peanuts are foods high in CoQ10

Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the strength of other antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E, and assists the body’s energy production. Alpha-lipoic acid can be found in spinach, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, tomatoes and peas

Horsetail is rich in silica, a nutrient that specifically feeds and stimulates hair growth and supports healthy skin and nails

Kelp is a good source of the trace minerals needed for human metabolism (including iodine for the thyroid gland) and to support the growth and maintenance of hair, nails and skin

Essential fatty acids are important for maintaining the oils and moisture in the skin and hair

Red Clover contains natural estrogen to guard against thinning hair

Burdock root is indispensable for healthy skin. It discourages dry, scaly, and flaky skin, such as dandruff. Strengthens and promotes hair growth

Saw Palmetto (For men only)- retards further hair loss in persons afflicted with Male Pattern Baldness by inhibiting the conversion of Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the 5-Alpha-Reductase enzyme

MSM is a natural form of organic sulfonyl sulfur compound. The sulfur normally provided by MSM is required for healthy collagen and keratin, which are essential for healthy hair, skin and nails

Amino acids (protein) supplements are very helpful for rebuilding the tissues of the skin

Horsetail is high in Silicon. The skin, hair, and nails are all strengthened by silica

HSN-W is an herbal blend that contains horsetail stems and strobilus, dulse fronds, rosemary leaves and sage leaves. These botanicals provide significant amounts of inorganic silica.

DIETARY:

Antioxidants counteract free radicals that age the skin. Antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C, E, copper and zinc helps to maintain the oxygen supply to the hair follicles and outer layers of the skin. Berries, especially blueberries, are potent antioxidants that promote collagen, which reduces wrinkles. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit help rid the body of free radicals keeping the skin looking young. Foods high in the antioxidant beta-carotene including carrots and apricots protect the skin against sun damage.

Phytochemicals are substances that plants naturally produce to protect themselves against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. They help the body defend against damage and are said to have anti-aging properties. Phytochemicals are sometimes referred to as phytonutrients and can be found in berries, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, spinach, carrots, cocoa and bell pepper.

Raw nuts and seeds are high in Vitamin E, which is beneficial to the skin. Selenium keeps the skin elastic and can be found in garlic, onions and shallots. Salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines are all good sources of Omega-3 EFA's.

Fruits and vegetables rich in silicon including apples, oranges, cherries, grapes, strawberries, beets, cucumber, carrots and green leafy vegetables.

Sulfur is readily available in protein foods-meats, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, and legumes are all good sources. Egg yolks are one of the better sources of sulfur. Other foods that contain sulfur are onions, garlic, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, red pepper and watercress. Nuts have some sulfur, as does kale, lettuce, kelp and other seaweed, and raspberries. Garlic is one of the natural herbs high in sulfur.

STEPS TO HEALTHY SKIN:

Water is very important in assisting the passage of nutrients throughout the body and to flush out toxins. It also keeps the skin hydrated and minimizes wrinkling. Drink 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses of pure, filtered water per day.
Eat a Well balanced diet, low in fat, with plenty of fruits and vegetables
Eliminate smoking, alcoholic beverages and avoid excessive exposure of the sun
Get sufficient exercise to improve circulation and enzymatic activity
Eat more whole foods, avoiding processed and artificial ingredients
Avoid coffee and tea (tea has the substance used to tan leather)
Eat foods rich in enzymes (avocados, papayas, pineapples, bananas, mangos and sprouts

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT FOR DRY SKIN

Quite often people who have dry skin do not digest fats well and therefore are lacking essential fatty acids needed to produce lubricating oils for the skin. Food allergies and deficiencies in zinc, minerals, B vitamins, and beta carotene also contribute to dry skin conditions, including dandruff. Recommendations for these conditions are, beta-carotene, Vitamin A, B vitamins, zinc, and essential fatty acid (EFA) supplements. Essential fatty acids assist in improving many conditions including eczema, and psoriasis. The most essential of the EFA's is linoleic acid and can be found in high amounts in evening primrose oil or black currant oil. Gamma-linolenic acid, found in high quantities in evening primrose oil, has been shown to be successful with cases of inflammatory skin conditions, eczema, and psoriasis. The EFA's found in many fish oils have nourishing qualities for the skin.

Another basic cause of skin conditions like acne, skin rashes, or psoriasis is because the colon, liver, kidneys, blood and lymphatic systems become overworked and eventually become fatigued. The liver is one of the major organs for detoxifying the body. The body becomes toxic from external, environmental toxins (in the air, tap water, and various chemicals), and internally from poor digestion & food allergies, fermentation with gas formation, and rotting food. When the colon becomes toxic greater amounts of these toxins enter into the blood stream. As these toxins leave the body through the skin, a variety of problems or ‘disease' states like acne, dermatitis or psoriasis appear. Other skin conditions can be caused by hormone imbalances.

Acne, or pimples, most often seen with teenagers, has been shown to be a combination of a variety of factors including poor diet, poor digestion and assimilation, food allergies, poor hygiene, stress, hormonal stimulation or imbalances, toxic colon and certain bacterial infections. To help reduce skin outbreak, increase water intake; decrease the consumption of sugar, oils, fats, fried foods, junk foods and support the body nutritionally with Vitamin A, B vitamins (especially B5) and Zinc. Apply Tea tree oil (topically). For women who are experiencing pre-menstrual acne we recommend the herb burdock root.

Psoriasis can be a very difficult condition to treat because of its many underlying causes. Increasing pure water intake, cleansing the colon and supporting liver and kidney function are vital. Decreasing stress with adaptogenic herbs for the adrenal glands, improve the assimilation of essential fatty acids with food enzymes, and support the body nutritionally with vitamins A, C, beta-carotene, bioflavonoids, liquid lecithin, capsaicin ointment (applied topically) and zinc.

HAIR CONDITIONS:

Hair loss (alopecia) In males, the primary factors of alopecia are heredity, hormone balance, hypothyroidism, nutrient deficient diets, smoking, alcohol, poor protein assimilation and high stress levels. In females, alopecia usually occurring after delivery of a child or after menopause (associated with imbalanced hormones), or may be due to severe stress. Common factors or causes of hair loss include poor circulation, poor nutrition, diets with excess salt and sugar intake, acute illness, surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal imbalance, sebum plugs in hair follicles, radiation, skin disease, stress and anxiety, anemia, excessive tissue copper levels, sudden weight loss, iron deficiency (anemia), diabetes, thyroid disease, pregnancy, mineral deficiencies, and/or vitamin deficiencies.

Nutrients, which are important to hair growth and the maintenance of hair color and thickness, include folic acid, pantothenic acid (B5), PABA, inositol, silica, and biotin. Biotin is a member of the B vitamin group which nourishes and promotes the growth of strong nails, healthy hair and skin. Biotin deficiencies in children under 6 months old cause “cradle cap” or hair loss (alopecia) and infantile seborrheic dermatitis.

Dandruff/ Flaky Deposits: Small amounts can be normal, however, excessive is associated with underlying nutritional deficiencies, liver and/or colon toxicity Dandruff can be triggered by many things including hormonal imbalance, trauma, excessive intake of sugar and improper carbohydrate consumption, oily skin and deficiencies of certain nutrients.. Researchers believe dandruff may also be caused by a yeast like fungus on your scalp.

Natural Remedies For Dandruff include:

Essential Fatty Acids - Use flaxseed oil, unrefined coconut oil or organic hemp oil helps to relieve itching and inflammation and provide some hormonal balancing. Also helps to maintain healthy skin.

Vitamin B Complex - Promotes healthy skin and hair as well as helping with stress.

Vitamin E - 400 IU daily of mixed tocopherol and tocotrienols, improves circulation.

GreenZone - Contains greens needed for better hair growth.

Lecithin is needed by every cell in the body and is a key building block of cell membranes; it maintains cell membrane flexibility. Lecithin protects cells from oxidation.

email zherbalist@naturalviewpoint.com with questions or comments

Copyright © 2007 naturalviewpoint