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Hair, Skin, and Nails |
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General Health Information
Skin, hair, and nails all consist of a fibrous protein known as keratin. Keratin production is hormonally controlled, which is why hormonal disorders can show up in nail growth patterns, and is also one reason for hair loss and acne at certain hormone-shifting times in our lives
Skin is the largest organ of the body and requires special attention. Like the liver and the kidneys, the skin 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.
Hair has its own nutritional requirements, and is directly connected to all of our body's functions. In fact, the body's circulating mineral concentration can be measured through the process of hair analysis. Hair analysis can tell us if we have too much or too little of a given mineral. 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 illnesses (such as diabetes and thyroid disorders) are among the many reasons for hair loss.
Nails are actually a part of the epidermis (outer layer of skin). Our nails grow on top of a nail bed. Healthy nail beds are pink and indicate not only a rich blood supply to the area, but our general good health as well. Abnormalities or changes in the nails and nail beds can often be a result of nutritional deficiencies, or may indicate some underlying condition. Nails and nail beds can reveal a good deal about the body's internal health; that's why physicians often look at our nails as part of a general physical exam.
Optimal health of skin, hair, and nails is very much dependant on adequate daily intake of key nutrients including vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential fatty acids and various phytonutrients. Proper nutrition and dietary supplementation help ensure smooth and clear skin, firm and healthy nails, as well as shiny and vital hair.
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Wellness Plan for Healthy
Hair, Skin and Nails
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Well balanced diet, low in fat, with plenty of fruits and vegetables |
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Regular exercise and stress management |
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Pharmacist's Supplement Recommendations:
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Vitamins and Minerals - especially vitamins A and C, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron |
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Herbs and Phytonutrients - horsetail, lecithin, gelatin, bioflavonoids |
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Antioxidants - especially vitamin E |
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Essential Fatty Acids - omega-3 and omega-6 | | |
Click Here for Pharmacist's Recommendations
Wellness Centers Related to Hair, Skin and Nails
Aging
Cancer
Healthy Living
Men's Health
Senior?s Health
Women's Health
Additional Information on Hair, Skin and Nails
Skin Care and Aging - published by the National Institute on Aging
Fingernails: Looking Good While Playing Safe - article by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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