Oh well… the Christmas time is over, as are all the extravagant food choices we simply couldn’t resist. Come on, dolls – nobody’s blaming you; all the rich, gorgeous food that was just too delicious to resist was somehow, understandably, the guilty pleasure we all endlessly enjoyed… and that’s okay. We all know Christmas feast choices aren’t the healthiest options on the menu, which is why we all need a super powerful detox to get us right back on track!
If you’re concerned about brittle nails or thinning hair, this tutorial will be listing out some of the worst food choices you can make, regardless of the season and advise on ways to improve your hair and skin health.
What you should be aware of is that both hair and nails are made from the same protein, called keratin. This is why particular diet choices affect them both. Naturally, not all is about food; some other lifestyle choices, including smoking, drinking alcohol, (not) exercising, etc. affect circulation and may cut down on the amount of biotin in the blood. Biotin seems to strengthen both hair and nails which is why it is often added to hair and nail products.
Food Suggestions
Pick proteins wisely
Acne are often a downside to eat a lot of traditionally produced poultry, dairy and meat due to hormone amount in them. Try eating protein products less frequently or eat them in moderation to avoid your skin looking gray and unhealthy. Also, opt for organic dairy, grain-fed beef and poultry, and you’ll notice your skin is looking way better than it used to. We’d recommend treating yourself to some AlgaeCal plant based calcium supplements – your body will thank you!
Avoid sugar
…or cut back altogether. “Refined sugar causes a process called glycation, which can damage the collagen and elastin that keep skin firm and youthful”, explains pharmacist and homeopath Margo Marrone, owner of the Organic Pharmacy.
When your body is craving something sweet, opt for an easily digested herbal sweetener that doesn’t trigger glycation. Also, eat fruit as a replacement for cakes and other sweet delights, and try not to eat them late in the afternoon and night.
Eat for alkalinity
Having good skin and hair isn’t all about food limitations, it also has much to do with what you SHOULD consume. When you are eating more of alkaline-forming foods, such as almonds, parsley, pears, kale, lemons, and apples, you are cleansing your body from the inside out. These natural cleansers will contribute to a big improvement in your skin and hair behavior.
Skin Cleansing/Health Suggestions
Embrace clay
Clay mask is an amazing way to remove skin-drying heavy-metal residue from tap water and the pore-clogging sebum that’s insanely damaging to the skin. “Clay’s negative charge attracts the positive charge of the impurities and pulls them toward the skin’s surface, where they’re whisked away when you remove the mask,” say acclaimed experts.
Exfoliate daily
Instead of exfoliating once a week and irritating your skin in the process, exfoliate every day to slough away the dead skin cells that dull your complexion.
Keep skin protected
Once you’ve “fixed” your skin, you should keep it that way. Apply sunscreen when going out and use highly hydrating creams, especially during winter-time when our skin is prone to flaking.
Hair Cleansing/Health Suggestions
Eat healthy protein for shine and hair strength
Fish like sardines, salmon, and mackerel are packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Since our bodies can’t produce these healthy fats, we have to get them from food or supplements and, in this case, fish is the way to go. An amazing remedy for hair, the building block of your locks, is Greek yogurt helps with blood flow to your scalp and hair growth. It’s called vitamin B5 (known as pantothenic acid). To get protein from meat, opt for lean options like chicken or turkey, which have less saturated fat than pork and beef. Eat eggs, spinach and cinnamon for growth!
Exfoliate your scalp
Use an exfoliating scalp treatment to remove dead skin cells that can build up around hair follicles, and give your hair the unhealthy, dandruff-y look.
Prevent mineral buildup
Try a water-softening filter or switch to conditioner that has chelating agents to prevent mineral buildup. Tap water often contains minerals that can build up on your hair, and dry it out intensely.
