Hair and nails are actually types of skin, per Kids Health. Various toxins are purged through the skin so it makes sense that your hair and nails are capable of revealing the state of your health by their condition. But Food Doctor claims these signs reflect your state of health six months ago, while skin reflects imbalances more immediately. For healthy looking hair and nails, it is essential you lead a healthy lifestyle.
Hair
According to Kids Health, the hair on your head grows from a sac in the skin called a follicle. A rounded root sits beneath the skin and the hair shaft extends out from your skin’s surface. Signs of health imbalances include dry and brittle or greasy hair, split ends, dandruff and hair loss.
Nails
Nails are made up of layers of epidermis that are pressed together to create a hard surface. Medline Plus states healthy nails should be smooth, with no inconsistency in color, and that deviations from this can indicate health problems such as lung, heart and liver conditions. Other signs to look out for include soft, bendy or brittle nails, white marks, ridges and fungal infections.
Foods to Avoid
Food Doctor recommends you avoid refined carbohydrates and foods with high sugar content to discourage candida. Candida is a fungus that can grow on nails, and your chances of suffering it increase with age. Food Doctor also recommends you avoid known inflammatory foods such as red meats and unfermented dairy products, any saturated fats and all dehydrating fluids such as caffeine, sugary drinks and alcohol.
Foods to Consume
A healthy diet is essential for healthy hair and nails. Replace starchy white pasta, bread and rice with whole grains and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Choose "good" fats such as oily fish, olive oil, nuts, seeds and skinless poultry and eat a lot of beans and pulses. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Mulitivitamins
Dr George Obikoya from the Vitamins and Nutrition Center advocates a regular intake of B-6, folic acid, sulfur, zinc and silica. Beta-carotine is particularly important as it is converted to vitamin A in the body, which promotes healthy skin, hair and nails. The best way to ensure you consume adequate quantities of these essential substances is to take a good-quality liquid multivitamin, says Dr Obikoya.
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