Food contains vital nutrients needed for healthy hair and nails. If your diet is unhealthy, your hair and nails will be among the first indicators of the imbalance. Conversely, if you get your protein, vitamins and minerals, your hair and nails are likely to show it.
Protein
Hair and nails consist of mostly protein, so getting protein in your diet is important. You can find protein in foods such as eggs, fish, chicken and red meat. Eat only the amount of protein that you need.
Water and Exercise
Along with a healthy diet, water and exercise are essential for strong hair and nails. Exercise promotes overall circulation. It also alleviates stress, which can cause hair loss, according to a LIVESTRONG.com article, "Vitamins to take for Healthy Hair."
Good Fats
Not all fats are bad. Get good fats, such as the omega-3 and omega-6 fats in seafood, into your diet. If you don't care for seafood, take omega-3 and omega-6 supplements or include flax in your diet. As with protein, take only what you need, advises the nutrition website Healthy Food Guide.
Vitamins and Minerals
Essential vitamins are in carrots, dried apricots, cantaloupe, wild rice, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, cabbage, and nuts.But you also need iron for healthy hair and nails. Without enough iron, your hair can become become dull and start to fall out. Your nails may become brittle. Whole grains, as well, are needed for healthy hair and nails, so eliminate or reduce processed white flour from your diet.
Benefits
By maintaining a balanced diet and including exercise in your lifestyle, you eliminate toxins that can weaken your hair and nails. Although there is no problem with taking vitamin supplements, it is always better to get the vitamins and minerals you need from food.
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