Keratin is the protein that is a major component in skin, hair, nails, hooves, horns, and teeth. Depending on the levels of the various amino acids, keratin can be inflexible and hard, like hooves, or soft, like skin. Most of the keratin we know of is actually dead -- hair, skin, and nails are all formed from dead cells which the body sheds as new cells push up from underneath. Foods such as lean meat, chicken, fish, dairy, and beans provide the protein needed to help boost the body's production of keratin.
Meat and Dairy
Iron-rich protein can boost the production of keratin in the body and improve the health of skin, hair and nails. Liver, fish and lean meats build keratin in your body. Always choose lean meat sources over red, fatty meats. Low-fat dairy, such as certain cheeses, yogurt and low-fat milk, also contain amino acids that increase keratin levels.
Fruit and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin A aid the body in keratin production. A good indication of the nutrient content of fruits and veggies is found in their color. Produce that are orange, such as mangoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe are high in carotene, which helps your body produce keratin. Carotene can also be found in spinach, green peppers, and squash.
Keratin Deficiency
Hair loss, premature aging of hair, and thinning of hair are all signs of keratin deficiency. Although it effects numerous parts of your body like your hair, nails, etc, keratin deficiency shows most prominently on your skin. When you skin lacks keratin, it becomes pore prone to sagging, loosing its glow and wrinkles.
Supplements
Their are a number of supplements on the market that stimulate growth of hair, skin, and nails. Before deciding if you should supplement your daily keratin intake, consult a physician. Overproduction of keratin or any protein in the body can be toxic and have adverse effects on the kidneys.
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