Skin, nails & hair - what do they have to do with our health status?

We have all heard the expression “beauty starts from the inside” - but what exactly does that mean? Nutritionally speaking, our skin, hair, skin and nails can often be an indication of the quality of food you are putting in your mouth. Since the skin is the largest organ, it will absorb anything you put on it topically, and so will also indicate the quality of the body care products you select.


So - how can we help improve our nutritional status in order to maximize proper skin elimination and strengthen our hair and nails? The obvious answer is to eat well, drink lots of water and gets lots of sleep. This notion is not new to most of us, whether we practice it or not. Instead, let’s look at some specific examples of the correlation between food and our skin:


*Dark circles under the eyes can be an indication of iron deficiency. Eating leafy green vegetables and lean (organic if possible) animal protein can help raise iron levels in the blood.

*Acne can be a sign of deficiencies in zinc and essential fatty acids (omega-3 and -6). This can be helped by increasing intake of zinc-rich foods, such as raw pumpkin seeds and oysters. Omega-3 and -6 can be found in all raw nuts and seeds, as well as cold-water fish (omega-3).

*Eczema or rosacea can be an indication of food intolerances that may be causing inflammation in the body. Speak to a Naturopath or a holistic nutritionist about trying an elimination diet to identify possible allergens.

*Tender, bleeding or receding gums can be a sign of vitamin C deficiency - increase intake of fresh fruit, bell peppers and most fresh vegetables.

*Dry or irritated skin is a sure indication that one is not ingesting enough healthy fats. These would include unrefined, cold-pressed oils such as olive, hemp, sunflower, or flax. Our skin has a need for fat in order to act as a barrier for external influences, including bacteria.


Our nails can further reveal our bodies’ nutritional status, even though we don’t often make the association. Here are some examples:


*“Spoon-shaped” nails are often a sign of iron deficiency.

*White spots on nails are related to zinc deficiency.

*Thin, or splitting nails are commonly an overall mineral deficiency - possibly made worse by drinking demineralized water.

*“Club-shaped”, or rounded nails are often a sign of an imbalance in the respiratory tract. This can be related to food intolerances that may be causing excess mucous build-up.

*Ridges in the nails are often related to malabsorption. This can be helped by eating raw foods, higher in enzymes to help break them down, and proper chewing to maximize digestion.

Finally, our hair, although technically “dead” cells, grows as a reflection of our bodies’ ability to properly utilize dietary minerals and protein. Using natural hair products, free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and foaming agents can minimize exposure to toxic substances that may further disrupt our endocrine (hormone) system. Choosing mineral-rich vegetables, fruits and whole grains as well as eating adequate amounts of high quality protein will help to ensure healthy hair!

© Grassroots Holistic Nutrition