Beauty and the Nutrients that Support
At the risk of repeating myself, the best way to get all the vitamins and nutrients you need is through a sensible, varied, nutritious diet. Unfortunately, for many of us, we either don’t have the time or access to the foods we need. Because of this, over time we risk negative outcomes. Thinning hair, dry or thin skin, and soft or brittle nails, among others are all potential symptoms of various nutrient deficiencies.
Understanding Nutrient Deficiencies
Common vitamin deficiencies seen in the US are vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin A, calcium, and vitamin C. Nearly 50% of all adults in the US don’t get enough of these important vitamins and minerals from their diet. Studies indicate that missing out on these nutrients, as well as the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA (from Omega 3 oils), can lead to common issues with hair, skin, and nails. Studies indicate that Biotin and vitamin D support healthy skin, hair, and nails. Other studies have shown that antioxidants such as vitamin C blended along with Omega 3 & 6 oils can benefit those with thinning hair, as well as improve many skin conditions.
Beauty Through Food
A balanced diet of lean proteins, healthy fats and fiber rich foods can provide the nutrients our hair, skin and nails require. Additionally, antioxidants can be found in most fruits and vegetables, with berries being one of the most abundant sources. Unfortunately, not all of us have the time to source and prepare these foods consistently. That is where supplements shine, filling in the nutrition gaps that occur with a less than perfect diet.
Hydrate
Another important step toward healthy hair, skin, and nails is staying hydrated. One of the first signs of dehydration is dry skin.4 As dehydration continues, it might lead to a loss of elasticity in the skin. When you are chronically dehydrated, you could end up with dry, itchy skin, and it might also contribute to signs of aging.
Supplements for Youthful Skin, Hair and Nails
If you’re not a fan of fruits and vegetables or are constantly on the run, these supplements will support your nutrient needs for healthy hair, skin, and nails among other benefits.
- Biotin: Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a popular supplement for its ability to improve both hair and nail quality. Biotin is necessary for cell growth and for the proper metabolism of fats and proteins in the body.
- Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant can help with inflammation but is also required for collagen production, which we know helps the body build important tissue.
- Vitamin D: Dry Skin, thinning hair, brittle nails, joint pain, fatigue, and depression are just a few of the effects stemming from low sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency. Supplementing vitamin D can prevent these conditions.
- Omega 3’s: Help to reduce inflammation and retain a youthful glow, your skin and hair require a certain amount of essential fatty acids found in Omega 3 oils.
Beauty and the Microbiome
As previously mentioned, getting proper nutrients is a must. Studies have shown that the gut’s microbiome has the capability to support some of the nutrients that your hair, skin and nails need to grow. But all this comes from having a healthy balance of good bacteria in your gut. Studies indicate that supplementing with probiotics and prebiotics will support this healthy bacterial balance in your gut, also known as the microbiome, supporting healthy hair skin and nails.
Navigating through life is hard, vitamins should be easy. To cut through all the noise and figure out what supplements are right for you, just take our quick 30-second survey and get your list of personalized vitamin and nutrient recommendations.