Women through the ages have gone to great lengths to improve the appearance of their skin, hair and nails and the beauty has had a field day on the profits.  Millions of pounds are spent on advertising and packaging, with the intention of persuading the consumer that creams, lotions and potions will provide the key to a glowing youthful appearance.

What is not widely appreciated, but makes absolute common sense when you think about it, is that looking healthy is equally likely to be attributable to our diet and lifestyle as it is to external applications designed to preserve our youthful appearance.

The concept of `eating yourself beautiful` is scientifically founded, as there are classical physical signs of nutritional deficiency, which can be identified by just looking in the mirror!  Our bodies are very efficient at communicating what is wrong, the only problem is that we are not tuned in to the messages, and most of us are not sufficiently educated to

recognise a nutritional inadequacy; and that’s only half of the story.  Knowing that the red greasy patches at the side of our nose are related to a Vitamin B shortage, or that the presence of acne means that zinc is in short supply, wouldn’t necessarily open the door to a solution for most of us as most, unless we were unfamiliar with the foods rich in those important nutrients.

Nutritional deficiencies are incredibly common.  Three separate studies undertaken by the Natural Health Advisory Service, on women of childbearing age, revealed that between 50 to 80 percent had low stores of the mineral magnesium and many other nutrients including B vitamins, zinc, iron, essential fatty acids and calcium were often in short supply.

Our body’s need a constant supply of good nutrients in order to serve us well, and in the absence of this it communicates by providing physical signs of deficiency; the only problem being that most of us wouldn’t recognise a nutritional deficiency even if it hit us on the nose.  Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems and how they can be overcome.

Skin

Dry skin can be attributable to too much sun and wind, without using creams or eating adequate quantity of essential fatty acids, or a shortage of vitamins A, necessary for cell membrane health and vitamin E, which protects the skin cells from free radical damage.  Eat green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds and oily fish to help encourage healthy cells and give natural ‘lubrication’, and apply vitamin E oil topically. Dry skin can be due to insufficient fluids, so ensure you drink at least 6 glasses of fluid, especially water, each day. In addition, try some of the rich skin creams that have been made from all natural products without any harmful chemicals which are available from www.naturalhealthas.com

A pale complexion is not always an unhealthy sign, as some have a perfect but ‘English Rose’ complexion.  However, a pale complexion can be due to anaemia, which is commonly experienced by menstruating women and vegetarians are also susceptible, who, perhaps are not eating an adequate diet, particularly low in iron, B12.  These nutrients are most abundant in meat products and dairy foods, so it is easy to for these groups to become deficient.  Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables and nuts and seeds, which are a good source of iron.  Most cereals are fortified with iron and folic acid.  Lean meat, eggs and to a lesser extent fish are good sources of B12. Vegetarians should concentrate on using fortified soya milk and consider taking a B complex vitamin supplement.

Cracking and peeling lips is often associated with an insufficiency of vitamin B12.  Concentrate on eating low fat dairy products, lean meat, whole grains and green vegetables.  Use a good quality lip balm, and concentrate on eating essential fatty acids to soften skin.

Cracking at corners of mouth or corners of the eyes is associated with poor dietary intake of iron and vitamins B2 and B6.  Vegetarians and women with heavy periods are susceptible to this condition, which can be resolved by eating iron from meat and non-meat sources.  The B vitamins can be found in whole-grains, eggs, meat and dairy products. A good quality multi vitamin and mineral supplement containing iron and B vitamins could be helpful.

Red greasy skin may be hormonally related, worsening premenstrually, and can be helped by taking a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement like Optivite which contains good levels of the B vitamins and zinc, necessary for skin health.  Avoid saturated fats in the form of red meat and full fat dairy products plus keep refined carbohydrates, like sugar and white bread and flour to a minimum.  Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables every day is advisable and consume at least 6 glasses fluid, particularly water.

Rough pimply skin:  drink plenty of water, at least 6 glasses each day, and ensure adequate intake of essential fats and the mineral zinc to improve skin health and reduce the dryness.  Body brushing is often helpful as well as the use of a good quality moisturising cream made with natural ingredients.

Red scaly skin rash: may be due to food sensitivities or allergies, and it may be useful to follow the simple exclusion diet in the Real Life Diet.  Dairy foods, shellfish, wheat and citrus fruit can inflame the rash.

Eczema:  Is often food related,  and can be aggravated by citrus fruit, dairy products and wheat.  It can be improved by avoiding these foods and rinks and by consuming a nutrient dense diet as well as supplements of essential fatty acids, zinc and B vitamins.   Sufferers often have an inability to convert the omega-6 fatty acids into their inflammatory properties, so it is suggested that an evening primrose oil supplement like Efamol is consumed daily.

Psoriasis: a skin disorder characterised by rapid growth of cells, taking 8 days to grow and mature, compared with a normal 28 days.  Skin cells accumulate, creating a thick layer of dry flaky cells.  It can manifest all over the body, particularly the face and scalp.

Nutritional therapy involves slowing down the cycle of cell growth and maturation, dependent on vitamin A, found in oily fish and low fat dairy products.  Most cereals and breads are fortified with folic acid, and green vegetables are inherently rich in this vitamin.  The minerals, zinc and selenium are found in abundance in seafood and nuts and seeds, and calcium is found in low fat dairy products, green leafy vegetables and nuts and seeds.  The essential fatty acids help soften the skin cells, and make the cell membranes more flexible.  Eat plenty of oily fish and nuts and seeds to ensure an adequate intake.

Wrinkles: are often the result of excess sunlight, particularly without using protection in the form of sunscreen and sunglasses.  Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly those with a dark green, red and yellow hue which contain plenty of antioxidants.  Selenium and zinc are found in seafood and nuts and seeds. Try using Arkopharma Phyto Soya Face Cream, which has been shown to decrease the depth of wrinkles significantly within 4 weeks (available from www.naturalhealthas.com or by mail order from +44 (0) 207 631

Hair and scalp

Generalised hair loss:  Old age can exacerbate this condition, as can an inadequate intake of iron and vitamin C.  Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) can also account for hair thinning and loss.

Dandruff: Can be more prevalent in people with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis and is often thought to be caused by a fungal infection.  Eat plenty of essential fatty acids, most prevalent in oily fish, nuts and seeds and Biotin rich foods including lean meat and dairy products and wholegrains.  Use anti-dandruff shampoos and perhaps apply evening primrose oil topically.  Using tea tree shampoo which has natural anti-fungal/bacterial properties can also help.

Nails

Brittle nails, flattened upturned nails:  iron deficiency due to either heavy menstrual bleeding, an inadequate vegetarian diet or malabsorption of the mineral.  Ensure you are eating plenty of fresh green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds and lean meat occasionally if you are not vegetarian.

White spots on nails: is sometimes thought to be due  to zinc deficiency, often seen in women with inadequate dietary intake of nuts, seeds and fish.  Malabsorption can present a problem, so any concerns should be investigated.  Taking a supplement of hydrochloric acid facilitates zinc absorption. Take zinc supplements separately from food, preferably at night, for maximum absorption.  (However, it can cause nausea, so take with food if a problem)

Mouth

Soft bleeding, spongy gums: May be due to deposits of plaque as well as nutritional deficiencies. Ensure good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing teeth twice daily to improve overall teeth and gum health.  Eat plenty of vitamin C rich fresh fruit and vegetables daily. Aim for at least 4 servings of vegetables, plus a salad and 3 pieces of fresh fruit.  Visit your dentist if gum health doesn’t improve.  A supplement of CoQ10 facilitates oxygen distribution to the gums, as does brushing with fennel toothpaste

Red tongue: Often due to a lack of B vitamins, which are commonly in short supply, particularly vitamin B12 in vegetarians.

Sore, smooth tongue, or recurrent mouth ulcers:  Can be associated with food sensitivity, particularly where mouth ulcers are concerned.  Try avoiding wheat and gluten in the form of bread, pasta, cakes and biscuits containing wheat for 6 weeks.  A coated, sore tongue may also point to a food intolerance, exacerbated by sugary foods and refined carbohydrates.  Consume a range of wholesome foods, particularly those rich in B vitamins and zinc.

Body

Spare ‘tyre’ and fat stomach:  having a genetic predisposition to storing fat around the stomach can make weight loss difficult. Plus, a lack of abdominal exercise can weaken muscle tone.  Falling oestrogen levels also contribute to spreading at the middle at the time of the menopause. Phytoestrogen rich foods including soya products, pulses and linseeds and plenty of exercise will help.  Further information can be found in the book Beat Menopause Naturally which is part of the Natural Menopause Kit and available from www.naturalhealthas.com or +44 (0) 207 631 4235

Cellulite: can be a result of digestive problems, such as constipation, where toxins accumulate instead of being efficiently excreted can increase cellulite levels.  Elevated levels of the female hormone, oestrogen can worsen cellulite, which is often the reason why women experience heavier legs premenstrually. Caffeine can also exacerbate cellulite. Substitute herbal teas like Rooibos and cereal based coffee alternatives.  Arkopharma Mincifit Gel, which contains phyto-active ingredients designed to speed up the metabolism of fats, water and toxins and remodel the appearance of the skin se cellulite and is available from www.naturalhealthas.com

Saggy Breasts: regular exercise for the pectoral muscles helps maintain firm breasts.  Putting on weight often increases breast size, therefore they are less likely to stay pert.

Stretch Marks: often appear during and after pregnancy, where the skin has stretched to accommodate the growing foetus.  Zinc deficiency has been linked with stretch marks.  Zinc is essential for the metabolism of vitamin A, which is necessary for the integrity of our skin cell membranes.  Vitamin E taken in supplement form and applied topically can minimise the appearance of stretch marks.  Zinc predominates in seafood, and seeds, particularly pumpkin seeds.  Eat plenty of wholegrains and nuts and seeds to ensure an adequate vitamin E intake. Try using Arkopharma Mincifit Stretch Mark Cream which has shown positive results in clinical trials is available from the shop at www.natualhealthas.com

Thread veins and varicose veins: thread and varicose veins are often hereditary.  Thread veins are less of a problem, and don’t really present with any pain or discomfort.  Varicose veins can be exacerbated by long term constipation where constant straining and pressure is placed on the bowel.   Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, particularly rutin are useful due to their ability to strengthen capillaries.  Fresh fruit and vegetables and a good source of bioflavonoids.

Pimply skin or upper arms and thighs: often worse during the winter months when arms and thighs are not exposed to sunlight.  They are often exacerbated by a deficiency of essential fatty acids and vitamin E which are necessary for soft, smooth skin.  Ensure an adequate intake of unsalted nuts and seeds, which provide good levels of vitamin E, and oily fish, which are rich in essential fatty acids.

Beauty Foods

Eating yourself beautiful will necessitate having three good fresh meals each day with wholesome between meal snacks on days when you are particularly hungry.  Plus, taking plenty of exercise, and getting out in the sunlight when possible.  If you decide that you need to top up on certain nutrients, you may need to take a supplement as well as making improvements to your diet.  Take a look at the nutrient content charts and choose the foods that you like, gradually making your diet more nutrient dense.

 

Nutrient Dense Foods

Vitamin A – Retinol

Lambs liver

Butter

Margarine

Cheddar cheese

Porridge made with milk

Milk

herring

 

B Vitamins

Muesli

Rice Krispies

Corflakes

Brazil nuts

Almonds

Walnuts

Prawns

Turkey

Chicken

Lamb

Cheddar cheese

Eggs

Salmon

Sardines

pilchards

Liver

Kidney

Soya

Chickpeas

Asparagus

 

Vitamin E

Sunflower oil

Hazelnuts

Almonds

Rapeseed oil

Pine nuts

Sweet potato

Olive oil

Peanut butter

Walnuts

Muesli

Avocado

Mushrooms

Onions

Butter

Spinach

Parsley

Watercress

Tomoto

Egg

Broccoli

 

Iron

Soya flour

Rice krispies

Cornflakes

Muesli

Wholemeal flour

Lentils

Soya beans

Beef

Lamb

Brazil nuts

Egg

Spinach

Baked beans

Green peppers

 

Manesium

Brazil nuts

Almonds

Soya flour

Muesli

Wholemeal bread

Prawns

Banana

Lentils

Herring

Spinach

Baked beans

Salmon

Lamb turkey

Cod

Cheese

Avocado

Beef

 

Zinc

Beef

Lamb

Brazil nuts

Almonds

Wholemeal flour

Muesli

Turkey

Cheese

Pawns

Chicken

Lentils

Eggs

Soya bean and milk

Spinach

Tomatoes

Herring

Cod

Baked beans milk

Green peppers

Essential fatty acids

Sunflower, rapeseed, walnut and corn oil

Almonds, walnuts and Brazil nuts

Sunflower seeds

Soya

Mackerel, herring and salmon