Skin

Skin Recommended nutrients: • Vitamin C is required for skin health and collagen synthesis, giving the skin structure and firmness. • Hyaluronic acid acts as an internal moisturiser, drawing moisture to the skin and working to hydrate and plump up the skin, reducing wrinkles. • Zinc encourages healthy skin and prevents scarring. Skin conditions such as eczema can be a result of zinc deficiency. • Vitamin E prevents and treats skin scarring and acts as an anti-oxidant. • MSM is a form of sulphur which promotes the production of collagen in the skin, and promotes the growth of healthy hair and nails. • Vitamin A is necessary for healthy skin tissue. Deficiency causes ‘chicken skin’ – bumpy skin on the back of the arms, and dry, flaky skin. • Essential fatty acids increase the moisture content of skin, decreasing dryness and inflammation. • B Vitamins help to maintain skin health and quality. • Selenium is a mineral with anti-oxidant properties, protecting the skin from damage and encouraging healthy skin growth. • Silica strengthens the skin, hair and nails. • Include plenty of protein in your diet. Hair, skin and nails are produced from a substance called keratin, which our bodies produce from protein. Either add protein powder to your diet, or get your protein from foods such as nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, organic meat, beans and lentils. The daily recommended dose of protein is 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight. • Aim to drink 1.5 – 2 litres of water per day. • Include plenty of anti-oxidants in the diet such as berries, fruits, vegetables and nutrient dense super foods. • Foods which are rich in essential fatty acids such as oily fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and nuts. • Reduce stress in your life, as this affects the quality of hair, skin and nails.