Last time I went for a pedi, I couldn't help but notice how many people came in with super dry cracked heels. While slathering on lotion can be a temporary solution, not many people realize the important role that nutrition plays in skin health. In fact, there are many visible bodily signs of malnutrition. Dry skin is certainly one of them.

When clients come to see me, I do a medical history form and a three day diet recall so that I can get  important background information. I also generally scan their face, skin, hair, and nails and this can give me some very strong signals of what they might need support with. I also prefer to start with a metabolic typing assessment . Some of us need way more dietary fat than others, and following the typical low fat diet that's recommended by most mainstream establishments may not be working for certain Metabolic Types. That's right! More dietary fat can be a good thing, if you're choosing the right kinds of oils. The right kind of fat will keep your skin soft and supple and will actually help you to lose weight! 

Vitamins A, C, E, and minerals selenium and zinc are crucial for healthy skin. So are essential fatty acids. Most of the time, boosting the diet with plenty of deep sea fish, flax seeds and purslane (excellent plant sources for the omegas), pumpkin seeds for zinc (tis the season!), and brazil nuts for selenium provides the body with nutrients to repair those dry cracked heels. 

Dry, dull, or thinning hair can be an indication of hormonal imbalances and/or protein deficiency. Dandruff is often due to fatty acid imbalances or can be caused by yeast overgrowth that comes from the overconsumption of sugar.

Peeling and ridges in the nails may indicate poor digestion and lack of stomach acid. White spots in the nail bed are an indication of low zinc which is crucial for immune function.

Rather than spend tons of money to cover up these problems with lotions and potions that are potentially harmful and cancer causing, why not make an investment in yourself and heal your body (and your heels!) from the inside out?  Come and see me for a health and beauty consultation before the holidaze. Mention this article and I'll email you a comprehensive list of chemicals you must avoid in "beauty" products.

Yours in Health,
Sylvie Nalezny, MA, CNE
www.realfoodnutrition.com