12 Foods for Stronger Nails and Thicker Hair Get tougher nails and thicker hair by filling up on these beauty-boosting foods.No doubt you know that eating healthy is good for you in a plethora of ways—it can decrease your risk of disease, improve your immune system, increase your energy levels and even affect your sleeping habits. But did you know certain foods can improve the way you look, too? Read on to find out which nutrients will give your hair and nails extra luster, strength and shine.Biotin (a.k.a. vitamin H) can improve hair that is splitting or thinning as well as strengthen weakened nails. Taken with zinc and the corticosteroid clobetasol propionate, biotin has even been used to treat alopecia, an autoimmune skin disease marked by the loss of hair. Nina DiBona, RD, dietitian and nutritionist at the Sports Club/LA in Boston, agrees. "A deficiency in biotin may result in brittle hair or even hair loss." An easy way to remember: The H in vitamin H stands for "haar and haut," which means "hair and nails" in German, DiBona notes.
Foods to Try: Bananas, beans, cauliflower, eggs, lentils, peanuts and salmon. Photo: ShutterstockTo get shinier hair, introduce more omega-3s into your diet, which "help support scalp health and may give your locks extra luster and shine," according to DiBona. The three active ingredients—alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid—are all essential fatty acids and "are important components of the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the epidermis that contains keratin and has water-holding capabilities. Deficiency in essential fatty acids can result in dry scalp or dandruff," she says.Foods to Try: Eggs, flaxseed, fish oil, mackerel, salmon, sardines, spinach, tuna and walnuts. Photo: ShutterstockProtein intake is important for many reasons, notably when it comes to hair and nails. Both "are made of structural proteins known as keratin, so adequate dietary protein is important for providing the building blocks for growing strong hair and nails," explains DiBona.
Lean meats are the easiest way to pack protein into your diet—just make sure to steer clear of any that are overly fatty.Foods to Try: Chicken, eggs, lean red meats, lowfat dairy, nuts, seafood, soybeans and whole grains. Photo: Shutterstock "Vitamin A helps produce a conditioning substance for the scalp known as sebum, which keeps hair looking and feeling healthy," says DiBona. In addition to these beauty benefits, this vitamin contributes to better eye health and immune system function, which keeps you vital and strong from head to toe.Foods to Try: Apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, Cheddar cheese, egg yolks, mangoes, oatmeal, spinach and sweet potatoes. Photo: ShutterstockZinc is another nutrient active in helping the immune system function properly, and DiBona also notes that it plays an important role in the formation of your connective tissues. "Zinc is a component of hundreds of enzymes in the body, some of which regulate the body's ability to make new proteins that will become building blocks of healthy hair and nails," she says.
"Alopecia, hair dryness and brittleness can be signs of zinc deficiency."Foods to Try: Cashews, green beans, lean beef, lobster, oysters and soybeans. Does this rare condition affect your child? Learn what you can do to help. Foot pain can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Find out when to see your doctor, and much more. Many people use orthotics to improve the function and stability of their feet. Learn about the various types of orthotics used to help restore mobility. There are five metatarsals in all. The metatarsals are the long bones located in our feet, between the tarsal (ankle) bones and the phalanges (toes). to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always seek the advice of a podiatrist, physician or other qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to your medical questions. By using this website, you agree to our Terms of Use. Word not found in the Dictionary and Encyclopedia.
Please try the words separately: Some articles that match your query: Vitamin R (Leading Us Along) Vitamin-B12 dependent methionine synthaseI recently got engaged to the love of my life! I knew beforehand that he would be proposing so I finally buckled down and figured out how to grow out my nails! I knew once I had a ring on, everyone would end up seeing my nails. My nails were not awful, but they were just SO hard to grow out! They would chip and peel once they actually started to get long. So I decided to conquer my nails once and for all! These are the things that worked for me: 1. Start with a clean cut nail. I cut all of my nails to the same length with a nail cutter. This way my nails have a good clean edge. If your nails have been ripped or have split, the edges are ragged and are more likely to continue ripping and splitting. 2. Be sure to use a nail file. DO NOT be tempted to pull off a ragged piece of your nail! Instead always file down the part that is causing the problem.
My favorite nail file is the Ruby Stone Crystal Nail File. It’s the file that my Mom, my sisters and I all use! 3. Filing your nail correctly is the secret and most important part for growing your nails! Do not zigzag file your nails! This just rips at them and can cause damage that will lead to your nails ripping and splitting later. Instead always file in one direction. Then when you’re finished filing the spot, to smooth and close the nail edge, file the nail completely perpendicular to the nail. Remember: always in one direction! 4. For me it always helps to have some sort of nail polish on even if it’s just a clear coat. It helps seal everything and keeps me from picking at my nails. 5. A little nail strengthener is amazing! 6. Everyday I apply nail cuticle creme. I also apply it after I wash my hands, because you want to prevent your nails from getting very dry. If they get too dry they easily become brittle and will break. 7. Finally, I noticed a significant difference when I started drinking Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials.