Q: My hair and nails are very dry and brittle and snap easily. Could an alternative remedy help?

A: You can think of your hair and nails as a barometer which can reflect the condition of your health in general. So if your hair and nails are under par, it’s possible that your diet, lifestyle and stress levels could do with some attention. Get a check up with your doctor as it can also be a sign of underactive thyroid. Essential fatty acids (found in oily fish, nuts and flaxseeds) play a part in keeping hair and nails strong and healthy, so boost your intake. Keep your iron levels up by eating plenty of greens, pulses and dried fruit. Snacking on nuts and seeds helps maintain high levels of fatty acids, zinc and protein – all important for healthy hair and nails – and you may also want to take a vitamin B complex supplement. Brittle nails can suggest a calcium or vitamin A deficiency, so try to eat at least six portions of fruit and vegetables a day. The herbs burdock and horsetail can help to condition and enhance nail and hair growth.

Mackerel is classed as an oily fish, along with other fish such as salmon, herrings, tuna etc. Oily fish provide us with important Omega 3 oils, which can help to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, soften the skin, increase immune function, increase metabolic rate, improve energy, help with arthritis (as they have an anti-inflammatory effect) and help with skin problems such as eczema. 100g of mackerel can provide 1000mg of Omega 3 fatty acids, while the same size piece of cod can contain only 300mg.

Mackerel not only contains these Omega 3 fats but is also a good source of selenium, vitamins B3, B6 and B12 and also vitamin D.

 

The Department of Health recommends that we should double our intake of Omega 3 oils by eating oily fish two to three times a week. But concerns have been raised about mercury intake from oily fish. The research has shown that the health benefits from eating oily fish definitely outweigh the risks. And that in fact we are not eating enough fish in general. The Harvard School of Public Health has shown that eating about six ounces of mackerel each week can reduce the risk of death from heart disease by a third.

Q: I suffer from rosacea and it seems to get worse when the sun shines. My face gets so red. Is there anything I can do?

A: Rosacea is a chronic condition that causes varying degrees of inflammation, typically on the cheeks and nose. It often begins between the ages of 30 and 50 and affects up to three times more women than men. It is more common in those who have a fair complexion.

 

Sunshine and heat can trigger rosacea, but instead of avoiding sunlight use a lightweight sunscreen containing the mineral blocks titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Avoid chemical sunscreens as they will aggravate rosacea and only use skin care products and cosmetics that are free from chemicals, preservatives and artificial emulsifiers. (If you need help getting these natural products go to www.naturalhealthpractice.com and click on Natural Lifestyle Products.)

 

Making sure your diet is as healthy as possible will also help ease inflammation. Avoid processed food, red meat, artificial sweeteners, preservatives and colours as they can make the condition worse. Smoking, tea, coffee, alcohol and foods high in added sugar should also be avoided. If possible aim to eat an organic diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole foods and drink between 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to help flush out toxins. But avoid tap water as it contains chlorine and fluoride, which are toxins your body will have to process.

 

You may also benefit from daily skin brushing to improve lymphatic drainage. Lymph congestion is associated with skin inflammation and a daily skin brush before your bath or shower, going towards your heart and avoiding your face, will help. Cleansing herbs, such as milk thistle or yellow dock, can also help maintain lymphatic health.

 

There may also be a link between stress and bouts of rosacea, so watch your stress levels. As far as supplements go, you may want to take a daily vitamin B complex – the B vitamins are essential for healthy skin and glowing complexion. Taking a teaspoon of cider vinegar, or a glass of lemon juice diluted with filtered water, before meals aids stomach acid production – this may also be beneficial as many people who suffer from rosacea often have poor digestion and nutrient absorption.

 

Follow the advice above, eat healthily, exercise regularly and watch your stress levels and you should see an improvement within two or three months.