Warning Signs Your Diet Is Hurting Your Skin, Hair & Nails | Dermatologist Explains

About this video

• Video Title: Warning Signs Your Diet Is Hurting Your Skin, Hair & Nails | Dermatologist Explains
• Channel: Dr Dray
• Speakers: Dr. Dray
• Duration: 13:59

Overview

This video explains how changes in skin, hair, and nails can be indicators of dietary deficiencies or imbalances. Dr. Dray, a dermatologist, discusses common warning signs and links them to specific nutrient needs, emphasizing the importance of a balanced, long-term dietary pattern over fad diets or miracle supplements.

Key takeaways

• Skin as a Window: Skin, hair, and nails can signal internal health issues, particularly those related to diet.
• Dietary Impact on Skin: Dull skin, dryness, flakiness, and slow wound healing can indicate deficiencies in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, protein, or zinc. Angular cheilitis (cracking at the corners of the mouth) can be linked to deficiencies in B12, folate, riboflavin, or iron.
• Hair Health and Diet: Hair shedding, brittle strands, and dullness can be signs of nutrient deficiencies. Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, and selenium is vital for hair growth, but both too little and too much can be problematic. Restrictive or ultra-processed diets can negatively impact hair.
• Nail Changes and Nutrition: Brittle, peeling, ridged, or spoon-shaped nails can indicate iron, zinc, or protein deficiencies. Pale nail beds might suggest anemia due to low iron or B12.
• Ultra-processed Foods: Diets heavily reliant on ultra-processed foods, high in refined sugars and sodium, can negatively affect skin by promoting glycation, leading to a sallow, less elastic complexion and contributing to signs of aging.
• Importance of Balanced Diet: Prioritizing a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats is crucial for overall health and the well-being of skin, hair, and nails.
• Seeking Professional Advice: It's important to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis of potential nutrient deficiencies, as the causes can be complex and not solely diet-related.