At AltaMed, we’re big believers in eating healthy to stay healthy. But as it happens, eating a diet full of vitamins and nutrients doesn’t just make you feel good, it makes you look good, too. Here are a few recommendations that will help you feel beautiful, from the inside out.

For Your Skin

Did you know your skin is actually your body’s largest organ? The skin tells us a lot about a person’s health, habits, and age – no wonder it’s so important to keep it looking good.
 

• Drinking water has so many benefits both for your health and your appearance. It can give you a youthful glow and keep your skin looking plump and full. Staying properly hydrated with water also helps your cells function properly, which can prevent premature hair loss.
• We don’t recommend eating your sunscreen, but we have to bring up SPF, anyway. It’s one of the most important ways to protect your skin and keep it looking healthy.
• Besides sun exposure, one of the worst things you can do for your skin is drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol sucks the moisture out of your skin, which also makes it harder for your skin to absorb nutrients. It also promotes inflammation which, over time, contributes to a ruddy, reddish complexion.
• If you suffer from acne, there are a number of foods that can make it worse. Avoid simple sugars and carbs (like the kind found in soda, candy, and white rice). Doctors aren’t sure why, but a diet filled with high-fiber foods like oatmeal, pears, and apples may help improve acne.

For Your Nails

Your nails (and hair) are made up of a protein called keratin. Keratin is a living tissue, but the nails you paint and trim are actually dead cells. That’s why it doesn’t hurt when you cut your nails or hair.
 

• Stress can actually make your nails stop growing. Fight stress with antioxidant-rich superfoods like blueberries, dark chocolate (in moderation), and cashews. Each has nutrients that fight inflammation and support your overall health.
• If you want long, strong nails, the biotin found in eggs, cauliflower, almonds, and spinach can strengthen brittle nails, making them less likely to split or break.
• Weak nails that peel can be a symptom of iron deficiency or dehydration. To get your iron, add lentils, broccoli, shellfish, and quinoa to your plate (and fill up your glass with water).
• Trying to grow healthy nails after you’ve had acrylics? Walnuts are rich in omega-3 and vitamin E, which can reduce inflammation and promote cell health to help strengthen your nails and give them a shinier appearance. Plus, walnuts can help keep your brain sharp, so start snacking!

For Your Hair

Our hair is one of the most noticeable things about us. Instead of spending a lot of money in the shampoo aisle, focus on these healthy-eating habits for full and shiny hair.
 

• Avocados are full of the healthy fats and B vitamins that can help your hair stay soft and glossy.
• Fortified cereals, animal livers, dark leafy greens, and lentils are packed with iron that can prevent premature hair loss.
• Sweet potatoes and orange produce like carrots, pumpkins, and mangoes are high in beta-carotene that gets turned into scalp-nourishing vitamin A which can make your hair shine.
• Protein-rich and healthy foods such as Greek yogurt and lean poultry help your hair grow. These foods also contain the B vitamins that can fight hair loss and thinning.

Loving how you look is important, but your health should always come first! If you’re eating good foods but still don’t feel healthy and energetic, contact us today at (888) 499-9303. We offer primary care and specialty care to support women and their families at every stage of life.