| Sympton |
Possible Cause |
Why it Happens |
Quick Fix |
FEET AND
LEG CRAMPS,
ESPECIALLY
AT NIGHT |
- Lack of calcium and magnesium
- Excess phosphorus (in soft drinks) displaces calcium
|
- Stress and caffeine can displace these minerals
- Lack of exercise and poor digestion
|
- Exercise reduces stress, builds muscles and bones
- A digestive enzyme supplement helps absorb minerals
- Increase intake of foods high in calcium (yogourt, salmon, dark green vegetables) and magnesium (soy, nuts, whole grains, even chocolate)
|
| VARICOSE VEINS |
- Genetic weakness
- Lack of exercise
- Chronic constipation (too many refined foods)
|
- Poor diet combined with sedentary lifestyle and genetic predisposition
|
- Exercise, and avoid standing for long periods
- Increase fibre intake and foods rich in vitamins C and E, bioflavonoids and zinc
- Try garlic, onions and ginger
|
DRY, LACK-
LUSTRE HAIR |
- Lack of protein; folic acid; B-6 and B-12; water; iron; vitamin C
|
- These nutrients help build a healthy blood supply, which carries oxygen
- Poor intake suffocates the hair and scalp
|
- Drink at least eight glasses of water on warm summer days-even more if you exercise regularly
- Eat more grains, fruit, nuts and seeds
- Add vitamin C to your diet since it helps your hair grow
|
| SLOW NAIL GROWTH OR WEAK NAILS |
- Lack of protein; vitamins E, K and C; iron; zinc; selenium
|
- Proper circulation to nail beds requires ample amounts of these nutrients for nail growth
|
- Select whole-grain breads
- Eat at least five fruits and vegetables per day
|
| DULL, DRY SKIN |
- Low protein; lack of folic acid and other B vitamins; copper; iron; water
|
- An inadequate amount of these nutrients can cut off the skin’s supply, and toxic waste products can accumulate
|
- Drink extra water instead of iced tea or coffee, since these beverages act as a diuretic
|
| SUN-DAMAGED, SAGGING SKIN |
- Lack of the antioxidant nutrients: vitamins C and E; beta carotene; selenium
|
- The nutrients slow skin’s aging by blocking free radicals
- Vitamin C aids collagen formation, a lack of which causes reduced oil production
|
- Include orange juice at breakfast and two other vitamin C-rich snacks during the day
- For beta carotene, eat baby carrots
- Try a supplement to get 100 IUs of vitamin E
|
