europa skin care : natural, organic & science-based skin care

Supplements

Vitamin, minerals and other supplements essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails




Top 5 Natural Hair Loss Remedies

#1 Saw Palmetto (320 mg daily) :  A natural DHT blocker which can greatly improve hair growth. 

#2 Pygeum (100mg 2x daily) : Addresses the cause of hair loss by blocking DHT binding sites and improving prostate health.

#3 Pumpkin seed oil (8 grams or 1 tablespoon daily) :  Inhibits DHT formation throughout the body and contains fatty acids that support thick hair. 

#4 Fish Oil (1,000mg daily) :  Fish oil helps reduce inflammation and thicken hair. 

#5 Aloe Vera Juice (1/2 cup 2x daily and shampoo) : Aloe vera juice can help naturally thicken hair.


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You may also try this supplement combo (from Prevention article):

  • Fish oil: 460 mg
  • Blackcurrant seed oil: 460 mg
  • Vitamin E: 5 mg
  • Vitamin C: 30 mg
  • Lycopene: 1 mg

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Nails: B vitamins are of particular importance for a vast array of body functions including cell growth. Vitamin B-12 helps to strengthen and improve nail growth. Iron deficiency is also relatively common and can result in white spots in the nails as well as ridges. This condition is known as koilonycia. Vitamin C, zinc and calcium also play a role in nail development.
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  • Vitamin A: prevents wrinkles and promotes dewy skin and strong nails. Food sources: dark green or dark orange fruit and vegetables
  • Biotin (vitamin B7)  : Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for normal growth and body function.  Biotin is a key regulatory element in gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and in the metabolism of some amino acids.  Alongside its role in energy production, biotin enhances the synthesis of certain proteins.  In addition, biotin promotes normal immunity and plays a critical role in skin health.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids : Omega-3 is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid that can be further broken down into three crucial fatty acids, ALA, EPA and DHA, which all aid the body with many important functions. Omega-3 can be found from cold-water fish sources as well as vegetable oils such as flaxseed, walnut, and canola.  Omega-3's help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels while maintaining blood pressure levels. Both EPA and DHA can be converted into prostaglandins which are anti-inflammatory substances. Omega-3's are also involved in brain function and energy production. It is important to maintain a balance in the amount of omega-3's and omega-6's in the body to ensure optimal health.
  • Vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12 : B Vitamins have many crucial roles within the body. There are about eight B vitamins, all working to help the body, in various manners, with the metabolization process, the conversion of enzymes, oxidation, transportation, and more.
  • Vitamin C : a key antioxidant that provides protection from free radicals, and helps to maintain collagen and blood vessels. Food sources: citrus fruit, tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli
  • Vitamin D : vital for your memory, skin, heart, bones, and arteries, and it helps fight off cancer. 75% of people don't get enough vitamin D. Recommended daily dose 1,000 mg; 1,200 mg after age 60.
  • Vitamin E: Also a potent antioxidant, E can help slow down the formation of wrinkles and improve the performance of your sunscreen. Look for dl-alpha-tocopherol on labels -- it's the only form that's been shown to produce noticeable improvements when used topically.
  • CoQ10 : this essential coenzyme helps transport energy to your heart and other cells of your body. Plus, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect those cells from damage caused by free radicals.
  • Pycnogenol : extracted from the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). It contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds acting both as a potent antioxidant and immuno-suppressor. 
  • SAM-e, or S-adenosyl-l-methionine, is an activated from of the essential amino acid methionine. SAMe is formed when ATP and methionine are combined. SAMe supports proper brain and liver function along with healthy connective tissues. SAMe plays an influential role in bone and joint strength. SAMe is present in most living cells and is not found abundantly in the diet, although methionine can be produced by the body.
  • Resveratrol : contains the same unique antioxidant found in red wine grapes. Helps fight the premature aging effects of cell-damaging free radicals. 
  • flax seed oil and or black currant oil
  • DMAE and other fish oil supplements
  • Lysine is an amino acid that the body cannot make -- it must be consumed in food.  It promotes the production of collagen and tissue maintenance, as well as healthy skin. Lysine is important in the production of the amino acid, carnitine, which converts fatty acids into energy thereby lowering cholesterol. Other names for lysine are L-lysine and amino acid K.
  • magnesium
  • selenium
  • probiotic supplements such as acidophilus
  • ellagic acid, an antioxidant precursor.
  • Carnosine, which helps prevent the process binding of sugars to proteins, a negative process called glycation that often occurs when foods are cooked at very high temperatures 
  • MSM 
  • Copper
  • Zinc