Sign Language: Signs that may identify hidden health concerns!

1) Nails - Sign -- Soft, brittle, splitting or white bands on the nails. These signs often are indications of a mineral or vitamin deficiency.

-- Hangnails - Lack of protein, folic acid or Vitamin C

-- Dryness / Brittleness - Lack of Vitamin A and Calcium

-- Splitting & Discoloration - Lack of Vitamin B12

-- White Bands - Lack of Protein

-- White Spots - Lack of Zinc

-- Cuts, Cracks - Lack of liquids including water

-- Red Skin Around Nails - Lack of essential fatty acids or poor metabolism. (A multi-vitamin/multi-mineral supplement could help plus adding a daily fish oil supplement )

2) Lips - Sign -- Dry, Chapped Lips - Are often signs of dehydration. Drink lots of water (8 glasses), herbal tea, water - rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, grapefruit. For a quick fix, puncture a Vitamin E capsule and apply directly to lips

3) Eyes - Sign -- Dark under-eye circles - Some possible reasons include:  Genetics, fluid retention, allergies, dehydration, iron deficiency.

Drink plenty of water, get plenty of sleep, apply cold compresses  (yes, cucumbers or tea bags work great!) and avoid salt ! Eat lots of high anti oxidant foods such as blueberries, onions, legumes, parsley, green tea which helps strengthen blood vessels under the eyes.

Sign -- Puffy Eyes - Constant puffy eyes can be a sign of a food allergy or sensitivity. Try swapping inflammatory foods such as dairy, red meat, alcohol, refined flour, sugar and deep-fried food for anti inflammation foods such as fruit, vegetables, essential fat found in cold water fish and nuts, fish oil supplement, vitamin C, Drink lots of water.

Drop in and purchase a gift certificate,  "The Gift of Relaxation", for your special Mom!