We all want to look our best, so when things start going wrong with our appearance it’s easy to start splashing out on expensive lotions, potions, and treatments. While some of these, of course, can be effective, often it’s changing your diet and lifestyle that will make the most impact. When your body is healthy and nourished on the inside, it will reflect on the outside leaving you looking your very best. Foods, herbs, and spices have been used for centuries to treat all kinds of issues, so if you’re suffering from any of the following- here are some tips on foods that you can add to your diet.

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For Brittle Hair and Weak Nails

Beautiful hair will never go out of style, and shiny lush locks are a sign of youth and vitality. As a woman, your hair is sure to be a large part of your identity too, which is why ‘bad hair days’ really are unpleasant. Tips like brushing carefully, avoiding too much heat, chemicals and using the right products can physically help your hair. I personally add 1 drop Young Living Lavender Essential Oil and Young Living Cedarwood Essential Oil to my shampoo and massage it into my scalp in order to improve the overall appearance of healthy-looking hair. However, as well as taking care of your hair externally, one of the most important things that you can do is to take care of your hair from the inside out. Protein is the building blocks of cells, and so it’s important to make sure you have enough in your diet. Adequate protein (from lean sources to avoid excess fat) such as soy, beans, and even vegetables! Peas, spinach, kale, and broccoli are also high in protein, and of course, any kind of vegetable is going to be packed with the good stuff that will benefit your entire body.

For Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins, you might wonder. Well, these are veins that have become enlarged and twisted, and can also be painful. They’re commonly seen on the legs and tend to occur more in older people although you can get them when you’re younger and even children can develop them in rare cases. There are excellent surgical treatments that can remove unsightly varicose veins, but before you go under the knife there are other things you can try first- or even prevent them from forming in the first place. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising but without standing for too long each day can be helpful. Eat foods that are anti-inflammatory, these include high-fiber foods, high-antioxidant foods, and natural diuretics. Add leafy greens, tomatoes, olive oil, nuts, and fruits to your diet. You can read more about anti-inflammatory foods here.

For Acne

In many cases, acne is hormonal. While your doctor will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment for you, to help reduce it naturally (or maintain healthy skin if you don’t have acne) there are a number of foods you should aim to eat and healthy skin care tips to consider. Probiotics can help to reduce inflammation and therefore reduce acne breakouts; my favorite Vegan and Gluten-Free probiotic is Life9 (you can buy it here). Foods like walnuts, avocados (my personal favorite), carrots and dark leafy greens are also great. Unprocessed fruits and vegetables will help your skin look its best, which is no surprise! Avoid certain kinds of dairy, sugar and fatty foods which can contribute to clogged skin and breakouts. Use herbs and spices to make food taste good, instead of things like oil, fats, and sugar.