Dry skin, Brittle nails and excess facial hair. 3 warning signs of disease

Do you have dry skin, brittle naiks or excess facial hair? These symptoms may appear insignificant but often they are warning signs that your body is experiencing dis-ease and reqiure attention. Read on to find out what they potentially mean and what to do about them.


Dry Skin

This is the most common of all body signs indicating disease. Dry skin is typically a sign of dehydration. A body that is moderately healthy and receives an adequate amount of water should have a soft and supple skin texture. Severely dry skin can be a sign of kidney failure; this is typically seen in people with diabetes. Ironically, a great majority of people that have kidney failure fail to drink adequate amounts of water because they don't get thirsty or they can't drink more than a few sips per hour. This happens when they body is retaining fluids.

The kidneys retain fluids when the body is not receiving enough water. Think of it as your body holding tight to all the water because it doesn't know when more is coming. This turns into a vicious cycle because it keeps you feeling full and therefore thinking that you don't need more water when, in reality, you do. Help your body by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon to every cup of water you drink. The lemon will help kickstart kidney function and dissolve any impurities that may be causing a blockage, such as kidney stones. A brisk walk for a minimum of 15 minutes could also be beneficial in case of fluid retention.

Brittle Nails

Nails that are brittle, have ridges (vertical or horizontal) or white specks indicate a severe lack of minerals. Nails that are pale and brittle can indicate anemia, a lack of red blood cells. Iron is one of the main ingredients in red blood cells. This takes us back to a lack of minerals. Eat food rich in minerals, such as lentils, soybeans, spinach, mushrooms, seaweed and beets, to help meet your daily mineral needs and strengthen your nails.

Excess Facial Hair

A hormonal imbalance is typically the cause of excess facial hair along the jawline, upper lip, and chin. Medically known as hirsutism, this condition primarily affects women but can also affect men. Waxing and shaving will only help temporarily. Hirsutism is caused by an overproduction of male hormones known as androgen's. Women experiencing a hormone imbalance tend to have one or more of the following issues:

• Acne
• Diabetes
• Balding
• Deepening voice
• Decrease in breast size
• Problematic/irregular menstrual cycles
• Lack of energy during daytime
• Weight gain (particularly in midsection and hips)
• Trouble losing weight

Stay away from foods that may contain added hormones like chicken and milk. The added hormones in these foods can exacerbate the problem. Additionally, avoid foods packed in plastics. Some plastics contain compounds, such as BPA, that cause hormonal imbalances.


Dominick Hussey
 
Osteopath and Functional Medicine Practitioner  
Ottawa Holistic Wellness