Each month we pose questions from the Del Mar Community to our resident health and skincare expert, Andi Wright.
In this April edition of ‘Ask Me Anything’, Andi discusses a technique that allows you to eat as much as you like and STILL lose weight…
A healthier alternative to thickening shampoo for adding volume to brittle hair…
And how to keep your skin hydrated, without slathering on topical moisturizer.
Question 1: “My hair is so thin and brittle, and using hair thickening shampoo doesn’t help much. What do you recommend I do instead?”
Most women struggle with thinning hair after age 40. And it can be really damaging emotionally, due to how it triggers a sense of lost vitality.
Applying hair thickening shampoo can seem like an easy fix.
But here’s the truth: while thickening shampoos can temporarily plump up the hair shaft and make your hair “look” thicker…
They don’t address the root cause of thinning, brittle strands.
Just like the rest of your body, your hair follicles crave key nutrients and vitamins to grow thick, healthy hair.
Here are the top nutrients for luscious locks:
1) Biotin: This B vitamin is critical for keratin production, the protein that makes up your hair structure. Biotin helps strengthen the hair shaft and reduce shedding. You can find Biotin in eggs, almonds, and sweet potatoes.
2) Iron: Ferritin (stored iron) depletion is a common cause of female hair loss. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the hair follicle to support growth. You can boost your iron levels with lean red meat, spinach, lentils and pumpkin seeds.
3) Omega-3s: These healthy fats nourish the hair shaft for silky, shiny strands. Omega-3s also address the inflammation that can lead to thinning hair. You can get a daily dose of Omega-3s from fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts.
These nutrients are just for starters.
Your hair needs a wide selection of vitamins, minerals, and botanicals to grow back thick, lucious, and shiny.
It’s for this exact reason Dr. Chasan formulated RejuvaTress.
RejuvaTress is formulated based on a proprietary P3 Hair Protocol to support beautiful, lustrous hair growth, and help you send “Follicle Failure” into reverse.
Find out more about RejuvaTress
Question 2: “My skin is so dry at this time of year. But my moisturizer keeps causing breakouts. What should I do?”
Dry, flaky skin is a common complaint this time of year. But slathering on heavy moisturizers can often lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Try a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula instead. Look for products containing ingredients that pull water into the skin, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera.
These lightweight ingredients deeply hydrate without leaving a greasy residue that can breed bacteria. And will help your skin lock in moisture without suffocating your pores.
Yet an even better way to hydrate your skin is from the inside out.
When you nourish your skin internally with the right nutrients, you’ll be amazed at how much less moisturizer you need
The beauty of this inside-out approach is that it works long-term to keep your skin’s moisture levels stable and breakouts at bay.
Foods that help keep the skin hydrated are typically rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Here are some that are particularly beneficial:
1. Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and herring are great for skin hydration due to their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Avocados: High in healthy fats that keep skin flexible and moisturized.
3. Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts and sunflower seeds, in particular, are packed with essential fatty acids that help lock in moisture.
4. Sweet Potatoes: A good source of vitamin A, which is vital for skin repair and moisture retention.
Including these foods in your diet can help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Another option is to try HydraGlo.
HydraGlo is specially formulated to flood your skin with hyaluronic acid (HA), which acts like a “cellular sponge” for moisture… keeping your skin plump, smooth, and dewy.
Question 3: “I’d love to lose some weight in time for summer, but I enjoy eating and don’t want to take anything that suppresses my appetite. Any suggestions?
Let’s face it, food is one of life’s great pleasures.
It’s depressing to think that the conversation on weight loss has shifted from sensible food choices to appetite suppression (and all the health complications that go with it).
Well, I’m here to push the conversation back…
Because when you eat the right foods you don’t need to sacrifice the pleasure of food to slim down.
So what are the best foods that will satisfy your hunger while helping you to lose weight?
Foods that are high in protein!
Protein is the most satiating macronutrient. It quells hunger and reduces cravings better than carbs or fat.
Protein also takes more energy to digest, so you actually burn MORE calories just by eating it!
Aim to include a quality protein source in your meals, and replace sugary biscuits with protein snacks when feeling peckish.
Here are 3 delicious, protein-packed snack ideas to keep you on track:
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: With 6 grams of protein, eggs are a filling, nutritious snack that you can eat on the go. Sprinkle with paprika to give its flavor a kick.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Greek yogurt boasts twice the protein of regular yogurt, clocking in at 15-20 grams per cup. Add fresh berries and a sprinkle of low-sugar granola for a satisfying midday treat.
- Turkey Roll-Ups: Roll up a few slices of turkey with hummus or guacamole in spinach leaves and sliced bell peppers. The turkey and hummus combo packs a powerful 15 grams of protein to ward off cravings.
With these high protein snacks, the only thing you’ll be suppressing is mindless midday eating!
You’ll also be burning more calories and giving yourself an energy boost at the same time.
Then if you’d like to take the weight loss benefits of eating more protein to the next level, try taking Inner Light as well.
Inner Light activates an enzyme called AMPK… which acts like a switch for your metabolism. And when AMPK is activated, your body burns up carbs and sugars faster, allowing you to slim down after every meal.
Find out more about Inner Light
Have Any Beauty Questions Of Your Own?
So that’s a wrap on another edition of ‘Ask Me Anything’.
Have any questions on beauty, health, or supplementation?
We’d love to hear them!
Just send us an email and we’ll submit your question to Andi Wright.
We reply to every email we get. And we may feature the answer in a future edition of ‘Ask Me Anything’.
