Author: everbella
5 Signs Your Hair Needs A Protein Treatment
Taking care of your hair requires work from the inside out. If you’ve just started taking collagen, maybe your hair still has some lasting damage that hasn’t been replaced by your new, healthier hair yet.
But don’t worry, there are things you can do on the outside while your body works to strengthen your hair from the inside.
One of these things is a protein treatment. Protein treatments for your hair involve hydrating ingredients, proteins like collagen and keratin, and other nutrients. You can buy formulas made for this at the store to spray or lather into your hair and then rinse out. These hair masks can help your hair absorb much-needed compounds to allow it to be its best!
But how do you know if you need a protein treatment?
In today’s article, let’s look at 5 signs that indicate your hair may be in need of a protein treatment.
1. High porosity
When your hair has high porosity there are often tears and gaps in the strands that can make it more vulnerable to damage.
These gaps allow the hair to absorb too much water, casing frizz, tangles, and even color-loss.
A protein treatment can help fill in the gaps and seal them, strengthening the strands of your hair.
2. Loss of elasticity
If your hair has lost its natural curl, or it just won’t curl as well as you’d like, it could be due to your hair’s elasticity.
To measure your hair’s elasticity, take a strand of your hair (while it’s attached to your head) and wet it. Once wet, stretch the hair. Does it bounce back to its original length? Good! But if it doesn’t bounce back, looks limp, or breaks, it’s definitely in need of a protein boost.
A protein treatment can help hair gain back its elasticity by boosting its protein levels. This will allow your hair to be bouncier and easier to style!
3. Stringy or limp
If your hair is stringy, limp, or flat, it needs a protein boost.
Healthy hair should be durable and full. When it starts to look limp, it’s time for a protein treatment!
4. Gummy or sticky
If your hair just feels… odd. That’s not a good sign. If your hair feels sort of like it’s sticky, this means it has undergone some damage and is having difficulty repairing itself. This can occur from chemical treatments, heat, or some other exposure that stripped it of nutrients.
A protein treatment can help your hair reconstruct and return to those soft strands you want to run your fingers through!
5. Recently colored hair
Coloring your hair is fun and exciting! But the sad truth is, it can really put your hair through the ringer.
If you’re routinely coloring your hair, you should be doing a protein treatment just as – if not more – often.
However, even if you get it done once in a blue moon, it’s a good idea to ask your hair stylist to do a protein treatment beforehand. That way, your hair can have a better base of support during and after the color treatment.
Treating your hair
If you decide to go to the store to purchase a protein treatment for your hair, you may see in the directions that it’s advised to not overdo it.
Depending on ingredients, it’s best not to overload your hair with protein treatments, as this may cause a buildup which can damage your hair even more.
If you want to make your own protein treatment at home, all you need to do is mix one egg, two cups of plain Greek yogurt, and a tablespoon of coconut oil. It’s best to blend these ingredients, work them into your hair and allow it to sit for at least 15-20 minutes, then rinse and do a normal shampoo/conditioner wash of your hair.
Additionally, there are a ton of variations online when it comes to these homemade treatments, so feel free to explore and find one which works best for you!
Your hair is unique
With all of these points in mind, remember that your hair is unique to you. A hairstylist will be able to look at your hair and tell you how healthy it is and what it might need – whether that’s a protein treatment or something else.
Talk to your hairstylist about what’s best for the health of your individual hair on the outside.
Meanwhile, on the inside, collagen can help boost the health of your hair so that new hair grows strong and robust!
Butter Coffee — Recipe And Benefits
You may have heard of a trend that involves putting butter into your coffee. You may have then wondered why people are doing this and what the benefits could be.
In today’s article, I’ll go over what butter coffee is, how to make it, potential benefits, and possible risks.
Let’s jump right in!
What is butter coffee?
Butter coffee is a drink that consists of brewed coffee, unsalted butter, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
MCT’s are an easily digestible type of fat. To learn more about MCTs and their benefits, click here.
For this, you can use either coconut oil – which is high in MCTs – an MCT oil supplement, or any other product that contains MCTs.
Butter coffee is popular as a breakfast replacement for those following a keto diet, which is high in fat and low in carbs.
Others consume it for some potential benefits which we will cover in just a moment. Before that, though, let’s take a look at a butter coffee recipe so that you can see just how simple it is!
Butter coffee recipe
If you want to make a butter coffee, you’ll need your regular method of making coffee, a blender, and a few other things.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- About 1 cup of brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or Complete Collagen+
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Mix all ingredients in a blender and blend for 20-30 seconds.
Butter coffee nutrition
A typical cup of butter coffee can contain up to 445 calories and 50 grams of fat, without much else in terms of nutrition. And nearly 85% of the fat in butter is saturated fat. Too much saturated fat can raise levels of LDL cholesterol, ie. the bad type of cholesterol. [1]
For this reason, butter coffee isn’t a good replacement for a whole breakfast that can offer you a range of nutrients to keep you energized throughout your day.
So, does butter coffee have any benefits?
Claims around the benefits of butter coffee include that it provides lasting energy, boosts mental clarity, and supports fat loss by suppressing hunger.
Though no high-quality studies have been done on butter coffee itself, conclusions can be made based on some other research. Let’s take a look!
Does butter coffee suppress hunger?
Many believe that butter coffee can help you lose weight because it suppresses hunger, causing you to eat less. There may be some truth to this.
Butter coffee contains a large amount of fat, which slows digestion and can help you feel fuller for longer. [2, 3, 4, 5]
But what probably helps the most are the MCTs. If you’re using coconut oil or a supplement with MCTs, these specifically can help promote feelings of fullness, according to research. [6]
One study found that those who ate a breakfast containing MCT oil for 4 weeks consumed fewer calories throughout the day and lost more body weight than participants who didn’t include the MCT oil with their breakfast. [7]
And this isn’t the only research supporting it. Other studies have also found that the addition of MCTs into a weight loss regimen reduced hunger and led to greater weight loss. [8, 9, 10]
Can butter coffee boost energy?
Another big claim surrounding butter coffee is that – outside of the caffeine kick – it can provide long-lasting energy throughout the day without a crash.
Because of the fats causing a slower digestion, in theory it makes sense that the caffeine may digest slower and the benefits – such as boosted energy – will be spread throughout the day. However, research suggests that the effect of this is likely so negligible that it’s unnoticeable. [11]
That being said, the MCTs are well known for their ability to provide energy. This is because they’re fats with a shorter chain length and can be quickly broken down by the liver and used for energy. This can boost energy levels, kicking in rapidly and lasting over a long period. [12]
Does butter coffee provide mental clarity?
Some say that drinking a cup of butter coffee can provide you with mental clarity.
If you’re following a ketogenic diet – meaning you take in very low carbs and high fats – your body will take MCTs and convert them to ketones. These can be used as an energy source for your brain. While this process has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive decline, there isn’t any research showing that it can offer mental clarity. [13, 14, 15]
But that doesn’t mean butter coffee doesn’t provide mental clarity.
It does.
Why? Because it contains good old fashioned coffee. The caffeine within can boost mental focus and alertness. [16, 17, 18, 19]
Downsides to butter coffee
As I mentioned earlier, it’s best to start your day off with a nutritious breakfast. This can provide you with the fuel needed to be your most productive. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have butter coffee in the morning. Just make sure you’re eating as well.
But one thing to consider is how your body responds to cholesterol. Butter coffee contains a significant amount of cholesterol. While this doesn’t necessarily mean it will impact your cholesterol levels, approximately 25% of people are considered “cholesterol hyper-responders”. This means that foods high in cholesterol can significantly raise their blood cholesterol levels. [20, 21, 22]
If you’re one of these people, you should consider not adding butter coffee to your routine. But generally speaking, butter coffee is well-tolerated for most people!
If you plan to try butter coffee, just remember to keep a healthy balance in mind. Your body needs a wide range of nutrients to function optimally.
Want to have a butter coffee with a delicious caramel taste?
Or what about a normal coffee with a yummy touch?
Add Complete Collagen+!
References and resources
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-truth-about-fats-bad-and-good
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19225118/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4960974/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25226819/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30166637/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11880549/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12634436/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11571605/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12532160/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18326600/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223808/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4878196/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27080715/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6021549/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6356942/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5608989/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20888549/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4595381/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519490/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5946211/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11737237/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16596800/
7 Amazing Benefits Of MCTs
Due to coconut oil being largely made up of MCTs, and coconut oil carrying so many health benefits, people are realizing the advantages to taking MCTs.
But what are MCTs and what are their benefits?
In today’s article, I’m going to explain MCTs and 7 amazing health benefits that they can offer.
What are MCTs?
MCTs stands for medium-chain triglycerides. They’re a type of fat found in foods like coconut oil and are metabolized differently than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), a type of fat that is found in most other foods.
Triglyceride is the technical term for fat, named after its chemical structure – a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids.
When consumed, triglycerides are either burned for energy or stored as fat. Because they are medium-chain – meaning they have fewer carbon fatty acids than LCTs – MCTs are rapidly broken down and less likely to be stored as fat.
Because it’s digested quickly, MCTs can offer a boost of energy, both mentally and physically. But let’s get into the specific benefits offered by taking MCTs.
1. May promote weight loss
Many people have been finding luck managing their weight with MCTs. This may be why MCT oil is so popular amongst bodybuilders and athletes.
One reason MCT may be able to help with weight loss is because it releases two hormones that can promote the feeling of fullness – peptide YY and leptin. [1]
One study explored this by having participants have either coconut oil or MCT oil as part of their breakfast. Those who included MCT oil with their breakfast ended up eating less at lunch. The study also found a lower rise in triglycerides and glucose, which can also promote satiety. [2]
Other studies have found that MCT oil can help prevent obesity by reducing body weight and waist circumference. [3, 4, 5]
MCTs contain about 10% less calories than LCT’s, which are found in foods like olive oil, nuts, or avocados. This may also contribute to their weight management capabilities. [6, 7]
Also, if you’re following a ketogenic diet – consuming low carbs and high fat – MCTs may help you stay in ketosis since MCTs can be converted into ketones. [8, 9]
Finally, MCT’s can help promote healthy bacteria in the gut. This can promote weight loss as the presence of unhealthy bacteria in the gut has been attributed to weight gain and obesity. [10, 11]
2. Increases energy levels
As opposed to LCTs, MCTs don’t require bile to be broken down and can travel quickly from the gut to the liver. This is thanks to their shorter chain length. [12]
Once in the liver, fats are either used as energy or stored as fat. Because MCTs can easily enter cells without being broken down, they can immediately be used as a source of energy. [13]
And if you’re following a ketogenic diet, MCTs can be turned into ketones and pass through the blood-brain barrier where they’ll be used by your brain cells for energy.
3. May enhance workout performance
When working out, high lactate levels may negatively impact your performance.
Lactate is a substance produced by the body during exercise when it doesn’t have enough oxygen to create glucose. It then uses lactate as a source of energy. This is a problem because lactate can build up and increase the acidity of the muscles.
As it turns out, MCTs can help reduce the levels of lactate during exercise.
One study found that cyclists who took MCT oil before their workout had less lactate buildup and found it easier to exercise. [14]
The same study also found that MCTs may encourage your body to burn fat for energy instead of carbs, increasing fat burning.
A study done in mice also found that MCTs improved their endurance when swimming. [15]
4. May reduce cognitive decline
Diseases related to declining cognition inhibit the brain’s ability to use sugar. [16]
But, especially if on a ketogenic diet, MCTs can offer an alternative energy source for brain cells. Not only that, but ketones can block a receptor in the brain which causes memory loss. [17]
One study found that just one dose of MCTs improved short-term cognition in 20 people with Alzheimer’s disease. [18]
Other research has found MCTs to be a promising contender for treating cognitive decline. [19]
5. Has antibacterial and antifungal effects
MCTs have demonstrated powerful antibacterial and antifungal capabilities. [20, 21, 22]
One study found that coconut oil – which is high in MCTs – reduced the growth of Candida albicans by 25%. This is a yeast that can cause several different types of skin infections. [23]
In another study, coconut oil also reduced the growth of Clostridium difficile, also a disease-causing bacteria. [21]
And MCTs themselves have been shown to lower the growth of an infectious fungus in hospitals by 50%. [22]
6. Supports heart health
MCTs have been shown to reduce the risk of heart issues by lowering factors related to poor heart health.
One study involving overweight men found that supplementing MCTs lowered overall cholesterol by 12.5%. [23]
Another study also found that coconut oil increased levels of HDL cholesterol, the good type of cholesterol, which helps protect the heart. [24]
Other research has found that MCTs can reduce several other heart disease risk factors, such as inflammatory markers that can impact the heart. [25, 26, 27]
7. Can help manage blood sugar
MCTs may be able to help those struggling with blood sugar issues by reducing fat storage and increasing fat burning. [28]
One study compared daily intake of MCTs with LCTs. They found that those taking MCTs every day saw reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and insulin resistance. [29]
Another study found that taking in MCTs helped diabetics better manage their blood sugar levels. [30]
How to get MCTs
Coconut oil and palm oil are the best food sources of MCTs. Milk and yogurt contain some amounts of MCTs as well.
If you’re looking for a regular and reliable intake of MCTs in order to experience the benefits listed above, I have good news for you.
Complete Collagen+ contains MCTs!
Sourced from coconuts, the MCTs in our highly bioavailable Complete Collagen+ can help support a healthy lifestyle.
To see what other amazing ingredients are in Complete Collagen+ (and how they can help you) CLICK HERE!
References and resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4192077/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938417302111
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12975635/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12634436/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18326600/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2874191/
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Dietary-Energy-Value-of-Medium%E2%80%90chain-Triglycerides-Ingle-Driedger/b8fdd53cf4cad0843f9198c02f9b63ac1a8971d7?p2df
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7175812/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5987302/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/do-gut-bacteria-inhibit-weight-loss
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882694/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296368/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27080715/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19436137/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7876928/
- https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nyas.12999
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1474442217304088
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15123336/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15123336/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27187452/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24328700/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10507598/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12771322/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26545671/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26878786/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16483884/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12800105/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S104366180900276X
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17570262/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1568535/
The Top 9 Foods That Are Staining Your Teeth
We all like to have a gleaming white smile. But have you been noticing that – no matter how well you brush or floss – that your teeth are losing their vibrant shine?
This could be due to certain foods you’re eating or drinking regularly.
In today’s article, I’ll go over the top 9 foods that could be staining your teeth, along with things you can do to help reduce this discoloration.
1. Red wine
That glass with dinner may be doing more than just helping you relax after a long day. As it turns out, acidic foods and drinks like red wine can roughen and open up the pores that exist within the enamel of your teeth.
As your enamel becomes rougher and the surface area increases, the pigments within the foods and drinks we consume can attach to our teeth, staining them.
Unfortunately, wine contributes to the roughening process, allowing the deep red color of wine to stick to our teeth.
2. Coffee
I know, I know, more bad news. But sadly, when it comes to teeth stains, coffee is one of the biggest culprits.
See, coffee contains tannins. This is a type of chemical compound called a polyphenol. Though beneficial to your health overall, tannins can cause color compounds to stick to your teeth.
3. Tea
Similar to coffee, the tannins that exist in tea – most heavily in black tea – can stain your teeth.
But with this one, I also bring some good news! Research from 2014 found that adding milk to your tea can significantly reduce its staining capabilities. [1]
4. Berries and fruit juices
Organic particles can penetrate the pores in your tooth enamel and remain there.
Pomegranates and dark berries like blueberries and blackberries carry a dark pigmentation that can infiltrate your teeth and cause staining. This is why your teeth may have a bluish hue after eating blueberries.
5. Dark cola
Regular consumption of cola can contribute to the darkening of your teeth. This is because the acidity in cola can erode your tooth enamel.
Not only can this make your teeth more susceptible to staining, but it can begin to expose the dentin of the tooth, a darker inner layer.
6. Energy and sports drinks
A study from 2012 found that both sports drinks and energy drinks contribute to the breakdown of tooth enamel, which puts the teeth at risk of staining. [2]
The study concluded that, when it came to which was worse for enamel degradation, energy drinks take the cake.
7. Tomato-based sauces
Though tomatoes are great for your health, they pose a risk to your teeth.
Not only do they help strip away your enamel due to their acidity level, tomato sauces like those found in pizza and pasta dishes are a deep red. This pigment can stick to your teeth, staining them.
8. Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar
These dark colored sauces also pose a risk to your pearly whites.
Similar to above, this is due to both how dark they are and how acidic they are.
9. Candy
No, not candy!
Actually, if the fact that candy is bad for your teeth comes as a surprise, you might already have some problems.
But this time it isn’t due to the sugar. Many candies can stain your teeth because of the dyes used for their coloring.
How to reduce teeth stains
Well, shoot. A long list of things you probably enjoy, now with another reason you shouldn’t be consuming them.
But don’t worry! I didn’t make this list so you would stop eating these things. It’s just for you to be more mindful about how the things you eat and drink affect your teeth.
Basically, anything that can stain a white t-shirt poses a risk to your teeth.
However, there are ways to mitigate this outside of avoiding these foods.
You can…
- Brush your teeth after consuming stain-causing foods.
- Rinse your teeth after consuming stain-causing foods.
- Drink through a straw.
- Try a dentist-prescribed or over-the-counter whitener.
In short, minimize the direct exposure these foods and drinks have with your teeth, and after consumption, don’t let them sit on your teeth. Even just taking a drink of water, and swishing before swallowing, can be a great help!
Collagen and teeth health
Collagen is a key component of your teeth, found in both the dentin and enamel layers. [3]
Additionally, research shows that collagen can support the health of your gums. [4]
If you want to help the health of your teeth from the inside out, EverBella’s highly absorbable formula can help your teeth stay strong, inhibiting the degradation of your enamel and the staining that can follow.
To learn more about Complete Collagen+, including reviews, ingredients, and how you can save up to 25% CLICK HERE!
References and resources
When Is The Best Time To Take Collagen?
You may have wondered when you should be taking your Complete Collagen Plus. Personally, I take mine in the morning by adding it to my morning coffee. But the truth is, there is no real time that you should be taking collagen.
That’s because when you should take your collagen depends on why you’re taking collagen.
Let’s take a look at some common reasons why people take collagen and the time of day they should take their collagen to best support their goals.
Collagen for weight loss
If you’re taking collagen for the potential weight loss benefits (like discussed in this article) then the best time to take it would be before a meal.
This is because, being a protein, it can help make you feel fuller, allowing you to eat less during mealtime. This can be at the beginning of the day to keep you full through to lunch, or before lunch/dinner so that you have a smaller portion during your meal.
Collagen for muscle growth
To optimize collagen for muscle growth, it’s best to have it 15-20 minutes before your workout. This can help enhance your performance, increase stamina, and prevent muscle breakdown due to collagen’s many amino acids.
Collagen sends signals to the body that trigger the growth and repair of tissue, including muscles. [1]
If you’re looking to use collagen to grow stronger, denser muscles, then it’s best to take it around your workout period.
Collagen for sleep
Some people also take collagen to help get a better sleep at night. Collagen can have this effect due to its high content of the amino acid glycine.
Research has shown that taking glycine before bed can have beneficial effects on falling asleep faster, having a deeper sleep, and feeling well rested the next day. [2, 3, 4]
If you’re taking collagen to get a better sleep, take it about half an hour before hitting the hay.
Also, because the body is recovering at night, collagen may help muscles and other tissue rebuild while you sleep.
Collagen for anything else
Collagen is taken for many other reasons. This can be for the health of your hair, skin, nails, joints, or simply to maintain healthy levels of the crucial protein as you age.
If this is your reason for taking Complete Collagen Plus, then I have good news for you: take it whenever you want.
And as for whether you should take Complete Collagen Plus with food or on an empty stomach – that doesn’t matter either. Our formula is wrapped in micelles and liposomes – lipids that protect the collagen protein and deliver it to the intestinal wall where it can be fully absorbed. As such, it doesn’t rely on other compounds for absorption, nor is it at risk of being broken down by other substances.
Do you have any other questions?
If you have ANY other questions or concerns about how to take EverBella’s Complete Collagen Plus, don’t let them go unanswered!
Please, send us an email anytime to info@everbella.com or call us at +1-855-961-3837 Mon-Fri between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST.
To learn more about Complete Collagen Plus, including reviews, ingredients, and how you can save up to 25% – CLICK HERE.
References and resources
14 Tips For Stronger Nails
How are your nails? Because they’re so small, it can be easy to forget about them sometimes. But keeping these little guys strong and healthy is important!
If your nails are discolored, brittle, contain deep ridges, have weak or broken cuticles, or have dark lines, these can all be signs that their health is suffering.
In today’s article, I’ll cover how to strengthen your nails so that they can become smooth, pink, and resilient again!
If you’re already satisfied with your nail’s health, these tips can help you keep them that way.
1. Take a vitamin B7 supplement
One of the eight B vitamins, B7 helps the body’s nervous system function properly, but it also bolsters the health of the hair and nails. [1, 2, 3]
The problem is that it’s water-soluble, meaning that the body doesn’t store it and you need to ensure you’re consuming it everyday.
2. Minimize their exposure to water
It’s impossible to completely avoid submerging your hands in water, but try and be mindful about it.
Constantly soaking your nails in water – especially warm water – can weaken them over time. Wear gloves when washing the dishes or doing similar tasks, and avoid keeping them beneath the water when in the bath or a hot tub.
3. Stay hydrated
The benefits of keeping your body hydrated seems to be never-ending, and somewhere on that long list is strong nails.
Without enough moisture, your nails can grow brittle and peel easily. Be sure to drink a sufficient amount of water so that your nails can retain moisture and stay strong.
4. Eat well
This one goes without saying, but just in case, I wanted to add it to the list! A range of nutrients can help keep your nails strong and healthy.
B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, and protein are all things that your nails need to keep healthy.
5. Be mindful of your nail products
Nail treatments, including polishes, can contain harmful ingredients that can weaken your nails. For example, nail polish remover – which contains acetone – can damage the nail.
Look for acetone-free nail polish remover and other nail products with gentle ingredients.
6. Avoid using gel or acrylic nails
These are handy if you’re having trouble growing your nails, but continuous and regular use can cause your nail to peel, weakening them. If you’re going to use these, try to do so occasionally.
Additionally, the ultraviolet light used to let the gel set can damage the skin that supports a healthy nail, and has even been identified as a risk factor for cancer. [4]
7. Give your nails a break from the polish
That being said, it’s good to give your nails a break from nail polish altogether, allowing them to breathe. Constant use of polish – no matter how gentle – can weaken the nail.
Try to take breaks from the polish, preferably a week on, week off.
8. Keep your nails short
Though long nails can look nice, they’re at a higher risk of becoming damaged when long. They’re more likely to get caught on things, split, cracked, or chipped. Short nails will stay out of the way, keeping them free from damage.
If you think your nails need a boost, this is one I recommend while they rebuild their strength.
9. Don’t use your nails
This one sounds strange, but if you’re trying to keep your nails free from any stress, don’t use them. Sure, they’re technically our natural tools, but for now use your fingertips or an actual tool to do things like opening cans or digging into small spaces.
10. Use lotions on your nails
When using hand lotion, focus on your nails. Rub the lotion into the cuticles, beneath the nail, and on top. This can help the nail absorb moisture and help it build strength. If you can, do this after each time you wash your hands.
11. Be careful when you file
When you file your nails, using a back-and-forth motion like a saw can actually harm the nail. Instead, file in one direction and be sure to go easy on the sides, as filing here can weaken the nail.
12. Be mindful when cleaning
Many household cleaning products contain ingredients that can diminish your nails. When cleaning, be sure to wear gloves so that your nails aren’t exposed to and absorbing these harsh substances.
13. Check your shampoo
Yes, your shampoo! Especially ones that are made to help dry your air or strip it of oils. When you’re lathering, the ingredients designed to do so may be drying out your nails. Try changing shampoos if you can or lather with gloves on.
14. Collagen
Your nails are made of the protein keratin. In order to create keratin, your body needs the amino acids found in collagen.
It’s no wonder then why research found that collagen supplementation led to a 12% increase in nail growth and 42% decrease in the frequency of broken nails. [5]
And that was done using a conventional collagen supplement that isn’t formulated with a micelle liposomal formula for enhanced absorption.
Just imagine how much more nail growth would occur with a bioavailable collagen like Complete Collagen+!
>>> Click here to see ingredients, reviews, and how you can save up to 25% today!