DUBAI: It’s not only your belly and brain going hungry during your fast, your skin and hair are also desperate for nutrients. Devinder Bains, personal trainer and nutrition coach at Fit Squad DXB, shares her health tips to keep dry skin, chapped lips and limp hair at bay . . .
Increase your vitamin C
This is the best way to give your hair a little boost, as vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen which, not only strengthens your hair but also helps it to grow. Add red bell peppers, kiwi and guava to your diet — they’re even richer in vitamin C than oranges.
Avoid sugar during meal times
There’s a number of ways sugar can leave your skin worse off, firstly, it increases oil production, which can dehydrate the skin and leave it looking lacklustre. It also binds to and damages proteins, including collagen and elastin, which can lead to saggy skin and wrinkles.
Use a natural remedy on the skin
Want to tackle dry skin but don’t have the time or money to look into the best moisturizer? The good news is that it might already be in your kitchen cupboard. Rub sunflower seed oil or coconut oil (avoid olive oil) over your body after a hot bath to increase hydration — for an extra boost, add oatmeal powder to your bath water for anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits.
Increase your good fats
Keep your scalp and hair hydrated with foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Add foods such as salmon, mackerel, avocado, pumpkin seeds and walnuts to your diet. Omega-3 fats are also vital for cell membrane health in your skin, making these foods twice as useful.
Get a good night’s sleep
Your body recovers and repairs itself when you sleep, and this goes for skin and hair too. This is when your skin makes new collagen, which keeps wrinkles and sagging at bay. It boosts blood flow to the skin so you get that healthy glow, and a good sleep means less dark circles or puffiness around the eyes. Ramadan timings can make 7-9 hours of sleep difficult so grab a nap during the day.
