My sister is a vegetarian and ever since she changed her diet, I have made big changes to mines as well. I didn’t go all vegetarian like she did. But I would try my best to avoid meat. I won’t eat burgers or steaks. Just occasionally some chicken or fish when I’m out eating. My younger sister has a big influence on me – I know, usually its the other way around, the bigger sister is suppose to have an influence over their younger sister. But not with me…I really listen and value what she says and thinks. So, anyways, I have cut down on meat drastically for a couple of years now. And I must say, since then, my skin, nails and hair have gotten worse. Its funny because I would think all this time, oh I’m eating healthier and therefore my skin/hair, just my whole body in general would be in much better shape. But that is not what I saw. Sorry…my dearest sister Tiffy, I know you’re a vegetarian, but its just what I saw happen to me. My hair became thinner and drier over the years, my skin is dry and I never had dry skin. Also, I am seeing some wrinkles and acne on my face as well. Back then everyone would say I have beautiful skin. Even estheticians would tell me I have wonderful skin and I don’t have to do anything with it except to wash it and moisturize if needed. I never really thought about what I was eating or not eating have anything to do with it…like I said, I thought I was eating healthy with all the veggies and fruits. I always thought it was the products I’m using. You have no idea how many new products I’ve tried. Only to be disappointed time and time again. It wasn’t until just a couple of days ago, I was talking to a friend online, and somehow we got to the subject of protein. He says that if you don’t eat enough protein, you’ll have dry skin. That is when I did more research online and found out the importance of protein to our skin health…along with hair and nails, because they’re all made out of protein. Proteins are the second (next to water) most plentiful substance in our body. Proteins are made out of amino acids. When we eat proteins, our body will break down the protein into amino acids and our body will just use it as needed. Our bodies are capable of making some amino acids, but there are 8 amino acids there the body cannot make. That has to come from food. From what I’ve researched, these 8 essential amino acids are present in aniaml prodcuts – such as meat, fish, milk and eggs. Usually veggies and fruits are missing one or more of the essential amino acids. But I’ve read that soy contains all 8 and also, vegetarians do food combining. They pretty much just eat foods that compliment each other to have all the essential amino acids. I have to say, I’ve never done that before. Okay, proteins are needed to repair and create new cells. I’ve read (I’m not a doctor) that if we don’t eat enough protein, our body actually eats our muscles (since its made out of protein) to get what it needs! Pretty scary! From what I’ve learned, protein does not store in the body. So it is important to replenish your body with proteins constantly. Even Dr. Pierrecone says that proteins are important for anti aging. After all, collagen is a protein too. After reading many forums (many people also thought they see that hair thinning or their skin being dry after not eating meat), and studies it seems that protein have a major effect on our hair and skin and our body as a whole.
