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"The more rigid tissues such as those found in skin, hair, and nails have a high content of the protein keratin. keratin is a type of protein that is tough and insoluble. Disulfide bridges give extra strength to nails and hair by cross-linking the keratin. The more cross-linking, the stronger the tissue becomes. Human hair is approximately 14 percent cysteine. The pungent smell of burning hair is due to the sulfur compounds in hair. Deficiencies of sulfur are not known except in cases of severe protein deficiency. There are no recommended intakes for sulfur and there are no upper levels set." - Dr. Steve Blake, Vitamins and Minerals Demystified (Get the book.)

"The principal cells of the epidermis are called keratinocytes because of the major constituent protein, keratin, that they contain. Keratins are tough structural proteins from which hair and nails also are formed. Keratinocytes are responsible for providing the skin's barrier function and are now under study for their role in a variety of inflammatory and immune reactions. Melanocytes, which produce melanin, the pigmented material that imparts color to the skin, are dispersed among the keratinocytes in the lower cell layers." - Arthur C. Upton, M.D., Staying Healthy in a Risky Environment: The New York University Medical Center Family Guide (Get the book.)

"One reason is that it's made up of the protein keratin, which is highly resistant to wear and tear. keratin is the same resilient substance found in animal feathers, claws, nails, and hoofs. of normal hair loss that typically occurs in pregnancy rather than the thickening of individual hairs. (See Hair Loss in Women, below.) WARNING SIGN If you're pregnant and your hair seems thinner than usual, mention this to your doctor as soon as possible.You may have a vitamin or mineral deficiency that can affect the pregnancy." - Joan Liebmann-Smith, Ph. D., and Jacqueline Nardi Egan, Body Signs: From Warning Signs to False Alarms...How to Be Your Own Diagnostic Detective (Get the book.) "NAILING THE PROBLEM: YOUR NAILS Our nails—or nail plates, as they are medically known—are composed primarily of the protein keratin. Although keratin is also found in our skin and hair, nails contain less water, so they're harder. Our nails' durability makes them ideal protectors of the blood vessels, nerves, and bones beneath. Odd-colored or misshapen nails probably won't have you scratching at your doctor's door for attention. Luckily, however, most physicians take a peek at their patients' nails during office visits. Embedded in our nails are clues to a variety of medical disorders." - Joan Liebmann-Smith, Ph. D., and Jacqueline Nardi Egan, Body Signs: From Warning Signs to False Alarms...How to Be Your Own Diagnostic Detective (Get the book.) "These cysts are actually swollen hair follicles that become filled with gross-smelling, cheesy, pasty substances including the protein keratin, which sometimes leaks out. Sebaceous cysts may sometimes show up on the face and trunk and are benign. Ranging in size from about 'A inch to over 2 inches, they can grow even larger or disappear on their own. And they may become infected and/or grow so big, tender, and inflamed that they need to be drained or removed. SIGN OF THE TIMES A popular old Nebraskan folk cure for goiters involved wrapping a snake around the neck." - Joan Liebmann-Smith, Ph. D., and Jacqueline Nardi Egan, Body Signs: From Warning Signs to False Alarms...How to Be Your Own Diagnostic Detective (Get the book.)

"When either too much keratin or too much sebum is produced, they can block the skin pores. Those overstuffed pores then can become infected by bacteria, which literally eat up the sebum and thrive. But if diet has nothing to do with acne, why is the incidence of acne in underdeveloped countries eating natural, native diets almost zero while the incidence of acne in Western countries is in the double digits? Read on. Eating Locally and Healthfully The idea that the Western diet has nothing to do with acne should have been given its walking papers years ago. Back in 1971, O." - Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S., The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why (Get the book.)

"Kaposi's sarcoma: a type of cancer commonly seen in AIDS patients. Keratin: a fibrous protein that is the primary component of the skin, hair and nails. Keratinization: a process in which epithelial cells are replaced by homy tissue. Keratinocytes: a skin cell that synthesizes the protein keratin. Kilogram: unit of measurement of mass. 1 kilogram is equivalent to 2.2 pounds. Kilojoule: a measurement of the energy in food. 1 Calorie is equal to 4.2 kilojoules. kg: see kilogram. kJ: see kilojoule. Lactation: breast-feeding." - Nicola Reavley, The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs (Get the book.)

"Here's how it works: keratin is a fibrous protein that's the main component of the outermost layer of the skin. Sebum is part of the oil found on the surface of the skin and is produced by the sebaceous glands, most of which Natural Prescription for Acne Clearogen as directed (www.clearogen.com) or saw palmetto (make sure to get a high-quality formula from a reputable company): 320 mg An antioxidant supplement containing vitamin C and E: Take as directed." - Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S., The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why (Get the book.)

"This occurrence is due to the fact that male sex hormones, such as testosterone, stimulate the cells that line the follicular canal to produce keratin. keratin is a fibrous protein that is the main component of the outermost layer of skin as well as of hair and nails. Overproduction of keratin can block skin pores. In addition, the testosterone causes the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. So higher testosterone levels increase the likelihood that pores will become blocked by either excessive keratin or too much sebum." - Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D., Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition (Get the book.)

"This hardening and drying is related to an increase of keratin, a hard and inflexible protein found in fingernails. This hardened skin is less effective as a barrier to infection. This hardening effect from deficient vitamin A is also a problem with the mucous membranes throughout the body. VITAMIN A INCREASES IMMUNE RESPONSE Vitamin A has other roles in resistance to infection. Vitamin A plays a central role in the development of lymphocytes, white blood cells that play critical roles in the immune response." - Dr. Steve Blake, Vitamins and Minerals Demystified (Get the book.) "Disulfide bridges give extra strength to nails and hair by cross-linking the keratin. The more cross-linking, the stronger the tissue becomes. Human hair is approximately 14 percent cysteine. The pungent smell of burning hair is due to the sulfur compounds in hair. Deficiencies of sulfur are not known except in cases of severe protein deficiency. There are no recommended intakes for sulfur and there are no upper levels set. Sulfur is easily and efficiently absorbed as part of cysteine and methionine or as inorganic sulfate." - Dr. Steve Blake, Vitamins and Minerals Demystified (Get the book.)

"There are probably some genetic factors that make one susceptible to excess keratin and sebum production, and to the inflammation and infection that can contribute to acne. But eating in a way that produces excessive amounts of hormones that do the same thing may "turn on" those genes; eating a natural, traditional diet lower in sugar and processed foods does not. Selling Health to Your Teens Acne is also promoted by a diet low in the antioxidants found in abundance in vegetables and fruits. " - Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S., The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why (Get the book.)

"Collagen and keratin, another fibrous protein, are responsible for the elasticity of skin. The degradation of collagen leads to wrinkles that can be caused by aging or smoking. These wrinkles are partly due to oxidative damage by free radicals. As we age, collagen becomes more highly cross-linked and therefore more rigid. Injected collagen is used in cosmetic surgery, especially to thicken lips. Ferrous iron is required as a cofactor for collagen synthesis in the body. Vitamin C plays its role as an antioxidant to reduce the iron from its oxidized state." - Dr. Steve Blake, Vitamins and Minerals Demystified (Get the book.)

"Aids with the manufacture methane (MSM) of keratin, a protein that is the major component of hair. Vitamin C 3,000-10,000 mg daily. Aids in improving scalp with circulation. Helps with the bioflavonoids antioxidant action in hair follicles. Vitamin E 200 IU daily, or 400 IU every other day. Increases oxygen uptake, which improves circulation to the scalp. Improves health and growth of hair. Use d-alpha-tocopherol form. Zinc 50-100 mg daily. Do not exceed this amount. Stimulates hair growth by enhancing immune function. Use zinc gluconate lozenges or OptiZinc for best absorption." - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements (Get the book.)

"ANIMAL keratin AMINO ACIDS • A mixture of amino acids from the hydrolysis of keratin (see). See also Hydrolyzed keratin. ANIMAL PROTEIN HYDROLYSATE • A source of animal protein. p-ANISALDEHYDE • A colorless oil with a hawthorn odor, it is used as a flavoring agent in various foods. Moderately toxic by ingestion. A skin irritant. ANISE • Anise Seed. Dried ripe fruitof Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Used in licorice, anise, pepperoni sausage, spice, and vanilla flavorings for beverages, ice cream, ices, candy, baked goods, condiments (5,000 ppm), and meats (1,200 ppm)." - Ruth Winter, Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives: A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients Vitamin E (Get the book.)

"The skin lesions result from overproduction of a protein called keratin. An excessive inflammatory response in the skin also plays a role in the development of psoriasis, and some treatments are aimed at reducing inflammation. Conventional therapy includes topical application of steroids or other medications, ultraviolet-light therapy, or (in severe cases) internal administration of powerful drugs such as methotrexate. None of these treatments cures psoriasis, but the condition can often be kept under control. Unfortunately, psoriasis tends to recur shortly after treatment is discontinued." - Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Natural Medicine, Optimal Wellness: The Patient's Guide to Health and Healing (Get the book.)

"These changes cause the sebaceous glands to produce too much sebum and keratin, which block up the skin pores making them more likely to get infected. A diet high in saturated fat or fried food also makes pores more likely to get blocked. Vitamin A deficiency produces skin congestion through excessive keratinization of skin cells. Vitamin A and zinc deficiency leads to lowered ability to fight infection, as does lack of beneficial bacteria (through overuse of antibiotics). Optimum nutrition helps by balancing hormones as well as reducing the risk of infection." - Patrick Holford, The New Optimum Nutrition Bible (Get the book.)

"Chemists have learned how to put a positive charge on the nitrogen in ammonia, using extremely reactive compounds that allow polymers to be bound up by the negative charge of the keratin protein that makes up the hair shaft. The physical result of putting this charged nitrogen on the hair is that things look soft and shiny. But this compound is not simple to create." - Devra Davis, The Secret History of the War on Cancer (Get the book.)

"Vitamin C builds keratin and other proteins needed for healthy nails. Take 3,000 mg a day for 8-12 weeks. High dosages of vitamin C may soften your stool to the point of diarrhea. For most people 3,000 mg is tolerable, but if your stool softens, cut back to 1,000 mg. Herbs: Horsetail is a good sources of silica, a mineral known to strengthen brittle nails. Take 1 g three times a day. Be cautious or avoid using horsetail if you have heart or kidney problems. General recommendations: Do not expose your nails to too much soap and water." - Marshall Editions, 1000 Cures for 200 Ailments: Integrated Alternative and Conventional Treatments for the Most Common Illnesses (Get the book.)

"Maybe we could check in with the peacocks; they've already figured out how to create brilliant colors by refracting light through a matrix of keratin, the same substance human fingernails are made of. "Why are we still talking about chemicals and paint? Why don't you just design thin layers that play with light?" asked Janine Benyus of the Biomimicry Guild. The super-thin photosensitive polymer Amy Cannon developed for hair perms may also be applicable to hair color with a coating of food-grade dye." - Stacy Malkan, Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry (Get the book.)

"ANIMAL keratin AMINO ACIDS • A mixture of amino acids from the hydrolysis of keratin (see). See also Hydrolyzed keratin. ANIMAL PROTEIN HYDROLYSATE • A source of animal protein. p-ANISALDEHYDE • A colorless oil with a hawthorn odor, it is used as a flavoring agent in various foods. Moderately toxic by ingestion. A skin irritant. ANISE • Anise Seed. Dried ripe fruitof Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Used in licorice, anise, pepperoni sausage, spice, and vanilla flavorings for beverages, ice cream, ices, candy, baked goods, condiments (5,000 ppm), and meats (1,200 ppm)." - Ruth Winter, Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives: A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients Vitamin E (Get the book.)

"Don't forget—females also have testosterone, just not as much as we guys.) But it's not just the amount of testosterone you have that causes the problem. It's how your body metabolizes it. In response to an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, testosterone converts in the body to a nasty little compound called DHT— dihydrotestosterone—which stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce even higher levels of sebum. (DHT is also partially responsible for male pattern baldness and for benign prostate hyperplasia.) Point is, it's not the friend of anyone with acne." - Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S., The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why (Get the book.)

"These hormones stimulate the production of keratin (a type of protein) and sebum (an oily skin lubricant). If sebum is secreted faster than it can move through the pores, a blemish arises. The excess oil makes the pores sticky, allowing bacteria to become trapped inside. Blackheads form when sebum combines with skin pigments and plugs the pores. If scales below the surface of the skin become filled with sebum, whiteheads appear. In severe cases, whiteheads build up, spread under the skin, and rupture, which eventually spreads the inflammation." - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements (Get the book.)

"It supports the integrity of healthy mucous membranes, and is necessary for the production of collagen and keratin, the primary proteins in hair, skin, and nails. MSM also plays an essential role in the formation of bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. MSM is primarily used for its natural and remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, which are especially useful in alleviating pain, joint inflammation, muscle spasms, allergies, and gastrointestinal inflammation. Its maintenance of healthy cell membranes helps prevent allergies and support normal lung function." - Robert Redfern, The Miracle Enzyme Is Serrapeptase (Get the book.)

"Its outer layer is composed of keratin, a protein formed within the surface cells of the skin. As these cells mature, they become filled with keratin and finally die, leaving a nonliving layer of this tough protein. (It is large accumulations of this material that we recognize as a "callus.") Beneath the layer of keratin are the cells of the epidermis, a layer several cells thick and held together by tight intercellular connections." - Mark Bricklin, The Practical Encyclopedia of Natural Healing (Get the book.)

"In addition, the cells that line the skin pore produce more keratin, a waxy protein. The combination of increased secretion of sebum and keratin can lead to blockage of the pore and the formation of a blackhead. With the blockage of the pore, bacteria are allowed to overgrow and release enzymes that break down sebum and promote inflammation. This process can lead to the formation of a whitehead or pimple. If there is no passageway to discharge the contents to the surface of the skin, it can lead to a cyst or boil (a deep nodule full of white blood cells and fluid)." - Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods (Get the book.)

"The matrix produces keratin cells that make up the nail plate. The overall length ofthe matrix determines the thickness ofthe nail (the longer the matrix the thicker the nail). A short matrix produces fewer cells and a thinner nail. Matrix shapes and sizes vary by person. Aflat matrix will produce a flat nail and a curved matrix will produce a curved nail. Damage to the matrix can cause permanent damage to the appearance ofthe nail. The base of the fingernails and toenails (as well as along both sides of the nail) is embedded into the skin." - Jan Lovejoy, Get Balanced-the Natural Way to Better Health with Superfoods (Get the book.) "Quick Tip 1: Purchasing shampoos that have added keratin, claiming to strengthen hair or promote hair growth, don't work. Protein rich foods do. They supply the nutrients needed to nourish the dermal papilla for hairgrowth. Quick Tip 2: People who lack zinc and copper in their diets tend to have fine hair with less healthy follicles. A loss of strength to hold the hair shaft in place results in hair loss. - The Hairy Details - Below the surface of the skin is the hair root, which is enclosed within a hair follicle. At the base of the hair follicle is the dermal papilla." - Jan Lovejoy, Get Balanced-the Natural Way to Better Health with Superfoods (Get the book.) "Protein Required for the cells in the hair dermal papillae (follicle) and nail matrix to make keratin protein, protein is the primary substance of our nails and hair. We need essential amino acids (broken-down proteins) to supply our blood with the nutrients for the matrix and dermal papillae. Not eating enough protein will leave skin dull and weak and prone to imperfections. Skin blemishes can take longer to heal and you may find yourself more prone to unpleasant problems, like cold sores. Essential Fatty Acids or EFAs These EFAs are vital for our skin, hair and nails!" - Jan Lovejoy, Get Balanced-the Natural Way to Better Health with Superfoods (Get the book.)

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