Hi all,

Just thought you might find this interesting! 

Biotin beauty treatments
Get lustrous hair and glowing skin with foods rich in the b-vitamin

Article from Glow Magazine September 2005 issue
By Kristen Vinakmens


What is it?

Derived from bios, the Greek word for life, biotin is a water-soluble vitamin produced in your body and available from food.  Thought it’s more commonly known as vitamin H, the nutrient is actually part of the b-vitamin complex.  It works with pantothenic acid (also part of the B family) to convert food into fuel and metabolize protein, fats and carbohydrates.  Biotin also helps your body use glucose and may be helpful in regulating blood sugar in people with diabetes.  This busy b is essential for healthy looking hair, skin and nails.

Beauty boost?

Biotin supplements were first used to strengthen horses’ hooves, says Dr. Alexander hall, a naturopathic doctor at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto.  But researchers soon discovered it offered beauty benefits outside the equine world.  “We use biotin for the promotion of strong nails and hair” say Hall.  A Swiss study showed a 25 percent increase in nail thickness in those taking biotin supplements.  Boosting your biotin intake may also enhance skin clarity and hair growth.

Where to get it?

Biotin is found in a variety of foods, including legumes, nuts and vegetables, but keep in mind that cooking and processing can decrease its potency.  Your body also produces biotin naturally.  Multivitamins and b-complex vitamins usually include biotin and it is also available as individual supplements.

Not enough?

Biotin deficiency is generally rare, but it can be inherited.  If you are deficient in biotin, you may experience hair loss, dry, scaly skin, muscle pains and depression.  “You’re also going to have a lot of metabolic problems if you’re biotin deficient” say Hall. This may manifest itself in the physical symptoms mentioned above, he says, or it may negatively impact your metabolism.
Children who are biotin–deficient may have impaired mental and physical development, anemia and weakened immune systems.  While there isn’t a recommended daily allowance for biotin, the National Academy of Sciences say an adequate amount is 30 mg for women 19 to 50, although no adverse effects have been reported from taking more.


FOOD SOURCES OF BIOTIN

Avocados-cauliflower-salmon-pecan-carrots-bananas-peanuts-soy- flour-cereals-beans-broccoli-egg yolks-walnuts-black-eyes peas-sweet potatoes-liver-whole-grains-brewers yeast.

No problem!  8)

Thanks Gabi!

Wow!! Really interesting.  I'm going to check my hair growth suppliment right now to see if it has biotin.

Quote:

I had both, I believe.  I think mine was a combination of viral, stress, and physical because I remember that the week before the numbness started, I was so stressed out that I was clenching my jaws for long periods of time.  I would do it on purpose, and I managed to damage the nerve myself..

Here's a page that is similar to what I had read back then (mine happened in '98 I think.)  I was looking for a holistic approach, which it sounded like you were too.  I didn't have an acupuncturist back then, but I do now and will probably see her if something like this happens again. 
http://www.thepeacefulplace.com/celltech/articles/bells%20palsy.htm
(ignore the 3 links at the top - I think they're just ads or soemthing.)

It was pretty scary - but I'm glad it wasn't something worse.  I thought I was having a stroke or something!

Cynde

Thanks for the info, Lisabelle, very interesting. You think you'll start taking some biotin supplment? I think I would like to try, if anyone finds some before me let me know, K?

I take a sublingual Biotin supplement by Solaray.  It dissolves under the tongue so it goes directly into the bloodstream and doesn't have to be digested.  It is orange flavored, the only downside is you have to wait for it to dissolve.