It is time again for “Ask the Doctor.” I particularly enjoy this monthly feature because it gives me an opportunity to answer your questions and help you on your path to health and wellness. 

If you have a question or health concern that you would like me to address, please visit the Hotze Health & Wellness Facebook page and send me a private message. Mention Katy Christian Magazine in the subject line.

How to get healthy hair.  

My hair has become very brittle and dry over the past few years. It’s also thinning out. I’ve tried so many conditioners and products, but don’t see much of a difference. What can I do to get healthier hair?

Having healthy, shiny beautiful hair is important to us. It makes us feel good about ourselves. 

If your hair is unhealthy, then it is important to try to determine the underlying cause. If your hair is thin or brittle, it could indicate issues with digestion, hormone imbalance, or stress. If the issue is hormone imbalance, particularly low thyroid function, then you need to address your thyroid status.  

Hypothyroidism is a common cause of hair loss. It can also cause premature baldness, as well as fine, thin, straight, coarse, and dry hair. How this happens is that low thyroid function decreases circulation which causes your body to send blood to its most vital organs, like the brain. All your energy and resources are sent to the most necessary organs for survival. As a result, blood flow to your body’s extremities is decreased, resulting in hair loss or dry, brittle hair and nails.

Take my symptom checker quiz to find out if you could be suffering from hypothyroidism.

I also recommend the following for healthy hair:

1. Eat protein daily, such as organic meat or a protein shake. This is important because your hair is made of keratin, which is a type of protein. This will help you to have thicker hair. The average woman (130-150 pounds) should eat about 45-60 grams of protein per day. If you are already eating 50/60 grams of protein per day and not seeing results, try taking Digestive Enzymes to help break down your protein into the amino acids your body needs to create keratin.

2. Eat more eggs, salmon, and nuts for increased shine and thickness. 

3. Take a quality vitamin supplement to support hair health. I formulated my Hair, Skin and Nail Formula with the highest quality ingredients. It helps speed up hair growth and grow new hair. It can even help you have thicker nails and healthier skin.

Is there a safe sunscreen to use for summer? 

I love being in the sun but I can tell it’s aging my skin. I’ve been reading about all the toxic chemicals in sunscreen and how bad they are for your health. Can you recommend a safe sunscreen for the summer?

This is a great question. As much as we all love going to the beach and spending time outdoors, the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is very damaging for your skin, not only causing it to look dull and age prematurely, but also increasing your risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen plays an important role in protecting your skin.

You are correct that many sunscreens contain harmful chemicals. You want to use a high-quality, protective and chemical-free sunscreen.  Here are 3 things to consider when purchasing sunscreen:

1. Is it mineral-based?  

The most important ingredient in your sunscreen should be zinc oxide. It sits on the surface of the skin and provides physical protection from damaging rays, rather than soaking into your pores and being absorbed into the bloodstream. Plus, zinc oxide blocks nearly all dangerous UV light and protects your skin from unnecessary skin damage. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, soak into your skin and quickly find their way into your bloodstream without being detoxified by the liver.

2. Does it protect against both types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB?  

As you search for a sunscreen that’s right for you, be sure to find a brand that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, as both types of ultraviolet rays can be potentially harmful. UVA and UVB penetrate the atmosphere and play an important role in conditions such as premature aging, eye damage, and even worse, skin cancer.

3. Is it free of fragrance, oil, parabens and non-comedogenic? 

A sunscreen that is free of fragrance, oil, parabens, and is non-comedogenic (that won’t clog pores) is perfect for any skin type, but most importantly sensitive skin or skin that is prone to acne breakouts or irritation. It also helps decrease the number of toxins you are adding to your body.

I recommend Elta MD sunscreens because they are broad-spectrum (protecting from both UVA and UVB rays), fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and non-comedogenic. It is never too late to start applying sunscreen and protecting your skin from the sun.

Keep Your Questions Coming

I hope these suggestions are helpful to you and to others who are dealing with these common problems. Keep your questions coming! Send me a private message on Hotze Health & Wellness Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HotzeHWC/. Don’t forget to mention Katy Christian Magazine in the subject line. And remember, there’s no such thing as a dumb question. 

To learn more about the Hotze Health & Wellness Center and schedule a Free Wellness Consultation—via telemedicine or at the Center—call us at 281-698-8698 or visit hotzehwc.com.