(no subject)

[rootofnewt]

When I eat leafy greens at *least* four times a week (every other day, though I usually eat them more often), I don't get cracks at the corners of my lips. If I go less often, my lips crack. I'm also more susceptible to skin irritations (eczema and a nasty allergic-dermatitis type of reaction on my hands) during the lack-of-greens time.

Due to the move/cleaning spree, I'd not had greens in a week or more before last night. My lips started cracking last week and my hands were upset before than, though I've been working with cleaners, bleach, etc, and they're drier than usual.

After another couple meals of leafy greens (dandelions, chard, kale, mustard, spinach, etc), the cracks will heal. I know this from repeated experience.

What nutrient is responsible for this? I can't figure it out. I do know that I'll also have deep dips in my fingernails/toenails because of this (lateral ridges), too. Not sure if it's the same nutrient or another one, but it will show up there, too.

Comments

[lupa.livejournal.com]

i don't really have anything to base this on, other than the studies done when i was in my first job, but i'll bet it has something to do with vitamin a...

[knkdyke.livejournal.com]

I found this website that might give you some info. I liked the chart telling which vitamins and such could be found in what foods. Nutritional Analysis

It could be calcium that is the issue, judging by that chart.
Hope this helps.

[chorus-of-chaos.livejournal.com]

seem to remember vitamin K is in leafy greens, and I know that deals with clotting factor and healing, maybe?

[ashbet]

I think it's Vitamin K, too . . . I seem to remember something about K deficiency causing nail ridges.

-- Andi

[98.livejournal.com]

Googling around turns up vitamin A, vitamin B2, or iron as likely suspects. They are all in leafy greens and deficiency can injure cells in a way that manifests as lip cracking. Found nothing about the fingernails.

Thanks

[krasota.livejournal.com]

Iron is a possibility, though with me, anemia manifests as dizzy spells, very easy bruising, and bleeding. Then again, that was "no iron count" anemia, which is something I grew up with and thankfully no longer have to experience.

Lack of riboflavin *does* cause the lip stuff, but I've been eating cereals, milk, and eggs, so it's less likely. I'm guessing it's a combination of factors, but I'm curious. ;)

[blackradish.livejournal.com]

Chloraphyll (the stuff that makes plant leaves green) has been known to be great for skin conditions and for the digestive system, which will also effect your complexion... i.e. if you don't drink enough water or eat too much oily stuff, your skin can get oily and break out. Whenever I get really bad skin, I drink a gallon of water, put on the tea tree mask, and pop some chloraphyll.