Sophia Loren once confessed to eating pasta “by the ton.” Yet, her glowing mane is something to die for! The lesson in this is that when it comes to what is good for your hair, most people are generally clueless. This article will bust some myths and drive home some truths!

 

You may be spending a fortune on shampoos and conditioners, but do you know that a much better way to ensure good health for your hair is simply by eating right --- and not by applying good food to your hair follicles. Not only will the absorption rate be faster, the results would be much better too!

 

For instance, iron deficiencies are a known cause for thinning hair, and a lack of essential fats can cause your hair to become dry. People on low fat or no fat diets are at risk of consuming a lack of essential fats found in oily fish, nuts and seeds.

 

Iron-rich foods are leafy green vegetables, chicken, turkey, eggs, dried apricots and wholegrains. Likewise, you should consume good sources of essential fatty acids on a daily basis. These can include a handful of nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.

 

In addition, oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines two to three times a week can do wonders for your hair.

 

Drink enough, also: dehydration can affect hair health; therefore drinking water can help your body’s elimination processes, which if sluggish can lead to limp, dull or oily hair.

 

Be sure to cut out the well-known culprits - sugar, alcohol and caffeine --- from your diet. Instead, substitute these with some of the foods mentioned above, and you will be doing your utmost nutritionally to keep a full crop of hair well beyond your fifties or sixties.

 

Good food does not just give you healthy hair, it can also fix some hair and scalp problems:

 

DANDRUFF: It indicates over consumption of refined sugars that can completely throw the body’s elimination system out of gear. It also makes the scalp scaly, which may eventually begin to come off in dry flakes, which is dandruff.

 

The solution: Cut out sugary snacks, avoid hidden sugar in processed food. Instead eat salads, steamed vegetables and wholegrains.

 

DRY HAIR: You may have run short of folic acid, which helps build red blood cells and aids circulation to the scalp.

 

The solution: Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, chick peas, liver and brewer’s yeast.

 

LIMP HAIR: Not enough protein in your diet, leaving hair brittle, porous and dull.

 

The solution: Switch to a balanced supply of protein- based foods, such as eggs, low-fat dairy products, meat and fish.

 

EARLY GREYING: You may lack key amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. This also indicates deficiencies of calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.

 

The solution: Consume foods containing Vitamin D, such as milk. Fish oil gives calcium and phosphorus. Potassium is be found in bananas, potatoes, raisins and avocados. Magnesium can be derived from tofu, wholewheat grains, nuts and beans.

 

BRITTLE HAIR: Lack of Vitamin C for the hair shaft.

 

The solution: Consume lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, such as oranges, and strawberries. Brussels sprouts are also good.

 

 

 

 

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