Hair and scalp problems | Foods included | Nutrient | Causes |
HAIRLOSS:
Hair fall/Hair loss/Baldness is one of the common problems of the people of todays generation. Hair loss maybe due to the result of any illness.
DANDRUFF:
Excessive scaling of the scalp is known as dandruff. This maybe due to stress or any skin disorder or any infection. A fungus Pytyrosporum ovale is found on the scalp. It feeds on skin’s natural oils and causes irritation and shedding of dead skin.
THREE PHASES OF HAIR GROWTH:
- Growing stage where there is 90 per cent of hair growth which lasts from 1 to 5 years.
- Resting phase this ends after a few months.
- Shedding stage where the hair is shed to allow net growth.
A daily loss of 50 to 200 hairs is a normal part of the cycle.
FOODS TO BE INCLUDED:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Low fat dairy products
CAUSES:
- Inadequate nutrition
- Family history
- Diabetes
- Thyroid
- Stress
- Hormonal changes of pregnancy
- Medical treatment
- Chemotherapy
NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS:
- Hair is composed of the protein keratin. Other nutrients that contribute to hair and scalp health include niacin, biotin, zinc and vitamins A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
- Intake of excess raw egg whites can lead to depletion of biotin hence leading to hair loss.
NUTRIENTS CONTRIBUTING TO HAIR AND SKIN HEALTH:
- Niacin
- Biotin
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C