Food for thought on condition of your hair

Apr 5 2008 by Hannah Davies, The Journal

YOU might spend a fortune on the best shampoos and conditioners, but have you considered that what you’re eating or not eating can have a greater impact on the health of your hair.

Hair responds to what you eat in the same way as your skin. Many of us just aren’t getting enough of the right stuff to keep our hair looking its best.

Nutritional deficiencies can lead to dull, dry and stringy hair.

A lack of iron is known to cause 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.

If you’re guilty of not giving your hair the food it needs, here’s a quick reminder.

Make sure your diet includes:

:: A regular supply of iron rich foods, and this doesn’t mean a steak every day. Red meat is an excellent source of iron but shouldn’t be eaten in excess. Try including other sources such as leafy green vegetables, chicken and turkey, eggs, dried apricots and wholegrains.

:: Good sources of essential fatty acids on a daily basis. This can include a handful of nuts and seeds, (walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds).

:: In addition, oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines two to three times a week.

:: Dehydration can affect hair health; drinking still water can help your body’s elimination processes which if sluggish can lead to limp, dull or oily hair.

:: Try reducing the usual culprits – sugar, alcohol and caffeine just rob the body of essential nutrients.

The good news is if you change your eating habits and include more healthy hair food, you’ll boost your overall health and improve your energy levels as well.

For further information or a nutritional consultations, contact Katherine Neal at Nutritional Know How (0191) 215-9292.