Week three of January (which begins with the appropriately named ‘Blue Monday’) is apparently the time when most people fall off the ‘new year, new me’ resolutions wagon. If you’ve been struggling (and let’s face it, who isn’t) to ignore the temptations or indeed need an incentive to re-start after a weekend of excess, I’m here to give you one further reason to keep going. A balanced healthy diet with the right mix of protein, iron and other nutrients is the perfect way to improve the health, look and feel of your hair. Often the condition of your hair is the first indication of some underlying deficiency.
Hair Loss: (Excluding male pattern baldness or temporary hair loss due to medication) This can be caused by a mild iron deficiency (due to inadequate protein) or lack of vitamin C and can be remedied by increasing intake of red meat, oily fish and green leafy vegetables, citrus fruit, strawberries and red peppers.
High stress levels can also be a cause so going back to the gym, regularly doing yoga or even just a daily walk are good ways to combat stress.
Dry Scalp: This is often a sign that you aren’t eating enough essential fatty acids (EFAs) – the polyunsaturated fats which are vital for locking moisture into your skin and hair cells to keep them healthy. Your body doesn’t produce them so it is necessary to eat foods which contain them eg. walnuts, flaxseeds, fish and avocado.
Dry hair can be caused by dehydration and can be remedied simply by increasing your water intake.
It is difficult to pinpoint a specific cause of lifeless hair but if you are eating sufficient fruit and vegetables (remember your 5 a day), you are on the right track.
Smoking may also be a cause as it restricts the blood vessel thereby limiting the amount of fresh nutrients that reach the hair root.
Good luck and keep on going.