…Natural hair care continued.
However, there are guidelines for average need and some specific nutrients and supplements you can focus on while working on certain needs.
For example:
Dry hair- usually due to a lack of essential fatty acids. Eating foods high in EFAs also help boost protein that is necessary for glossy hair.
Oily hair- determined by genes, but spicy foods can increase oil production in the hair. Spicy foods induce sweating and so leaves an oil accumulation on the scalp when sweat on the head evaporates.
Eating a lot of spicy foods may cause hair to become oily.
Dull hair- a lack of shine in hair is usually a result of chemical bleaching, says beauty specialist Helen Foster, in her book “The beauty book”. A lack of protein too can result in dull hair. Solution: Helen Foster recommends consuming one third of a gram of protein (lean meat, poultry, fish, dairy, nuts, seeds, or legumes) per pound of body weight per day.
Stunted growth hair- often linked to low energy levels. Boost energy in the body with Vitamin B to address the problem. The key vitamin in need here is biotin (Aka vitamin H, as in H for hair!) found in livers, yeast, grains, fish, egg yolk, nuts and legumes. Biotin helps accelerate hair growth and supports thickness in hair. Biotin is Vitamin B7, of which plenty can be found in NSP’s Super Supplemental Vitamins & Minerals.
Balding/Losing hair- contrary to popular belief baldness can be reversed by proper nutrition. When hair is lost in men, the root of the hair still remains beneath the surface of the skin for up to six years. These roots can re-grow if supplied the nutrients they need. Capsicum (cayenne pepper) comes to the rescue here. It is known to enhance blood flow to every organ of the body. Since the blood transports nutrients to every area, nutrients are supplied to the hair follicles and so they re-grow. Capsicum is available in various forms: capsules, powder, liquid extract, and in blends.
Hair loss is often linked to hormonal imbalance, iron deficiency, and vitamin A toxicity. Soy foods, such as soy milk, help regulate hormones to prevent loss. Supplement iron, or stock on lean meat and dark green leafy vegetables to get good supply of iron. Black Strapp molasses is another good source of iron.
Balding in men is sometimes caused by nutrient deficiency.
Hair loss maybe a symptom of vitamin A toxicity. It is always a good idea to seek natural sources of vitamin A such as in yellow and red fruits and vegetables, like carrots. Juicing carrots is a great way to get vitamin A.
However, significant hair loss in women may be indicative of a serious illness or vitamin deficiency. Low iron is common in women also, and a lot have enjoyed huge benefits from herbs rich in iron like Yellow Dock and Red Clover. In men, hair loss mostly occurs between the ages of 22 and 32 years. Hair loss or balding occurring after 32 years may be induced by dietary or nutritional factors. Start by consulting your doctor.