Nutrition
The significance of diet and the way it can affect your hair should not be underestimated. Numerous problems can arise from either a deficiency or an excess of nutrients, and in some cases nutrition alone can be the cause of a hair loss problem. Often a simple change in diet will have a beneficial effect on the hair. Hair consists of protein, so eating sufficient protein is vital to strong, healthy hair.
It takes a long time for any diet changes to become beneficial. It would take over two months for the hair follicles to begin to benefit. As hair grows only half an inch a month, it would take six months before you would begin to notice any appreciable changes. But your perseverance will pay off.
The crux is to have the underlying nutritional goodies – but before significantly altering your diet you should check with your doctor first.
Breakfast is the most important meal for your hair because the energy levels to your hair follicles are at their lowest first thing in the morning, and they need a boost. Choice or combination of:
– eggs
– a serving of bacon or ham
– kippers or smoked salmon (or any other fish or meat)
– 180g (6oz) of low fat cottage cheese
Optional:
* Fruits * Bread
* Cereals * Jam or honey
* Yoghurt * Juices
* Tea or coffee
The second most important meal for protein.
• minimum of 120g (4.5oz) of any meat, fish, eggs, poultry or 180g (6oz) of low fat cottage cheese
• any vegetables, or salads
• anything you fancy for dessert, preferably with fruit.
Daily must do
• not too much salt or high fat content foods
• no black tea (there is evidence that drinking tea without milk can decrease iron storage
• a well-balanced nutritional supplement (recommended by your Trichologist) containing essential vitamins and minerals is also recommended.
Dinner is the least important meal for your hair so it is here that you could indulge or abstain!
Eat between meals if you don’t eat for more than four hours. After this time the energy to your hair follicles gets depleted. If you feel a little lethargic around late afternoon – so do your hair follicles, but you can’t feel that!
The ideal energy-boosting snacks are:
• fruit – fresh or dried
• raw vegetables
• slice of bread or wholemeal biscuit