Our eating habits greatly affect our skin and hair. Hair loss is one such problem that is greatly associated with dietary deficiency. When our hair is shiny and bouncy, we can be sure that our body is in good condition while when our hair looks dull and lifeless, it reflects an overall state of ill health. This is because our hair receives nutrition from the blood stream and grows on the nourishment it receives. Hair growth is also adversely affected by hormones, drugs and waste material. Lets now discuss some frequently asked questions on hair care and hair loss.

Q) What are the nutrients that affect our hair?

Dietary needs vary for proper hair growth. Stress deprives us of a lot of nutrients, especially magnesium. Tobacco neutralizes vitamin C and other anti-radical vitamins. Alcohol interferes with the absorption of vitamin B.

. Our hair is primarily made up of proteins. Thus, a primary necessity for good looking hair is adequate protein intake.

. Fat helps in making the hair look lustrous as linoleic acid stimulates the sebaceous gland. Sebum secreted from the sebaceous glands gives hair its shine.

. Vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and essential amino acids are necessary for harmonious cell balance. Therefore, they affect the cells responsible for hair growth.

. Vitamin E and C or beta-carotene, specifically act as anti-oxidants, protecting our hair from free radicals. they help our hair to stand up to pollution, chemicals, cold, sun, stress and medication.

Q) What should we eat to have great looking hair?

A balanced diet is required for healthy hair. This should consist of:

. 55% carbohydrates, especially those of slow assimilation (e.g. pasta, rice, potatoes).

. 30% Lipids, half of which should be mono saturates like olive oil, a quarter should be poly saturates like groundnut oil and sunflower oil and another quarter of saturates like butter, cream, cheese, animal fat etc.

. 15% proteins (found in cereals)

. Fruits and vegetables should represent in volume, half of your foodstuff.

Feed your hair well: Hair Loss due to nutritional deficiency is known as Loose Anagen Syndrome. Hair fall is common when one does not eat right and besides hair loss, one might find hair with white tip at its head. Falling of hair along with the white tip shows that the root is not strong enough to hold the hair in hair follicle. Dieting is a major reason for hair loss in young women.

Q) My hair becomes rough and unmanageable in summer. Is it because I shampoo it too much?

Wavy hair has a tendency of becoming frizzy in summer due to humidity. Use mild frequent-use shampoos and frizz control products and conditioner.

Must Read: Summer Natural Skin Care : Best Home Remedies and Products at http://www.weightloss-health.com/fruits_summer.htm

Q) I have extremely dry and rough hair. How do i make it soft? After every wash, i have to oil it.

First and the most important advice, have a hot oil treatment twice a week. If possible, apply heena, mixing it with 4 tea-spoons of lemon juice and coffee, 2 eggs and enough yoghurt, as well as 2 tea-spoons oil. This will nourish your hair and hence softens it. After shampoo, you should use a conditioner. You can also use a hair gloss. Apply tiny amounts on the palms and then smoothen over hair and leave it on. This will not only keep your hair in place but also make it look less dry.

Q) I have dandruff since many years. I have used many anti-dandruff shampoos, but nothing has worked. How can i get rid of dandruff permanently?

You should use a mild shampoo, twice a week, heat pure coconut oil and apply on the scalp at night. Next morning, apply the juice of lemon and wash your hair after half an hour. Rinse thoroughly with water. Wash your hair three or four times a week, using less shampoo, but rinsing well with water. Have weekly henna treatments. Add 4 tsps each of lemon juice and coffee, 2 raw eggs and enough curd to the henna powder, mixing it into a thick paste. Apply on the hair and wash off after an hour. If you do not wish to use egg, add more curd.

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