"Let food be your medicine
let your medicine be your food"
Hippocrates
 

In a world accustomed to popping a pill for every aliment from the common cold to headaches, latest medical findings reveal physiological aspects of diet; nutrition and lifestyle provide the link in the battle against hair loss and obtaining hair health. 

The importance of diet concerning our hair cannot be overstated.  In support of this, recent Japanese research findings confirm, that since World War 2, occidental dietary changes have lead to a significant height increase in the Japanese population, but has also resulted in more Japanese losing their hair.

While the following nutrients are each of individual value their combination when correctly balanced functions synergistically.  That is to say each component increases the potency of the collective and is essential in order to obtain optimum hair health and overall health and well being. 

Vitamins – the Latin term vita means life. Vitamins are present in many foods and are essential to health, growth and maintenance of the body tissues. They are also responsible for the normal metabolism of other nutrients. As the body cannot synthesize most vitamins, these must be obtained from food.

Fruit, salad and vegetables supply the fresh vitamins and minerals needed, plus added protein from vegetable origin help rebuild the hair structure.  

Protein – is the basis and fundamental need of every body tissue including hair, fingernails and skin.  

Vegetables, fish, poultry and lean meat are excellent sources of protein.  Legumes, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans are also rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, fiber and antioxidants.

Amino Acids – come from meat, milk, eggs, fish, bread, nuts or any other protein source.  Some of the body’s supply of amino acids is transported by the blood to promote and rejuvenate the hair and scalp. 

Fiber - is essential for a well balanced diet. Grains, fruit, high fiber natural cereals, cooked corn, vegetables, whole grain bread all provide good sources of fiber.  

Dairy Products – dairy products provide the essential minerals calcium and magnesium most often found lacking in a persons diet, they also provide protein.  If you are intolerant to dairy products and do not fulfill your daily requirements then you must compensate for this by firstly a daily supplement of calcium and magnesium and secondly an increase of high protein enriched food.

Carbohydrates – most countries dietary guide lines recognize and recommend it is important for people to eat more high carbohydrate, high fiber foods, such as oat meal, whole grains, pasta, whole grain breakfast cereals, breads etc. 

Fish and Omega 3 Fats – fish and seafood play an extremely important role in the Hair Power Diet.

The fat in all seafood consists largely of omega 3 fatty acids.  Seafood has virtually no saturated fat. 

Antioxidants – Poor diet, aided and abetted by smoking and air pollution impinges on our health by activating free radicals, miscreant molecules that can attack cells – including the cells that make new hair.  In order to combat free radical production the most important antioxidants that we take in from the outside through our diets (Or “exogenously”) are vitamin E, C, beta-carotene, and high fiber?

A strong presence of the above antioxidants has been conclusively linked to longevity. Vitamins E and C are essentially important to reduce the effects of oxidative stress and is a vital part of the formula involved in retarding cellular ageing. 

Other important antioxidants are zinc, selenium, garlic, tomatoes, vegetables and beans.

The body is self-healing. Doctors cannot heal. They create a situation in which nature is able to do its work of healing, repairing and regenerating. So, too, with our hair.

Correct nutritional activity accelerates the growth rate and strength of each hair follicle and within 4-6 months great results should be noted. 

Realize the importance of looking after your hair for it is nature’s own health barometer and as night follows day, your overall health and well being will flourish as well.

© 2002

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