Expert holistic ways to thick and glossy hair
Posted: 4 August 2010
by Ateh Damachi
The problem: poor diet
Yo-yo dieting, fad diets and crash diets can all leave the body depleted of essential minerals and fatty acids. Hair is essentially made of the protein keratin, but zinc is also needed to help repair and boost hair growth, as well as biotin, a B vitamin found in the hair follicle. 'Cutting out food groups or skipping meals means the body doesn't get enough nutrients to support the hair follicles and promote new growth,' explains nutritionist Vicky Pennington, from Boots.
Essential Fatty acids, such as omega 3 and omega 6, found in fish oils, evening primrose oil and flax are also a must for healthy hair. 'They help with the production and balance of hormone levels and keep water in the cells, which helps moisturise the body. They are also anti-inflammatory, which will help soothe a tight, itchy scalp,' says Tamara Vernon, Senior Homeopath at The Organic Pharmacy, (www.theorganicpharmacy.com; 020 7351 2232).
How to treat it
'Good quality proteins, such as eggs, fish, meat, soya, chicken and milk are crucial for healthy hair,' says Vicky Pennington. Biotin is also very important for hair growth and can be found in peanuts, cheese and eggs. 'And up your reserves of zinc by taking a good multivitamin, too, such as Boots Complete A-Z (£3.25, www.boots.com),' she adds. Supplement your dietary intake of omega 3 and omega 6 with Equazen Eye Q Capsules, £7.82 for 60, available from www.equazen.com.
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