Diet for Healthy Hair – Men's Tip No. 6

Diet for Healthy Hair – Men’s Tip No. 6

These days we tend to treat ailments or disorders with pills and medications; while overlooking the condition of our internal systems. The state of our hair provides vital clues about what is going on inside our bodies – what we eat, the air we breathe and how we live all affect the condition of our hair and it’s appearance tells the tale to those that know the signs.

After an assessment from a Doctor or Dermatologist, the next step in combating hair loss should be to examine your diet to ensure you are eating foods that will support healthy hair growth – while avoiding those that don’t.

Diet tips to promote hair growth

Protein

Men are required to get 56 – 58 grams (1.98 – 2.05oz) a day of protein (more for bodybuilders and athletes). In reality, most men take in double this amount, which can have adverse effects on the body (most notably the kidneys) and hair growth. Aim to get your 56 – 58 grams per day from the following sources, and make a note of portion sizes:

Skinless chicken breast: 24g (0.85oz)
Eggs: 12.5g (0.44oz)
Tuna fish (tinned): 26g (0.92oz)
Peanut butter: 25g per 100g (0.88oz)
Almonds: 21g per 100g (0.88oz)

Other great sources of protein include: Nuts and seeds; soy products; oily fish (salmon, sardines, and mackerel); low-fat dairy products and brown rice.

Professional Advice – Kristine Harriott :: Registered Dietician :: Calgary, AB

“I recommend the following nutrients for those who are experiencing hair loss: Vitamin A, Biotin, Copper, Zinc and Omega 3 fatty acids. These can all be derived from foods such as eggs, seafood, nuts/seeds, whole grains and oily fish, in addition to supplements.”

Antioxidants

Free radicals, in short, are toxic cells in the body that destroy healthy ones. A presence of free radicals in the body has a direct effect on premature aging and hair loss. The best way to eradicate free radicals is through a healthy diet. Add these foods to your diet to give your hair, your skin condition and your energy levels a boost:

Green tea: imperative in stabilizing the body’s balance. Drink at least 2 cups a day.
Berries: cranberries, blueberries, strawberries and goji berries. Aim to include berries as 2 of your 5 recommended fruit and vegetable servings a day.
Green vegetables: broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, spinach and wheatgrass. Don’t waste the precious vitamins that are contained in these vegetables by boiling them in water. Instead, steam them until they are slightly soft to preserve the antioxidant count and increase their effect on the body. Eat green vegetables 2-3 times a day.
Nuts: Brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds. Nuts are recommended as a mid-morning and afternoon snack for their high protein content and essential oils. Eat 2 small handfuls a day.
Plenty of purified water: hydration is paramount to hair growth. Drink at least 8 glasses a day

Professional Advice – Robert Steinken :: Celebrity Hairstylist

“A lot of men who are starting to go bald really are taken by surprise. They don’t know how to style their hair. Their hair texture is changing and therefore it is a good idea to change your hairstyle. Please do not do ‘the comb-over’, it never looks good. Go to your hairstylist and ask him what he thinks… but don’t hang onto something that is not there.

Things to Avoid

They may taste great, but these foods work against the body. If you want to provide an optimum environment for hair growth, avoid the following things:

Carbonated drinks
Alcohol;
Sugar
Caffeine

Vitamins and Natural Remedies

Vitamins and minerals also play a huge role in growing hair. The most important vitamins needed are: A; E; B12 and Biotin. See your doctor to determine if your levels are on par. If they are not, a good quality supplement should be taken.

For some men, the thought of taking medication on a regular basis or undergoing surgery is just not an option. Thankfully, there are many natural remedies that can help hair loss safely – and at a fraction of the cost.

Emu Oil – Emu oil has been noted to treat hair loss, especially in the frontal regions, when massaged into the scalp every night.

Neem Oil – Mix Neem Oil 10:1 with a light carrier oil (jojoba or almond, for example) and leave it on the scalp overnight. This is a centuries-old remedy for hair loss that hails from India. Again, massage would be a key factor in the success of using Neem Oil in this case.

Acupuncture

This form of traditional Chinese medicine has been used to treat hair loss for centuries. A course of treatments are usually given at weekly or bi-weekly intervals and are completely painless. A qualified acupuncturist can also suggest Chinese herbs to treat hair loss at home.

Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage usually begins with warmed coconut oil, applied to the scalp: and then a series of massaging movements to relax and invigorate the scalp and neck. Regular treatments can help to increase circulation to the scalp and it is still used in India on a regular basis to correct hair loss. Indian head massages can be done professionally, and can also be practiced at home once the techniques are learned.

Look Good, Feel Great!