Sarah Nelson of NaturallyCurly writes:
It you have tried every shampoo and conditioner to get your tresses looking gorgeous and still have not succeeded, you might want to take a look in your kitchen.
As a dietitian, I help many people with their health and nutrition goals. When it comes to having beautiful hair and a healthy scalp we often forget that what we eat and drink will directly affect the quality of our hair. Most people will consider the hair products that they use and treatments (blow drying, styling) that they do to their hair but it’s easy to forget that what you put into your body is just as important if not more important.
Hair grows about ¼ to ½ inch every month and the foundation of all new hair, skin and nail growth is reflected in the nutrients that we eat. If you’re a healthier eater then you will grow strong and healthy cells inside and outside of your body. Eating a well-balanced diet will provide your body and hair the growth-promoting proteins and iron that it needs to get those fabulous locks you crave.
It really isn’t rocket science, right? It makes sense. If you are constantly filling up on mac n’ cheese and fast food burgers, then your body inside and out is not reaching its full potential.
So what should you do if you want lovely locks? First and foremost, you should make sure that you are eating a healthy, well-balanced diet including plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and lean proteins like fish (salmon and tuna for omega-3 fatty acids), chicken and beans to name a few. Avoid diets low in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, because they are often the cause of hair dull and brittle.
Check out these 10 foods that can improve hair quality. While you are improving your outside appearance you will also be improving your insides! Enjoy.
Wonderful article. I was just thinking of this last week, how I as spend hours thinking about what I put on my bodies but not nearly enough time thinking about what I put in my body. Not to mention how much $$$$ I spend on organic hair products, would never dare enter whole foods for actual food! I am going to do better in 2011!
YES!!! Great article…this is the most important part of healthy hair…forget worring about cones and other no nos…I believe in treating the whole and to me, healthy eating it top on my list…
*I do acknowledge whole body health is a process and every step is progress"
That was a great list, thank you for referring it!!