Healthy Hair

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A full, shiny head of hair is always a sign of beauty, but how to get it?

Proper nutrition, which may be helped by vitamins and supplements, is critical

to making hair healthy from the inside out. Our Wellness Expert, Lynn

Laboranti, M.S., R.D., helped us clear up the mysteries of how to get a luxuriant

mane.

Wellness Advisor: What is hair made of?

Lynn Laboranti: Hair is made up of cells which are arranged in three layers.

The outer layer is called the cuticle, the middle layer is the cortex, and

the innermost layer is the medulla. The medulla is mainly protein, or soft

keratin, and the cortex and cuticle are a mainly a stronger protein, or hard

keratin. This structure of the hair makes it quite strong when it is healthy.

WA: What vitamins or supplements can nourish healthy hair?

Laboranti: A healthy, varied diet helps to provide the nutrients necessary

for healthy hair. Also, a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement can help meet

daily nutritional needs. Optimal hair growth occurs when there are no

nutrient deficiencies present. In particular, normal stores of iron and normal blood

concentrations of certain B vitamins, such as folate and vitamin B-12, are

also necessary. A B-complex or Super B-complex supplement may a be helpful to

nourish hair if B vitamins are lacking in the diet.

WA: What other things should I do to care for my hair?

Laboranti: Combing and brushing ensure healthy hair. Brushing hair helps

release the oil at the roots of hair that gives hair a natural gloss and also

helps to make it soft. The quality of your hair depends upon your overall

general health. A diet containing adequate protein with lots of fresh fruits and

vegetables is good for beautiful and healthy hair. There are some

environmental factors that you can help control to maintain healthy hair. A polluted

atmosphere, scorching heat, or a sultry climate can adversely affect the beauty

of hair. In addition, a high amount of stress and certain diseases can also

negatively impact hair.

WA: If I am losing my hair or going prematurely gray can vitamins help me?

Laboranti: Malnutrition, starvation and eating disorders are

nutrition-related factors that can affect hair loss and color, but unless those problems are

a result of malnutrition vitamins may not help. On the other hand, healthy

individuals, who experience increased hair loss or shedding, may be deficient

in iron. Additional iron can help those who are iron deficient, and an iron

supplement is recommended. Along with a balanced diet, a daily

multivitamin/mineral supplement can help ensure you are getting all the nutrients necessary

for healthy, vibrant hair.

 

 

Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words.Keep your words positive, because your words become your behavior.Keep your behavior positive, because your behavior becomes your habits.Keep your habits positive, because your habits become your values.Keep your values positive, because your values become your destiny.

- Mahatma Gandhi

 

 

 

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