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Mastering Hair Health with Nutrition Magic!

6 min reading time

Welcome to the vibrant world of hair health, where luscious locks meet the science of nourishment! At Nutrition with Vibha, we embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of radiant and resilient hair, delving into the profound connection between nutrition and the vitality of your tresses.

Today, we’re not just exploring a set of nutrition and lifestyle hacks; we’re diving deep into a holistic approach that considers the multifaceted aspects of hair health. Get ready to discover a treasure trove of tips and insights that extend beyond external care, embracing the goodness that Nutrition with Vibha brings to your mane. Welcome to a space where your hair’s well-being takes center stage!

Nutrition for Hair Health

Blocking the Culprit: Nutrients act like superheroes in your body, blocking the bad guy DHT from triggering hair loss mechanisms like TGF-β. They also tackle micro-inflammation and oxidative stress, boosting your immunity and making sure your genes express themselves in a way that keeps your hair intact.

Not Just Genes: While genes play a role, your lifestyle and what you eat can set the stage for hair loss too. Nutrients don’t just sit idly; they actively work to bring your hair back to life.

Teamwork and Stem Cell Magic: Nutrients don’t work solo. They team up, supporting each other and doing a little dance with your stem cells. This is like giving your hair the ultimate power-up.

Checkup Time: If you’re losing hair, it’s like a signal from your body. The doctor will play detective, asking about your medical and eating habits. If needed, they might even do some lab tests to figure out if there’s a nutrient deficiency at play.

Fixing the Gaps: If the tests say you’re running low on certain nutrients, the solution is simple—top up those levels. But here’s the catch: taking extra nutrients without needing them can backfire. Some supplements might even harm your hair or be toxic if not used correctly.

Microbiome Wonders: Your body’s microscopic world, the microbiome, is like a hidden universe affecting your health. Some treatments that fix the microbiome have done wonders in conditions like psoriasis. Researchers are now wondering if there’s a connection between your hair follicle’s microbiome and hair loss as well.

Here is how you can make sure you are providing right for your hair:-

  1. Adequate Energy:

Providing your body with enough energy through a well-balanced diet is the first step towards vibrant hair. Ensure your caloric intake is sufficient to meet the energy demands of your body and support healthy hair growth.

  1. Protein:

The building block of hair protein is non-negotiable. Incorporate lean meats, eggs, dairy, and legumes into your diet to ensure an adequate supply of protein for the strength and growth of your strands.

  1. High Glycemic Index Foods:

Be mindful of your carbohydrate choices, opting for complex, low-glycemic index foods to maintain stable blood sugar levels. This helps prevent potential hormonal imbalances that can impact hair health.

  1. Vitamins and Minerals:

Beyond the ABCs and essential minerals like iron and zinc, ensure your diet is rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are the foundation of healthy hair, contributing to shine, strength, and overall well-being.

  1. Antioxidation and Anti-inflammation:

Embrace an antioxidant-rich diet to protect your hair follicles from oxidative stress. Additionally, include anti-inflammatory foods to reduce inflammation, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth.

  1. Lifestyle for Hair Health

Physical Activity and Exercise:

Regular physical activity enhances blood circulation, including to the scalp. Incorporate exercise into your routine to promote nutrient delivery to hair follicles and support overall health.

  1. Quality Sleep:

A good night’s sleep is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for hair repair and regeneration. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to contribute to the vitality of your hair.

  1. Substance Management:

Be mindful of substance use, as certain substances can negatively impact hair health. Limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption can contribute to healthier, more resilient hair.

  1. Stress Reduction:

Stress can be a significant contributor to hair loss. Incorporate stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your routine to support overall well-being.

Checking for Health Conditions:

  • Gut Dysbiosis:

What it is: Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the microbial community in the digestive tract, where harmful bacteria may outnumber beneficial ones.

How it affects hair: The health of your gut is intricately linked to nutrient absorption. An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to nutrient deficiencies, affecting the nourishment your hair receives.

  • Anemia:

What it is: Anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, resulting in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood.

How it affects hair: Inadequate oxygen supply to the hair follicles can lead to hair thinning and loss. Anemia is often associated with symptoms such as fatigue and pale skin.

  • Hypothyroidism:

What it is: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.

How it affects hair: Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in the hair growth cycle. Hypothyroidism can lead to hair loss, dryness, and changes in hair texture.

Hormonal Issues

  • Cortisol Imbalance:

What it is: Cortisol is a hormone released in response to stress. Imbalances can occur due to chronic stress or disorders like Cushing’s syndrome.

How it affects hair: Elevated cortisol levels can lead to hair thinning and contribute to conditions like telogen effluvium, where hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase.

  • Reproductive Hormone Imbalances:

What it is: Fluctuations or imbalances in reproductive hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.

How it affects hair: Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can impact hair growth patterns, leading to thinning or excessive shedding.

Seeking Professional Guidance:

  • Regular Health Check-ups:

Regular visits to a healthcare professional are crucial for overall health assessment.

Blood tests can help identify issues such as anemia and thyroid disorders. A comprehensive health check-up can also include discussions about lifestyle factors that may impact hair health.

  • Consultation with Healthcare Professionals:

If you notice significant changes in your hair, such as excessive shedding or changes in texture, consult with a healthcare professional.

A dermatologist or endocrinologist can help identify hormonal imbalances and guide you through appropriate treatments or lifestyle adjustments.

  • Nutritional Consultation:

A nutritionist or dietitian can play a vital role in identifying nutritional deficiencies and developing a personalized dietary plan to support overall health and hair vitality. There are good quality nutrition supplements too that one can use to better hair health.

In conclusion, paying attention to your body’s signals and seeking professional guidance is paramount in maintaining healthy hair. Your hair often serves as a barometer for your overall health, and addressing underlying health conditions can contribute to the long-term well-being of your mane. Regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare professionals ensure a proactive approach to both your health and the health of your hair.

Reach out to us at nutritionwithvibha for a consultation on Nourishment for your Hair.

Stay Nourished!

Stay Blessed!

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Ms. Vibha Hasija
Contributor
MSc (Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics);
P.G. Diploma in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition;
Registered Dietitian

 

A strong believer in the power of preventive and therapeutic nutrition, the role of holistic healing and the integration of Body, Mind and the Soul, Ms. Vibha Hasija is an academician (Department of Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Home Science, Nirmala Niketan, University of Mumbai) since 23 years. An expert in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics and Nutritional Meal Planning, she is known for her powerful and highly effective teaching techniques in the field of Nutrition and Dietetics. She believes firmly in that – All changes happen first in the mind and this has been the guiding principle in her life as well as in applications in the field of Nutrition. Vibha has worked with her mentees in researching and creating Nutrition Communication Solutions and Educational Aids in the field of Clinical Nutrition which has won multiple awards including a National Award for Excellence in Innovation in Clinical Nutrition. She is a resource person for academic nutritional events and for talks on Health and Well Being. Associated with the Registered Dietitian Board of the Indian Dietetic Association as well as part of the executive committee of the Indian Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (Mumbai Chapter), she drives various nutrition education initiatives. An ardent poet and a prolific writer, she works to create a Health Mindset and make good health, good nutrition and lifestyle a human value. Through her Blog – Nutrition with Vibha, she is involved in making a positive difference to the nutritional and lifestyle choices of the community. With her mind on the multifaceted and multidisciplinary aspects of health and life, she brings her unique ideas to create a wave of Holistic Dietetic Choices. Through her unmistakable communication style of words and verses blended with evidence-based research, practicality and spiritual wisdom she dedicates herself to bettering the health of our Nation

Dr. Anuradha Mitra
Associate
MSc (Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics);
Ph. D (Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics).

Dr. Anuradha Mitra (Head of the Department of Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Home Science, Nirmala Niketan) holds more than three decades of experience in the field of Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics both as an academician as well as in the field of Community Nutrition. She has been the Chairperson of the Adhoc Board of Studies of Home Science and the Research Recognition Committee of the University of Mumbai and is highly appreciated as a wonderful and wise teacher who opens up minds to the varied aspects of Nutrition and builds up a desire in her students to better the community with their contributions at the grassroot level especially to the vulnerable and marginalized. Her pioneering work in the field of Adolescent Nutrition as part of her Doctoral Thesis, wherein she has made a detailed study of over 2000 adolescent girls in Mumbai has won the Mumbai University Gold Medal for exemplary research in ‘Avishkar’, the Inter-university Research Fest.

Her special passion and forte lies in Product development; creative recipes that are a blend of the delicious, and the nourishing… Her unique recipe conceptions, adaptations and innovations have made her a sought-out expert by various top brands like Kelloggs, Tata’s Heinz and so on as well as by Government Organisations like Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) for the underprivileged. Along with being a resource person for academic events she has presented papers both at national and international level, and judged a number of Recipe competitions.

Dr. Anuradha Mitra enriches this venture with her special magic of being able to formulate recipes for the varied needs of individuals, keeping in mind the nutritional requirements, albeit laced with her special practical approach and her own brand of life and nutrition wisdom. She dedicates her expertise to empower the world to revel in the joys of nourishing and love filled cooking. She envisions creating homes with a bustling kitchen where all members of the family fall in love with food that nourishes and rise into good health and nutrition; it is this aim that pushes her to create more treasures of recipes that will both satiate the palate as well as nourish the body.

Wilfred Fernandes
Business Head
ENTRPRENUER, COLLABORATOR, INNOVATOR, INVESTOR

Wilfred Fernandes is a professional who has pioneered several innovations during his 14 year stint at the Bennett Coleman Company Group – the Times Property supplement being a fitting example,as well as the Chief Marketing Officer at Ekta World in the realty space.
Reputed for cutting through marketing clutter with fresh business approaches, he founded YOUNG (www.weareyoung.in) in 2010. His vision of and initiatives for an ongoing growth business momentum keeps his media venture YOUNG out of the league of its contemporaries.
This dynamic founder of YOUNG recognised the power and reach of the digital medium and collaborated in creating huge waves of change and empowerment in the community as well as business opportunities. He has thus upscaled and endeavours to launch several digital initiatives
His deep interest in Health, Wellness, Fitness and Sports has led to this confluence of credible nutrition content and a well thought of platform giving birth to nutritionwithvibha.com