Health Basics with Diana Bomford of Active Nutrition

The typical adult human has about 100,000 hairs on their head and will, on average, shed between 50 and 100 hair strands every day. Hair, on average, grows 15cm a year and can keep growing for eight years before shedding.

This is great for those with a healthy head of hair. But not everyone is fortunate to have lovely flowing locks; genetics, hormone imbalances, age, stress or even pregnancy can cause hair loss or poor hair health. Excessive dieting, especially anorexia and bulimia, cause hormonal shifts that cause hair to thin.

From the beginning of time there are records of remedies for healthy hair. The ancient Egyptians slathered their hair with oil made out of the castor plant seed whilst other records show salves made from aloe vera juice, olive oil, rosemary oil, and even onion juice mixed with honey were all used as hair health stimulants.

Today, diets high in fat, animal protein, sugar and salt, and low in vitamins, are often the culprits when it comes to poor hair health. Other offenders include the over-use of hair dye and chemicals, all of which contribute to hair thinning, splitting and poor growth.

A low level of thyroid hormones is a common cause of hair loss. The thyroid gland needs minerals such as iodine, zinc and selenium to work effectively. Poor digestion, high consumption of coffee and poor sleep is also contributors to lack-lustre hair. Exercise stimulates the blood flow to the scalp, bringing nutrients to and removing toxins from the hair root growth area.

It is not enough to just massage oil into the scalp to lubricate the skin; this issue need to be addressed from within. Essential omega-3 fatty acids support scalp health, helping us avoid dry scalp and dull looking hair. A diet that includes foods high in omega-3 such as salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds will help avoid poor scalp health. Research has shown that biotin, a vitamin B complex found in many of our foods, is important for assisting hair health as it assists with the metabolism of fatty acids and it has been suggested that it helps with controlling blood sugars.

A well-balanced diet high in vitamins, omegas, minerals and antioxidants will help you maintain a healthy head of hair, reduce hair thinning and splitting. For further information you can email me: [email protected]