February 7th, 2011
Vitamins are necessary for many important functions of the body. They are also important for good health of the hair. In many cases, the cause of dull and falling hair is nutritional deficiencies. Inadequate intake of vitamins through the daily diet can lead to such nutritional deficiencies. There are six vitamins, namely A, B, C, D, E, and vitamin K. All of these are involved in different functions and processes of the body. Some of them are beneficial for hair growth. Here is a description of the essential vitamins for healthy hair.
Diet and Vitamins for Healthy Hair
There are several vitamins that make up the group of B vitamins. These are necessary for growth of the hair. B vitamins include vitamin B1 or thiamine, vitamin B2 or riboflavin, vitamin B3 or niacin, vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, vitamin B7 or biotin, vitamin B9 or folic acid and vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamin. Out of these, the best vitamins for hair growth are niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin and folic acid. The growth cycle of the hair is regulated by these vitamins. One can obtain B complex vitamins from foods such as wheat germ, poultry, leafy green vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Vitamins for healthy hair growth also include vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A is also called retinol. It is involved in the creation of new tissues and cells of the body. It helps to keep the hair follicles healthy. Deficiencies of this vitamin can lead to dryness of the scalp and dandruff. Vitamin A is contained in liver, dark green leafy vegetables, bell peppers, mangoes and carrots. Vitamin is also known as ascorbic acid and helps in collagen production which is necessary for body tissues and hair. Inadequacies of vitamin C can lead to breakage and split ends. Vitamin C is found in lemons, tomatoes, melons and potatoes. Vitamin E is also beneficial for proper blood circulation in the scalp. It is present in grains and leafy green vegetables.
Apart from vitamins, minerals such as iron, calcium and zinc are also essential for healthy hair. Except for vitamin A, all the other above mentioned vitamins are water soluble. Therefore excess amounts of vitamin A can have toxic effects. A balanced, healthy diet is able to provide the body with the required quantities of vitamins. Those who are unable to derive sufficient amounts of vitamins from the body may opt for vitamin supplements after consulting a doctor.
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February 2nd, 2011
Baby Hair Growth
Baby hair loss is a common occurrence which happens during the first six months of the baby’s life. The two stages of hair growth are the growing stage and the resting stage. After the resting stage, the hair falls out. In baby hair growth, the hair follicles reach the resting stage simultaneously. This is the same process that occurs in the mother as well after she gives birth. This type of slow baldness occurs on account of hormonal changes.
Hair Loss in Babies
Before childbirth, there is a high level of hormones in the baby’s body due to the hormonal changes taking place in the mother. Once the baby is born, the hormonal levels reduce and the baby starts losing hair. Hair loss in babies may also occur in the form of bald patches due to sleeping in one position. The friction of the head with the mattress or pillow can cause the delicate hair to fall out. Such hair loss subsides in time. In many cases, babies are born with heads full of dark hair and then a few months later, patches of hair start falling out. The new hair that grows back is often of a different color and texture.
There is nothing one can do about baby hair loss. It is a practice in some culture to shave the head of the baby after a year as it is believed that this will stimulate good hair growth. However this may not always be the case. In case you notice that your baby has been sleeping in only position for long periods of time, you can try turning him over to the other side. Some mothers give their babies oil massages to prevent hair loss. This may not be effective during the first six months of life as the hair follicles will have to pass through the resting phase. Baby hair also does not need any special treatment other than cleaning with baby shampoo whenever required. If baby hair loss becomes excessive, it is important to consult a pediatrician. It could be indicative of iron deficiencies or medical conditions such as alopecia areata. Many children experience healthy hair growth after some time, but some may need medical treatment to stimulate hair growth. In most cases, baby hair loss will be normal but it is still better to have your baby examined by the doctor. Sometimes ringworm may develop on the baby’s scalp and for this anti-fungal treatment is required.
Tags: baby hair growth, baby hair loss, hair loss in babies
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February 2nd, 2011
The hair is subjected to a significant amount of stress and strain on a daily basis. Increasing environmental pollution, junk foods, improper hair care and poor diet can all contribute to dull and lifeless hair. One can find a vast collection of beauty tips for hair on websites, in magazines and books. Some of these tips may be effective, while some may not. It is up to us to see which treatments and remedies suit our hair type.
Natural Home Tips for Healthy Hair
Here are some natural tips for healthy hair.
We comb our hair every day to ease out the tangles. However improper combing of the hair can lead to breakage. Thus is it very essential that we learn to comb the hair in the right manner. It is better to use wide-toothed combs to remove the knots. Begin combing from the scalp and move downwards towards the hair tips. Do this gently to avoid damaging the hair. One of the most popular home tips for healthy hair is a scalp massage. Warm oil massages are extremely beneficial in nourishing the hair roots and improving growth and appearance of the hair. Get an oil massage done at least once every week. Use oils such as coconut or almond oil. A scalp massage also helps to reduce stress and keeps the hair soft and silky. The best time to massage the hair is at night before sleeping. The hair can then be cleansed in the morning. A large amount of dirt and dead skin cells accumulate on the scalp and in the hair every day. This can cause the hair to become rough and oily. Hair that is not kept clean on a regular basis can get damaged. A hair wash must be done twice or thrice every week. Use gentle shampoos, preferably herbal ones. Apply conditioner after every wash to keep the hair smooth and shiny. Hair is prone to split ends and the only way to get rid of this problem is to get a trim done regularly. Trimming helps to remove the damaged bits of hair and also enables the hair to grow properly.
A healthy balanced diet has a direct effect on the health of the hair. The hair follicles require nourishment in order to grow properly and this comes from the food we eat. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet. Also drink lots of water to keep the body hydrated.
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February 2nd, 2011
Healthy Diet Plans
Good health and longevity comes from following a balanced and healthy diet plan. Most people rely on fast foods for their daily nourishment. However such foods do not supply any type of nutrition to the body. They only serve to increase cholesterol levels and cause unhealthy weight gain. Fad diets and crash diets are also not healthy options as they are only a temporary solution. In order to attain and maintain healthy body weight, we must formulate healthy diet plans. Such a diet plan must incorporate all the different food groups in moderation. Even those who wish to lose weight must follow a diet that comprises of all food groups such as proteins, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, fiber and fat. Healthy eating and a diet plan that is balanced will ensure healthy body mass index and will also protect the body from various illnesses and diseases.
Diet Plans for Men and Women
Healthy diet plans for men and women must follow certain guidelines. Body metabolism is enhanced when we consume frequent smaller meals instead of just 3 large meals. Do not go without eating anything for more that 3 to 4 hours. We must drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated and enable flushing out of toxins. Fresh fruits and vegetables must form a part of the daily diet. A minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables must be consumed daily. You can do this by adding fruits to breakfast cereal or having a desert of yogurt and fruit. Whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat crackers and oatmeal are beneficial for health. Avoid refined grains such as white flour and white rice. Cooking oils are full of saturated fats that can increase cholesterol levels. Substitute these oils for more healthy options such as olive oil. Instead of red meats, go for lean poultry such as chicken and turkey. Use healthier cooking methods such as grilling, baking and steaming. Dark colored vegetables are full of important antioxidants and hence must be consumed every day. Healthy diet plans for women should ensure a higher iron intake.
The manner in which we eat our meals also makes a difference to our health. It is important to chew food for a longer period of time. This ensures better digestion and also prevents overeating. Avoid having your meals while watching television or in front of the computer. It also helps to plan meals in advance in order to save time and unnecessary stress.
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February 2nd, 2011
The health of the hair depends upon several factors such as genetics, hair care, diet and overall health. Most people spend tons of money on hair care products and treatments. However these will have no positive effect on the hair if one does not follow a healthy diet. There are plenty of foods for healthy hair. These must be incorporated into the daily diet. Eating healthy and nutritious foods will ensure good hair growth and will also prevent hair problems. Here are some tips on which foods to eat for healthy hair.
Foods for Hair Growth and Healthy Hair Diet
The hair is comprised mainly of protein. Therefore we must consume protein through the diet. Nuts are very high in protein content. You can incorporate different types of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts and peanuts. Nuts also supply important omega-3 fatty acids to the body. These help to improve hair growth and also keep the hair soft and lustrous. Some of the most important vitamins for hair growth are vitamins B12 and biotin. These vitamins are contained in eggs. Eating an egg a day helps to ensure good health of the scalp and hair. Eggs are also a versatile food and can be eaten in various ways such as boiled, scrambled or poached. Foods for hair growth also include vegetables. A healthy hair diet must consist of green leafy vegetables. Vegetables are loaded with important vitamins and minerals which help in promoting hair growth. Examples of beneficial vegetables for hair growth include broccoli, lettuce and spinach. People with brittle hair that is prone to breakage will benefit from consuming beans, legumes and lentils. These provide the body with protein, zinc, biotin and iron. Milk and other dairy products contain calcium, protein and many minerals. Drinking a glass of milk daily helps in improving the condition of the hair. Dairy foods also contain essential fats which lubricate the scalp and prevent dryness.
Lean poultry is another important addition to a healthy diet for the hair. Avoid eating red meat and opt for lean cuts of chicken or turkey instead. Sea food is a valuable source of protein and also low in fat. Salmon is rich in zinc which keeps the hair healthy. Other foods for healthy hair include flaxseed which reduces hair loss and whole grains which contain important dietary fiber. It is also important to drink plenty of water every single day. Water hydrates the scalp and prevents dryness and frizz.
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