Beautiful, shiny hair comes from within. Many people struggling with hair problems may have thyroid issues. The Hair Boutique's Karen Marie Shelton reports that some "10 million Americans may suffer from undiagnosed hypothyroid disease." Hypothyroidism consists of a sluggish or underactive thyroid gland and causes lack of energy, hair loss and may cause dry, frizzy hair prone to breakage. Only a doctor can diagnose hypothyroidism. If your doctor has given you a clean bill of health but you still struggle with dull, lifeless hair, adjusting or supplementing your diet to include more of these vitamins may encourage the growth of stronger, shinier hair.
Beta-carotene
More so than any other vitamin, beta-carotene works directly to produce shinier hair. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A and uses it to produce sebum. This light yellow secretion of the skin moisturizes and nourishes the scalp, follicles and the roots of the hair. Well-hydrated hair appears shiny and full of luster. Get more of this wonder vitamin in your diet by eating carrots, peaches, apricots, broccoli, milk and eggs.
Biotin
This keratin-producing vitamin strengthens your hair, skin and nails. Part of the vitamin B complex family, biotin promotes the health and growth of your hair by producing the very protein that makes up your hair. Although your body does produce small amounts of biotin naturally, you may want to add more egg yolks, rice, oatmeal and milk to your diet.
Fish Oil or Flaxseed
The human body does not naturally produce the omega 3 fatty acids that aid in the treatment of conditions ranging from heart disease and high cholesterol to weight loss and skin care. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that increase circulation and nourish the hair follicles. Add more salmon, mackerel and tuna to your diet to give your hair a beautiful luster. Vegetarians can get plant-derived omega-3 from flaxseed.
Vitamin E
This antioxidant increases blood circulation to the scalp, delivering oxygen to the hair follicles and promoting the overall health of your hair. Good sources of vitamin E include raw seeds and nuts, leafy green vegetables, soybeans, milk and wheat germ oil. Ingesting too much vitamin E can cause a rise in blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin E in the form of a daily supplement pill, especially if you take medication for a heart condition or high blood pressure, advises Worldofhair.com.
Member Comments