The skin on your body requires nutrients and vitamins to stay healthy and to support the hair growth that occurs on it. Your scalp is no different. However, when the scalp does not receive adequate vitamins, it may become dry and itchy. Even worse, it may cause your hair to become malnourished, which may lead to dry, brittle strands that are prone to breakage. You can protect your scalp, and the hairs that rest on it, from such malnourishment by providing it with adequate vitamins found in common foods.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to promote blood circulation on the scalp, which allows the hair on the scalp to receive the appropriate nutrients needed for optimal growth. In addition, vitamin C helps repair damaged skin tissue and encourage tissue growth. This may be beneficial if you experience excessive itchiness due to a dry scalp and relieve the itch with rough, skin-damaging scratches. You can find vitamin C in foods such as kiwi, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, potatoes, tomatoes and dark green vegetables. You can also take a supplement of vitamin C. As with all supplements, consult your doctor before use to determine what amount is right for you.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E also helps with circulation in the scalp. It is also an anti-oxidant, which helps to keep your cells healthy and free from damage or death. You can find vitamin E in a variety of foods, including vegetables such as turnip greens, taro, spinach and seaweed. Grains such as rye, brown rice and oat bran are also significant sources of vitamin E. However, foods highest in this vitamin include more common foods choices, such as peanut butter, vegetable oil, almonds and sunflower seeds. You can also take it in supplement form.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps to keep the skin on your scalp nourished, preventing it from dryness and itchiness. It does this by aiding in the production of healthy sebum, or skin oils, in the scalp. This nourishment also helps keep hair shiny and manageable. However, too much vitamin A may actually trigger hair loss; discontinued use will remedy this problem. For intake of vitamin A, look to foods such as lettuce, carrots, spinach, cantaloupe, grapefruit, peaches and soy milk. Vitamin A is also available in a supplement.
B Vitamins
Vitamin B3 benefits the scalp by promoting circulation. Other B vitamins help with maintaining healthy, desirable hair that comes from healthy scalp with strong circulation. For instance, vitamin B5 and B12 help to prevent against hair loss. Vitamin B6 provides this prevention in addition to providing hair with the pigmentation it needs to color your hair. You can find B3 and B12 in fish and chicken. Vitamin B5 is found in whole grain cereals and egg yolks. Sources for vitamin B6 include jute, jalapeno and banana peppers, cabbage, squash, chick peas and peanut butter. Excessive doses of B6 can result in numbness of the hands and feet. Discontinue intake if this occurs, and contact a physician to make sure B6 is the source. Vitamins B6, B3, B5 and B12 are all available in supplements.
Member Comments