Dry, itchy and flaky skin on your scalp is usually the result of dandruff, but the exact cause of dandruff is unknown. Dandruff can vary in severity and causes from person to person. Despite this, making healthy nutritional changes to your diet can help your decrease your dandruff or avoid it all together. In addition, try over the counter dandruff shampoos and talk with your doctor about other steps you can take to help control your dandruff.
Poor Overall Diet
Having a poor diet overall, one that is lacking in an assortment of healthy nutrients can increase your dandruff. Eating a diet that is based in high fat foods and junk foods can limit the amount of healthy nutrients you get. Inadequate nutrition can leave the skin on your scalp, as well as other areas on your body, dry and flaky, which results in the development of dandruff.
Essential Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are important for many different functions in your body and can help keep your heart and brain healthy, but the benefits are not limited to these things. Eating a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce your risk of developing dandruff. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep your skin healthy. Sources of dietary fatty acids include flax seed, fatty fish, olive oil and walnuts.
Selenium Deficiency
Having a lack of selenium in your diet can result in dandruff, according to the Diet Channel website. Selenium helps keep your immune system functioning properly and it helps protect the cells throughout your body. Selenium is often added to dandruff shampoos, but to increase the amount you eat add foods such as Brazil nuts, tuna, fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Lack of Zinc
Having a diet that is lacking in zinc can contribute to the development of dandruff, reports the MayoClinic.com. Zinc is often added to dandruff shampoos and the direct application to the scalp can help relieve dandruff. You can add zinc to your diet by eating foods such as wheat germ, oysters, pine nuts, cereals that have had zinc added to them and eggs.
Inadequate Hydration
Proper hydration helps keep your skin healthy all over your body. Not drinking enough water or sweating off more water than you take in can leave your dehydrated. Dehydration can result in dry, flaky and cracked skin all over your body and even on your scalp. Drink at least 8 glasses containing 8 ounces of water each day and drink more if you are physically active.
