Healthy hair not only looks beautiful, but it is an indicator of what is happening inside the body. When hair is dry or brittle, it may be a sign that you are low on fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids. The food highest in omega-3s is fish, which can easily provide daily requirements. Eating fish everyday can be both expensive and raise concerns about heavy metal toxicity, so consuming fish oil supplements is a wiser choice in some circumstances. Check with your doctor to determine if supplementing with fish oil is a good idea for you.
Identification
Fish oil is derived from the fatty parts of fish, which can be eaten directly or taken in supplemental form. According to Dr. Christine Lydon in her book "Ten Years Thinner," it is the omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil that provide its many benefits, including being anti-inflammatory, lowering bad cholesterol, boosting immune function and reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids are also necessary for brain function and the health of skin and nails.
Hair Health
Good fats such as the ones found in fish oil are also important for hair health. These come from the omega-3 essential fatty acids found in wild fish, notes Dr. Adrienne Denese in her book "Dr. Denese's Secrets for Ageless Skin." She explains that both hair and nails are good indicators of internal health, and dry, brittle hair or nails often signal a deficiency in omega-3s. Omega-3s also increase circulation, move more oxygen to the skin and nourish hair follicles, making hair stronger as it grows.
Dosage
Though the amount of fish oil you should take daily depends on your age, weight and whether are not you are on medication, nutritionist Joey Shulman recommends taking 2 to 3 g of fish oil per day for both hair and general health in her book "The Natural Makeover Diet." This amount ensures you are getting enough omega-3s from the supplement. She adds that you should make sure the fish oil supplement was molecularly distilled so it is free of heavy metals and that it is enteric coated to protect the oils which are highly susceptible to rancidity. Check with your doctor before adding this amount of fish oil to your regimen.
Considerations
Though wild-caught fish are considered a healthy food and provide omega-3s, consuming large amounts of this food is not recommended due to heavy metal toxicity concerns. Omega-3s should be a part of a daily diet in order to balance out the omega-6 fatty acids contained in many foods, including vegetable oils and certain meats. Research fish oil brands before you purchase one to make sure all heavy metals and other toxins were removed. Do not take fish oil if you are currently taking a blood-thinning medication.
References
- "Ten Years Thinner"; Christine Lydon, MD; 2008
- "Dr. Denese's Secrets for Ageless Skin"; Adrienne Denese, MD; 2006
- "The Natural Makeover Diet"; Joey Shulman; 2005
Member Comments