Dandruff can also be known as seborrheic dermatitis. It's a common condition characterized by flaky skin on the scalp. The U.S. National Library of Medicine says dandruff may be caused by an "over-production of skin oils" and malessizia, a yeast. Symptoms of dandruff include flaky skin, itchiness and redness. It isn't contagious. Some babies even get a form of dandruff referred to as "cradle cap." There is no cure for dandruff, but it can be controlled with special medicated shampoos and diet.
Triggers
In the fourth edition of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis A. Balch says dandruff can also be caused by hormonal imbalances, illness, deficiencies of B-complex vitamins and essential fatty acids, the "improper" consumption of carbohydrates, trauma and the consumption of sugar.
Prevention/Solution
Balch recommends eating a diet of at least 50 percent raw foods and yogurt. She also recommends avoiding fried foods, sugar, flour, nuts, seafood and chocolate.
The Mayo Clinic recommends eating foods that have zinc, healthy fats and B vitamins. Good food sources of zinc are beef, pork, crab, clams, milk, pumpkin seeds, cheese and brown rice. Healthy fats are nuts, seeds, healthy oils such as olive oil, and avocados. Food with high levels of vitamin B include whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits and vegetables, meats such as tuna, liver and turkey, bananas, molasses and beans.
Essential fatty acids help people with dandruff by helping the body repair cell damage. Flaxseed oil is good example of an essential fatty acid. Selenium is an important mineral for those with dandruff. It helps the body metabolize fats. Food sources of selenium include nuts, whole grains and meats.
Herbs
Dietary herbs can also help dandruff sufferers. Try adding dandelion, goldenseal or red clover to your diet. Dandelion leaves can be eaten like a salad. They act as a diuretic, though, so they shouldn't' be taken by those already using a prescription. Goldenseal cleans out the body and helps reduce inflammation and infection. It can be taken as s supplement. Goldenseal shouldn't be used by pregnant women. A red clover supplement helps purify the blood and helps skin problems.
Yeast
Eating a yeast-free diet can also help clear up dandruff. Foods that contain yeast are breads and other baked goods, beer and wine.
Considerations
There is no cure for dandruff, but it can be controlled with special medicated shampoos and diet.
References
- Medline Plus
- Mayo Clinic
- Book: Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Fourth Edition; Phyllis Balch; 2006
