Hair is a lifeless tissue, composed mainly of a fibrous protein called keratin – the same material that makes up our nails.  Good nutrition plays a vital role in the growth of hair and appearance thereof.  Healthy hair requires an ample supply of nutrient rich blood to nourish the scalp and hair follicles.

Hair grows on average about 1.25 centimeters per month.  It is not unusual to shed up to a hundred hairs a day but fortunately, when one falls out, another usually grows out.  The average head contains about 1 000 000 hairs, but nearly 60% of all adults develop some kind of balding or thinning by the age of 50.

Common hair problems are brittle hair, hair that sheds and stops growing back, hair that becomes flecked with dandruff caused by excess flaking and shedding of skin on the scalp. Hair problems may be a result of poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, environmental circumstances, medical conditions such as an under active thyroid gland, immune disorders, hormonal changes, genetic factors and stress.

Supplements may help your hair grow stronger and healthier by nourishing it at the roots. 

A vitamin B complex including biotin may be beneficial to strengthen hair, condition hair and scalp and prevent excessive hair loss due to stress.

An insufficient intake of vitamin A can result in a flaky scalp but too much vitamin A over an extended period of time can cause hair loss.  A lack of essential fatty acids can cause hair to be dry and lifeless. Taking flaxseed oil may cut down on itching and flaking dandruff and may be useful in treating eczema and psoriasis of the scalp.

The mineral zinc may promote hair growth as well as slowing hair loss especially for people who have brittle or thinning hair as a result of an under active thyroid gland.  To maintain a proper mineral balance in the body, zinc needs to be taken with copper.  Copper is an essential component in melanin, the pigment that colours hair and skin, and may reverse the graying of hair caused by a copper deficiency.  Selenium may also promote healthy hair growth.

For healthy hair avoid diets that might deprive your body of essential nutrients.  Eat foods rich in zinc, such as wheat germ, brewer’s yeast and pumpkin seeds. Foods rich in copper include legumes; whole grains, such as rye and wheat; nuts and seeds; vegetables such as peas, artichokes, radishes, garlic, mushrooms and potatoes; fruits such as tomatoes, bananas, prunes and avocados; and soya products.  Good sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, seafood, poultry and meat. Also include vitamin B rich foods such as fish, poultry, meat, dried beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, whole wheat grains, avocados, yoghurt and brewer’s yeast.