Nurture Hair to Health

When it comes to hair loss, our biggest concern is usually how this will affect the way our hair looks. It's a natural concern for most women (and men!) to have. The health of our hair, however, is actually what we need to evaluate. From scalp conditions to what we eat, there are several areas related to health that you should consider if you notice a change in your hair growth and texture.
"Hair health depends on blood supply, circulation and nutrition," says ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Melody Hart. "It can also be from one's thyroid, liver hormones and stress levels." Whether you're suffering from hair loss or want to prevent it from happening, these expert tips will help you keep your hair its healthiest.

Eating and Drinking for Hair
Check the ingredients in the food you eat. Are your meals enriching? A lot of foods lack vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. For instance, eating organic can greatly improve hair health, says Dr. Julia Tatum Hunter, dermatologist and founder of Skin Fitness Plus in Beverly Hills, CA. "The closer to nature—raw green foods—you eat, the more alkaline and healthy your skin and body will become," she explains. "You must address your skin and body internally and externally to achieve health and turn back the clock."
Dr. Hart also suggests eating foods rich in silica and sulphur such as onions, garlic, green leafy veggies and eggs. Sulphur, which is often dubbed the "beauty mineral" and can be found in its greatest concentration in hair, skin and nails, promotes circulation and decreases inflammation. Experts like Dr. Hart theorize adequate amounts of sulphur can help jumpstart hair growth in people with deficiencies. "Iodine and potassium foods, such as sea vegetables (like seaweed), also promote growth and thickness," she says.
As much as you love coffee, sweets, and salty snacks, reducing your intake of salt, sugar, fats and caffeine can also aid in fostering hair health. Instead of coffee or soda, drink water. Since the human body is generally composed of 60-80 percent water, when deprived of it, your cell health suffers. Dehydration directly impacts hair growth, so Dr. Hart suggests drinking at least six glasses of water a day.