Just like us, our hair can have bad days. But, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, sometimes, a bad hair day is an indication that something is amiss with what’s on your plate.
Shedding is normal until it’s not
Marla Ahlgrimm explains that most women lose around 100 hairs each day. Chances are, you probably won’t even notice. However, if you lose enough hair that you start to get concerned, it’s time to pay a visit to your doctor. Excessive hair loss may be a sign of thyroid disease, anemia, or certain mineral deficiencies.
Dry is only good to a point.
While you want your hair to dry after the shower, Marla Ahlgrimm says that chronically dry hair may be missing healthy fats that keep it soft and smooth. This could point to an issue with your diet, and extremely dry and brittle hair as a good indicator that you need more salmon, avocado, and olive oil on your plate.
Lackluster locks are more than a problem caused by your stylist.
There’s nothing wrong with your hair looking a little blah every once in a while; this is a great excuse to pop on a hat and a pair of sunglasses. You may have forgotten to wash it, or you’ve changed shampoo and conditioner and it’s just not working for your hair type. But, Marla Ahlgrimm notes that diet may also be another reason that your hair looks as dull as a doorknob.
Brittle hair, do care.
How much iron do you have in your diet? If it’s not enough, your hair will suffer. Brittle hair that breaks off toward the ends may be a sign of iron deficiency. Zinc is another potential mineral culprit here, and Marla Ahlgrimm reports that eating lentils, pumpkin seeds, and beef may be all you need to make your hair strong and sleek once again.
Itchy and scratchy means the need for moisture.
If you haven’t caught on quite yet, many of the health problems that you can experience result from a poor diet, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Your hair is no exception. If you suffer from a dry and itchy scalp, you may need omega 3s, which come from certain types of seeds and fish. A word of caution here: avoid the temptation to scratch with your fingernails as this can cause damage to your scalp, which can result in itchy scabs.
Thinning hair is not just for middle-aged men.
Many women have naturally thin hair, and Marla Ahlgrimm says there’s nothing wrong with that. But, if you notice that your hair is suddenly much less full than before, your diet may be missing protein. Grab the nuts, beans, and whole grains and make a sandwich with eggs and cheese. All of the thickening shampoos in the world won’t help hair that’s not getting enough nutrition.
Genetics isn’t the only reason to go gray. .jpg "Marla Ahlgrimm")
If gray hair runs in your family, and you start to notice a little silver sliver before your 40th birthday, there’s probably nothing to worry about. But, if your parents and grandparents had beautifully-colored hair well into their 50s, premature graying might mean a deficit of the trace mineral copper. Mushrooms and sesame seeds to the rescue.
Ultimately, our hair responds to what we eat. Marla Ahlgrimm says that when your diet is off, your hair will be, too. Make a point to eat healthy foods that help your hair grow when and where it should. You may find that your overall health is much better along the way as your diet plays a huge role in your wellness from birth on.
