Welcome back, so glad to have you here! When it comes to maintaining your healthiest hair on your hair wellness journey, proper diet and nutrition play a huge role. Lack of nutrient dense foods has unfortunately become all too common these days. And this can slow down hair growth, lead to hormonal imbalances, as well as physical and mental deficiencies. In this post, The Hair Huna is unlocking the secrets of a healthy hair diet, while offering you one of many secrets to achieving the hair of your dreams.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates; NLM
The Building Blocks of a Healthy Hair Diet
Let’s explore the different types of nutrients needed to support healthy hair. This is important to understand before we dive into what a healthy hair diet consists of. Remember, your hair is a physical reflection of what’s occurring inside your body regardless of any natural remedies or products you’re using externally.
Invest in your journey by starting with the right building blocks. Here’s what your hair and body needs:
Protein
Yup, your hair is made of protein, so of course this is top of the list. This is what gives your locks strength, shine, and a certain je ne sais quoi. Lack of protein can cause dull, dry, and brittle strands. If you experience a lot of breakage, you more than likely need to incorporate more protein in your diet.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are a big supporter of our internal bodily systems. From fighting infections, improving moods, promoting growth and so much more. Vitamins A through E reduce added stress on your body’s systems, keeping it functioning properly and flourishing!
For example, Biotin (vitamin b7) is a necessary vitamin that helps metabolize proteins and glucose (sugar). This plays an essential role in hair growth and preventing hair loss!
In addition, minerals like zinc, iron, magnesium and selenium are just a few of the 102 minerals your body needs to function to the best of it’s abilities. Mineral deficiencies have been linked to alopecia, thyroid conditions and even depression and anxiety. These affect many aspects of the hair growth cycle.
Omega-3s
Your hair loves omega 3’s! These fatty acids can be found in fish along with other marine life. These are essential when it comes to boosting hair growth and reducing hair loss, too.
To achieve truly healthy hair, you should be conscious of what your body needs internally, as well as externally.
Foods For Luscious Locks
Below are some nutrient dense foods you should add into your healthy hair diet. These contain a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals, omega 3’s, and protein.
Especially with your food source, quality is better than quantity. I totally suggest supporting your local farmers markets to ensure the highest quality foods are going into your body.
Here are my top 10 healthy hair food choices:
- Salmon
- Coconut
- Spinach
- Guava
- Eggs
- Avocado
- Nuts & Seeds
- Sweet Potatoes
- Berries
- Lean Meats & Poultry
What To Avoid On Your Hair Wellness Journey
Now that you know what to add to your healthy hair diet, you should also know what to avoid.
There are a few dietary habits that can cause more harm than good. Be sure to cut out excess sugar and processed foods. This goes for excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, too. Say good bye to crash diets and calorie restrictions.
The health of your hair is dependent on your body receiving the proper nutrients. It can be hard to quit the above habits cold turkey if your day to day involves them. Moderation is key. Reduce your daily intake and maybe add some health supplements to help support your nutritional needs.
Key Take-Aways
When it comes to your hair wellness, proper nutrition is important to the foundation of your journey. And now that you’ve unlocked the secrets to a healthy hair diet, it’s time to implement it into your daily lifestyle.
Remember, changing your diet can be a bit overwhelming. It’s okay to gradually add in healthy hair alternatives. You may consider hair supplements like biotin and collagen to reap the benefits of the right vitamins and minerals.
Regardless, patience and consistency is the key to seeing improvements within yourself and your hair. Hair wellness shouldn’t focus solely on the destination. The journey is just as important.
Catch ya on the next adventure…