Top Nutritional Tips to Support Healthy Hair Growth

The hair is one of the parts of our body that has a role to play in our outlook. As such we should take good care of our hair if we are conscious of our outlook. The following nutritional tips will help to support healthy hair growth.

1. Eat adequate amounts of protein.

Protein is composed of the amino acids essential for the building of new cells, including hair. The following amino acids are of particular relevance to hair growth - cysteine, methionine, arginine and lysine.

Inadequate protein intake over a lengthy period can force hair into the resting phase with shedding imminent in a few months later. It is obvious then that sufficient portions of protein rich foods should form part of your daily diet to avoid this. The best sources of dietary protein are lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, soy, nuts, grains and seeds. It is advised that your daily calories should come from protein-rich foods.

2. Eat adequate amounts of useful carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are an essential source of energy and help in the growth of body tissues, including hair. They are an important source of the B vitamins that are vital to healthy hair.

It is important you concentrate on consuming non-refined carbohydrates rather than sugar and white flour that are so prevalent in many over-refined carbohydrates products. You should make the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, brown rice and potatoes mandatory. It is recommended that you obtain 55-60% of your daily calories from the carbohydrates found in these foods.

3. Achieve a healthy balance of dietary fats.

Fat is used in energy production and can be found in both animal and plant foods. Your body needs sufficient levels of fat to maintain good health. That fat should be obtained from a mixture of lean animal and plant sources. 

4. The right nutritional balance is one that suits your personal circumstances.

How much of each food group you eat depends on a host of factors including age, sex, health and level of physical activity. When choosing meals and snacks, take account of the following key principles of sound nutrition:

- Eat a variety of foods.

- Reduce your consumption of junk foods.

- Choose natural and lightly processed foods as often as possible.

- Do not overcook foods.

5. Support a nutritious diet with a few carefully chosen supplements.

Following a nutritious diet is essential for good hair health, but on its own this may not be sufficient for a number of reasons:

- High stress levels may diminish nutrients in your body.

- Dieting may affect nutrient levels.

- Aging reduces the ability of our bodies to utilize certain nutrients.

Supplementing with well-balanced multi-vitamin and mineral products that specifically cater for the requirements of healthy hair is advised.