Most people, and especially good hairdressers and dieticians, know that poor nutrition can make your hair dull and lifeless, as well as affecting its growth. Thus it follows that a good diet can improve the quality of your hair.

Hair is composed of keratin, a type of protein. A single hair begins with a root below the skin and a follicle from which the root grows – the part of the hair that shows is known as the shaft. Melanin, the pigment which gives hair its colour, is produced in the hair bulb at the follicle’s lower end.

Around 50-100 head hairs fall out every day in most cases, but are replaced as the follicles do their work – this is completely normal, and is just the way the body works. However, a higher rate of hair loss may indicate a problem. Hair loss at a rate which causes balding patches or visibly thin hair is called alopecia.

If your hair is falling out at a rate that bothers you, a visit to the doctor is advisable to find out the cause. A doctor can suggest treatment for any underlying problem after discovering the reason for the hair loss.

How does hair grow?

Every hair whether on your head or the rest of your body grows from its own follicle. New hair cells form at the root of the shaft each time inside the follicle, and these push the old cells out. The old cells, which die as they are pushed out, form the hair shaft itself.

Follicles produce new cells for a period of time, called a growth phase, depending on where they occur on the body. The growth phase will give way after this time to a rest phase, where no growth occurs, before another growth phase begins.

Hair does appear to grow consistently, however, at a rate of about half a millimetre a day. This adds up to half an inch every month. The growth rate may vary according to genetics, age and hormonal state – pregnant women often notice a difference in hair growth. Half a millimetre a day is a good average, but you may find growth rate slows if you have poor nutrition.

Poor nutrition

Many of the western world’s health problems can be attributed to poor nutrition. Omega 3, an essential fatty acid, is vital to healthy hair. Starved of essential nutrients such as this, the body reacts, and as well as other health issues hair health can be compromised. Dull and unhealthy hair can often indicate other problems.

The same principles apply to healthy hair as to a healthy garden; if you want a good lawn you need to maintain the soil underneath. To have a healthy head of hair, therefore, you need to make sure it is being fed the right nutrients from inside. This means improving your diet and ensuring it contains the right balance of essential fatty acids, especially Omega 3.

Omega 3

It is well-known that Omega 3 has hair-growing properties. Its three main nutrients, all found in various foods in differing quantities, are ALA (alpha linolic acid), EPA (ecoisapentaionc acid) and DHA (docosahexaenioc acid). You can find a high amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in salmon, halibut, sardines, albacore, trout, herring, walnut, flaxseed oil and canola oil. Omega 3 fatty acids are also present in shrimp, clams, light chunk tuna, catfish, cod, and spinach.

Conclusion

Omega 3 is excellent for the promotion of faster hair growth and helps your hair to be healthier, as it nourishes it from the inside, feeding the follicles to stimulate growth and shine.

Copyright 2005 David McEvoy

Dave McEvoy is an award winning personal trainer with over 20 years experience; he also runs a high quality health supplement website. http://www.mind1st.co.uk

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