What causes dandruff and how to prevent it?

What really is dandruff?

Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a condition of our scalp which makes our skin appear in the hair and looks like little white flakes. Dandruff is a very common thing to happen. Numbers show that almost half of the total population have dandruff during their lifetime. Especially teenagers and adults. Some of the main dandruff effects are itching, redness and dry skin. It might seem easy to be treated but in fact, it is not. It even has the tendency to be more prevalent during colder, winter months when the air is dryer. But, what does really cause dandruff to appear and is diet related to it? Is there something we can do to prevent ourselves from having or eliminating it?

Causes and diet?

Well, the exact cause of dandruff is unknown, but there are several theories which suggest possible causes and also cure for dandruff. According to some experts, diet might be a significant component when it comes to finding out what really causes dandruff due to the fact that certain nutrients, as well as other dietary factors, have been associated with dandruff in many studies before.

But, what does this really mean? Is our diet such a big factor especially when it comes to the stubborn dandruff condition? Why are so many studies indicating that nutritional deficiencies or certain food allergens might be the real answer?  Have you ever heard that a lot of studies have already proved that people who do not consume enough foods that contain zinc, fats, and some vitamins B have almost twice as much chance to experience dandruff?

All these questions lead us to a single one: What should we do to get rid of it?

Here are our pieces of advice for you:

Consume food rich in B Vitamins

If you’re experiencing dandruff and especially if it keeps returning and nothing seems to cure it, be sure to eat plenty of foods rich in B vitamins. These types of vitamins work perfectly together and typically co-exist in the same foods. Some experts suggest that when taking the inefficient amount of B vitamins (especially B6 and B12), our body creates some perfect conditions for dandruff to appear.  Leafy green vegetables and whole grains are great natural sources of B vitamins. Did you know that some people claim, and they do really believe that using shampoo with vitamin B has really made a difference for them? Actually, shampoos with B vitamins work well against existing outbreaks of dandruff, and also, soaking the scalp with vitamin B shampoo will help the body prevent dandruff from returning.

Don’t forget your Zinc Intake

The most important role that zinc plays in preventing dandruff is to control the sebum production. Sebum, (sebaceous glands) is responsible for producing skin oil for better protecting our hair and scalp. But, when our body starts producing excessive sebum, then, our skin creates perfect conditions for dandruff. Zinc, which most of the time requires vitamin B6 for proper absorption in the intestines, can be found in a variety of foods. Some of the best dietary sources of zinc are oysters, red meat, and poultry. Oats are a good source of zinc too.

Reduce sugar

Dandruff appearance is often attributed to the high sugar consumption. And you know why? Because many studies indicate that dandruff is connected to the candida yeast. Sugary foods promote the growth of this type of yeast in our body. If we commit to a low sugar diet, we do not only protect ourselves from sending our insulin levels up in the sky but also we are protecting it from dandruff too. Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that sugar also depletes the body of B vitamins, which as above mentioned, are a key component of any anti-dandruff diet. A high intake of sugar also impacts the levels of vitamins C and E in our body.

Eat more healthy fats

When talking about healthy fats, the first to come to our mind is omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They have actually not been studied for preventing dandruff but, they do play an important role when trying to eliminate it. They are essential for healthy hair and skin and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Salmon and tuna, extra virgin olive oil, peanuts, walnuts and much more, are just some great options for you to choose in order to have a super healthy skin and hair.

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