A link between food and dandruff

If you ask this question, whether or not food cause dandruff; I would say “YES”. Being an ayurvedic health practitioner for 20+ years, what I have imbibed is, everything is linked to how we live our life. This includes what we eat, perform physical movements, how much we sleep, and everything associated with life.

If you are consuming unhealthy foods that contain high amounts of carbohydrates, it not only causes issues related to the digestive system, but also cause other effects like dandruff, acne, hair loss, and much more.

Hence, it is of utmost importance to consume what’s good for your health, as the energy for living (Ojas) is generated by what you consume. So if you consume good food, you will be far away from health conditions. 

This article specifically focuses on what food causes dandruff.

Food and Dandruff – Are they related?

One of the main defenses for “diet as a treatment for dandruff” is based on an analogy of types. According to the theory, since yeast is what causes dandruff, avoiding foods that contain yeast should eliminate dandruff.

The issue with this theory is that it ignores the fact that there are over 1,000 different yeast species and that Malassezia globosa, the yeast that causes dandruff, is not used in cooking (Saccharomyces yeasts are most commonly used in baking & making wine and beer).

Additionally, limiting your diet will have no impact on the yeast that naturally inhabits your scalp and produces oleic acid. Likewise, it won’t alter how sensitive you are specifically to oleic acid.

But just because a dietary change won’t get rid of dandruff doesn’t mean it won’t help your hair and scalp. There is a lot of evidence to support the idea that your diet can help your hair and scalp in general:

• Your hair’s foundation is protein, which keeps it strong. Dairy products, eggs, fish, and chicken are all good sources of your daily requirement.

• Hair loss has been associated with a lack of iron. Fish, chicken, and red meat are the most readily available animal products as sources of iron. Lentils, spinach, and other leafy greens are good options for vegetarians.

• Our bodies are unable to produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own, but they aid in maintaining skin moisture. They are widely available in oily fish, avocados, and some nuts.

• Consume plenty of foods high in zinc, such as whole grains, legumes, and some fortified cereals, to protect your hair and scalp.

Also read – How diet plays important role in dandruff

Dandruff Foods To Avoid

There are a few foods that lead to an increase in dandruff problems. Those are noted below.

1. Refined Sugar

It can be delectable, but sugar is bad for you, and can cause (or make worse) conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. You must take care of the health of your scalp both inside and outside of your body if you want to get rid of dandruff.

Because sugar promotes the production of androgen, a hormone that shrinks hair follicle sizes, it can result in flaky skin, itching, and damage to your hair follicles. This implies that you might experience dandruff rather quickly, and many medicated shampoo options won’t address the underlying problem. Reduce your sugar intake if you want healthy hair.

2. Low-Protein Foods

Since protein is a component of hair, regularly consuming low-protein foods may cause damage to your hair and exacerbate issues like dandruff. Most people think of meat when they think of protein. However, many plant foods are incredibly high in protein, so if you follow a plant-based diet or are vegan, you shouldn’t worry. These may lessen dandruff, give your hair the essential nutrition it requires, and even make it simpler to remove dead skin cells that accumulate on your scalp.

3. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption that is too high lowers your body’s overall zinc levels, which can cause itchy skin. In the long run, drinking too much alcohol is bad because zinc is essential for healthy hair growth. You don’t have to completely avoid alcohol in order to control your dandruff; it’s still okay for your hair in moderation. Additionally, alcohol dehydrates the body, which may worsen dermatitis and dandruff.

4. Caffeine

Have you ever kept track of how many coffee cups you drink while rushing from one meeting to another? Actually, the quantity of caffeine you consume can make your dandruff problem worse. The answer is straightforward: caffeine is a diuretic, which means it causes your body to excrete more water, which causes dry skin. This could exacerbate your condition and make your scalp incredibly flaky. In addition to your daily cup of coffee, aerated sodas and drinks also contain caffeine.

Final Thoughts

Poor nutrition can contribute to issues like dandruff, dry skin, and hair loss. More importantly, even though skin-rejuvenating products like coconut oil can soothe itchy skin, they shouldn’t be used as a replacement for a healthy diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil and almonds, as well as particular vitamins and proteins are necessary for healthy hair. Hence, it is important to consume what’s good for overall health.
Explore more about dandruff here.