[Imiseok Theme Dermatology] Let’s Learn About Foods Good and Bad for Hair and Scalp

Foods good and bad for

hair and scalp

Looking at the life cycle of hair, it is divided into the anagen phase, catagen phase, and telogen phase. More than 80% of the entire scalp should be in the anagen phase, while about 2% should be in the catagen phase and about 14% in the telogen phase to maintain a balanced state. However, if this balance is disrupted for some reason, the anagen phase becomes shorter or the telogen phase becomes longer, and hair loss occurs.

So, what methods are there to protect the health of hair and scalp while maintaining the balance of these proportions? The most representative method is to practice regular lifestyle habits and a balanced diet. Even if hair loss has already progressed, eating foods that are good for hair loss and the scalp while improving your lifestyle habits can help ease hair loss.

Foods good for hair and scalp

Black beans: Rich in amino acids and cysteine, black beans are said to be good for hair health, so many people actually consume them. In particular, the vitamin B in black beans is also excellent for preventing hair loss, and a component called anthocyanin helps expand blood vessels, supports smooth blood circulation, and supplies the scalp with the nutrients it needs, helping prevent hair loss.

Seaweed: Seaweed, called a natural hair growth stimulant, contains iodine and is said to help promote hair growth. It also helps expel waste products and carcinogenic substances accumulated in the body, making it a food that is beneficial not only for hair but also for overall health.

Pomegranate: Like most fruits, pomegranates contain more than 80% water. In addition, they contain water-soluble vitamins such as glucose, fructose, and citric acid in a well-balanced way. These substances help synthesize collagen, so regular consumption improves blood circulation and helps hair and scalp receive nutrients more smoothly.

Eggs: Eggs are a complete food rich in various nutrients. Biotin (vitamin H), one of the compound ingredients found in eggs, is an essential substance for the normal metabolism of fats and proteins. Biotin helps treat psoriasis, alopecia, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis, and helps maintain strong nails and healthy hair.

Green tea: Green tea is rich in vitamins A and C, helping keep the skin, scalp, and hair healthy. Also, the caffeine in green tea stimulates the central nervous system and enhances mental function, improving thinking ability while relieving fatigue, so it is effective in easing stress.

In addition, it promotes diuretic action to help eliminate waste products, and its polyphenol and tannin components protect stomach cells and expand capillaries, helping blood circulation in the extremities, especially the scalp.

The reason baldness is more than five times more common among Westerners than among Asians may be related not only to genetic factors but also to differences in dietary habits. However, as Korea is also gradually shifting toward a more Westernized diet and the number of hair loss patients is increasing, it is worth paying attention to this trend. Let’s take a look at what foods and eating habits are harmful to hair and scalp, in contrast to foods that are good for them.

Foods harmful to hair and scalp

Refined foods: Seasonings such as white rice, white sugar, and white salt are called refined foods, and it is best to keep them away from the table as much as possible. Rather than white rice, it is better to eat brown rice; rather than white sugar, honey; and instead of refined white salt, lightly roast blackish sea salt in a frying pan and grind it into powder before eating it.

Coffee, cigarettes: Research results have shown that caffeine contained in coffee acts as a factor that raises blood pressure and promotes stress. Stress can not only trigger hair loss but also easily cause a lack of blood, which can interfere with nutrient supply. Excessive smoking can lower body temperature and negatively affect hair, and nicotine also disrupts blood circulation and is not good for scalp health.

Spicy or salty foods: If salt intake becomes excessive, blood pressure rises, and due to sodium’s water-retaining properties, it also puts strain on the kidneys and heart. As a result, it can cause various disorders related to adult diseases or blood circulation, and it can be inferred that it is deeply related to hair loss.

Salt is also a food that negatively affects hair health. Excessive salt intake reduces body moisture, dries out the hair and scalp, and may cause hair to fall out.

Flour: Flour is absorbed immediately in the form of sugar as it is consumed, so it plays a role in promoting insulin secretion. However, excessive consumption disrupts hormonal balance and has a negative effect on hair. In particular, imported flour is a food with all kinds of additives, including pesticides and chemical fertilizers, preservatives and insecticides, as well as various bleaching agents and flour improvers, so it is not good for overall health either.

If you consistently eat foods that are good for hair and scalp and maintain good habits in your daily life, you will be able to prevent hair loss.

However, if hair loss has already started, it may be wise to visit a medical institution and receive treatment before it gets worse. The treatment program at Imiseok Theme Dermatology Clinic, which helps improve hair loss through systematic care, can be a good option for people with hair loss.

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