Recipe and Health Articles

Dandruff is actually part of the shedding process each of us goes through on a regular basis. This shedding process can be worsened by seasonal and environmental changes, emotional distress, and things like hair spray, mousse and other hair-damaging treatments.Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dandruff.

An ideal diet should consist of fresh juicy fruits, such as apples, grapes, pears, pineapple and peaches. Citrus fruits, bananas, dried or tinned fruits should not be taken. Emphasis should be on raw foods especially fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds, raw nuts and whole grain cereals. Starchy, protein and fatty foods like meats, sugar, strong tea or coffee, processed fruits, candies; soft drinks, pickles and condiments should be avoided.

Symptoms of Dandruff

1:   The most common symptom of dandruff is itching and excessive flaking of the scalp.
2:   Seborrhea, is a severe case of dandruff. In this case, redness is a visible signal of inflammation of the scalp. While the inflammation and redness is generally found on the scalp, it can also appear in the area around the eyebrows, cheeks, behind the ears or on the chest.

What causes Dandruff?
The exact cause of dandruff is unknown. However, some of the conditions below may cause dandruff:

1:   Dry skin:   Dry skin is the most common cause of itchy, flaking skin. Flakes from dry skin are usually smaller and less oily than those caused by dandruff.
2:   Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a frequent cause of dandruff. Dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.
3:   Excessive use of hairsprays and gels.
4:   Improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of electric hair curlers.
5:   Cold weather and dry indoor heating.
6:   Tight fitting hats and scarves.
7:   Infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing.
8:   Stress, anxiety and tension.

Food that prevent dandruff:
Whole grains
Fresh vegetables
Beans
Fruits

Food that aid dandruff:
Milk and milk products
Sea Foods
Fatty Foods
Salt
Sugar
Citrus fruits
All fermented foods containing yeast, such as bread and cheese

Treatment for dandruff
Scalp treatment (ozone treatment)
Herbal shampoo.
Hot oil therapy.

Use of antiseptic lotion.
Henna treatment

Home remedy for dandruff
1:   Mix the olive oil with the almond oil. Leave it on about 5 mins after it starts to burn. Rinse well to clear dandruff.
2:   Massage your hair with warm coconut oil and apply the juice of 2 lemons, steam your hair and leave the oil on for about 2 hours. Shampoo with a mild shampoo. Repeat 2-3 times a week.
3:   Boil few neem leaves in 3 teacups of water. After cooling and filtering, use for rinsing hair.