Dr. Archana Rahul Mayekar

Food is important for the health and growth of your hair as well, like all other body parts. The only difference is that you have to supply the food to the hair follicles before the hair strand grows since once it grows out it is nothing but a dead cell and nothing can make the hair thicker or straighter or healthier. But a healthy diet can keep the hair follicles nourished and the scalp healthy thus preventing hair fall and other various ailments that cause hair fall.

 

Just like your skin, you hair shows damage through dieting too. Just that the skin shows immediately and the hair to show the extent of damage would take longer. But nevertheless a crash dieting or an unhealthy lifestyle would surely take a toll on your hair too along with your skin.

Causes of unhealthy hair: there are also many other reasons for unhealthy hair too like,

1. Excessive smoking,

2. Excessive alcohol consumption

3. Unclean hair regularly etc,

But maintaining a healthy diet throughout would help in combating these much more effectively than any cosmetic products ever can.

There are many food stuffs that can help in healthy hair growth. Taking just any food that is regarded as healthy will not help. You have to know exactly, what ingredients favor in building block of healthy hair. In which food you would get these ingredients. You have to then include these foods into your daily diet plan. For instance protein is the most important ingredient that aids in healthy hair growth. The reason is that the hair strand is mostly made of protein and hence a protein rich diet would ensure that your hair stand is strong such that it does not break easily.

List of protein rich foods:

1. Whole eggs

2. Almond 

4. Oats

5. Cottage cheese

6. Greek yogurt

7. Milk

8. Broccoli

9. Tuna

10. Quinoa

11. Lentils

12. Pumpkin seeds

13. Turkey breast

14. Fish (all types)

15. Shrimp

16. Brussels sprouts

17. Peanuts

Healthy scalp is necessary for healthy hair too and for healthy scalp you would need a diet rich in iron, vitamin e and some essential minerals like copper, selenium and magnesium. Vitamin d is also important. You would get vitamin d through the sunlight but remember that too much sunlight can damage the hair instead of supplying it with vitamin d. For protein, minerals and vitamin e, you should take ample amounts of fishes like salmon, eggs, leafy vegetables like spinach as well as lentils too.

It is important though that you consult a good doctor first before taking all the above mentioned food at once. Your doctor can plan out a balanced diet for you.

Consuming ginger substitutes like ginger biscuits, ginger beer or ginger lollies helps in settling a queasy tummy during pregnancy.

Which moisturiser will work best for your skin type?

Moisturisers are extremely essential during winters for keeping your skin soft and hydrated. The chief function of moisturisers is to ensure that the outermost layer of your skin can hold water to prevent the skin from becoming dry and charred. But, any moisturiser you choose randomly might not be effective for your skin. For making the most of your moisturiser choose one that is suitable for your specific skin type. Read on to find about the correct type of moisturisers required for each skin type.

1. Dry skin

Dry skin becomes even drier during the winters and requires a heavier, oil-based moisturiser with hydrating ingredients to remain soft. Additionally, if your skin is too dry or cracked, using products containing mineral jellies like petroleum jelly will be beneficial. This is because these products are known to minimise evaporation of moisture from your skin.

2. Oily skin

Acne and breakouts mostly occur on the oily skin, so it will be best to choose a light, water-based moisturiser if you have this type of skin. Moreover, try to opt for a product that is non-comedogenic in nature, which will ensure that you do not get clogged pores due to the moisturiser.

3. Normal skin

Normal skin can be characterised by perfect natural oil balance and an even tone. For keeping your skin soft you need to keep this natural balance intact, which can be done by using a water-based product containing lightweight oils or ingredients derived from silicon. Additionally, ensure that your moisturiser gives your skin a light non-greasy feel.

4. Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is generally prone to skin irritations, itching, redness and rashes. If you have sensitive skin, then look for a moisturiser that contains ingredients known for generating a soothing effect like chamomile or aloe. Moreover, ensure that the product is free from potential allergens like fragrances or dyes and acids to prevent side effects such as skin irritation.

5. Combination skin

Combination skin is the toughest type of skin to maintain. People with this type of skin have an oily t-zone consisting of the nose, chin and forehead along with the cheeks having dry skin. To keep combination skin hydrated you need to use a heavy moisturiser on the cheeks and an oil-free water-based product on the t-zone. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Dermatologist.

Regardless of whether the cause is a tumor, trauma, stroke or any other illness, any injury which inflicts damage on your brain cells is considered to be a brain damage. 

There are two types of brain damage, both of which interfere with the standard functioning of the brain. 
They are:

1. Acquired brain injury (ABI): Either resulting from a tumor or a neurological illness, for instance a stroke, this type of brain injury originates from the cellular level and is commonly linked with brain pressure.
2. Traumatic brain injury (TBI): It results from any damage imparted to the skull usually from an external and physical force like a blow to the head or a head accident, which in turn damages the brain.

How severe the brain damage is depends largely on the type of brain injury. Mild brain injuries are temporary, causing headaches, memory lapses, nausea and confusion. On the other hand, severe brain injuries cause cognitive, physical and behavioral impairments which are often life-changing and permanent.

Causes:
Acquired brain injuries may be caused by:

1. Poisoning
2. Being exposed to toxic substances
3. Choking, strangulation or drowning
4. Heart attacks
5. Infections
6. Stroke
7. Tumors
8. Neurological illnesses
9. Aneurysms
10. Illegal drug abuse

Traumatic brain injuries are usually caused by:

1. Car accidents
2. Sports injuries
3. Physical violence
4. Head blows
5. Falls and other mishaps

Symptoms:
Whether acquired or traumatic, symptoms of brain damage can be classified under four major groups:

1.  Cognitive symptoms generally include

• Having a hard time processing information or expressing thoughts
• Difficulty in understanding others or abstract concepts
• Indecisiveness
• Memory loss
• Short attention spans

2.  Physical symptoms generally include

• Excessive physical fatigue
• Extreme mental fatigue
• Persistent and frequent migraines or headaches
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Sleep disorders
• Light sensitivity
• Loss of consciousness
• Slurred speech

3.  Perceptual symptoms generally include

• Spatial disorientation
• Smell and taste disorders
• Heightened pain sensitivity
• Changes in hearing, seeing, or touch sensations
• Unable to perceive time
• Balance problems

4.  Emotional or behavioral symptoms generally include

• Decreased stress tolerance
• Heightened or flattened reactions or emotions
• Aggressiveness
• Sluggishness
• Impatience and irritability
• Self-denial