Eat your way to healthier hair

For healthy tresses, it's not just what you put on your hair that counts but what you put in your body -- especially when it comes to thinning hair, according to a new report.

While you can't change your genes, which are often to blame for hair loss in both men and women, most people don't realize that other causes of hair loss may be temporary and reversible, stated MyHealthNewsDaily in a report last week. One surefire way to improve a bad hair day? Change your diet, noted that article.

To keep your hair healthy, you'll need to ensure your diet contains plenty of protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A, all crucial for scalp health and keeping hair shiny. However supplementing with too much vitamin A may actually contribute to hair loss, according to research from the University of Hawaii in the US.

Of course, changing your diet won't transform fine, thin hair into mane-like tresses, but ensuring your diet includes plenty of growth-promoting protein and iron can make a difference, noted WebMD. Aim for high-quality protein, such as eggs, poultry, and low-fat dairy.

One way to give your hair a boost is to add beans and nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and cashews for zinc, iron, and biotin. Also dark leafy greens (spinach, broccoli and Swiss chard) contain vitamins A and C. Brazil nuts are high in selenium, which can promote scalp health, and walnuts and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Research published late last month also revealed that stress, smoking, drinking, and even too much sunlight could contribute to hair loss, especially in women.

While you can take preventative measures such as wearing a hat in the sun, quitting smoking, and reducing your alcohol consumption, researchers add that adopting healthier lifestyle choices could possibly help your hair grow back.