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Dandruff

Kim Blair

It is believed that weather changes can trigger dandruff, so seeing our weather is changing from fall to winter; I thought I’d talk about this embarrassing yet common problem.

Our skin is constantly shedding, though most of the time it goes unnoticed.

Normally the skin that is shed is very small.

Once in a while for some people, and maybe more often for others, those skin flakes on our scalps come off in clumps.

Maybe the flakes get caught up in the hair and oils on the scalp.

Maybe a food allergy, stress, or other enemies make our cells begin to over produce.

When our cells become overactive the small flakes grow faster than normal.

The scalp must be kept clean; it is recommended, we wash our hair 2 to 5 times per week.

A dry scalp can be an enemy, but despite popular believe, people with oily skin suffer more with dandruff.

Have you taken antibiotics lately? Antibiotics kill all of your good and bad bacteria, which then allows yeast to grow unchallenged on any moist, and warm environment (the scalp).
We all have a normal yeast type fungus that naturally grows on our skin, but if it is allowed to multiply beyond the norm, our skin becomes irritated.
We will talk about how to kill this fungus later.

Common Reasons for Dandruff:

Food Allergies
Emotional Stress
Hormonal Imbalance
Poor Health
Excessive Perspiration
Consuming too much sugar, fat, and/or starch
Bad Nutrition
Scalp not clean
Harsh Shampoos
Cold Weather
Dry Indoor Heating
Tight fitting hats and scarves.

Whatever the reason is you suffer with dandruff, we want to learn how to combat it.

So let's first focus on what we can feed our insides before focusing on our outsides. ;o)

You should find out if You have Food Allergies.

Food Allergies can cause dandruff and many other medical problems.

Healthy Scalp foods

I am giving you a long list of foods, so that you can find foods you like.
If you have dandruff problems, eat more of these foods.

Notice some of the foods are the same in all of the lists, for instance wheat germ and fish. You can find more than one nutrient you need, in one food source.

B-6 foods

Brewers Yeast
Wheat Germ

Legumes
Whole Grains
Egg Yolk
Salmon
Fresh Fruits
Fresh Vegetables
Potatoes with the skins on

Baked Chicken Breast
Sirloin Steak
Pork Tenderloin
Ground Turkey
Tuna

Spinach
Green Peas
Navy Beans
Bell Pepper
Sweet Potato

Peanut Butter
Walnut
Peanuts

Sulfur foods

Wheat Germ
Oats
Eggs
Lettuce
Green Pepper
Cucumber
Cabbage
Onions
Fish

Essential Fatty Acids
Destroyed by heat

Best source is in:
Oil (Pumpkin)
Oil (Soy)
Oil (Walnut)
Oil (Flax seed)

Also:
Avocados
Almonds
Pecans
Sunflower Seeds
Walnuts
Wheat Germ in Whole Wheat
Oil (canola)
Oil (peanut)
Oil (safflower)
Oil (sunflower)

Omega-3 fatty acids
Oil (Cod Liver)
Oil (Fish)
Oil (Flax Seed)
Oil (Walnut)
Fish
Eggs
Seeds
Nuts
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables:
      broccoli, collards, kale chard
Free Range Animals:
      chicken, cow, deer, etc

Avoid
Starches
Animal Fats
Stop Fried Foods

Supplements

  • Garlic
  • Yogurt - For better digestion
  • Vitamin E - Internal or External
  • Vitamin A - Cod Liver Oil
  • Lecithin - Strengthens hair and scalp cells
  • Essential Fatty Acids -Cod liver oil and Borage oil


Other Treatments
  • Massage head a few minutes everyday.
  • Brush your scalp carefully to loosen scales before shampooing.
  • Brush your hair gently or rub your head vigorously while in the shower to dislodge any dead cells.
  • Alternate hot and cold water on the head to improve circulation to the scalp
  • Avoid using hair driers or hair products that contain alcohol that can dry out the scalp.
  • Apply Vit E to your scalp every night for a week.
  • Aloe can be applied to your scalp, but it is drying so apply a conditioner after using.

How to kill fungus

To kill fungus you must acidify it.
Apple Cider Vinegar does just that!

Apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels of the scalp and acts like a natural antiseptic, while cleaning the scalp and softening the hair.

There are many ways to apply Apple Cider Vinegar and it is up to you to choose which way work best for you.

I prefer warming about a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar, pouring it all on over my scalp and massage it in. If time allows, I wrap a towel around my head for about an hour, then shampoo as usual.

Other options for applying Apple Cider Vinegar:

Soak your scalp with Apple Cider Vinegar, put on a shower cap for an hour or overnight, shampoo then rinse head with plenty of warm water.

Simmer the Apple Cinder Vinegar with peppermint oil and water before using, if you prefer.

Use as a final rinse to remove tangles and remove soap scum. (1-2 Tablespoons per cup of water)
The vinegar smell will disappear as your hair dries.

Flair ups:
Tea tree oil can be applied directly to the scalp.
Dab Apple Cider Vinegar directly on the spot with a cotton ball, rinse off after about 10 minutes. If using full strength vinegar, rinse off after about 10 minutes, if used diluted vinegar rinsing is not necessary.

Shampoos:
Don't get in the eyes
You can add tea tree oil to your shampoo.
Store bought dandruff shampoos are available and it may help to switch around and find which works best for you.
Selenium shampoos deter fungus growth.
Tar-based shampoos slowdown the speed of your over-productive cells and is not as harsh on your hair.

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Disclaimer:
I am not a doctor, and I do not attempt to give medical advice, diagnose medical conditions or to keep you from consulting a licensed health professional in any way.
All I can do is share with you what others have wrote on the subject, with the hopes that it will assist you in finding your own path to health and wellness for your family.