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What should I eat to make my skin and hair better

Rutuja

1 year ago

What should I eat to make my skin and hair better

Lifestyle
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Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Dear Rutuja,

Thank you for your question.

Adolescence witnesses speedy physical and emotional development. These changes also demand for specific nutrient requirements. It is very important to consume a well-balanced diversified diet and engage in regular physical activity to support growth, pubertal changes, bone developments and increased haemoglobin production.

Reference ideal body weight and height for 17-year-old female can be considered as 52.8kg and 160.2cm height.

Here are a few general Dietary guidelines to be considered for adolescent nutrition.

  • Adolescence represents a period of active life, hence no meal of the day should be missed to sustain energy and growth spurts

  • Having a Healthy Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the 5 food groups (cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, milk & milk products) in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.

  •  Begin your day with a well-balanced breakfast as it is an important meal of the day.

  • Consume minimum 4 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit as they are rich in Fiber, essential minerals & Vitamins as well as they give you a feeling of satiety.

  • An adolescent girl should take enough calcium rich foods in her diet to support the increase of bone density and maintain healthy strong bones. Some of the calcium sources include milk, cheese, paneer, Ragi, curd, yogurt.

  • Food should be colourful and attractive.

  • Avoid empty calories from foods such as carbonated beverages.

  • Iron rich foods should be included in the diet to prevent iron deficiency anaemia. Some of the sources of iron include red meat, green leafy vegetables, eggs, etc

  • Calories and protein rich foods should be taken to support the growth spurt. Some of the good sources of protein include, milk, paneer, lean meat, eggs, lentils, soybean, nuts etc.

  • Include fruits and vegetables to meet the vitamin, minerals and fiber requirement.

  •  Try to consume more of Whole grains, Millets and Multigrain foods as they are a good source of fiber.

  • Limit intake of deep-fried foods.

  • Minimum of 6-8 glasses of water should be consumed to keep yourself hydrated.

  • Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before Bed time.

  • It is necessary to engage in physical activity particularly outdoor games. Physical activity regulates appetite. Engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity throughout the week.

  • Try to follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

 

There are various factors that contribute to Skin and hair health which include daily diet, genetics, hormones, inflammation due to food or drug sensitivity, stress and environmental influences.

Here are a few tips for healthy hair

  • Protein deficiency can result in hair changes that include hair thinning and hair loss. Some of the sources of high protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds etc.

  • Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional deficiency and is a well-known cause of hair loss, The richest sources of heme iron in the diet are lean meat and seafood and non-heme sources include nuts, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, and fortified grain, milk, whole grains, legumes and dry fruits etc.

  • Zinc is a mineral that plays important roles in immune function, protein synthesis, cellular division. It’s necessary for hair follicle function and helps protect against hair follicle shrinkage. It also helps promote hair follicle recovery Plant products such as – whole grains, legumes such as chickpeas, groundnuts, lentils, Nuts & seeds like cashews, pumpkin seeds, almonds etc. Animal products such as- meat, seafoods (fish, prawns, crab, chicken, eggs, milk and milk products.

  • Omega -3 & omega-6 fatty acid may help promote hair growth by enhancing follicle proliferation Some of the most common sources of omega 6 are Fish, nuts and seeds such as walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc

Healthy skin reflects overall good health that requires, Dietary modifications, regular physical activity, stress management and adequate sleep along with proper hydration.

Here are a few tips for skin health

  • Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease sebum production and follicular occlusion & reduces inflammatory acne lesions. Some of the most common sources of omega 3 are Fish, nuts & seeds etc.

  • Micronutrients like Vitamin A, E & C help to build and maintain healthy skin. The best dietary sources include Orange-yellow fruits and vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits like berries, oranges, lemons, kiwi, nuts and seeds etc.

  • Vitamin B6 and Zinc Found in meat, fish, poultry, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds may help in reducing acne by regulating hormones implicated in the development of acne.

  • Drink adequate amount of water to maintain hydration.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead!

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