How to balance vata pitta kapha to improve hair health?

Shravan Joga

1 year ago

How to balance vata pitta kapha to improve hair health?

Lifestyle Intolerances

Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Dear Shravan Joga, Thank you for the question

Vata, Pita & kapah are the three fundamental energies that, according to Ayurveda, form every human being. Vata Dosha manages body movement and excretory functions of the body. Pitta expresses as the body’s metabolic system it governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, and body temperature. Kapha is the energy that forms the body’s structure such as the bones, muscles, tendons. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity.

There can be various factors that contribute to hair health like genetics, hormonal balance, stress and/or underlying health condition etc, some other factors that may affect the hair health include infections, nutrient deficiencies etc. Healthy Hair requires, dietary modifications, regular physical activity, stress management and adequate sleep along with proper hydration.

Here are a few tips for healthy hair

Inadequate intake of protein 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.
Low intake of iron may also cause 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 working towards follicle proliferation. Some of the most common sources of omega 3 & 6 are Fish, nuts and seeds such as walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.

For general well-being consume a balanced diet is one which provides all the nutrients in required amounts and proper proportions. It can easily be achieved through a blend of the four basic food groups. The quantities of foods needed to meet the nutrient requirements vary with age, gender, physiological status and physical activity. A balanced diet should provide around 50-60% of total calories from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates, about 10-15% from proteins and 20-30% from both visible and invisible fat.

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 5 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.
Include protein in your diet. Some of the sources include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds, etc.
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.