Many believe that the best way to care for hair health is to stop using harmful tools like hair dryers and chemical products. However, there are other things that can be done to enhance hair health and growth, such as consuming certain types of foods, according to hair specialist Suzy Hammond. Suzy states, "There are two main categories of foods that we should include in our diet to promote hair health: complex carbohydrates and proteins."
**Complex Carbohydrates**
Suzy emphasizes the importance of supporting hair cell circulation as much as possible by consuming complex carbohydrates free of sugars to keep the body's energy steady throughout the day, which benefits the body's systems in general and hair in particular. Foods that contain complex carbohydrates include rice, pasta, whole grain bread, sweet potatoes, and oats.
**Proteins**
According to Suzy, proteins are a fundamental component for hair growth, so you should consume plenty of them, preferably early in the day at breakfast and lunch. Complex proteins include eggs, salmon, nut butter, and yogurt.
**Harmful Foods**
Although Suzy does not encourage completely eliminating any type of food, she warns against certain foods and beverages that can lead to problems for hair and the scalp. Harmful foods for hair include dairy products and alcohol, as well as certain types of fish that may have high mercury levels, which can lead to hair loss. She also advises reducing the consumption of beverages that affect iron absorption, such as excessive tea intake, which hinders the absorption of iron that is essential for hair health, according to the British newspaper "Mirror."
