The Hair Bible by Susan Craig Scott, M.D., F.A.C.S.: April 2003

The Ultimate Guide to Healthy, Beautiful Hair Forever

“When I put people on diets one of the first things they notice is the change in the quality of their hair,” says Sally Kravich, a certified natural health expert who has traveled around the world studying longevity. “There is a certain sheen and quality of thickness to it. The typical American diet of foods with little
or no nutritional value directly affects hair, skin, and nails. We don’t get enough vegetables, whole grains, or good oils like avocado and olive oil, which can really make
a difference. Instead, we load up on artificial sweeteners and diet sodas, which are some of the first products to make our hair fall out. And people think good hair is sexy, so if it looks bad, it’s really noticeable.”

“Once hair is damaged,” says Kravich, “there is no quick-fix pill, only combinations of the right vitamins and a proper diet that will restore hair’s natural health, volume, and luster.” Just like an animal’s coat, which looks healthier if the animal eats foods that are high in nutrients, minerals, and oils, basic things that will help hair include B-complex vitamins, minerals, and calcium to add thickness and shine. “Hair problems can also result from an unbalanced thyroid or hormonal changes, as in pregnant women,” says Kravich. “Pregnant women are advised to take prenatal vitamins, but they don’t always offer enough of what we need, such as folic acid.”