We may notice that our scalp has more dandruff in the winter. At that time, the scalp will be drier, so dandruff will appear more, according to the health website Healthline (USA).
Excessive growth of fungus on the scalp will cause dandruff.
Not washing your hair regularly can also cause dandruff. This is because the sebum and flaky skin on your scalp build up and form dandruff. Meanwhile, some people are more prone to dandruff if they have seborrheic dermatitis or an overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia on their scalp.
While moisturizing and using anti-dandruff shampoos can help control dandruff, people also need to consider their diet. Foods rich in omega fatty acids, biotin, and zinc are good for hair and skin. However, sweets and processed foods can cause the skin to produce more sebum and promote yeast overgrowth, including on the scalp.
Malassezia, yeast, and other fungi can get out of control if we eat too much sugar. Not only that, eating too many sweets and sugary drinks will quickly increase blood sugar and insulin levels. As a result, the body will secrete hormones that promote sebum production on the skin.
Malassezia feeds on this sebum and releases oleic acid on the scalp. This acid can cause itching and flaking of skin cells. Eating a lot of processed foods can also cause dandruff.
A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology analyzed the diets of more than 4,000 people, 14.5% of whom had seborrheic dermatitis. The aim of the study was to see how diet affected people with seborrheic dermatitis and their dandruff levels.
The results showed that people who ate more fruit had a lower risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis. Meanwhile, people who drank more alcohol, ate more potatoes, fried foods, processed and unprocessed meats were more likely to have seborrheic dermatitis, which in turn caused more dandruff. This was especially evident in women, according to Healthline.
Source link
Comment (0)