Causes of Dry Damaged Hair
- Hair colors.
- Hair dyes.
- Hair extensions.
- Treating hair to excessive heat while straightening, blow drying, re-bonding and perming.
- Certain hairstyles like tight braids.

The signs of damaged hair are hair ends that are:
- Dry
- Brittle
- Split
- Frizzy

Hair can develop a dry texture due to the use of:
- Chlorine water while washing hair
- Excessive use of hair care products
- Pollution
- Chemical treatments

It can also develop dryness due to:
- Lack of regular oiling.
- Regular shampooing and conditioning.

Dry and damaged hair can lead to many other hair related problems like dandruff, hair loss, etc.

Home Remedies for Damaged Hair

1. Mayonnaise
- Heat some mayonnaise until it turns into a white, oily and sticky mixture.
- Apply it to dry, unwashed hair and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Then, rinse thoroughly with a mild shampoo.
- In case of extremely damaged hair, smear mayonnaise onto your hair.
- Leave it overnight and wash the next day with a mild shampoo.

2. Avocado
- Avocado is very effective in the repair and restoration of damaged hair.
- Apply a mixture of an overripe banana, few avocados and a few drops of olive oil.
- Leave it on for around 20 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the procedure as often as possible.

3. Henna
- Henna packs are another excellent dry damaged hair remedies.
- To make a henna pack, simply mix henna powder with water and let it sit overnight.
- In the morning add a spoon of plain yogurt, one egg and few drops of lavender essential oil.
- Mix well, and apply it on the hair.
- Let this pack sit for 2-3 hours and then wash your hair completely.

4. Coconut oil
- To make your hair replenished put a little bit of coconut oil in your hair.
- This procedure makes your hair like new, and puts all the nourishing elements back in your hair.
- You leave the oil in your hair overnight
- Put either a hair cap on or cover your hair with a towel.
- This will avoid getting oil stains on your bed while sleeping.
- When you wake up you will want to wash it out with shampoo and conditioner.

To Prevent Dry Damaged Hair
- Adequate hair care is the key to preventing dry damaged hair.
- Oil, shampoo and condition your hair regularly, but not on a daily basis.
- Use a mild shampoo and conditioner.
- Get timely haircuts to prevent brittle hair and split ends.
- Avoid the regular use of hair colors, hair styling appliances, chemical hair treatments and hair products.
- Protect your hair from dust, pollution and direct sunlight.
- Consume a nutritious and balanced diet.
- Consider eating healthier.
- Eat a lot of fruits, veggies, drink plenty of water and eat lean protein too.

Causes of Dry Damaged Hair
- Hair colors.
- Hair dyes.
- Hair extensions.
- Treating hair to excessive heat while straightening, blow drying, re-bonding and perming.
- Certain hairstyles like tight braids.

The signs of damaged hair are hair ends that are:
- Dry
- Brittle
- Split
- Frizzy

Hair can develop a dry texture due to the use of:
- Chlorine water while washing hair
- Excessive use of hair care products
- Pollution
- Chemical treatments

It can also develop dryness due to:
- Lack of regular oiling.
- Regular shampooing and conditioning.

Dry and damaged hair can lead to many other hair related problems like dandruff, hair loss, etc.

Home Remedies for Damaged Hair

The use of only natural or herbal products like helps as a remedy for dry damaged hair like:
- Avocado
- Eggs
- Mayonnaise

Oil
Prepare a mixture of oils like
- Castor oil
- Olive oil
- Almond oil
- Coconut oil
- Apply it to the hair and scalp.
- Leave it on for a few hours, before rinsing it.
- These oils will provide the required nourishment.
- It will also moisturize to the dry and damaged hair.
- It promotes healthy hair growth.
- Use steam therapy after oil massage.
- To do this simply dip a towel in hot water and wring it carefully.
- Then drape the towel on the head.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Eggs
- An egg is a natural conditioner and cleanser.
- It is excellent for dry and damaged hair treatment.
- Whip an egg into lukewarm water.
- Lather it into the hair and scalp and rinse.
- Your hair will be clean and shiny.
- Separate the egg white from the yolk and whip it well.
- Add a tablespoon of water.
- Mix well until it turns creamy.
- Add the egg yolk to the creamy mixture.
- Apply it to wet hair.
- Massage gently into the scalp.
- Leave it on for 5 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water.
- Repeat the procedure once again and rinse well with water.
- Apply a mixture of egg and honey to extremely damaged hair on an alternate day basis.
- Apply a mixture of one egg, two tablespoons of honey, one tablespoon of coconut oil and one of almond oil, to damp hair or washed hair.
- Leave it on for around 30 minutes and rinse with a mild shampoo.

Mayonnaise
- Mayonnaise has very good deep cleansing and conditioning properties.
- It is very useful in restoring health to dry damaged hair.
- Spread a thick layer of mayo from the root of your hair to the tip.
- Massage it well into the scalp.
- Leave it on for around 30 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water for soft and shiny hair.

The health benefits of salmon include:
- proper cardio vascular health
- muscle and tissue development
- eye care
- effective body metabolism
- cardiovascular benefits
- improved mood and cognition
- joint protection
- eye benefits
- decreased cancer risk
- reduces the risk of leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
- benefits Related to Protein and Amino Acid Content
- benefits Related to Vitamin D
- benefits Related to Selenium

It helps in good growth of:
- Muscles
- Tissues
- Enzymes
- Hormones

Vital points regarding health benefits of salmon:
- The proteins from salmon (and most other fishes) are easy digestible.
- They are easily absorbed into the body.
- They have no adverse side effects nor contain carcinogenic compounds.
- Selenium, which is very necessary for building up of tissues, hair, nails etc.
- The Omega-3 Fatty Acids maintain flexibility of arteries and veins.
- It also strengthens cardiac muscles.
- The essential amino acids repair damages to the cardio-vascular tissues.
- They help reduce the blood pressure.
- They lower cholesterol level.
- They prevent hardening of walls of arteries and veins.
- They reduce the chances of heart attack.
- The Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin-D and selenium, together help increase influence of insulin.
- This facilitates absorption of sugar and consequent lowering of blood sugar level.
- The Omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids help prevent macular degeneration, dryness, loss of vision and fatigue of eyes.
- The Omega-3 fatty acids increase efficiency of the brain.
- It improves memory and keeps it wide awake during long working hours.
- This protects nervous system from damages from aging.
- It acts as an anti depressant.
- It relaxes the brain and are also helpful in treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation of the arteries and digestive system.
- It reduces chances of cancer of colon,prostrate and kidneys.
- It improves the skin texture, add shining to eyes, skin, hair and nails.

- One of the major problem that a person face now-a-days is falling hair. Protein is very essential for maintaining good hair. To reduce hair fall, including good quality protein like soyabean or egg whites in the daily diet is very important. Also, taking vitamin B12 and consuming Brewer yeast tablets can help in reducing hair fall.

- Diabetes is getting so common now-a-days. Every second person is suffering from this disease. There are some simple tips that one can do at home to treat diabetes. One teaspoon of jamun powder or fenugreek seeds(methi) in the morning helps to reduce diabetes. Maintaining a good and healthy lifestyle is the most important measure that needs to be taken if one wants to get rid of this disease. Consumption of excess fat from your diet will improve the body’s insulin resistance.

- Constipation is another problem that people are facing now-a-days. To a greater extent, today’s lifestyle is responsible for an irregular bowel functioning. Consumption of junk food is increasing and also the stress level of the human being. Some simple tips to control constipation is to drink plenty of water daily and reduce the caffeine intake. Daily exercise which included walking for at least 45 min to 60 min is important. Also, include fresh vegetable juice in your diet.

- Dull skin can be a fairly common issue now-a-days. Some simple ways to address this issue is by ensuring that you drink enough water and fluids during the day to keep your skin hydrated. Drinking fresh vegetable juice and eating multiple servings of green vegetables and fruits during the day is also required. This needs to be supplemented with adequate amount of proteins, vitamin E and omega 3 supplements.

- To improve cardio vascular health, daily exercise which may include walking for atleast 45 min to 60 min at least 4-5 times a week is very important. In addition to walking, yoga and some breathing exercises three times a week reduces any kind of stress. In your diet, include one or two tbsp of roasted flaxseeds as it helps to increase the good cholesterol levels in the body.

- To improve metabolism, the most important tip that can be followed is eating during the first hour of having woken up. Walking is also very important to improve metabolism. Protein digestion asks the body to burn more calories and hence increasing the metabolism. So, include protein in your diet.

- To increase energy and immunity, instead of taking three big meals like breakfast, lunch, dinner, eat small frequent meals. It improves the digestion and keeps your body energetic. Include vitamin B12 supplements and wheat grass juice at least three to four times in a week.

- Discomfort during menopause is very common. To reduce it, include soya supplement in your diet as it mimics the estrogen function in the body. Also, include vitamin B6 as it prevents bloating.

Eggs
- Eggs have a balance of essential amino acids.
- The protein and fat in the egg may be contributing to the feeling of satiety.
- One should have one egg a day, unless you have high blood cholestrol.

Beans
- Beans are incredibly versatile.
- Beans are a great source of antioxidant, fiber and protein.
- Snack on dry roasted channa, drop a handful of steamed moong sprouts or cooked chowli into soups. A half cup cooked beans contains about 12-140 calories and 7-14 grams of protein.

Apples
- Apples contain quercetin, a compound shown to help fight certain cancers, reduce cholesterol damage and promote healthy lungs.
- Study have found that individuals who have consumed three apples or pears a day for three months lost more weight as compared to others.
- A large apple contains 5gms of fiber but it is also 85% water whch helps you feel full.
- One should have one or two apples a day.

Berries
- Berries are loaded with fiber.
- Berries are also high in antioxidants which not only protect your body from chronic diseases but may also help you to get more results from your workouts.
- One should have half a cup daily or about 30 calories. Do not limit yourself to amla, jamuns and strawberries, add tart star gooseberries, mulberries and black currants.

Leafy Greens
- They have cancer preventing carotenoids.
- They are low in calorie.
- Most leafy greens are also a good source of calcium, as essential ingredient for muscle contraction.
- One should eat three servings daily. Leafy greens include spinach, broccli,amaranth (lobia), drumstick, methi.

Yogurt
- The pro-biotic bacteria in most yogurts help keep your digestive system healthy which translates into a lower incidence of gas, bloating and constipation which can keep your tummy flat.
- One should have one to three cups of fat free or low fat yogurt. Choose unsweetened yogurt. Add a handful of fresh chopped fruit for flavor and extra fiber.

Veggie Soup
- Soups are an easy way to get your vegetables.
- One should have at least one cup of low calorie, low sodium vegetable soup every day.

Fish
- Sea food especially fatty fish like sardine, tuna and mackerel is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- These uber healthy fats may help promote fat burning by making your metabolism more efficient.
- Seafood is an excellent source of ab-friendly protein.
- One should have 100gm serving of fish per week.

Millet
- Millets can be used in many dishes in place of wheat or rice.
- They are rich in proteins, minerals and B vitamins.
- Millets make a tasty light breakfast cereal, work well in rotis, give extra body to soups or stews, and used raw, add delightful crunchy texture to breads and muffins.
- One should have at least one half cup serving per day.

- Alanine helps to build proteins.
- Alanine helps to maintain and regulate blood sugar levels.
- Alanine strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies.
- Alanine produces energy by stimulating glucagon secretions from the pancreas.
- Alanine plays a role in supporting prostate health since alanine is present in prostate fluid.
- Alanine plays an important role in supplying nitrogen from peripheral tissue to liver.
- Alanine guards the body against toxic substances that are released in muscle cells when muscle protein breaks.

Excellent sources of alanine are:
- Alanine can also be manufactured from branched chain amino acids such as valine, leucine, and isoleucine.
- meat
- poultry
- fish
- eggs
- dairy products
- beans
- nuts
Deficiency of alanine is not known since it is produced in the body itself. It can occur in people whose diet is highly deficient in protein.
People with liver and kidney problems should not have very high intake of alanine.

B-ALANINE

FUNCTIONS IN THE BODY

- Of all the amino acids, methionine is of key importance for the health of the liver.
- It protects the liver from fatty degeneration.
- The cysteine that it forms prevents the destruction of the liver cells.
- This amino acid helps dissolve cholesterol and assimilates fat.
- It is required by the pancreas, lymph nodes, and the spleen, and is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin.
- It is necessary for the maintenance of normal body weight.
- It also helps to maintain the proper nitrogen balance in the body.

RICH SOURCES OF METHIONINE

- Whole grains.
- Meat and Poultry.
- Milk and milk Products.
- Leafy vegetables, peaches and grapes also contain methionine.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

The deficiency of methionine can ultimately lead to:
- chronic rheumatic fever in children.
- hardening of the liver.
- nephritis of kidneys.
- according to studies, methionine deficiency can be the cause of choline deficiency, as it can lead to retention of fat in the liver.

HEALING AND THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES

- Methionine is considered to be one of the body’s most powerful detoxifying agents.
- The therapeutic dosage of methionine varies from 200mg to 1000mg daily.
- This amino acid has also been found valuable in cases of high blood cholesterol, as it helps in bringing down cholesterol levels.

- Histidine is essential for growth and repair of human tissues.
- Histidine is necessary for the conversion of glucose into glycogen in the liver.
- Histidine converted into histamine stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Histidine is found in :
- Fruits such as bananas and grapes.
- Meat and poultry.
- Milk and milk products.
- Root vegetables and all green vegetables but in lesser quantities.

A deficiency of histidine can cause :
- Pain in the bony joints.
- Low urine concentration of histidine has been reported to accompany rheumatoid arthritis.

HEALING PROPERTIES
Taken orally, histidine is likely to depress the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Histidine helps to dilate the blood vessels and has therefore, been found beneficial in the treatment of cardio-circulatory disorders. The release of histidine from body stores is considered a prerequisite for sexual arousal. Hence, histidine supplementation may prove helpful in this regard.
Histidine has also been found to be beneficial in allergic conditions, in the treatment of anemia , and disorders of the auditory nerve.

PRECAUTION:
Taken orally, histidine has a tendency to stimulate hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach. Thus, persons who already suffer from over-abundance of acid in the stomach and those who have ulcers should avoid taking pure histidine.

Leucine is an essential amino acid that boosts energy levels and along with isoleucine and valine plays an important role in energy production in the body. Leucine regulates protein metabolism in the body. The availability of leucine is especially important in controlling the net synthesis of protein. The major sources of leucine are :
- Whole grains
- Milk and milk products
- Eggs
- Pork
- Beef
- Chicken
- Pulses
- Soya Beans
- Leafy vegetables
Therapeutically, leucine as well as isoleucine and valine can be used as a means of minimising protein loss in patients undergoing surgery.

CAUTION : It has been found that dietary excess of leucine may be a precipitating factor in developing pellagra.

ISOLEUCINE – STIMULATES ESSENTIAL HORMONES

Isoleucine is an essential amino acids i.e. it is not formed in the body and hence, must be present in the diet. Along with leucine and valine, it is important in human metabolism as an energy yielding source.
Isoleucine is essential for the production and maintenance of body proteins. It also regulates metabolism and the functioning of the thymus gland in the neck, spleen, and pituitary glands. It is useful in the formation of hemoglobin.
The rich sources of isoleucine are :
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Pork
- Mutton
- Pulses
- Soya Beans
- Cottage cheese
- Milk
- Piyal seeds
- Cashew Nuts
- Cereal grains

Isoleucine is one of a group of amino acids found deficient in persons who are ill. The recommended therapeutic dose of this amino acid is between 240mg and 360mg daily. Hence this must be given in combination with the other amino acids that are found lacking.

Phenylalanine is effective for weight control because of its effect on thyroid selection. It also plays an important role in the control of appetite. If taken before meals, it suppresses the appetite substantially. This amino acid is also essential for the efficient functioning of the kidneys and the bladder.

Phenylalanine is found in abundance in:
- curd
- milk
- cottage cheese
- pulses and legumes
- poultry
- piyal seeds
- groundnuts
- pistachio nuts
- almonds
- leafy vegetables
- whole grains

Deficiency of phenylalanine can lead to a variety of symptoms including:
- bloodshot eyes.
- cataract.
- several behavioral changes such as psychotic and schizophrenic behavior.

Phenylalanine has many therapeutic uses like:
- It is considered beneficial in the treatment of obesity and is being successfully employed as an appetite suppressant for this condition.
- In the intestinal tract, the amino acids tryptophan and phenylalanine trigger the release of cholycystokinin which induces satiety, and a termination of eating.
- An intake of half a teaspoon of phenylalanine powder 30 minutes before each meal can lead to a loss of as much as 100 to 200g of weight a day.
- Positive effects noticed after 24-48 hours of taking phenylalanine are a feeling of greater alertness, an increase in sexual interest, memory enhancement.
- It also diminishes depressant feelings.

CAUTION: Caution should be observed in the use of phenylalanine in hypertensive individuals. Low doses of around 100mg daily should be taken by anyone with suspected high blood pressure, and a check should be kept on pressure levels.