Hair and skin need the same nutrients

There are 22 different amino acids, along with other nutrients, that our body needs to survive. Nine of these amino acids are considered as essential. This means that our body cannot synthesize or make them. Hence they must be obtained from external sources i.e. food or supplements.

The names of some of the amino acids are as follows:

Non-Essential Essential

Alamine Histadine

Arginine Isolencine

Aspartic Acid Leucine

Cystine Lysine

Glulamic Acid Methionine

Glycine Phenlyalanine

Hydroxyproline Theonine

Proline Tryptophan

Serine Valine

Tyrosine

Cystine, tyrosine and tryptophan are easily destroyed through direct exposure to the sun. The loss of hair colour and texture are the direct result of photo degradation that leaves a yellowish brown residue on the hair. Histidines, lysines and prolines can also be affected by direct exposure to the sun.

As you see both essential and non-essential amino acids can be affected by the sun. Since we live in the tropics, where there is lots of sunshine, this is important for you to know. People with dark hair will notice the gradual lightening which is caused by the bleaching action of the sun’s ultra violet rays.

The change that we cannot easily identify is the weakened hair strands, the rough surface, the loss of texture, luster, the brittleness and dryness.

Even more difficult to identify is the formation of free radicals when ultra violet radiation is absorbed by the amino acids - cystine, tyrosine, phenylalamine and tryptophan.

Do you now understand why we are experiencing some of the hair problems and why I advise clients to protect their hair if they are going to be exposed to the sun for extended periods, like Carnival and trips to the beach.

Your hair is just as vulnerable as your skin.

Our hair and skin are made up of a protein called keratin. Skin is considered as soft keratin while hair is considered as hard keratin.

Remember the objective of a good nutrition programme is to avail the body of sufficient nutrients to allow it to attain all the metabolic functions.

This means that you must have sufficient proteins to meet all your physical needs as well as your biological needs.

In the absence of an adequate supply your skin, hair and nails are the first to be affected.

Remember you must eat and drink the right things to ensure that your entire body functions efficiently.

Germaine Williams-Beckles is a qualified trichologist. If you have questions or concerns about your hair or scalp condition send queries news@newsday.co.tt or call 625-6774.