Most people have a fungus (yeast) residing in their scalp known as Malassezia furfur. Dandruff is the result of the scalp reacting to this fungus. This skin condition can be exacerbated by yeast that has abundantly thrived in the intestines or due to a lack of essential fatty acids in one’s diet. Dandruff flakes can be treated by killing the fungus with an antidandruff shampoo. Shampoos and other hair treatments containing zinc will also work. This includes an antifungal prescription shampoo called Loprox. Doctors may also recommend eating more probiotics or yogurt as well consuming more healthy oils such as fish oil. Yeast infections can be treated using remedies that can help combat dandruff. Talk to your doctor about grapefruit seed extract and artemisia and other herbs that possess antifungal properties.

Dietitians may see dandruff and other skin inflammations to be the result of a poor diet. When the body lacks omega-3 fatty acids, it can contribute to dandruff; therefore, eating foods that are high in omega-3 such as halibut, salmon, flax oil, or walnut can help. You immune system can be suppressed with a slight zinc deficiency which can lead to skin inflammation. You can get zinc by eating meat as well as yogurt, zinc-fortified cereals, chickpeas, almonds, pecans, and cashews. If your body is lacking in vitamin B6, it might also be the cause of dandruff. To address this problem you need to add to your diet baked potato or a medium sized banana. These can provide with you with a daily mount of at least 35% of B6. Dandruff can also arise if your body does not have enough vitamin B12. Although this deficiency is rare, if you are a vegan, or only eat raw foods that are poor in B12, the likelihood of you getting dandruff becomes high.

Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners believe that by evaluating and correcting existing underlying imbalances in the body, dandruff can be cured, not just treated. If you have a flaky and dry skin, you may need to decrease “wind” in your body as well as nourish your blood or yin. This can be done with acupuncture. This treatment can help boost the flow of vital energy known as Qi which is the life force of the body, Heshou Wu, a Chinese herb is used to treat thinning or gray hair. It can help fortify the scalp and treat dandruff. Tang Kwei Gim is a tonic known to nourish blood and yin. It is recommended to stimulate and wash the scalp regularly. Using brush while you’re showering can do the trick.

Asian Health Center
27059 Chardon Rd
Cleveland, OH 44143-1113
Phone: (440) 833-0983