Introduction A healthy lifestyle should be a lifelong pursuit, but starting at age 50, and especially for men, it’s even more important to see a doctor for routine screenings. Screenings are medical tests that catch a health risk in their early stages before they get too big and before the fix becomes a little bit too complicated or expensive.  There are multiple conditions that can start cropping up as men get older. Research has shown a link between age and a variety of health problems, from diabetes and prostate problems to cardiac disease — among others. None of those conditions is inevitable, of course, but health screenings can prevent an imminent decline in health and reduce the likelihood of a scary diagnosis.  Sometimes it is easy to neglect to undergo a screening test. However, if you have worrying symptoms, it is important to take them seriously and have them checked out by a doctor. Men over age 50 should talk to a doctor about what screenings to have and how often.  Read on to find out some of the most important screenings for men as they pass the 50-year mark, but do not include all possible screenings. High blood pressure High blood pressure is typically one of the top ailments seen by healthcare practitioners in males 50 and older. Elevated levels of blood pressure put you at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other diseases. Because there are no symptoms of elevated blood pressure, most men don’t even know they have it. One reason for the high prevalence of high blood pressure in this age range is that the vascular system changes during this age. Arteries stiffen and become less elastic, increasing internal pressure, all of which contribute to the rising numbers.  A blood pressure check is an easy, painless, non-invasive screening that can be done in the doctor’s office. Cholesterol Your chance of acquiring high cholesterol rises with age, just like your risk of developing high blood pressure. It also has no symptoms or warning indications, which is why it’s critical to see a primary care physician on a regular basis and have routine blood tests performed. High cholesterol raises the chance of developing heart disease and stroke. The reason for the high prevalence of high cholesterol in this age range is plaque build-up on the inside of the blood vessels which slows or blocks blood flow. A blood test is done to determine the level of cholesterol. Everyone over the age of 50 should get their cholesterol levels examined. Diabetes Diabetes is a common condition that creeps in as males get older. High blood glucose levels wreak havoc on health, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and many other serious conditions, including blindness, kidney disease, and nerve disease. Diabetes hits senior men more commonly than females, and the chances of developing hyperglycemia — abnormally high blood glucose levels — and, ultimately, type 2 diabetes are greater. High blood sugar is often the result of cumulative effects of lifelong eating and lifestyle habits. Given that the warning signs of diabetes can be asymptomatic for a long time, that is why annual screening is important.   There are several diagnostic tests your doctor may run, to confirm a diagnosis. These tests include: Random plasma glucose test  HbA1C test  Fasting plasma glucose test  Oral glucose tolerance test Enlarged prostate 50% of men over the age of 50 are likely to have an enlarged prostate. While this is not a life-threatening condition, it can create unpleasant changes in patterns of urination. While not all changes indicate prostate cancer, it’s time to start checking. A simple blood test called the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test can test for a variety of prostate problems, including infection or enlargement. All men over age 50 talk to their doctor about having a PSA test. Osteoporosis Another aggravating condition that pops up for men over the age of 50 is osteoporosis. It causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even simple movements that don’t seem dangerous can cause a fracture. According to statistics, one out of eight men in India is affected by osteoporosis. However, the debilitating condition in males largely remains underdiagnosed and untreated and is revealed only after the occurrence of a fracture.   Increased calcium in the blood is one sign of this, which means your doctor will request a blood test to check your calcium level. Bone density tests can also detect osteoporosis or osteopenia. Final thoughts Remember, regular screening tests are the foundation of a healthy life, regardless of the decade you’re in. A health check-up may not seem like, a good idea. But it’s worth it! Just do it.

Introduction A sudden fall in blood pressure can be as dangerous and detrimental to health as high blood pressure. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening and lead to a number of complications like: Fainting spells Coma Stroke  Cardiovascular diseases Causes of hypotension or low blood pressure There are various causes which can lead to sudden drops in blood pressure including:  Heart failure Heart arrhythmias  Liver disorders An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) Diabetes Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) Certain over-the-counter medications Pregnancy Widening of the blood vessels Heat stroke Fortunately, low blood pressure can often be prevented or controlled. Eating certain types of food can help you raise your blood pressure. What to eat and drink Drink more fluids Dehydration causes your blood volume to decrease, which makes your blood pressure drop. Most doctors recommend drinking at least two litres of water every day. Staying hydrated is especially important during hot weather or while exercising. Boost your B12 intake Vitamin B12 is essential for the body’s production of healthy red blood cells. Too little vitamin B-12 can lead to a certain type of anaemia, which can reduce blood pressure and can cause excessive bleeding, as well as organ and nerve damage. Vitamin B12-rich foods include eggs, chicken, fish such as salmon and tuna, fortified cereals and low-fat dairy products. Fill up on folate Folate (also known as Vitamin B9) is another important vitamin found in foods like asparagus, broccoli, liver, and legumes like lentils and chickpeas. A folate shortage can manifest many of the same symptoms as a Vitamin B12 deficiency, resulting in anaemia and reduced blood pressure. Asparagus, beans, lentils, citrus fruits, leafy greens, eggs, and liver are examples of folate-rich foods. Eat sodium-rich foods According to experts, there is a direct correlation between salt and blood pressure: foods with high salt content can cause a substantial spike in your blood pressure. Low BP patients can benefit by marginally increasing their salt intake – not more than two grams of sodium in a day. Some of the healthiest foods with higher salt content include olives, cottage cheese, and canned soup or tuna. Drink caffeine Beverages like coffee and caffeinated tea are short-term solutions for hypotension. Caffeinated beverages cause a temporary spike in blood pressure by stimulating the cardiovascular system and boosting your heart rate. If you suffer from low blood pressure, then having a cup of coffee in the morning can be an instant remedy.  What to avoid if you have hypotension Cut back on carbs A new study shows that a low-carbohydrate diet can effectively help with off-setting hypotension, especially in older adults. When you eat a food that is high in carbohydrates, particularly processed carbs, it tends to digest very quickly relative to other foods. This can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure.  Go easy on alcohol If you have blood pressure that is naturally lower than normal, it is advised that you should try to limit your alcohol consumption and should never use alcohol as a way of treating low blood pressure. Binge drinking and long-term high-risk drinking can lower your blood pressure by reducing your blood volume. How low blood pressure is diagnosed? To determine whether you have hypotension, your doctor will evaluate you using a combination of a physical examination, an investigation of your medical history, and a number of medical tests. He will first examine your symptoms, the circumstances triggering the drop in blood pressure, and your medical history. He may also take your blood pressure and pulse rate after you’ve laid down for a few minutes, right after you get out of bed, and a few minutes after you get up. You should also expect a few cardiac tests, as low blood pressure can indicate a heart problem. An ECG and an echocardiogram are two of these exams that give a clear picture of your heart. Blood tests to check for hormone levels and blood sugar levels may also be required.  Final thoughts Maintaining normal blood pressure is critical to the health of your heart and arteries, and it’s critical to monitor your readings so you can make necessary changes before health concerns arise. Even if your blood pressure is normal, you should have it checked at least once per year or two. It would also be an effective idea to take regular preventive health checkups to keep track of your blood pressure.

Here are some easy ways to improve your nutrition by incorporating a variety of foods and essential nutrients into your diet. Introduction Healthy food doesn’t have to be dull and neither does it have to be complex. The ingredients and styles of cooking in Indian cuisine vary based on region, season, religion, and family traditions. You can find everything from meat-based curries to vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as an assortment of spices and ingredients that give each dish its distinct flavour profile. However, the cuisine isn’t just about taste — dishes across the Indian subcontinent are packed with nutrients, meaning they’re also very healthy options. A substantial part of any Indian food is its spices, herbs, ghee, fruits and vegetables. It is estimated that India has almost more than 2000 dishes and 31 types of cuisines. As per registered dieticians, healthy dishes include wholesome, minimally processed ingredients and plant-based food. Tip: Develop a sense of your own capacity to control and turn your back on all the junk-food cravings According to nutritionists, here are some easy ways to improve your nutrition by incorporating a variety of foods and essential nutrients into your diet. Healthy bowls You can have a bowl full of whole grains like quinoa with at least a cup of dark veggies like spinach, broccoli ( roasted, grilled or raw), and proteins like tofu, beans or fish (as per your choice). You can top it with your favourite toppings like sauces, dried fruits or nuts etc. Chilla It is one of the best and simple recipes, anyone can have for breakfast. Chillas are usually made up of chickpea flour (besan). However, sprouted moong beans can also be used to make chilla. You can also add some herbs, spices, and chopped veggies (like tomato, cucumber, carrots etc.) to make it more tempting and delicious and serve it with sauce, pickle or curd etc. Grilled cheese and tomato soup This is the oldest classic combo of whole grain bread and real cheddar cheese that can be paired with low sodium (or less salt) tomato soup. Tip: Use cheddar cheese instead of processed cheese. Poha Poha is one of the famous Indian breakfast recipes. It is basically made of flattened rice that is soaked in water for a few minutes before cooking. You can add onions, tomato or some spice to enhance its taste. Some people also prefer to top it with peanuts, peas, bhujia or lemon etc. It adds nutritional value to the food including calcium and iron etc. It also helps you feel full for a longer time. Jowar Medley A bowl of healthy jowar medley is not only healthy but also a tasty option to include in your diet. Since it is rich in protein, calcium and fibre, it adds nutritional value to your food. It can be served with baby corn or lettuce leaves to make it more scrumptious. Air fried chicken drumsticks For non-vegetarians, it can be the best, simple and easy-to-cook healthy recipe. The recipe is as follows: Chicken drumsticks are marinated with some herbs and spices, crushed walnuts, a little bit of lemon juice, breadcrumbs and seasonings (as per your choice). Air fry it until completely cooked and can be served with cooked vegetables or air-fried fries. This dish is rich in high-quality protein and does not contain much fat. Did you know that beyond its rich protein content, chicken also contains a good amount of iron, zinc and vitamin B12? Oats idli For calorie-conscious fellows, oats idli can be the ideal food. It is usually made up of batter containing roasted oats, grated carrots, coriander or any other veggies of your choice. Steam the batter to get feather-light fluffy scrumptious idlis. Since oats are rich in minerals, vitamins and proteins, they add a good nutrition value without compromising on the delicious taste. Panchratna daal For vegetarians, daal often forms the basis of a high-protein meal. Panchratna daal is a medley of 5 types of daal, namely, moong, channa, masoor, urad and arhar. This protein-packed recipe with the goodness of all these lentils cooked in delicious spices makes it a great addition to your daily diet. Top it off with fresh coriander and enjoy it with some steamy rice or roti.                                                                                                Lentils have a high content of insoluble fibre as well as prebiotic carbohydrates. prebiotic carbs support the growth of gut-friendly probiotics, which may be beneficial for gut and mental health as well. Melon and Kiwi fruit smoothie This power drink provides a burst of immune-boosting nutrients in every sip and shoots ups your energy level instantly. Kiwi is a tangy and sweet fruit that is rich in vitamin C, which stimulates the body’s immune response. When kiwi is combined with fruits like papaya, melon and grapes, it enhances the nutritional value of the smoothie. Did you know- kiwifruit contains roughly 230% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C? Peanut butter Peanut butter is rich in antioxidants and vitamin B3 (niacin), which is needed for skin and nerve health. Some studies have shown that it may also help in Alzheimer’s disease. This delicious spread also contains an excellent source of vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and can protect against coronary heart disease. Tip: Try to use natural peanut butter, without added sugar and other additives. Eggs Eggs are one of the few foods that should be classified as “superfoods.” Egg yolks and whole eggs contain significant amounts of protein and choline and are widely used in cookery. Eggs can be consumed in various ways such as scrambled, poached, omelette or boiled eggs etc. Eggs are the best source of choline and quality protein that promotes hair health supports eye health, may reduce the risk of heart disease etc. Did you know that eggs are high in cholesterol, but eating eggs does not adversely affect cholesterol in the blood for the majority of people? Final thoughts Nutrition and health go hand in hand. After all, it’s food that fuels every cell in the body

Hair Breakage can happen to you despite your hair type or texture. It is very common and can sometimes feel equally difficult to fix. If you’ve ever noticed hair ends starting to split, or have experienced uncontrolled fizz, you’ve experienced hair breakage. A healthy hair strand has an inner cuticle with overlapping scales that keeps the strand intact. When these scales scatter and fall apart, the hair becomes dry and the scales eventually separate, leading to damage. This damage shows up in the form of breakage, frizz, and dryness. If you experience the following, you’re having hair breakage – The appearance of split ends. Hair fallout in form of small, short, and broken pieces of hair. Hair becoming too dry. Hair getting tangled and difficult to comb too often. Hair at the crown feels brittle as compared to the hair at the neck. Hair Breakage Reasons The most common causes of hair breakage are discussed here. Diet Hair and skin health are greatly driven by the kind of food intake. Some nutrients protect the hair from damage and help it grow better. Your diet must have an adequate amount of iron, zinc, and folic acid. Also, a protein-rich diet that can also provide antioxidants strengthens the hair and prevents breakage. Stress Stress and hair loss go hand in hand. Stress is also a cause of hair breakage. Due to overstressing, hair follicles go dormant, and hair strands in the middle of growth break off. Dryness Dryness precedes damage and breakage. Dry hair is caused by several natural factors such as dry weather, low humidity, and too much heat. Even harsh products that have chemical compounds can contribute to dryness. Using hot water for washing hair instead of lukewarm water also causes drying. If your hair ends are dry, you can let go of shampooing these areas. Also, do not skip the conditioner if you’re experiencing dryness in the hair. Heat Damage The usage of styling tools such as flat iron, curling iron, and hairdryer is universal today. If these tools are used more frequently, the cuticles might get damaged due to exposure to high heat. The scales eventually fall apart and the hair breaks. You can opt for a heat-protecting spray to minimize the damage and avoid using such tools too often. Frequent processing Frequently going for hair treatments and styling practices such as perming, colouring, straightening can damage the cuticle and cause hair breakage. These treatments expose the hair to harsh chemicals. You can try extending the duration between two such sessions to at least 2-3 months and use hair masks to nourish your hair in the meantime. Over-washing If you have oily hair, washing your hair daily may rid the excess sebum. However, in the case of dry hair, shampooing can be limited to once a week. Shampoos often contain chemicals and an over usage can damage the hair. If you have a persisting oily hair problem, you can opt for a dry shampoo. Improper drying Improper rough rubbing of the towel on the hair can cause damage as wet hair is most vulnerable to damage. You can opt for a microfibre towel and use patting motion instead of rubbing motion. You can also leave the towel for some time on the hair to absorb excess water instead of rubbing it. Tying the hair Tying up the hair too regularly not just pulls them from the roots, it also causes them to get tangled and break easily. You might notice some hair breakage every time you undo a ponytail or a hair tie. You can try wearing down the hair once in a while, losing up the up-do a bit. Incorrect brushing Over combing or over-brushing causes hair breakage. You must brush the hair only when styling it and use it only when it is dry. You should opt for a brush with natural bristles and use a wide-toothed comb to prevent hair breakage. Remember that 100 strokes a day is a myth! Inadequate hair trims Hair trims keep split ends off and avoids tangling of hair, preventing hair breakage. Not having a trim every 6-8 weeks can cause the split ends to travel up the length of your hair. Hyperthyroidism This is a low thyroid disorder and leads to dry, damaged hair. Other symptoms include low energy, weight gain, depression. If you see these symptoms get yourself checked on priority. Eating disorders Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa lead to malnutrition. In these situations, the hair follicle is deprived of the nutrients essential for the healthy growth of the hair. This causes hair breakage even in the middle of the hair growth cycle. Such disorders can lead to extreme consequences and must be addressed immediately. Hair Breakage Treatment You can boost the health of your hair by switching to the right products and adopting the right practices. A few hair breakage solution are discussed here – Change haircare routine Swap your current shampoo with products that are herbal or formulated to address the hair breakage issue. Always use a conditioner after shampooing. Skipping the conditioner causes damage as the conditioner helps reduce frizz and lend manageability. Redesign your diet A lot starts with what your food intake looks like. If you are having hair breakage, you must include vitamins C, D3, biotin, omega-3, iron, and zinc in your diet. These are available as dietary supplements as well as in abundance in natural food options. Vitamin C aids collagen production, which is responsible to form the base of blood vessels. Vitamin D3 enhances the production of the protein keratin, which makes up the hair. Biotin improves hair growth. Including vitamins in the diet can prevent hair breakage considerably. Destress Stress is the main cause of hair fall and hair breakage. You must try to keep the stress levels in check. You can go for yoga and meditation. Engaging in a hobby also reduces stress levels. Deep condition your hair During deep conditioning, the nutrients penetrate deep into the roots of the hair and repair the damage, replenishing the much-needed proteins and nutrients alongside. Deep conditioning frequently keeps

Inside your skin is a small cavity where the hair grows. This is known as the hair follicle. Our bodies are covered with hair follicles. These hair follicles are present all over the body except the soles of the feet, palms, and lips. The hair follicles produce oils that are essential to the health of the follicle and the hair. Folliculitis is a common skin issue where the hair follicle gets a blockage or a bacterial infection. This appears in the form of small red bumps. These bumps may also have a white, pus-filled tip and are accompanied by itching. Hair follicles cover the entire body and this condition mostly affects the head, face, chest, arms, legs, armpits, buttocks, and genitals. There are many different types of folliculitis, each of which is unique and caused by a different factor. Some of the more common names for folliculitis are barber’s itch, shaving rash, razor bumps, or hot tub rash. Folliculitis appears due to a result of daily activities such as shaving, excessive exercising, or excessive sweating. Folliculitis may be uncomfortable or itchy. This is a relatively harmless condition that can often be treated by oneself using simple folliculitis treatment at home. If it is severe you should see a doctor. It can affect people of all ages and often has a psychosocial impact. Here we will look at the causes of folliculitis and folliculitis treatment.  Cause of Hair Follicle Infections The condition of folliculitis occurs whenever a hair follicle gets infected and suffers inflammation. The infected hair follicle swells under the skin, causing bumps to appear on the skin. Though folliculitis could be happening due to a wide variety of factors, there are some common causes. Generally, if you have damaged hair follicles, the likelihood of folliculitis is more. This can happen due to a variety of activities. In most conditions, a kind of bacteria known as Staph Aureus is the root cause. These bacteria are present on your skin all the time. If it enters the body through a cut, it can cause problems. Certain kinds of bacteria found in hot tub baths and pools can also cause folliculitis. When the skin is hot and damp, the hair follicles can get damaged and infected much easier. Blockages are caused in the hair follicle due to the usage of skin products. Oil and moisturizer accumulation can block the pores. Not cleaning up the body properly after engaging in sweaty activities can block the follicles. Hair removal through plucking, waxing, or shaving can cause inflammation in the hair follicle resulting in folliculitis. Regular shaving especially of curly hair could be causing bumps. Ingrown hair can also lead to folliculitis. Touching or rubbing the skin frequently can also trigger inflammation of the hair follicle. Tight hair braids can cause hair follicles on the scalp strain and inflammation. This may lead to folliculitis. Skin conditions such as acne make you more prone to folliculitis. An oily scalp can lead to scalp acne which can develop into bumps on the scalp. Wearing tight clothes, footwear or gloves does not let the heat and sweat out of the body and can cause folliculitis. Clothing that rubs on the skin can cause inflammation to the hair follicles resulting in folliculitis. Long-term usage of antibiotics or steroid creams can lead to folliculitis. A history of obesity puts you at a greater risk of folliculitis. An immune system that is weakened by conditions such as leukaemia, diabetes or HIV is unable to fight the regular infections of the hair follicle thus leading to folliculitis. Sometimes skin injuries caused due to cuts or insect bites can lead to folliculitis. Bacteria can spread from an infected wound or cut to nearby hair follicles. Symptoms of Folliculitis Folliculitis appears in the form of red swollen bumps that resemble pimples. These bumps may appear to be filled with white material. Sometimes they may be filled with pus. The bumps irritate and you may feel the need to scratch (which should be avoided). If on the scalp, this may cause an itchy scalp. Here one must note that some of these symptoms can be the same as scalp psoriasis. But that condition is different from folliculitis and requires a different course of action. Mostly, the diagnosis is done by the physical examination of the skin. A swab of the infected skin can be used to test for the kind of bacteria causing the infection and confirm if the condition requires a folliculitis treatment or not. If so, folliculitis treatment is followed.  Rarely, a biopsy may be needed to rule out the possibility of other conditions.

Scalp acne or pimples on the scalp might not be one of your serious problems but for the affected it is very irritating and demands quick treatment. Severe acne could also cause scalp pain. Scalp acne is essentially the result of clogged pores on your scalp and the remedy could be as simple as keeping your hair clean and using medicated shampoos to remove the dirt from your scalp.  What Causes Scalp Acne There are varied reasons for the occurrence of scalp acne. It could be the result of several skin complications but it essentially happens of the following reasons: A rise in oil levels or the production of excess sebum in the scalp The clogging of hair follicles with dead skin cells and dirt Inflammation of the hair follicles  The spread of acne bacteria in the scalp Digestive problems could also aggravate acne problems Stress which leads to an exaggerated production of sebum and clogged pores The scalp is dotted with a number of hair follicles and an extensive network of oil glands. The pores are frequently blocked by dirt and oil which could lead to acne issues. This can also happen if you wait too long to shampoo your hair after you are done with your workout. If you sweat a lot while wearing a cap, it could also cause a lot of friction leading to significant acne problems.  You could suffer from acne even if you wash your hair regularly. The build-up of sweat, oil and dirt as a result of badly shampooed hair could also lead to the clogging of your pores. This is when you have to take a relook at your hair care regime as the use of improper hair care products like styling gels and sprays can also lead to an exaggerated build-up of impurities in your scalp.  Types of Scalp Acne It is important to identify the severity of your acne problem to determine the course of treatment. The issue could be: Mild Moderate  Severe. The pimples on the scalp could manifest themselves in the following ways.  Blackheads also referred to as open comedones Whiteheads also referred to as closed comedones Papules or inflammations Pustules or bumps filled with pus Cysts that form deep inside your skin  Mixed forms that are a combination of many different types.  How to Identify Scalp Acne Scalp acne is not difficult to identify. They are similar to pimples in many ways and are quite apparent as raised bumps on scalp that are sensitive to touch. Unlike scalp psoriasis they do not affect layers of scalp. In some cases, they may also form in clusters. They appear as zits in the back of the head. They can be sore and itchy. Scalp acne can frequently: Appears as tiny swellings on your forehead or along the back of your neck.  Very tiny bumps that might be felt but not seen. A cluster of bumps on your scalp Whiteheads that form on your hairline and scalp Skin coloured bumps on your scalp and hairline Sometimes the acne may not respond to treatment and could indicate symptoms of a more serious strain. This is when you need to take the help of an expert who would be able to suggest a detailed and stronger treatment plan. Treatment for Scalp Acne The standard treatment for scalp acne would in most cases involve a medicated shampoo. These shampoos can be very effective as they can remove all the debris and excess oil and stop scalp acne from happening again. These shampoos can be purchased without a prescription. The ingredients that are used most frequently in these shampoos are: Tea tree oil, which is very useful in removing scalp bacteria Glycolic acid helps in exfoliating the scalp, removing dead skin and excess sebum Ketoconazole is a very potent anti-fungal agent and can be used to treat red and scaly skin Salicylic acid helps remove all the dead skin cells Ciclopirox is very good for dandruff infections  Benzoyl peroxide is best remedy for the bacteria which causes scalp acne If the patient is experiencing a more severe form of scalp acne which is responsible for hair loss, the doctor could also recommend a number of alternatives including the following:  Steroids Antibiotics Topical ointments or creams Light therapy It is however suggested that a person should pursue only a single line of treatment at any point of time unless specifically instructed by a medical practitioner. Tips to Prevent Scalp Acne While there are a number of cures for scalp acne it would make perfect sense to take some very basic steps to ensure that you do not have to deal with such issues in the first place. Let’s look at what you can do : Wash your hair immediately after a workout Wear loose fitting headgear so that your scalp receives enough air to breathe Ensure that your hair receives a sufficient dose of vitamins A, D and E to nourish them Avoid using too many hair products that tend to clog your pores, use natural products instead Consult with a doctor to create a diet chart to avoid foods that aggravate hair acne issues Scalp acne is not a very serious issue and timely intervention can help you resolve the problems very easily with some simple scalp acne treatment. However, there could be times when you let the acne linger, leaving you with a severely infected scalp that would demand expert medical intervention. Do visit us at Rejuvenate Health and let our experts take over, as they provide effective solutions to any such hair issues and more.

Sebum is an oily substance that is secreted from the sebaceous glands keeping the body protected. Sebum is a natural oil that is secreted to nourish the skin, keep it moisturized and protected. It is an oily and waxy substance and is made up of lipids such as triglycerides, cholesterols, and fatty acids. Sebum is secreted from the sebaceous glands which are present all over the body. They are often around hair follicles though they exist independently as well. The highest concentration of sebaceous glands is present on the face and the scalp which can lead to scalp buildup and scalp acne. Palms of the hands and soles of the feet are the only areas of the skin without sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands on scalp helps in moisturizing the hair and maintaining its natural shine. However, an excess of sebum can cause oily scalp resulting in oily hair, scalp acne, and dandruff. These may lead to hair loss. If you are looking to find how to reduce sebum production on scalp, read further to know. Is Sebum Production Bad for Your Scalp? Before we decide how to reduce sebum production on scalp, let’s understand its functions. Sebum is good and essential for hair. The sebum produced in the scalp keeps the hair shaft nourished and moisturized, it also offers protection. The main functions of sebum are listed below. Lubrication Sebum lubricates the hair and prevents friction damage. Sebum is responsible for the moisturization and softness of the skin. A decreased production causes dry scalp issues.  Moisture retention The sebaceous glands that secrete sebum on the hair prevents the moisture of the hair from escaping through the cuticles. It also does not allow excessive moisture from the air to enter the hair. Thus, it keeps the moisture content of the hair balanced. Protects from sun damage Sebum transports vitamin E over the skin. Vitamin E prevents free radical damage by protecting against UV damage caused due to sun rays. How Does Excess Sebum Affect Your Hair? Balanced sebum production is essential for the health of the hair and the scalp. If there is an increase or decrease in the production of sebum, hair health is adversely impacted which leads to something called scalp buildup.  Excessive sebum on the scalp can result in clogging of the pores on the scalp (scalp buildup). Clogging triggers a variety of problems.  The supply of nutrients to the hair follicle from the bloodstream may get blocked.  The clogged pore can also lead to bacterial infections and dandruff.  Dried or hardened sebum can be a site for secondary infections. All these factors increase the possibility of hair loss. Secondary infections further aggravate it. In rare cases, it can also cause pimples on the head and on the scalp. Can Diet Affect Sebum Production? What you put into your body directly affects the health of your hair. While A well-balanced diet ensures perfect hair health, Certain foods have a direct impact on sebum production and acne. A diet that is rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals keeps hair health in check and improves the blood circulation in the scalp. Such improved circulation regulates the production of sebum and reduces overproduction. This is an ideal solution to how to reduce sebum production on scalp. You can keep the following pointers in mind regarding your choice of food if you are looking at how to reduce sebum production on scalp. Avoid oily and fried food to prevent excessive sebum production. Foods that are very sweet or very salty aggravate Kapha dosha causing excessive sebum production. Cold beverages should be avoided. You should have beverages either hot or at room temperature. A wholesome and fresh meal that is easy to digest should be consumed.

Camphor for Hair Growth, an ancient Ayurvedic remedy that balances doshas and keep hair moisturized, and strong . Its antimicrobial nature also keeps scalp infections away.