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I have struggled with dry scalp for years. I have switched shampoo brands more times then I can count because of it. Eventually, I just quit shampoo all together for several reasons. The dry itchy scalp part was one of those reasons. I was so sick of dry itchy scalp I couldn’t stand it anymore. I thought it HAD to be related to my choice of shampoo. I mean, after all my itch would go away for a few weeks when I switched and then it would eventually return.
I’m not going back to shampoo. But let the truth be told, I do still have struggled with dry scalp even when I use my favorite orange honey shampoo.
Do you want to know a big secret? Dry scalp is most commonly caused by a deficiency in Essential Fatty Acids (EFA).
Yup, you read that right. I didn’t realize until I completed my training as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, that most likely your dandruff doesn’t have anything to do with your shampoo. I still don’t recommend putting those chemicals in your hair, but you do need some good quality fat in your diet (most likely 30% of your diet or more). And, if you are getting of plenty good quality fats in your diet and you still are having this issue, you aren’t digesting your fats properly.
Over the past couple of months as I have supplemented my diet with MORE fat my itchy scalp has *poof* just disappeared into thin air.
Want to know another secret? You should have naturally nice moist skin. Yep, big lotion companies like Bath & Body Works probably don’t even realize that they are capitalizing off one of America’s major health problems. Many of us still have it stuck in our brains that eating fat makes us fat. There really isn’t anything further from the truth. Nasty rancid fat can make you fat and so can not getting enough good fat, but we might save that post for another day.
The First Step to Combating Dandruff is to Get Plenty of GOOD Fat
People often ask me… “What are good fats?”
- Pastured Butter (I like this brand)
- Ghee (I like this brand)
- Avocados
- Cold Pressed Nut & Seed Oils (I recommend olive oils to be bought in tin to avoid rancidity)
- Coconut Oil (This is a good brand)
- Lard (I like to order from here)
- Other Animal Fat
You need a combination of several different kinds of fats in your diet in order to have nourished, glowing, vibrant skin. If you have been practicing low-fat or no fat dietary rules for a while you most likely have LOTS of catching up to do. It is a good rule of thumb to try to get at least 30% of your caloric intake from fat. If you are nursing a baby you may need much more that this. And, some people may need more or a little bit less than this. Start here and listen to your body to tell you how you are feeling.
Good Digestion is Key
A good first step to any other health struggle is always making sure there is proper digestion taking place.
You can read a two-part series on digestion here:
Part 1 – Tips for Digestive Healing
Part 2 – 8 Ways to Heal Your Gut
For those who have had gall bladder issues, or have had a gall bladder removed improving your digestion and fat intake is most certainly for you! This dysfunction of the gall bladder is your tell-tale sign that you are having problems metabolizing fats (or not getting enough). Plus, this dysfunction of the gall bladder can also be associated with mineral deficiencies. Typically, problems with the gall bladder can develop from a low-fat diet and poor digestion. Problems with the gall bladder often be healed with specific support to these body systems.
Digestion can be improved greatly by working on the diet and healing the gut. I often assist clients with this.
Next time you see some of those white flakes on your shoulder make sure you think about putting that extra pat of butter on your bread, or make sure you consciously work on digesting your foods properly. It can not only help get rid of your dry flaky scalp, but it can offer many other health benefits as well.
References
Signs Symptoms and Analysis from a Function Perspective. Weatherby, Dicken, N.D. Bear Mountain Publishing 2004.
This was an AWESOME post! You really helped me pause and examine my diet and I;m now going to look at my digestion!! Thank you!!
Thank you, Liz!
I agree with you. I feel it best to address the root of the problem rather than just treating symptoms.
What do these percentages look like? I always hear #’s like 20% of your diet etc. but it would be great to see a photo example of fitting that amount into a days worth of food! I have suffered from itchy scalp so badly most of my life and like you switched shampoos, done the no poo method, etc. nothing has worked. I eat pastured organic butter, oils, nuts, chia seeds and avocados. But I still have that mentality that was drilled in me when I was younger that the butter is bad so i never use too much. I’d just love to see a breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack portioned out with the proper amounts. Thanks so much, love your site!!
Actually, coconut oil is bad for you because it comes in a bottle with air which oxidizes the oil which causes free radical damage. Too much can cause cancer or over longer periods of time.
Oxidation occurs when your chains aren’t completely saturated more easily. Coconut oil is quite shelf stable and completely saturated. It comes from a very hot climate making it extremely difficult to oxidize. Other oils do go rancid faster. However, coconut oil is not bad for you and does not oxidize quickly at all.
You better read up on coconut oil.