Dandruff can be caused by food allergies; allergies to hair care products; a combination of cold weather, low humidity and dry indoor heat; infrequent shampooing; and that standby root of most health problems, stress.

However dandruff should not be associated with dry skin. Dandruff can actually be caused by the overproduction in the scalp's oil glands and people with oilier scalp are more likely to have this disorder.

Most of such cases can be effectively treated with anti dandruff shampoos and home remedies. However in rare cases dandruff is reported to be of chronic origin as a result of certain triggers and can be characterized by large amounts of flaking along with redness of the skin and irritation. Dandruff can be symptom of seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis or it can be the result of a fungal infection or head lice.

Role of diet

Diet can really be an effective role in controlling dandruff. Studies have revealed that carbohydrates and fatty-acids that are not metabolized properly can cause dandruff. In order to break these carbohydrates and fatty acids foods containing vitamin B6 can be he answer.

A few food items that are enriched with vitamin B6 are eggs, cabbage, flaxseed, and nuts. Sulphur and sulphur products are also very effective in reducing dandruff to a great extent.

Nutritional supplements to prevent dandruff

Though not a prominent reason, dandruff in some cases can be linked with poor nutrition. Our body requires a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in trace amount. Any alteration in the balance of these essential nutrients can result in hormonal imbalance that may give rise to a lot of problems including dandruff.

Zinc is one such essential mineral whose deficiency can lead to dandruff and other skin diseases. Zinc can be easily found in some easily available food items like shellfish particularly oysters, turkey, pork and some nuts.

Other than zinc one should emphasize in having fatty acids, b-vitamin and a lot of essential oils through the diet. Studies has revealed that dandruff can also partially caused by a fungi that thrives well in yeasty, fatty, sugary environments. So excessive intake of yeast and refined sugars should be avoided.