There is no shortage of ‘miracle cures’ on the internet for dandruff and itchy scalp – but can changing your diet really help? Weweighed up the evidence to see if there’s anything in it.
One of the most common causes of scalp itch is dandruff and many of the natural treatments people talk about focus on getting rid of dandruff.
And they often focus on the yeast Malassezia globosa - the primary cause of dandruff.
Should I reduce my yeast intake?
One of the theories which gets a lot of coverage is that by avoiding foods which encourage yeast to grow in your gut, you can reducethe presence of Malassesia globosa on the scalp.
These diets suggest cutting out sugar and refined carbohydrates as well as mouldy or fermented foods such as:
- bread
- dried fruit
- cheese
- stock cubes
- alcohol
- vinegar
- soy sauce
- peanuts
- mushrooms
The theory is that by basing your diet around meat and vegetables and cutting these out, you can starve the body of yeast, thustackling the root cause of dandruff.
But despite the theory, there is no evidence that this is an effective treatment for dandruff and itchy scalp.
Malassezia globosa is present on everyone’s scalp regardless of their diet, so it’s very unlikely that this would work even if you reduced the amount ofyeast in your gut.
How to really treat itch
If you really want a treatment for itchy scalp caused by dandruff that works, try a clinically proven itchy scalp shampoo.
Head & Shoulders shampoos contain zinc pyrithione, which has been certified by regulatory bodies around the world as an effectivedandruff treatment.
Plus, we include ingredients like eucalyptus and, in our new Instant Relief Collection, peppermint and tea treeessence to give a revitalizing shower, making you feel refreshed from the first use. Read more tips and advice about itchy scalp.