What are the main causes of dry scalp. How can you fix a dry scalp naturally. Which vitamins are essential for scalp health. What role does nutrition play in preventing dry scalp. How does frequent shampooing affect scalp health. Can genetics contribute to dry scalp issues. What are effective treatments for seasonal scalp dryness.

Understanding Dry Scalp: Symptoms and Causes

A dry scalp can be an uncomfortable and often embarrassing condition. But what exactly causes this common issue, and how can it be addressed? Let’s delve into the world of scalp health to uncover the root causes and effective solutions.

Identifying Dry Scalp Symptoms

How does a dry scalp manifest itself? The primary symptoms include:

• Itching
• Flaking
• Irritation
• Dry-looking hair

These symptoms typically occur due to insufficient sebum production, the natural oil that keeps our scalp and hair moisturized and healthy.

The Top 5 Culprits Behind Dry Scalp

Understanding the causes of dry scalp is crucial for effective treatment. Here are the five most common reasons:

1. Overenthusiastic Shampooing

Can washing your hair too often cause a dry scalp? Absolutely. Frequent shampooing, especially with hot water and harsh, sulfate-laden products, can strip the scalp of its natural oils. This leads to dryness and irritation, creating a vicious cycle of discomfort.

2. Nutritional Imbalances

How does your diet affect your scalp health? A lack of essential nutrients, particularly vitamins B6 and B12, can significantly impact sebum production. When your body doesn’t have the necessary building blocks, it can’t maintain a healthy, moisturized scalp.

3. Accelerated Aging Process

Environmental stressors and climate change can weaken the scalp’s protective barrier, leading to premature aging. As this barrier deteriorates, the scalp loses its ability to retain moisture effectively, resulting in chronic dryness.

4. Seasonal Changes

Why does scalp dryness often worsen in winter? The drop in humidity and exposure to cold, dry air can significantly reduce scalp moisture. This seasonal shift can leave even normally balanced scalps feeling parched and irritated.

5. Genetic Predisposition

Can dry scalp be hereditary? Indeed, genetic factors play a role in determining skin type, including scalp condition. Mutations in genes responsible for producing filaggrin, a protein crucial for skin hydration, can lead to various skin issues, including a chronically dry scalp.

Effective Solutions for Combating Dry Scalp

Now that we’ve identified the causes, let’s explore practical solutions to address dry scalp concerns:

Optimize Your Shampooing Routine

How can you adjust your hair washing habits to promote scalp health? Consider these tips:

• Reduce washing frequency to allow natural oil production
• Use lukewarm water instead of hot
• Choose sulfate-free, plant-based shampoos
• Consider trying shampoo bars for a gentler cleanse

Boost Your Nutrient Intake

What dietary changes can improve scalp health? Focus on increasing your intake of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin B12. Consider incorporating supplements like Power Gummies or foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your scalp from the inside out.

Combat Premature Aging

How can you protect your scalp from environmental damage? Look for hair care products containing ingredients known to slow down the aging process, such as mushroom extracts. These natural compounds can help preserve collagen and hyaluronic acid in the scalp, maintaining its youthful resilience.

Adapt to Seasonal Changes

What strategies can help manage scalp dryness during colder months? Regular scalp massages with nourishing oils can provide much-needed hydration. This practice helps to seal in moisture and protect the scalp from harsh winter conditions.

The Role of Vitamins in Scalp Health

While addressing external factors is crucial, the importance of internal nourishment cannot be overstated. Certain vitamins play a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy, moisturized scalp.

Vitamin A: The Cell Growth Promoter

How does vitamin A contribute to scalp health? This essential nutrient is crucial for cell growth, including the cells that make up your scalp and hair follicles. Adequate vitamin A intake can promote faster hair growth and a healthier scalp environment.

B-Complex Vitamins: The Moisture Retainers

Why are B vitamins so important for scalp health? Vitamins B6 and B12, in particular, are essential for sebum production. A deficiency in these vitamins can lead to a dry, flaky scalp. Ensuring sufficient intake through diet or supplements can help maintain optimal scalp moisture levels.

Vitamin E: The Antioxidant Defender

How does vitamin E protect the scalp? As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect the scalp from oxidative stress and environmental damage. It can also improve circulation to the scalp, promoting better nutrient delivery to hair follicles.

Holistic Approaches to Scalp Care

While addressing specific concerns is important, taking a holistic approach to scalp care can yield even better results. Consider these comprehensive strategies:

Balancing Your Diet

How can your overall diet impact scalp health? A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides the necessary nutrients for optimal scalp function. Be mindful of excessive sugar and unhealthy fats, which can exacerbate scalp issues.

Stress Management

Can stress affect your scalp? Absolutely. High stress levels can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to various skin and scalp issues. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can positively impact your overall scalp health.

Hydration from Within

How important is water intake for scalp health? Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining skin and scalp moisture levels. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your body’s natural hydration processes.

Advanced Treatments for Persistent Dry Scalp

For those dealing with stubborn dry scalp issues, more targeted treatments may be necessary:

Scalp Exfoliation

How can exfoliation benefit a dry scalp? Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and product buildup, allowing moisturizing treatments to penetrate more effectively. Look for scalp scrubs with natural ingredients like sea salt or sugar.

Deep Conditioning Treatments

What types of deep conditioning treatments are effective for dry scalp? Look for treatments containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or natural oils like argan or jojoba. These can provide intense hydration and help restore the scalp’s moisture barrier.

Professional Scalp Treatments

When should you consider professional help for dry scalp? If home remedies and over-the-counter treatments aren’t providing relief, consulting a dermatologist or trichologist may be beneficial. They can offer more potent treatments or identify any underlying conditions contributing to scalp dryness.

Sustainable Scalp Care: Balancing Health and Environmental Consciousness

In today’s world, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of our beauty routines. How can we care for our scalps while also being mindful of our planet?

Eco-Friendly Product Choices

What should you look for in environmentally conscious scalp care products? Opt for products with natural, biodegradable ingredients and minimal packaging. Shampoo bars, for instance, are an excellent alternative to plastic bottled shampoos, reducing waste while still providing effective cleansing.

Water Conservation

How can you conserve water while maintaining scalp health? Consider using dry shampoos between washes to extend the time between full hair washes. When you do wash, be mindful of water usage by turning off the shower while lathering.

Sustainable Ingredient Sourcing

Why is it important to choose products with sustainably sourced ingredients? Supporting brands that prioritize ethical sourcing not only benefits your scalp but also contributes to global environmental and social responsibility efforts.

The Future of Scalp Care: Innovations and Trends

As our understanding of scalp health evolves, so do the treatments and products available. What emerging trends and innovations are shaping the future of scalp care?

Microbiome-Focused Products

How does the scalp microbiome affect overall scalp health? Research is increasingly focusing on the role of beneficial bacteria in maintaining a healthy scalp environment. Look for products that support a balanced scalp microbiome, such as those containing prebiotics or probiotics.

Personalized Scalp Care

Can scalp care be tailored to individual needs? Absolutely. Advances in technology are making it possible to analyze your unique scalp condition and formulate personalized products. This tailored approach ensures you’re addressing your specific scalp concerns effectively.

Smart Hair Care Devices

How are technological advancements improving scalp care routines? From scalp analysis tools to high-tech brushes that monitor scalp health, innovative devices are making it easier to track and maintain optimal scalp conditions at home.

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy, moisturized scalp requires a multi-faceted approach. By understanding the causes of dry scalp, implementing targeted solutions, and staying informed about emerging trends, you can achieve and maintain optimal scalp health. Remember, a healthy scalp is the foundation for beautiful, vibrant hair, so prioritize your scalp care routine for long-lasting results.

5 reasons why you may have a dry scalp and how to fix it – The Switch Fix

Did you know that dry scalp could be caused by a number of different factors? Don’t worry, we will take you through the five most common causes, so you can get to addressing your dry scalp right away.

What does a dry scalp feel/ look like?

A dry scalp is usually caused by a lack of sebum production. It is usually accompanied by itching, flaking and irritation. Your hair may also seem dry as the scalp is not producing any oil to condition it.

Reasons for a stubbornly dry scalp

1. Frequent Shampooing

when your scalp isn’t producing enough sebum, washing it too frequently strips it completely. To add to that, using hot water can agitate the scalp further. Add harsh shampoos (with SLS or SLES) and we have a recipe for disaster.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of essential vitamins and nutrients in your diet, more commonly, vitamin B6 and B12, can cause the scalp to become dry. This is because a nutrient-deficient scalp isn’t able to produce enough sebum.

3. Premature ageing

Extreme weather conditions caused by climate change and other environmental stressors lead to the weakening of the scalp barrier. Our scalp’s ability to hold in moisture and keep it lubricated reduces drastically with the weakening of the scalp barrier.

4. Seasonal Dryness

Sometimes, we experience dryness as we enter winters. This is because the humidity in the air falls and cold, dry air doesn’t contain enough moisture for our scalp to stay hydrated.

5. Genes

You got it from your momma? Maybe. Your parents’ genes play a role in what kind of skin you may have. Mutations in genes that control the production of the protein filaggrin, which plays a role in firming and hydrating the skin and scalp barrier, can cause several skin conditions that include a dry scalp.

Easy to adopt solutions

1. Shampoo Right and Less

It’s important to shampoo as we come in contact with pollutants, dirt and grime but it’s important to also give your scalp time between washes to produce necessary sebum. Make sure the shampoo you’re using is free of SLS and SLES. You can check out our range of plant-based and gentle shampoo bars.

2. Increase your essential nutrient intake

It’s time that we finally do something about Vitamin B12 deficiency. Get your vitamins in check, gurl. We suggest Power Gummies. You can also introduce nutrients topically by picking omega-3 and 6 rich hair care.

3. Slow down ageing

No, we can’t reverse ageing but we can slow it down. Mushrooms, is one such ingredient, as it slows down the attack of hyaluronidase (a chemical compound) on vitality-boosting collagen and hyaluronic acid that’s naturally present on our scalp. But is there hair care with mushrooms in it? Yes, there is. Check out our Magic Shrooms Range, it’s simply magical.

4. Seasonal Changes

If your scalp is prone to dryness, it’s time to start massaging your scalp with deeply nourishing hair oils more frequently to keep your scalp well lubricated during the cold, dry winters.

Well, you can’t do much about genes at this point but what you can do is control your intake of sugar and fatty foods (there’s the good fat that you can consume instead like avocados) as they wreak havoc on your body and can further exacerbate a dry scalp.

Fix Dry Scalp with simple switches

In the face of climate change, and other humanitarian crises, a dry scalp may seem like a minor issue but we understand that it becomes difficult to carry on with your day when you’re constantly scratching your head due to sensitivity and irritation. This is why we come to you with the fix that is as simple as a switch, for you and our planet. Go on, run your fingers through amazing hair while you fiercely debate climate change.

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6 Vitamins to Transform Your Dry, Damaged Hair Into Perfect Glossy Locks

Keeping your hair healthy and beautiful requires proper nutrition. Certain key vitamins are especially important.

Does your hair need some love? Healthy, shiny hair is about more than just the shampoo and conditioner you use. What you put into your body matters just as much as what you put into your hair, and vitamins and supplements are a crucial hidden weapon in the fight for healthy, shiny hair.

However, when it comes to transforming your hair from damaged to dazzling, not every vitamin is equal. Here are six of the best vitamins you can take for great hair health from the inside out.

Vitamin A is critical for cell growth, and may help your hair grow faster.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is often praised for its role in healthy, glowing skin, but did you know it’s also great for haircare? Vitamin A is essential for cell growth — including hair cells. For fast-growing hair, vitamin A is known to help. In fact, many hair loss treatments include vitamin A as an ingredient for this very reason!

Vitamin A also helps your skin glands create sebum, an oily substance that will keep your scalp moisturized and your hair hydrated.^[1]

However, there is such a thing as too much vitamin A. In fact, overdoses of vitamin A can actually cause hair loss, so make sure you don’t exceed the recommended dosage.

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is reportedly important for thick, healthy hair.

Biotin

If you have ever looked at the ingredients on the bottle of a skin, hair, and nails supplement, chances are you’ve seen biotin listed. This is because biotin is hair’s best friend — and it’s not too shabby when it comes to your nails and your skin either.

Biotin helps your body turn food into energy, and is essential for producing keratin, the protein that makes up your skin, nails, and hair. This makes it the perfect vitamin for promoting thick, healthy hair growth. In fact, studies have shown that women with thinning hair saw a visible increase in their hair’s volume and thickness after taking supplements that contained biotin.^[2]

Biotin can also help prevent hair loss: biotin deficiencies have been found in 38% of women struggling with hair loss. ^[3] It’s no wonder that so many hair supplements rely on this handy little vitamin.

Known for its benefits to skin, collagen is also helpful for healthy hair.

Collagen

Another nutrient often celebrated for its role in skincare, collagen can also do wonders for your hair.

As the most abundant protein in your body, collagen — like biotin — helps create the keratin that your hair is made up of. This makes it an important ingredient when it comes to helping your hair grow faster and stronger.

But collagen also helps fight damage by protecting your hair from free radicals — compounds that harm your cells, proteins, and hair follicles.^[4] Studies have also found that collagen helps slow down premature hair graying^[5] and hair thinning caused by aging.^[6] With so many benefits, collagen is a must-add to your nutrition routine.

Want strong, healthy hair? Make sure you are getting sufficient vitamin E.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E promotes healthy skin — including the skin on your scalp. Since a healthy scalp is necessary for healthy hair,^[7] it pays to keep the skin on your head happy.

As an antioxidant, vitamin E rejuvenates, moisturizes, and increases blood supply to the scalp, which encourages your hair to grow faster.^[8] This is a proven method of increasing hair growth, with medications like minoxidil using the same method to stimulate hair growth in patients suffering hair loss and hair thinning.

Vitamin E also makes your hair stronger, reducing the free radicals and oxidative stress that cause weak, easily broken hair follicle cells. As damaged hair often breaks easily, vitamin E is the perfect solution, reducing breakage, split ends, and hair fall.

Studies have shown vitamin C can help fight hair loss.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C creates the protein known as collagen, so it’s no surprise that like collagen, it’s great for combatting hair loss. But vitamin C has plenty of other haircare benefits too.

Vitamin C also fights dandruff by fighting bacteria on your scalp, getting rid of debris, and soothing dry, itchy skin. What’s more, a diet that’s heavy in vitamin C has been shown to fight hair loss, preventing baldness in men and alopecia.^[9] One of the main culprits of hair loss is a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, which causes miniaturization and shrinkage of hair follicles. Vitamin C suppresses this hormone, preventing it from causing hair fall.^[10]

Iron is an important nutrient for hair growth.

Iron

Like collagen and vitamin C, iron plays an important role in hair growth. Studies have found a link between iron deficiencies and hair loss,^[11] and iron helps your skin stay thick and strong. By the way, it does the same for your nails — both your hair and nails are made from keratin, after all.

Iron works by boosting circulation, helping oxygen get to your cells faster. Without it, your scalp won’t receive the blood flow it needs to let your hair grow.

Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is just the first step: beautiful hair happens from within.

Once hair is damaged it can be hard to turn back time. However, what you put into your body has a powerful effect on your hair’s health — and taking the right vitamins can make a real difference to your hair.

References:

1. Everts, Helen B: “Endogenous retinoids in the hair follicle and sebaceous gland”, September 3 2011, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21914489/
2. Glynis, Ablon: “A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Oral Supplement in Women with Self-perceived Thinning Hair”, November 5 2012, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509882/
3. Trüeb, Ralph M: “Serum Biotin Levels in Women Complaining of Hair Loss”, June 2016, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4989391/
4. Trüeb, Ralph M: “The impact of oxidative stress on hair”, December 2015, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26574302/
5. Abedin, Zainul et al: “Biochemical and radical-scavenging properties of sea cucumber (Stichopus vastus) collagen hydrolysates”, March 27 2014, pubmed. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24670209/
6. Varani, James et al: “Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin”, June 2006, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1606623/
7. Schwartz, J R: “The role of oxidative damage in poor scalp health: ramifications to causality and associated hair growth”, December 2015, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26574300/
8. Rossi, Alfredo et al: “Minoxidil Use in Dermatology, Side Effects and Recent Patents”, 2012, eurekaselect.com/article/41603
9. Almohanna, Hind M. et al: “The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review”, December 13 2018, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/
10. Kwack, Mi Hee et al: “L-ascorbic acid

Any substance that when dissolved in water, gives a pH less than 7.0, or donates a hydrogen ion.

What vitamins to drink if the hair has become dry?

Dryness and brittle hair are common problems that every woman can face. One of the reasons for the deterioration of the condition of the curls is the lack of sebum. It may be due to dysfunction of the sebaceous glands or frequent shampooing using low-quality shampoos. Other adverse factors that provoke dry hair include:

• daily hot styling,
• chemical straightening or perming of hair,
• wrong choice of comb,
• hypothermia or overheating of the scalp.

To make curls strong and beautiful, it is important to provide not only comprehensive care from the outside, but also nutrition from the inside. What vitamins to drink if the hair has become dry? The following elements will help restore shine to the strands and prevent brittleness.

• B1 – neutralizes the negative effects of stress, helps to increase hair density.
• B2 – is responsible for the nutrition of hair follicles and the distribution of sebum.
• B3 – stimulates blood microcirculation in the scalp, improves the absorption of nutrients.
• B5 and B6 – participate in metabolic processes, prevent the appearance of dandruff.
• A – accelerates growth and increases the elasticity of curls.
• E – has an antioxidant effect, stimulates the restoration of the hair structure.
• C – prevents splitting and brittleness.

Sufficient intake of vitamins in the body has a positive effect on the appearance of the hair. They cease to be dry and brittle, gain shine and vitality.

Food is a valuable source of vitamins for dry hair.

• Vitamins A and C are rich in carrots, citrus fruits, rose hips, all berries, butter, beef liver.
• Substances from group B are part of fermented milk products, eggs, sea fish and red meat.
• Element E is found in large quantities in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, egg yolk, green leafy vegetables.

Pharmacy complexes will become additional sources of vitamins. An effective remedy is presented in the PharmaMed product range. Biocomplex Lady’s formula For Hair, Skin & Nails™ Strengthened Formula is enriched with:

• vitamins A, E and 16 other elements,
• minerals zinc, iodine and selenium,
• extracts of horsetail, kelp algae, burdock root,
• gelatin.

When taken regularly, the complex strengthens the hair structure and prevents hair loss, improves skin elasticity, makes the nail plates strong and prevents their fragility. How to drink a remedy with vitamins for dry hair, read the instructions.

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Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

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Hypovitaminosis is often mistakenly called avitaminosis by people. However, vitamin deficiency is a disease caused by the complete absence of one or another vital vitamin in the body, which can lead to serious consequences. Hypovitaminosis is a condition caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body. It is hypovitaminosis that causes various ailments, which are especially acute in the spring.

Doctors of the Republican Center for Medical Prevention of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan consider hypovitaminosis a natural condition during this period, since in winter there are much fewer fresh fruits and herbs than in summer, and those that we eat contain few valuable substances. By spring, in vegetables and fruits, albeit fresh, but stored for a long time, the amount of vitamins is halved. As a result of a decrease in the level of vitamins and microelements in the body, by spring it reaches the stage when it causes external manifestations – the same spring hypovitaminosis.

Hypovitaminosis is manifested by the following symptoms:

• drowsiness;
• lethargy;
• fatigue;
• hair loss;
• brittle nails;
• desquamation of the skin;
• stress and depression;
• cracks in the corners of the mouth, which is most often called “jamming”;
• exacerbation of herpes and fungal diseases;
• bleeding gums;
• insufficient focus of attention;
• reduced immunity;
• frequent colds with complications.

Vitamins necessary for the body are also contained in the following products:

Vitamin A

Deficiency: the skin dries and roughens, flakes, cracks appear in the corners of the mouth. The body’s resistance drops, endless colds are observed. Vision problems appear: clarity disappears, glare appears before the eyes.

How to replenish: Foods such as beans, carrots, beets, beef liver, pumpkin, butter are rich in vitamin A.

B vitamins

Deficiency: fatigue, depression, headache, memory becomes “girlish”. There are constipation alternating with diarrhea. The appearance of dandruff, deterioration of the skin.

How to replenish:

Vitamin B1 is found in meat (fatty pork), buckwheat, black bread, boiled potatoes, rice, oatmeal, peas, nuts.

Vitamin B2 found in milk, pork, yeast, almonds.

Vitamin B3 (aka PP) is found in cheese, fish, eggs, milk, potatoes, white chicken meat, liver, beans, broccoli, peanuts and prunes.

Vitamin B5 enters the body with meat, poultry, fish, nuts, whole grain bread, royal jelly.

Vitamin B6 found in bran, liver, unrefined grains, germinated wheat.

Vitamin B9 “evaporates” quickly during heat treatment, so it can only be found in raw and fresh foods.

Vitamin B12 will enter the body if you eat soy, raw egg yolk, fermented milk products, brewer’s yeast, green parts of plants.

Vitamin C

Deficiency: gums may bleed. It is not known where bruises appear on the body and do not go away for a long time, the skin turns pale and dries, resistance to infections decreases.

How to replenish: Vitamin C can be found in blackcurrants, sea buckthorn and rose hips, sorrel and sauerkraut, kiwi fruits, apples and strawberries. Of course, spring is not at all the season for such fruits and vegetables, but thrifty housewives always freeze such products, and now is the time to get them out of the freezer.

Vitamin D

Deficiency: insomnia, burning in the mouth and throat, blurred vision, diarrhea. Light scratches and cuts do not heal for a long time

How to replenish: you can replenish vitamin D by eating mushrooms, cottage cheese, butter, fish oil.

Vitamin E

Deficiency: increased nervousness, muscle cramps, age spots on the arms and legs. It is very important for proper metabolism, increasing the antioxidant activity of the body, therefore, with its shortage, the aging process is accelerated.

How to get it: This vitamin comes from eggs, rosehip tea, vegetable oil, wheat germ oil, vegetables, and whole grains.

Vitamin F

Deficiency: fatigue, weakness, dry skin, pain before menstruation, painful e sensations in the area of ​​the mammary glands, menstrual cycle disorders, swelling on the face, legs, bags under the eyes, dandruff, dry hair, peeling of the skin and brittle nails, the appearance of a rash on the body and face, memory disorders, concentration, distracted attention, depression.

How to get it: Vegetable oils (sunflower, olive, soybean, corn, linseed, peanut), walnuts, almonds, raw pumpkin seeds, corn, brown rice are rich in vitamin F , oily fish (cod, salmon, mackerel, trout , tuna, capdin, eel), fish oil.

Vitamin H

Deficiency: fatigue, depression, drowsiness and apathy, muscle pain, insomnia. Hair loss, dandruff is activated, the skin becomes pale and inflamed, a constant feeling of nausea)

How to replenish: vitamin H is found in egg yolk, beef liver, nuts, milk, soybeans, fruits.

Vitamin K is found in sufficient quantities in soybean oil, green peas, liver, fish oil, tomatoes, eggs, leafy greens.

Vitamin P

Deficiency: General weakness, malaise, fatigue, pain in the extremities.

How to replenish: vitamin P can be obtained by eating citrus fruits, cherries, blackberries, apricots, chokeberries, black currants, buckwheat, parsley, lettuce.