If you have a runny nose, you know to drink PLENTY of juice to boost your immune system. Well, the same concept can be applied to your HAIR. Its appearance and condition CAN clue you in to any nutritional needs you may have.Protein is the foundation of ALL cells, so it's IMPERATIVE that you eat it-you can get it in lean meats, nuts, seeds, eggs and dairy products. Without enough protein, your body will start conserving it by SUSPENDING hair growth, resulting in thinner and weaker locks. If your hair starts SHEDDING too much, this could be due to anemia, or a lack of IRON. Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. But since TOO much iron can cause health problems, ask your doctor for advice before you start any supplements. Has your hair become frizzy and dry? You may need more Omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids-found in fish, nuts and seeds-are essential to brain function, normal body development, and heart disease prevention. Our body doesn't make them naturally, so make SURE to include them in your diet. If you're dieting and your once-lustrous hair has gone flat and dull, you might need to re-work your eating regimen. You're NOT getting enough of the nutrients I've just mentioned. When a diet is pushed too FAR, your hair could even start falling OUT-and that's a SURE sign of nutritional deficiency. Always outside? A nice tan might LOOK good, but too much sunlight can make your hair fragile and breakable. And if your hair's suffering, imagine what your SKIN cells are going through. Remember...sun damage is the NUMBER ONE cause of skin cancer. When outside, protect your hair with a hat, or choose hair products with sunscreen - yes SUNSCREEN - to minimize exposure. While diet and nutrition issues are OFTEN behind common hair issues, there are times when thinning hair can point to a more serious health condition like a thyroid disease, diabetes or lupus. If the thinning hair persists, or gets more severe, be sure to get a full health evaluation from your doctor. To learn more about healthy hair, watch more videos in this series!