New Delhi, May 14 (IANS): Men and women are moving towards baldness as early as in their 20s and experts say that the medicine might be in your diet.

"In the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s, our clients were aged between 40 and 60. But now, about 85 percent are aged between 20 and 40, both men and women. There are many causes of hair loss. It can happen due to stress, pollution or lack of sleep or unhealthy diet," Sanket Shah, CEO and managing director, Advanced Hair Studio (India), told IANS.

Advanced Hair Studio have devised a procedure, called Advanced Hair Studio Fitness Programme, a treatment to control hair loss and save existing hair.

As diet plays a major role in heath of hair, the organisation, which also came up with AIR LACE, a breakthrough innovation in Strand by Strand (Cosmetic) hair replacement procedure, and capital-based nutritionist Lovneet Batra came together to bring forth discussion on 'Healthy eating, healthy hair' on Thursday here.

Batra believes what you eat reflects on your skin and hair.

"Food can be the best medicine for healthy hair and skin. Hair loss might be due to various reasons, but nutritional deficiency might be one of them and you need to address that," she said during the discussion.

"People go for sugar free and fat free food items, but they are required by the body. Most people don't want to eat fat to avoid gaining weight. Food items like walnut and fish oil are important. Though olive oil is becoming favourite in many kitchens, it shouldn't be heated. It is just for dressing purpose. Mustard oil or ghee gel with Indian delicacies," added Batra, who stressed on the importance of a proper balance of protein, carbohydrates and micronutrients.

The nutritionist also emphasised on the amount of nutrients to be consumed.

"We know that protein is needed for good hair, but women shouldn't consume more than 55 grams of protein. Men should stick to 65 grams. If you eat that in excess, it will stress out the liver and kidney. Similarly, excess of sugar is also not good. It will lead to dandruff," she said.

Reading ingredients is equally important.

"Food marketing can be misleading. For instance, many assume oat bread is good. But if the top ingredient is refined flour, it means it is mostly flour," she said.

Batra also says using grocery products to make hair packs is useful, but consuming is important too.

"Applying coconut oil is good, but so is drinking coconut water. I know so many people who refuse to drink it as they think they will grow fat. It is rich in potassium, which is good for skin," she said.

So, make right choices to stay fit and feel healthy.