Protein Sensitivity or Too Much Protein?

What is protein? Well, simply put it's the main nutrient that keeps your hair, skin, and nails strong and healthy. It is a major component of your body's muscles, tissues and organs and is required by the body for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells. Protein also helps your body to produce antibodies, which fights against infection. So is protein your friend? Yes indeed! But pump your brake for just a moment because too much protein can be a downer.

You've probably heard of protein sensitivity and it's a reason to be extra careful when apply protein treatments to your hair. You can get protein in two ways: By eating foods high in protein and by directly applying protein through the products you use. Protein food sources include legumes, poultry, dairy, nuts, and soy. Eating foods rich in protein can give your body what it needs to thrive. An additional way to get protein is by getting it through the products you use, such as hair shampoo, conditioners, and protein treatments. This method of applying protein can prove to be helpful or harmful to your tresses. Have you ever heard of the saying too much of a good thing can be bad?

Protein sensitivity or too much protein? Well, your hair needs protein. Instead I'd call it exactly what it is, too much protein. If your body is already producing enough protein through the foods you eat daily, you may not need to include in your hair regimen a direct method of applying protein because it may be overwhelming for your hair. In addition, a high consumption of protein in the diet can also be bad for your health putting strain on the liver and kidneys.

On the other hand, if your body is lacking protein, your hair may benefit from a direct application of protein, such as regular use of a protein shampoo or conditioner. A lack of protein in the diet can cause your strands to grow without the strength and durability they need to survive styling and manipulation so extremely weak hair may benefit from a protein treatment, such as the well known Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment.

A good example of a direct protein overdose could be:

• You get enough protein through the foods you eat, or
• Your body is getting too much protein, and
• You do regular protein treatments, and/or
• You use a protein deep conditioner, and/or
• You use a protein shampoo or conditioner

How will you know if your hair is getting too much protein? One way to tell is if your hair is increasingly dry, brittle, and breaking. Keeping a hair diary of how your hair normally feels and how your hair feels and reacts to each product you use along with knowledge of each product's ingredient list will help you determine if your hair is getting too much protein.

If you are concerned about your health and protein consumption, a consultation with your physician or nutritionist to discuss your individual needs is highly recommended. Here is an article to get you started: http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-kitchen-11/how-much-protein.