Today's chemical processes, heat treatments and styling products can cause considerable damage to our hair. The only way to counteract this damage is to start with strong healthy hair. Hair is proteins that our body makes from foods we take in.

In order to have strong healthy hair we must eat the right foods. Most of the foods that promote healthy hair are probably not a surprise to you, but several may be.

Drink Water: Drinking eight glasses of water a day will do more than give you great skin and healthy organs. The water will help flush toxins out of your body and keep them out of your hair. Your body will be able to produce strong hair strands when you are properly hydrated. Water really does benefit you in ways you could never imagine.

Spice up your Food: Why not add flavor and kick to your food and strengthen your hair at the same time. Certain spices such as cumin, turmeric, and black pepper are all considered great spices for your hair. Sauté the spices with clarified butter or olive oil and add to vegetables to make a hair happy side dish. If you use green leafy vegetables in this dish you will get a double dose of strong hair foods.

Protein: Lean protein is critical to helping your body create strong hair. Most people do not eat enough protein on a daily basis, studies have shown that if we eat more protein our hair will be stronger.

Lean meat like fish, chicken, eggs, and soy products are good sources of protein for hair. To promote healthy strong hair, doctors suggest we eat at least one serving of lean protein every day. Foods to Avoid In order for your hair to be healthy and strong you must eat a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals. Avoid junk food like candy, cake, and cookies. The nutrients you take into your body will be forming new hair under the scalp. Sugar and junk food do not provide the required building blocks for healthy hair.

In the Shower: The benefits of food is not only if you eat it, you can use many products in your daily beauty routine and strengthen your hair at the same time. Avocado is one of those great foods that can help your hair inside and out. Eat half an avocado to help build strong hair. Take the other half of avocado and smash it into your hair. Leave the avocado in your hair for 20 minutes, then wash out. The mask will condition your hair and build strong hair from the outside.

Another great tip for showering is to buy a shower filter. These filters block unwanted particles, chemicals, and especially chlorine. Chlorine is known to make your hair fallout. So get a filter not only is it great for your hair, your skin will thank you too!