Hair Loss and Diet

At the hair loss clinic, True & Dorin in New York, one of the easiest causes of hair loss to address is diet. A patient’s diet can play a key role in his or her hair loss. A diet made up of healthy foods can help the hair look shinier and fuller. A patient’s diet can lack the proper nutrients, vitamins, proteins, and iron required to grow healthy, full hair. These deficiencies in a patient’s diet, among other factors, can result in hair loss.For some patients, changing their diet can slow or prevent hair loss.

Hair Loss and Diet

The hair shaft is made up of a protein called keratin. Because of this, the body requires an ample amount of protein to promote hair growth. If a person’s diet is low in protein, the body may ration out protein to more vital processes within the body such as rebuilding cells. This may lead to the body shutting down hair growth, causing hair loss to occur. Too little or too much of certain vitamins can also lead to hair loss. Another common factor that contributes to hair loss for many patients, especially females, is iron deficiency. A healthy, balanced diet can help to stop further hair loss and promote new hair growth.

Promoting Hair Growth through Diet

There are many foods that may have a positive effect on the hair. Foods that are high in protein, iron, and certain vitamins and nutrients may promote new hair growth. At the very least, a diet full of nutritious foods can help you look and feel your best. Some of these nutritious foods are:

• Salmon: This delicious and nutritious food is high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, iron, and vitamin b12.
• Spinach, broccoli, kale, etc.: Green leafy vegetables are high in iron. They are a great source for folate, beta carotene, and vitamin C. These vegetables, among others, help keep the hair follicles healthy.
• Lentils, white beans, soybeans, etc.: These foods are high in iron, zinc, and protein. They are also high in the vitamin biotin. A deficiency in biotin may result in hair breakage or hair loss.
• Walnuts: Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and biotin.
• Oysters: A diet lacking in zinc can lead to hair loss. Oysters are rich in zinc and protein.
• Eggs: Eggs are high in protein, zinc, iron, sulfur, and selenium.
• Sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, apricots, pumpkin, mango, etc.: These foods are high in beta carotene. The body converts beta carotene into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to protect the scalp.
• Tomatoes, kiwi, strawberries, blueberries, etc.: These foods are high in vitamin C, which the body uses to help maintain the circulation to the scalp and to help support the blood vessels within the hair follicles.
• Meats: Chicken, beef, and other meats are an excellent source of protein, zinc, vitamins, and iron.
• Other foods: A wide range of nuts, seeds, yogurt, cheese, fish, vegetables, and fruits can promote the growth of healthy, full hair.

Learn More about Hair Loss and Diet

For some patients, a diet aimed towards stopping hair loss and promoting new hair growth will not be enough to achieve effective results. In such cases, follicular unit transplantation or another hair restoration treatment may be recommended. To learn more about hair loss and diet, please contact the hair restoration specialists at True & Dorin today.