There are many factors that contribute to hair loss. You could be losing hair because of your genetic makeup, stress, lifestyle choices, or health issues. Hair loss is certainly a complex condition. Luckily, there are certain things that you can do to combat hair loss. If you can’t grow back the abundant hair of your youth, you can at least slow down the hair loss. Your diet is one area that you can look into and change. A poor diet can take a toll on the quantity and quality of your hair. Follow this guide on what foods to eat and supplements to take to promote better hair health.
Foods to Combat Hair Loss
Hair is actually made of a structural protein called keratin. And the body needs dietary protein to produce more keratin. This means that a healthy diet rich in complex proteins will improve your hair health and combat hair loss. A low-protein diet, on the other hand, results in fine and weak hair. The following are examples of protein-rich foods:
- Red meat
- Chicken
- Other poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
- Beans
- Tofu
- Cheese
- Yoghurt
In addition, foods such as breakfast cereals and apricots are rich in B vitamins, zinc, and iron. These nutrients are also essential to the health of your hair. Iron, for example, allows the hair follicles to easily absorb other nutrients. The silica present in foods like bananas is also good for hair health. Avoid food products that are high in fat because these may cause further hair loss.
Supplements to Combat Hair Loss
If you’re worried that your diet does not contain all the essential nutrients, you can take daily supplements to combat hair loss. For example, a deficiency in vitamin B12 causes hair loss. As a result, vegetarians may need supplements since vitamin B12 comes from animal sources.
There are a number of vitamins important for hair growth that you should look for in your supplements. B vitamins are among the most important vitamin groups. This includes vitamin B3, B6, B7, B9, and the previously mentioned vitamin B12. The B vitamins improve the circulation of blood to the scalp. Better blood circulation means better hair health and growth.
Another vitamin that needs to be in the food or supplements that you take is vitamin A. This vitamin helps the scalp produce more natural oils that protect and nourish the hair. Vitamin A also strengthens your hair. As a result, it reduces hair breakage. On the other hand, vitamin C aids in the body’s absorption of dietary iron, which is great in reducing hair loss. Lastly, look for supplements that contain vitamin E. This vitamin improves how the body circulates blood and oxygen, which stimulates the scalp.
Your hair also needs certain minerals. Look for zinc, selenium, magnesium, and sulphur in the food that you eat or in the supplements that you take. Feed your body with these essential nutrients, and you will surely find success as you combat hair loss.