Has your hair lost its luster? Are you experiencing a lot of breakage or damage? What about hair loss? Your diet can play a significant role in the appearance of your hair. If you’re not putting the right fuel in, your hair may not be getting the nutrition that it needs to thrive. Learn how foods and diet affect the hair.
Diet and Your Hair
Healthy, beautiful hair is often a combination of many factors including genetics, physical health, hair care, and nutrition. Changing your diet may not instantly resolve all of your hair problems, but for some patients, a few simple changes can have a dramatic impact on their hair’s appearance.
Some of the hair’s most important nutrients are:
- Essential Fatty Acids- Essential fatty acids, like omega-3, are important for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Fatty fish like salmon are a good source of omega-3. Walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and soybeans are also a good source of this healthy hair nutrient.
- B Vitamins- Many vegetarians and vegans have a deficiency of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, important nutrients for healthy hair. Find B6 in bananas and potatoes, B12 in meat and dairy products, and folic acid in citrus fruits and tomatoes.
- Protein- Hair is composed of a protein called keratin. If you’re short on protein, your hair won’t thrive. Animal products like meat, fish, and eggs are a good source of protein. You can also get protein from plants including beans, lentils, nuts, and grains.
- Vitamin D- Vitamin D keeps the skin, bones, and hair healthy. Some studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to hair loss. Find vitamin D in fatty fish, liver, egg yolks, and in fortified foods like milk.
- Iron- Severe iron deficiency, also called anemia, causes hair loss in some patients. It is especially common in women with heavy menstrual periods and is easily mistaken for female pattern baldness. Meats including chicken, fish, and red meats are good sources of easily absorbable iron. Plant source of iron include beans and lentils, dark leafy greens, and potatoes. Many breads and cereals are also enriched with iron.
- Trace minerals- Trace minerals also affect the hair. A daily multi-vitamin can be helpful to ensure you’re getting those vitamins and minerals that your body, and your hair, need most.
A healthy, well-rounded diet often contains all the foods and nutrients needed for beautiful, healthy hair.
Can Food Cause Hair Loss?
There are many causes of hair loss, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies. Diet can cause hair loss, and in many cases, if the diet deficiencies are addressed, hair loss stops or reverses. Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss in women.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, come see us at Varona Hair Restoration and explore your options. Dr. Christopher Varona works closely with each patient to find the underlying causes of their hair loss, including nutritional deficiencies, and to correct them. A simple blood test can check for deficiencies. If they are found, a change in diet or supplementation may improve your hair and stop hair loss.
Beautiful hair starts with a healthy diet. If you’re experiencing hair loss call Varona Hair Restoration to find out if your diet could be a factor. We are located in beautiful Newport Beach, CA and can be reached at 949-631-4247.