Diet and Hair Loss - Diet and Hair Growth
Hair loss is a common problem that is often caused by nutritional deficiencies in the diet. The hair follicle converts amino acids into a kind of protein called keratin, which is the chief constituent of hair. Inadequate production of keratin results in thinning of hair and hair loss. Stress and anxiety, lack of proper sleep, diseases such as typhoid, flu, anemia, poor blood circulation in the scalp and hereditary factors may also be responsible for this condition. This problem is more commonly observed in men than women.
There are a few basic dietary measures that you should follow to stop hair loss. Include natural sources of vitamins and minerals like zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium in your diet. Eat plenty of raw and leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, celery and leeks, beans, soy products, milk, yoghurt, eggs, wheat germ, vegetable oils, yeast, liver, whole grains and nuts to supply these essential nutrients to the body. They improve blood circulation in the scalp and stimulate the hair follicles to produce keratin at a faster rate, thereby reducing hair loss. Vitamin and mineral supplements are also useful in this regard. Cooking food in extra virgin olive oil is recommended to treat hair loss as this is a natural source of monosaturated fats, which rejuvenate the hair follicles and enhance the rate of production of keratin.
Studies have shown that natural sources of iodine play a crucial role in maintaining the general health of hair, so eating carrots, turnips, millet, and walnut and flax seed oils is useful in preventing hair fall. You should avoid foods like artificially sweetened and carbonated drinks, fatty and cholesterol-rich snacks and excessive salt. This is because a high-fat and –sodium diet is believed to be responsible for higher level of testosterone in men, which results in hair loss and baldness. You should also restrict your intake of alcohol, as this reduces the level of B and C vitamins, as well as of zinc and folic acid in the body and adds to the sugar level in bloodstream, leading to faster hair loss. Just like alcohol, caffeine also reduces the level of essential vitamins and zinc in the body, so it is advisable that you cut down on the consumption of coffee and chocolates. You should also drink a cup of spinach and lettuce juices mixed in equal proportions every morning to prevent hair loss.