Your hair is a reflection of your overall health, including your diet. That's right, the food you put into your body could be leading to fine, weak, brittle, and lackluster hair. At LH Hair, we know that all of these symptoms can lead to thinning hair and hair loss.
But never fear, reversing the negative impact your diet has on your hair is just a matter of changing your habits. As we enter 2018, commit to a hair-friendly diet resolution and watch your health, as well as your hair, flourish!
Zinc
Zinc is one of the biggies in the world of hair health. A zinc deficiency can lead to a dry flaky scalp and hair loss. Zinc plays an important role in cell reproduction, protein synthesis, and hormonal balance. All of these bodily processes are vital to the growth of healthy hair.
So, where can you find a healthy dose of zinc? You'll find this important mineral in whole grains, lentils, beef, oysters, and eggs.
Vitamin B12
Not just for energy, vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system and the normal metabolic function of your cells. B12 deficiencies have been linked to thinning hair, but these deficiencies are typically found in vegans. That's because you'll find B12 in meat, fish, dairy, and eggs.
Iron
Get a heaping dose of iron and watch your hair come to life. Iron is incredibly important for hair growth because your follicles are fed by your nutrient-rich blood supply. If your body is low on iron, you could become anemic, stop the supply of nutrients to the hair follicles, and disrupt the growth cycle. You'll find iron in lentils, spinach and leafy greens like kale and broccoli.
Vitamin C
Aiding in the absorption of iron, vitamin C should be consumed in conjunction with iron-rich foods. Vitamin C also helps produce collagen which helps strengthen the hair shafts. You'll find plenty of this vitamin in sweet potatoes, guava, blueberries, and oranges.
Biotin
Biotin has been getting a lot of attention as a supplement, but you don't have to spend tons of money on bottles of pills to take advantage of its benefits. Naturally found in egg yolks and whole grains, biotin prevents brittle hair and breakage. Also of note, this water-soluble vitamin is not stored in the body, so be sure to make it a daily part of your diet.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the cells that line the scalp. They also provide much-needed oils that hydrate and soften your hair. Try eating salmon, sardines, pumpkin seeds, and nuts to get your daily dose of omega-3.
Protein
Your hair is made of protein so consuming enough protein seems like a no-brainer. If you aren't getting enough protein you may be experiencing thin, brittle hair, and, yes, even hair loss. Protein is essential for strong, healthy hair. Lean meats like chicken and turkey are high in protein, but you can also find it in milk, yogurt, and eggs.
Notice that all of the vitamins and minerals that are vital for hair growth are easily attainable by following a healthy, balanced diet. So, cut out the junk food, refined sugars, and processed carbs, and watch dull, lifeless hair come alive. Not only that, you'll see improvements in your overall health!
If you would like to learn more about hair loss prevention and hair loss solutions, please contact us! LH Hair has specialized in hair restoration since 2007 and offers cutting-edge solutions for all stages of hair loss. Schedule your free consultation now!
