We truly are what we eat. Our diet can affect physical health, emotional well-being, and oral health. The same can be said for our hair health. Studies have shown a connection between hair loss and diet, prompting many women with thinning hair to improve their diet and experience more lustrous locks.
Women who don’t get enough essential vitamins and nutrients could experience some level of hair loss. Numerous studies, for example, have shown a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss. Oftentimes, vitamins and supplements are all that are needed to restore hair health, along with dietary changes.
As mentioned above, studies abound that point to a link between hair health and nutritional deficiency, although more research needs to be done to provide conclusive evidence across the board.
Nutritional deficiency can affect both hair structure and hair growth. The National Library of Medicine says studies have reported associations between nutritional deficiencies and chronic Telogen Effluvium (TE), androgenetic alopecia (AGA), and alopecia areata.
Taking adequate vitamins and minerals can help prevent and manage hair loss, and many women can cover all their nutritional needs with a healthy, balanced diet. A variety of vitamins and minerals can play a role in new hair growth, as well as strengthen your immune system (vital for healthy hair). According to Harvard Health, vitamins and minerals such as these can contribute to hair health:
There’s little doubt that healthy foods form the building blocks of hair. It’s quite simple: with proper supplementation, hair grows longer and thicker. With a poor diet, your hair suffers, and you may experience brittle locks that can more readily break.
A pro-inflammatory diet is the worst diet for hair and overall health. Unfortunately, many Americans follow diets that promote inflammation, typically consisting of fried and processed foods. Studies show that nearly 60 percent of U.S. adults eat a pro-inflammatory diet. This translates to about six in 10 adults who routinely eat foods boosting the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer – not to mention poor hair health.
Androgenic alopecia has been associated with a higher dietary inflammatory index as well as lower antioxidant index scores. According to the National Library of Medicine, antioxidant-rich diets protect against androgenic alopecia, while pro-inflammatory diets increase the risk.
Not only is a pro-inflammatory diet bad for your hair, it’s bad for your gut. Quite simply, a healthy gut supports healthy hair growth. Any disruption in nutrient absorption can result in noticeable changes in hair texture, growth rate, and overall scalp health. Indeed, nutrient absorption, hormone regulation, and inflammation control are all critical for promoting a thriving environment for hair follicles.
The imbalance of gut microbiota can disrupt that harmony, compromising your body’s natural ability to nourish and sustain healthy hair growth.
Taking the right vitamins and supplements consistently can significantly support your body in maintaining healthy hair growth.
Hair — like anything that grows — requires the right nutrients and conditions in which to thrive. And it all starts with what you consume (healthy foods and supplements). We can help you get the nutrients you need to experience thicker, fuller, more lustrous hair.
On the flip side, there are certain diets that can promote hair health. One such diet is the anti-inflammatory diet, similar to a Mediterranean diet. Vitamins and minerals derived from food play a vital role in the hair follicle growth cycle and cellular turnover. However, a diet lacking in necessary nutrients may lead to hair loss, including deficiencies in:
That’s why it’s important to consume a balanced diet rich in these vitamins and minerals to promote hair growth, especially when your hair loss is due to poor nutrition.
Foods that fight inflammation include:
Understandably, not everyone can eat a healthy diet all the time. That’s where supplements and vitamins come in to fill the gaps.
Unfortunately over the last 60 years, there’s been a rapid and alarming decline in food quality as well as a decrease in nutritionally essential minerals and vitamins in fruits, vegetables, and food crops. There are many reasons for this, from the preference for less nutritious crops to a shift from natural farming to chemical farming. But the bottom line is, sometimes we need extra help to get the vitamins and nutrients we need, and that’s why supplementation is so important.
Worried about hair loss and diet? Call us today for a personalized consultation to explore the causes of your hair loss or thinning. If vitamin deficiency is to blame, we have a variety of supplements to choose from to ensure healthier hair at every stage.
