Do You Suffer from Hair Loss?
We shed hair every day. It is pretty normal to lose a few strands of hair every day. On average, we lose 80 strands per day – the number can go lower or higher due to numerous factors. However, losing double or triple that amount is not considered normal, especially if it goes on for a longer period. In this case, something is making you lose hair, and if you don’t stop it, chances are you’re going to go bald.
Hair loss is usually caused by environmental, genetic or hormonal factors or a combination of all. In most cases, though, it is caused by loss of nutrients, especially vitamins. Different vitamins and minerals are required so our hair can grow and act normally. Due to many factors, though, nutrient loss is a real thing and the main reason behind our hair loss.
The good news is that there are ways to treat hair loss naturally. All you need to do is identify the culprit and work on increasing that nutrient’s levels.
Here are the 6 important vitamins that can treat and prevent hair loss:
1. Vitamin B
Vitamins from the B group, especially vitamin B5 can rebuild your hair follicles and reduce the damage hair dryers, ironing and sun exposure can do to your hair. For best results, take a dietary supplement of a group of B vitamins. If you want to go natural, B vitamins can be found in eggs, nuts, avocado, legumes, potatoes, and beef.
2. Vitamin C
As we age, our body’s production of antioxidant enzymes significantly slows down. This means there are fewer antioxidants to fight oxidative damage which results in faster hair loss. The good news is that vitamin C can be found in numerous tasty foods and is easily absorbed. You can find it in most citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, red peppers, and many, many more foods.
Although science hasn’t found a definite link between hair loss and vitamin C deficiency it has been known to lead to split ends and dry hair. If you need quicker results, get vitamin C in the form of supplements. If you don’t need much of it, getting it via natural sources is the way to go.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for our overall health, and that includes the health of our hair. According to studies, lack of it can lead to alopecia areata. This means that the vitamin is linked to hair loss and that increasing its levels can stop you from going bald.
The human body synthesizes vitamin from sunlight. However, if you live in areas without a lot of sunlight, vitamin D supplements can help. Also, add eggs, mushrooms, salmon, eel, and halibut in your diet – they all contain proper levels of vitamin D.
4. Zinc
Zinc strengthens our hair follicles and helps our hair recover from any kind of damage. Some studies have outlined a link between zinc deficiency and alopecia areata. Due to this, raising your zinc levels should help with hair loss. Apart from supplements, you will find plenty of the mineral in foods such as various nuts and seeds, whole grains, eggs, dairy products, shellfish, and animal meat.
5. Iron
Several studies have shown that iron deficiency may be one of the culprits behind hair loss. In order to treat and prevent it, add some iron in your diet. The mineral can be found in spinach, kale, beans, and collard greens among others.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids will undoubtedly make your hair stronger and boost its growth. You can find a solid amount in fish oil, which is also the source of other important nutrients. By raising the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in your body, you’ll also improve your overall health.
If the taste of fish oil is too strong for you, there are capsules you can take to prevent hair problems. A few per day should be enough to help you regrow your hair.
As you can see, hair loss shouldn’t be so scary. If your doctor determines that you it is caused by lack of the nutrients described above, there are many ways to resolve it. Add more of these nutrients in your diet and your hair will grow again soon.
