How Your Diet Impacts Your Hair

How Your Diet Impacts Your Hair 

Hair shedding can result from a variety of causes, including hormonal changes and high levels of stress. While you should speak to a physician to determine the exact cause, there’s a chance that your diet and hair loss are connected. Consuming too many inflammatory foods and too few nutrients to support healthy hair can contribute to hair loss. 

How Your Diet Impacts Your Hair Loss

If you suddenly experience more hair loss than usual, take a moment to think about the foods you eat. Just as a poor diet can impact your skin and body, it can also greatly impact the health of your hair. 

If you suspect that your diet and hair loss may be related, don’t worry. Although you can’t control all factors that may cause hair thinning or loss (i.e. genetics and aging), there are a few simple changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle to improve the health of your tresses. To help, here are three ways you can promote your hair health: 

Diet and Hair Loss – Avoid Foods That Exacerbate Hair Thinning 

For the sake of your locks, it’s best to avoid foods that worsen the health of your hair. Use moderation when consuming foods that are high in added sugar, fats, or that have a high glycemic-index, as these can stunt hair growth or cause your hair to thin. Whenever possible, try to limit your consumption of the following: 

• Starchy pastas and breads 

• Processed snack foods, frozen dinners, and highly processed foods 

• Foods high in added sugars including sodas and sugary cereals 

• Carbonated and alcoholic beverages

• Some fats and oils – especially hydrogenated (or trans) fats

You probably already know these foods aren’t great for your overall health, and your hair is just another reason to limit their consumption. This doesn’t mean you have to nix these foods altogether, but it does mean you should try to eat them in moderation. 

Diet and Hair Loss – Indulge In Foods That Promote Hair Growth 

Now that we’ve discussed what foods to avoid, let’s talk about what you should include in your diet. Your hair requires nutrients such as biotin, protein, zinc, vitamin C, and B- vitamins, to remain healthy. A deficiency can negatively impact the health of your hair, which is why it’s important to ensure you indulge in foods that promote hair growth such as: 

● Protein: Dairy products, poultry, eggs, and legumes 

● Biotin: Eggs, salmon, cauliflower, and avocados 

● Zinc: Beef, spinach, asparagus, and mushrooms 

● Vitamin C: Kale, kiwi, broccoli, and oranges 

● B-vitamins: Whole grains, almonds, bananas, and red meat 

When it comes to your diet, it’s also important to strike a balance. For instance, following a strict low-calorie diet can lead to consuming too few nutrients, and too few calories can negatively impact scalp health, causing your hair to shed or become brittle. Ensuring a balanced diet is one of the best ways to promote healthy hair growth, especially if a poor diet is the culprit. 

Diet and Hair Loss – Treat Your Hair With Care 

Your hair needs proper nutrients to grow and remain healthy, whether through your diet or lifestyle habits. A few ingredients that promote stronger, healthier hair include biotin, argan oil, and amino acids, which are often found in the foods you eat. However, you can also get many of these ingredients through the products you use. For example, using hair care products formulated to promote hair growth can help ensure your scalp and hair get an extra boost of nourishment. 

If you experience hair loss due to nutritional-based issues, a daily multi-nutrient supplement may be an easy addition to your healthy lifestyle. You should always aim to maintain a nutrient-rich diet, however, supplements may be a great addition if you’re not getting enough of certain vitamins. 

If you’re looking for a more natural solution, you don’t have to travel far as some of the best ingredients for your hair can be found right in your kitchen. You can nourish your hair and scalp with a homemade herbal rinse formulated with herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and calendula. These herbs have natural healing properties that work to promote scalp health and hair growth. 

While there is no one size fits all when it comes to maintaining the health of your hair, a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle may help you ensure optimal hair and overall health. 

As always, let me know in the comments if you have any questions!

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