Hair loss is a common ailment that a number of people face today, and it is really infuriating to see your hair strands in your hands every time you comb, shampoo, oil, or even on your pillow when you wake up in the morning. Healthy and nutritious food is the key to triumph over the problem of hair loss. The following article will tell you about some of the eatables that have been considered as super foods for preventing hair loss.
What Is Hair Loss?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are around 80 million women and men in the United States who have hereditary hair loss, also known as alopecia.
This can affect hair on the scalp or the hair on your entire body. Although alopecia is more common in older adults, it can also affect younger people too, including children.
There are around 100,000 hairs on your head, and it is normal to lose around 50 to 100 hairs per day. This small loss is usually not noticeable.
The hairs that are lost are usually replaced by new hairs, however, this doesn’t always happen. Hair loss can develop gradually over many years or can happen abruptly. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent.
It is impossible to calculate the number of hairs lost each day. If you notice large clumps of hair in your brush or a lot of hair remaining in the drain after washing your hair, you may be losing more hair than normal. You might also begin to notice patches of baldness or areas of thinning.
If you do notice that you are losing more hair than usual, you should discuss this with your doctor. They will be able to determine the underlying cause and suggest some appropriate plans for treatment.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Firstly, your doctor or dermatologist will try to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss. The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary patterned baldness.
If your family has a history of baldness, you may develop this type of hair loss. Certain hormones can trigger this type of hair loss and it can begin as early as puberty.
In certain cases, hair loss may occur with a simple halt in the cycle of new hair growth. Some major illnesses, traumatic events, or surgeries can trigger hair loss. However, in these cases, the hair will usually grow back without the need for treatment.
Some hormonal changes can result in temporary hair loss. Some examples include:
- Discontinuing the use of birth control pills
- Menopause
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
Some medical conditions which can cause hair loss include:
- Alopecia areata – this is an autoimmune disease which attacks the hair follicles)
- Scalp infections such as ringworm
- Thyroid disease
Certain diseases which cause scarring can result in permanent hair loss such as lichen planus and some types of lupus. The permanent hair loss in these cases is due to the scarring.
Hair loss can also be caused by certain medications used to treat the following:
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Heart problems
- Depression
- High blood pressure
An emotional or physical shock could trigger hair loss. Some examples of this include:
- A high fever
- Extreme weight loss
- A death in the family
People who have trichotillomania (a hair-pulling disorder) have a need to pull out hairs. This is usually from their head, eyelashes, and eyebrows.
Traction hair loss can happen due to certain hairstyles which put pressure on the hair follicles by pulling them very tightly.
If you have a diet which lacks iron, protein, and other nutrients, this can also lead to thinning hair.
Our List of Super Foods for Preventing Hair Loss
There are many great super foods for preventing hair loss. See our list below for all the best options…
1. Spinach
Popeye’s favorite spinach is packed with a number of nutrients because of which, it is highly recommended to people of every age group to consume every day. Spinach is loaded with vitamins, minerals, potassium, calcium, iron, and omega fatty acids, which are all highly advisable to maintain the health of the hair.
2. Salmon
The omega-3 fatty acids and protein in salmon are excellent for treating hair loss. They are effective in maintaining a healthy scalp and hair shaft. Consuming salmon also solves the troubles of dry and frizzy hair by hydrating the scalp and hair.
3. Beans
This incredible superfood should be part of your daily diet. They are rich in protein, which is an important element for strong and shiny hair. The nutrients of beans safeguard your hair especially in cold months when they easily get dry and frizzy fast. Beans include chickpeas, black beans, soybeans, kidney beans, pinto beans, etc.
4. Oats
Oats are one such eatable that contains every nutrient, which is needed by our hair. Oats deliver a good quantity of zinc, copper, B vitamins and protein, which are some of the salient micronutrients for putting an end to the problems of hair loss.
5. Sweet Potato
Consumption of sweet potato is the easiest way of consuming loads of vitamin A, protein, iron, and copper, which are essential for keeping the problems of hair loss at bay. It makes the tissues of the scalp and hair strong.
6. Egg
As a matter of fact, we are well aware that hair are made of proteins, and hence; it is a requisite to consume more and more protein-rich diet to keep our hair healthy. Eggs are one of the wealthy sources of protein, and therefore, it is a most excellent source for providing strength to your hair. Eating and applying, both the ways are effective in preventing hair loss.
7. Green Peas
Do not underestimate peas because of their size! In fact, they are massively powerful in terms of their nutritional benefits. They are also a healthy source of protein, beta-carotene, and vitamin C, which are excellent for strong hair.
8. Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, and various other nuts are regarded as an effective therapy to avert hair loss. The essential oils and vital nutrients that they enclose in them are fantastic for skin, brain, heart, and also for hair health.
9. Beef
It is believed that people, who face the troubles of hair loss, are deficient in iron and protein. Beef is a kind of red meat, which is regarded as the extraordinary source of iron, fatty acids, and protein. Beef keeps the proper check on supply of blood to hair, thereby combating the problems of hair loss.
10. Wheat Germ
If you are struggling a lot with the problem of hair loss, include wheat germ in your diet before long. It is a powerhouse of various such nutrients that promote the healthy growth of hair. Wheat germ is a superb source of dietary fibre, copper, and zinc, all of which are cooperative in keeping the hair healthy.
11. Carrot
Besides being good for eyes, carrots are also proficient in keeping the scalp and hair healthy. Adding them once in a week in your diet can prove to be really effective for you. Carrots are copious in vitamin A, which produces a healthy oily chemical on scalp, called sebum. Sebum safeguards hair and scalp from getting dirty and dry.
12. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are one of the best foods that we can choose to consume for getting long and strong hair. It is well-off with nutrients, such as magnesium, protein, zinc, vitamin E, selenium, iron, potassium, copper, biotin, B vitamins, and calcium. These all are cooperative in providing healthy hair.
Super Foods For Preventing Hair Loss: Conclusion
There are many reasons in which hair loss may occur. Some reasons are more common than others.
Luckily, there are a number of super foods which can help to strengthen the hair and can reduce the likelihood of breakages and prevent your hair from falling out.
We have listed above the best super foods for preventing hair loss.
Do you have any tips of your own for preventing hair loss? We would love to hear your ideas and experiences. Please leave us a comment in the comments section below this article.