Healthy hair, in addition to looking great, can help you feel confident and happy. If you look good, you will find it easier to feel good.
Hair loss is something that is common in both men and women, with an estimated 50% of men and 25% of women experiencing hair loss. Feeling great when you are worried about your hair can be hard.
Our hair does need looking after to help keep its shine and volume. Shampoo and conditioner are a great foundation for haircare, and there are products that contain hair building fibers that can help to make your hair look fuller. Your diet can impact the health of your hair as well so it may be worth taking a look at some of the foods which can help and hinder your hair loss.
Factors that cause hair loss
Hair loss can be caused by many different factors, diet being one of them. Another common cause is alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune condition in which your body mistakenly attacks the cells in your hair follicles. Your hair follicles then become compromised, and your hair falls out.
Hair loss is usually caused by a lack of a specific nutrient when considering your diet. If you consult a doctor about your hair loss, they may ask you about your diet to identify this area. This can happen especially if you are on a calorie-controlled or restrictive diet.
Foods that may worsen hair loss
The research into the link between hair loss and diet is limited and under-researched. One study has suggested that eating simple carbohydrates may contribute to hair loss issues. This is because it increases sebum production which attaches to the hair strands. In small amounts it is beneficial but in large amounts, it can be detrimental to hair health.
Fish with a high mercury content such as tuna has also been investigated for links with hair loss. A study with 2 female participants found that their hair loss improved when they lowered their intake of fish that is rich in mercury.
What foods can help you have healthy hair?
Food that is rich in protein is always beneficial to hair. Protein contains amino acids necessary for hair growth. So foods such as eggs, poultry, and beans should regularly feature in your weekly meals.
A lot of the normal vitamins that should be in your diet anyway are beneficial to hair health. Vitamin C is great for hair shaft creation. You can find plenty of Vitamin C in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits and strawberries. Iron is another area where a deficiency can cause hair loss. Beef, poultry and spinach are packed full of iron.
