Top 7 Foods for Preventing Hair Loss

Hair loss isn’t just a cosmetic issue.

Sudden hair loss, in particular, can be a symptom of stress, poor diet, thyroid issues, or a side effect of certain medications.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to see your doctor to rule out something more serious.

Hair loss can also be a sign of nutritional deficiencies—and those can be fixed by eating specific foods (or taking supplements that contain their beneficial nutrients).

Here are seven of the best foods to help support healthy hair growth.

Even if you’re not experiencing hair loss, walnuts are a great snack food to add to your diet. They can do everything from helping manage diabetes to slowing the aging process.

They can help prevent hair loss because they contain numerous nutrients that are critical for healthy hair, like selenium, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Speaking of omega-3s, another way to get plenty of them—and support healthy hair in the process—is to eat more fatty fish like salmon.

Eggs are another food loaded with two important nutrients for healthy hair: protein and biotin.

Not getting enough protein can contribute to hair loss because your hair follicles are made mostly of protein.

Many seniors don’t get enough protein in their diet (aim for up to 0.45-0.55 grams per pound every day, to be specific). In addition, your body often doesn’t use the protein as well as it did in your younger years. So, you’ll need to take in more protein than you used to to get the same benefits.

Eggs are also rich in biotin, which is essential for the production of keratin. In people who are deficient in biotin, consuming more biotin has been shown to improve hair growth.

Eating more foods like red bell peppers and berries can help boost your intake of vitamin C.

I know vitamin C is typically associated with its immune properties, but it is also important for healthy hair growth because it helps produce collagen, which strengthens hair.

It helps your body absorb iron, low levels of which can cause anemia and hair loss. And its antioxidant properties can prevent free radicals that can damage hair follicles.

In one study, women with thinning hair who supplemented with vitamin C experienced noticeable hair growth.

Avocados are a great source of vitamin E, which has been shown to help support hair growth.

And sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, which can help speed up hair growth, prevent hair follicles from regressing, and promote healthy hair.

P.S. I recently wrote about a natural supplement that can help with hair loss. Click here to read about it.

 

SOURCE:

Boesch, S. (2022, April 9.) 5 Best Foods to Eat for Hair Loss, Say Dietitians. Eat This, Not That!. https://www.eatthis.com/best-foods-to-eat-for-hair-loss