Scalp infections, stress, frequent styling (heat styling and coloring) and excessive use of chemical-based products are few factors that cause hair to fall out. However, in most cases, it is a consequence of vitamin and mineral deficiency caused by a poor diet or faulty eating habits.
If you are tired of having to sweep clumps of mane everyday and dread the idea of going bald, you should think of reexamining your diet. Eating a hair growth diet will help restore a luscious crown. So, here’s a list of foods that prevent hair loss. Check against it to see if you are eating right.
Foods to Eat To Reverse Hair Fall
Proteins – Proteins are the building blocks of skin and hair. It strengthens the shaft and thus reduces breakage. Hence, you should double your intake of protein if you desire healthy mane. Protein-rich foods you can add to your diet include dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, tofu and milk, eggs and lean meats like fish and chicken. If you are on a weight loss diet, you can choose low-fat options.
Minerals – Minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, calcium and silica also play a crucial role when it comes to the health and growth of hair.
- Iron – Iron carries oxygen to the different organs of the body including the follicles. In its absence the follicles do not get adequate nutrition and produce weak shafts. Iron also prevents pigmentation. You can fulfill your daily requirement of the iron by eating dry fruits such as raising, figs and apricots, dates, green leafy vegetables, whole grain cereals, liver and red kidney beans.
- Zinc – Zinc regulates a number of body functions including the health of hair and skin. It promotes regrowth and keeps dandruff and other scalp infections at bay. Zinc is found in abundance in chickpeas, almonds, lentil, walnuts, brown rice and sea food.
Copper, silica and calcium are also equally important in preventing hair loss as iron and zinc. Copper along with iron retains hair color while silica and calcium strengthen the shaft. Potato skin, Oatmeal green and red peppers, bean sprouts and cucumbers contain of silica in high proportions while milk and other dairy products are rich sources of calcium.
Vitamins
A hair growth diet should include the following Vitamins in the right proportion.
- Vitamin A – Vitamin A is a tricky vitamin. It causes hair fall both when deficient and when consumed in excess. Hence, it should be included in the right proportion.
- Vitamin B – The B-group vitamins, especially B3, B6, B5 and B12, are most important group of vitamins for the growth and health of hair.
- Vitamin C & E – Vitamins C and E improve blood circulation and thereby stimulate the follicles. Vitamin C also enables better absorption of iron in the body.
- Vitamin D – Along with nourishing the hair shaft, Vitamin D also enables absorption of calcium in the body.
Other Tips to Reverse Hair Loss
Along with focusing on a hair growth diet, there are a few other tips that will keep hair fall to a minimum. It includes:
- Avoiding styles such as cornrows and tight ponytails as they exert pressure on the scalp.
- Restricting the use of heat and chemical products such as dyes.
- Using vitamins and minerals in the supplement form.
- Oiling the hair. Oiling the hair has shown positive results not only reducing breakage but also improving its look. Experts recommend olive oil for hair growth.
Shalini Mittal
