Who Experiences Hair Loss

Patients presenting with hair loss should be screened by medical history, dietary history and physical exam for risk factors for nutrient deficiency. For patients with nutritional deficiencies, it is clear that those deficiencies should be corrected.
There are many factors that play a role in the health of your hair impacting the length, strength, and time it takes to grow. Hair growth and the overall health of our hair is impacted by our lifestyle choices, diet, and of course how we style or products used on hair.
The foods people eat affect how their hair grows and its quality. Certain proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are especially important for strong, healthy hair. Eating a varied, nutritious diet can also boost nail and skin health. The changes will be most noticeable in people who previously had vitamin or nutrient deficiencies. Even so, it may take a while to see the positive results, in terms of hair growth.

Nutrition Reasons You May Be Experiencing Hair Loss

• Not enough calories or overall energy intake in the diet

• Not enough protein in the diet

• Not enough iron in the diet

• Not enough B-vitamins in the diet

• Not enough zinc in the diet

Protein

If you’re not consuming enough protein or in the correct way if you’re heavily plant-based or vegan, then you may be missing out on amino acids and common micronutrients found in protein food sources. Diets low in protein can contribute to hair loss over time, receding hairline, brittle hair, changes in hair color, or dandruff or dry scalp.

Iron

Iron deficiency anemia can cause hair loss, but some studies show that when the deficiency is addressed (i.e. normal iron stores have been achieved) then hair growth and the hair cycle should return to normal.

B Vitamins

All B vitamins play an important role in our hair health, but the most popular is biotin, and people who have a biotin deficiency typically have hair loss.

Zinc and selenium

Scalp protection involves other important minerals, notably zinc and selenium. A lack of zinc can lead to hair loss and a dry, flaky scalp. Fortified cereals and wholegrains are a good source of zinc along with oysters, beef and eggs.
Here are five good-for-your-hair foods that you might want to add to your diet:

• Carrots: They contain beta-carotene and biotin

• Salmon: One of the best sources of vitamin D is salmon, which also contains omega-3 fatty acids.

• Eggs: Eggs not only have protein and iron, but also biotin, which helps control hair loss by improving the infrastructure of keratin.

• Avocados: Avocados are rich in the monounsaturated kind of healthy fat. They also are high in vitamins B12 and E.

• Oysters: Oysters contain more of the mineral zinc per serving than any other food.

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Additional Reasons You May Be Experiencing Hair Loss

• Health conditions including but not limited to thyroid issues, autoimmune, food allergies, etc.

• Genetics or epigenetics.

• Stressful life events or chronic stress.

• Hair products, styling, and general care. 

• Certain medications.