Did you know that you can prevent hair loss by changing your diet?

We’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” Oftentimes, people dismiss that analogy and think it’s something vegetarians say to people who eat meat.

Truth is, that saying has nothing to do with being a vegetarian.

What it translates to is, the human body absorbs all the nutrients from the foods and liquids you put into it.

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That’s why it’s important to be cognizant of what you put into your body (as well as on it).

An excess consumption of processed foods and artificial ingredients will surely cause your hair to have more problems than you’d care to have.

A well-balanced, protein-rich diet is perfect if you’re looking to grow long, luscious locks.

Be aware that lack of sleep also affects your hair, and so do hormonal imbalances. Even external pollutants such as unclean air and cigarette smoke can impact hair growth.

Below is a list of nutrients that are vital to growing strong, shiny and healthy hair, and why they are beneficial.

Nutrients That Promote Hair Growth

• Biotin: Biotin is a water soluble B vitamin, which, if lacking, can cause brittle hair, including hair loss.
• Iron: Hair follicles and roots are fed by a nutrient-rich blood supply. When iron levels are low, a person may be prone to developing anemia. This disrupts the nutrient supply to the hair follicle which affects growth and can result in shedding.
• Omega-3: Proper amounts of Omega-3 in your diet can put a stop to a dry, itchy, flaky scalp and is beneficial in reversing hair loss. Our bodies are not equipped to produce this, so remember to take your vitamins.
• Selenium: Selenium is more concentrated in the thyroid than in our other organs and is important for the proper functioning of our thyroid hormone. And this hormone in turn plays a huge role in regulating hair loss, by killing free radicals.
• Vitamin A: Similar to Omega-3, Vitamin A produces an oily substance called sebum, which acts as a natural conditioner to maintain a healthy scalp.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C aids in the absorption of Iron the same way that Vitamin D aids the absorption of Calcium. It is also an antioxidant, and vital to the body.
• Vitamin E: Just as the sun can damage human skin, it can also be quite harmful to human hair. To help protect hair from harmful UV-rays, eat foods rich in Vitamin E.
• Zinc: Zinc is also believed to play a crucial role in DNA and RNA production. This is required for the normal division of hair follicle cells, leading to healthier hair growth. Lack of zinc can lead to hair loss and a dry and flaky scalp.

Regrow Hair with Organic Food

Many women suffer from dry hair, hair loss and/or brittle hair.

Research shows that it’s possible to regrow thinning hair and strengthen it through dietary changes.

To help prevent hair loss, I’ve listed different types of deficiencies and what these problems are a result of, in addition to what you can eat to fix them.

• Dry hair: Lack of protein, Omega-3, Vitamin A and/or Zinc in your diet can cause your hair to lose its moisture. Try to incorporate chicken, beef, turkey, fish, oysters, eggs, dairy products, avocado, pumpkin seeds, pumpkins, carrots, sweet potatoes and whole grains into your diet.
• Hair loss: Lack of protein, Iron, Vitamin C, Zinc and/or Biotin can cause hair thinning and hair loss. Incorporate beef, chicken, liver, turkey, fish, oysters, dairy products, eggs and egg yolk, legumes, lentils, broccoli, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, strawberries, blueberries, oranges, papayas, guava, kiwi and whole grains into your diet.
• Brittle hair: Lack of protein, Omega-3 and Biotin in your diet can cause brittle hair. Add chicken, liver, turkey, mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout, avocado, pumpkin seeds, nuts, whole grains and egg yolk to the meals you prepare.

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In fact, you can even use some of these foods in a hair mask to add moisture to your dry and brittle hair.

For instance, this egg and castor oil hair mask is specifically geared toward weak, dry and chemically treated hair, and it will also help it to grow.

By the way, do not try this mask if you have oily hair because it will make your hair oilier.

Prevent Hair Loss by Applying an Egg & Castor Oil Hair Mask

Castor oil is rich with Omega-6 and ricinoleic acid and both of these nutrients help with blood circulation and hair growth. Plus, it’s a wonderful, natural option to help prevent hair loss.

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Castor oil nourishes the scalp and it strengthens hair roots. The acid and essential fats in castor oil combined with the nutrients in the egg, like its yolk, nourish hair with protein and essential fatty acids which keeps the scalp moist, strengthens the hair roots and adds shine.

You can do this hair mask once a week. If you do it more than once a week your hair will actually end up looking greasy.

Ingredients

• A tablespoon of castor oil
• An egg

Steps

1. Mix the two ingredients together in a blender. Once it turns syrup-like, leave it for 10 minutes to set.
2. Massage the mask into your scalp all the way down to your tips.
3. Leave it on your hair for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse it out, followed by shampooing to wash off excess oil.
4. Wrap your hair in a towel to lock in moisture and remove after 10 minutes, then let your hair air-dry.

So for those ladies (and even men) who are experiencing hair loss, in any form, whether it’s short-term or long-term, keep your hair healthy and strong by incorporating protein-rich foods into your diet.

Article written by Avni Parekh