Hair Loss and Diet

You've heard the phrase, "You are what you eat"... well, it applies to your hair too! Making sure you are eating a good diet is the first place to start with prevention, and should be part of your plan if you are trying to reverse hair loss.

Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in starch helps to slow the process of hair loss. Fruits & veggies contain flavonoids, many of which are antioxidants that may provide protection for the hair follicles and encourage hair growth.

Eating foods high in biotin and/or taking supplements of biotin promotes healthy hair and skin and may even prevent hair loss in some men. What food has biotin in it? Brown rice, green peas, lentils, oats, soybeans, sunflower seeds and walnuts- just to name a few.

Including soybeans and tofu (or other soy foods) in your diet inhibit the formations of the hormone that is at the center of hair loss (dihydrotesterone).

Do not eat foods that contain raw eggs. For all of you that love your raw-egg power breakfast, raw eggs are high in avidin. Avidin is a protein that binds to biotin and prevents it from being absorbed. Cook the eggs, people!

The following nutrients are very important for healthy hair and scalp. If your diet is lacking, consider supplementing the following:

Essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil, Kyolic-EPA, primrose oil or salmon oil): improves hair texture and prevents dry, brittle hair.
Raw thymus glandular: stimulates imune function and improves functioning capacity of the glands (not child safe)
A supplement specifically for hair, such as Ultra Hair from Nature's Plus: they contain nutrients necessary to stimulate hair growth.
Vitamin B Complex: Important for the health and growth of hair
Biotin: Deficiencies have been linked to skin disorders and hair loss. This is vital for hair growth.
Inositol and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): which aid in the manufacture of keratin, the major protein componant of hair.
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids: aids in improving scalp circulation. Helps with the antioxidant action in hair follicles.
Vitamin E: Increases the oxygen uptake, which improbes circulation to the scalp. Improves health and growth of hair. Use the d-alphatocopherol form.
Zinc: stimulates hair growth by enhancing immune function. Using zinc lozenges or OptiZinc is best for absorbtion.

The following nutrients are important:
Coenzyme Q10 plus Coenzyme A: Improves circulation and increases tissue oxygenation
Dimetlglycine (DMG): Good for circulation for the scalp
Kelp: Supplies needed minerals for proper hair growth

If you are thinking that 12 supplements may be too many for you to swallow (no pun intended), do your homework to figure out what will work best for you!