Not all hair loss prevention steps involve professional intervention or medication. There are plenty of lifestyle and diet changes which can help strengthen your hair follicles, encourage hair growth, reduce the likelihood of shedding. If you are trying to maximize your chances of maintaining your existing hair and minimizing additional loss, then the letter “D” needs to become a more significant part of your daily vocabulary. Specifically, Vitamin D. This essential nutrient plays a crucial role in the in the strength and growth of hair. Conversely, an insufficient supply of vitamin D has been linked to alopecia, also known as spot baldness.
Vitamin D and Hair Loss
Vitamin D is an impressive multitasker when it comes to our overall health. It bolsters our immune system, preserves the strength of our bones, and keeps illness at bay. Some research suggests that low vitamin D levels can contribute to depression, heart disease, and cancer.
Research has also found a connection between vitamin D and the promotion of healthy hair follicles and hair growth. A 2014 study published in Molecular Endocrinology found that hair regrew in mice two weeks after introducing vitamin D receptors, while other studies have suggested that a lack of sufficient vitamin D intake may lead directly to hair loss.
How to Up Your Vitamin D Intake
You don’t need to look far for a source of vitamin D; you just have to look up. The sun is our primary source of vitamin D, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “sunshine vitamin.” But there also plenty of foods rich in the nutrient, such as fish, fish liver oil, dairy, and eggs. Supplements can also be an excellent way to increase your vitamin D levels.
While vitamin D isn’t a “cure” for baldness, healthy levels of vitamin D can strengthen your hair and reduce the chances of hair loss. If you are considering increasing your vitamin D intake substantially, you should consult with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet. Excessively elevated vitamin D levels can create health problems, such as calcium accumulation in the blood which may cause weakness or problems with the kidneys.
Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today
Of course, changes in diet alone may not stop your hair from falling out or restore your hair to the fullness it once had. At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, our skilled physicians diagnose and treat hair loss cases that you can’t reverse on your own. Through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments, we can help you address your hair loss issues and improve your appearance and self-confidence.
To receive a personalized hair loss evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.