There is no doubt that what is inside of us when we’re born – our genes – plays a large role in determining whether we will have a full head of hair or whether we will experience thinning or hair loss. In fact, a recent study found nearly 300 genetic ties to hair loss. But what we put inside ourselves throughout our lives – the foods we eat and beverages we drink – can also impact the health of our hair and scalp.
A healthy, balanced diet rich in key nutrients can help boost hair growth in addition to improving your overall health and sense of well-being. Whether as an adjunct to hair restoration treatments or just as part of a healthy lifestyle, incorporating a wide range of readily available “superfoods” into your diet will result in positive change from head to toe.
Next time you hit your grocery store or farmers market, load up your cart with these hair-positive foods:
- As you may recall from high school biology class, protein and their amino acids are the “building blocks” of the body – and hair. A diet which includes a healthy amount of protein from various sources can be a key to strong and growing hair. Few foods are as rich in protein as nuts and legumes. Nuts also contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Try to make nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews a regular part of your diet.
- Salmon and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. For hair health, omega-3 fatty acids keep the scalp hydrated to stimulate follicle function while enriching strands for a shinier glow. Foods such as salmon, sardines, and trout are great resources for boosting your omega-3 intake.
- Spinach and other leafy greens. A lack of iron is one of the chief causes of dietary-related hair loss. Low iron levels limit proper blood flow – something follicles need to receive growth-stimulating nutrients. Iron-rich foods such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and other leafy greens can boost your iron intake and help feed your hair. As a bonus, spinach contains antioxidants, vitamins B, C and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which can help your hair and scalp.
- Vitamin C acts as a catalyst for iron to absorb into the blood stream. Eating these two hair boosting nutrients together fosters hair growth. In addition, the antioxidants found in vitamin C, along with its collagen-boosting properties, keep skin, hair and nails looking and feeling nourished. Grapefruits as well as other fruits such as oranges, strawberries and blueberries, contain high levels of Vitamin C necessary for hair growth.
- Not only are lentils a good source of protein, they also contain ample amounts of iron, zinc, and biotin which promote a healthy scalp and strengthen hair.
- Next time you make guacamole, you’re also whipping up a tasty mix of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins B and E which can help protect and strengthen hair. Vitamin B is essential for hair growth, while vitamin E protects your skin and hair from environmental pollutants and sun damage.
- Sunflower seeds.This healthy snack or salad topping contains a cornucopia of hair boosting nutrients such as protein, zinc, selenium, biotin, potassium, copper, iron, B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium and calcium.
Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today
Of course, dietary improvements alone may not stop hair loss 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 can’t be reversed at home. Through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments, we can help patients suffering with hair loss.
To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call or office directly at 305-925-0222.