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Hair Loss 101: Dieting and Supplementation
by Matthew Dello Russo
Nature vs Nurture
Hair loss is undoubtedly the most dreaded and despised part of the natural aging process. It generally occurs in small amounts on a daily basis, and affects each individual differently. While exposure to external stressors and dietary choices can impact levels of hair loss to a certain extent, genetics will ultimately determine whether a person goes bald or retains their luscious locks. Unfortunately, many specialists agree that the hair loss process is almost entirely out of our hands. “Baldness comes down to your genes,” says Dr. Frederick Joyce, the founder of Rejuvenate! Med Spa and a member of the International Society for Hair Restoration Surgery. “If you have the baldness gene, there are some natural remedies that may make your hair stronger and healthier to slow your hair loss slightly—but they won’t prevent you from going bald,” he added. Partial or total hair loss is a very real problem for both men and women alike. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, over 50 million men and women in the United States are affected by varying degrees of hair loss every year. Just over 20 million of those individuals - roughly 40 percent – will deal with noticeable levels of hair loss by the time they turn 35.The Next Steps
There are supplements available that promote hair growth and slow the hair loss process, but these supplements are not a cure-all and can be toxic in high doses. Many of these products are backed by little scientific evidence, and end up being a black hole for your hard earned money. Joyce’s recommendation for combating hair loss? “Maintaining hair health by eating well and using the right products—combined with medical-grade treatments—can really work all together to help you have a fuller, thicker head of hair.” Instead of springing for hundreds of dollars’ worth of supplements and pills, try to identify ways to get the desired vitamins and minerals through a few tweaks to your diet.You Are What You Eat
No, cleaning up your diet won’t stop hair loss completely. However, simple modifications to your daily routine may strengthen hair and slow the progression of balding in some cases. Being nutrient-deficient weakens hair and makes strands more prone to breakage, so try to eat nutrient-dense foods like whole proteins and leafy greens. Increase your daily intake for each vitamin and mineral listed below; if you can’t get them all loaded up onto one plate, look into low dosage supplement options to satisfy your nutritional needs.Vitamins A and C
Vitamins A and C facilitate the production of sebum, the natural oil that protects hair from environmental toxins and keeps it strong. They are found in Swiss chard, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin.Vitamin B
Vitamin B is a major participant in the hair growth cycle as it helps the body continue to produce new hair cells. It can be found in nonfat yogurt.Folic Acid
Folic acid is responsible for cellular growth and regeneration, and also encourages healthy circulation. It can be found in high levels in broccoli.Zinc and Selenium
Zinc can help to boost or correct impaired thyroid function that causes thinning and brittle hair. Generally, Zinc can be found in oysters and red meat, while Selenium can be found in Brazil nuts, tuna, halibut, shrimp sardines, and ham.Iron
Iron is a major player in the oxygen-transport process and also regulates cell growth and differentiation. You can find it in dark leafy greens, whole grains, beans, red meat, turkey, egg yolks, clams, mussels, oysters.If you or someone you know would like more information about hair loss and how to treat it, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!
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