It seems like hair will always be around in youth, but over the years hair has to put up with a lot of stress and strain which can take a toll. Many people have weak hair that breaks easy or pulls out when a brush is run through it while others suffer from male pattern baldness. Hair health can be affected by heredity, nutritional deficiencies, chemotherapy, pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, stress levels, autoimmune diseases, pharmaceutical use, and literally dozens of other peripheral causes. Understandably hair won’t always look healthy, luscious, and full. Certain causes of hair loss just can’t be avoided, one of the best things that can be done for hair health is to ensure you are eating a hair friendly diet, at least as much as possible.
Foods can help stimulate hair growth and help prevent hair loss by providing key nutrients to the scalp and hair which include avocado, citrus fruits, salmon, pumpkin seeds, eggs, sweet potatoes, oysters, and leafy vegetables.
Strawberries, blueberries and citrus fruits high in vitamin C and other antioxidants are excellent choices to stimulate hair growth. Vitamin C is an important component in collagen production which plays key roles in strength and durability of hair. Without collagen in the protective shell of hair it is prone to breakage.
The sun is an often overlooked damaging element to hair that can negatively affect the scalp and damage production of new hair. Vitamin E can help counter this damage by protecting skin and hair follicles from oxidative stress and damage. Vitamin E is integral to production of keratin found in hair strands that contributes to appearance and strength. Food sources such as pine nuts, sunflower seeds, and almonds are just a few great sources of the essential vitamin E.
Hair becomes frizzy and brittle when not taken care of, becoming more difficult to brush resulting in great risk of hair loss. Omega-3 fatty acid can help to improve the texture of hair, increase healthy oils in the scalp, and prevent oxidative stress which is important for hair health and aesthetics. Salmon, flax seeds and other foods that have high concentration of fatty acids make them a simple remedy.
Iron is a key part of circulation, enough oxygenated blood flowing to the scalp and other extremities helps to keep hair growth stimulated and maintained. Adding beans to the diet on a regular basis can measurably improve hair strength and prevent hair loss.
Methylsulfonylmethane plays a massive role in hair health and growth patterns. It is also known as organic sulfur and it is critical for keratin development which is a building block protein in hair strands. These compounds can be found in leafy greens, without MSM hair growth is basically void.
Zinc deficiency is a common cause for hair loss and is an integral mineral for scalp health and hair strength. Adding a few ounces of oyster per week provides 500% of the daily requirements for zinc and will keep hair healthy and strong.
Stimulating hair growth and oxidative stress management in the scalp can be boosted by adding avocados to the diet which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that hair follicle health will benefit from. Avocado can be applied topically to the scalp and hair as a mask for shiny appearance and faster hair growth.
As hair loses luster and shine it can be frustrating, without natural acids hair is less protected and unattractive, making it more damage prone. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon can help to coat hair and ensure it keeps shining, silky smooth.
Most things don’t grow without protein, hair is no exception. Eggs are a great source of protein and biotin which is a water soluble B vitamin that helps with scalp health. Consuming eggs a few times a week boosts biotin levels keeping hair growing regularly and evenly.
Water, the ever important water is an important part of every bodily process, even hair growth. About ¼ of hair is composed of water, hydration keeps hair growing and strong, looking smooth, silky, shiny, supple, and healthy. It is recommended to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day to keep your hair healthy.
“I like hair, it’s pleasant, it’s peaceful, no one gets hurt. I just want to make hair silky smooth” ~ The Zohan.
