Medications For Hair Growth
If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet and have noticeable hair loss that you think is related to your eating habits, its important to talk to a healthcare provider.
The most effective way to treat and reverse diet-related hair loss is to fix deficiencies in your diet using the steps listed above. However, you may also be able to use medication to stimulate hair growth and speed up the process of restoring your normal hair thickness and density.
Since diet-related hair loss isnt caused by hormones, medications like finasteride have no effect on this form of hair loss and wont speed up regrowth.
However, the topical hair loss medication minoxidil, which works by improving blood flow to your scalp and stimulating your hair follicles, may help to speed up the regrowth process and restore your hair faster.
You can learn more about minoxidil and how it works in our detailed guide to applying minoxidil for hair growth.
Hair Shedding Vs Hair Loss: What Is The Difference
You might hear the term ‘hair shedding’ and ‘hair loss’ being used interchangeably. Their end result is the same, which is less hair on your head, but they are two very different things. So, what is the difference between hair shedding and hair loss? And how can you tell which problem you have?
Both hair shedding and hair loss can be frustrating and alarming. In order to fix the problem, you must understand what is causing it in the first place. So, in this article, we will talk about the difference between hair shedding and hair loss. We’ll cover the causes of each condition, and explain how you can prevent either one.
How Can You Prevent Hair Loss On The Keto Diet
To help prevent hair loss, take a multivitamin to cover any potential deficiencies, says Galvin. A multi will act like an insurance policy and at least provide some base nutrients, she says. Also, get the protein you need from high-quality sources, such as eggs and poultry, and biotin from foods like almonds, onions, tomatoes, walnuts, salmon, pumpkin seeds, and cashews, she says. If you are already losing your hair and youre struggling despite having a well-planned diet, you may need to consider liberalizing your diet a bit or work with someone who can help personalize your eating plan based on your goals, she says. If you are looking to lose weight and are experiencing side effects from keto, there are other diets you can follow to both lose weight and feel better doing it.
You May Like: Can Root Touch Up Spray Cause Hair Loss
What Nutrient Deficiencies Generally Cause Hair Loss
- hair care tips
- September 15, 2020
Numerous factors can influence hair loss such as genes , medical conditions like hormonal imbalance and immune disorders, emotional trauma, and more. However, what most people do not realize is that hair loss is related to their diet. For healthy hair growth, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are essential. If your body is not getting any of these via your diet, you are likely to experience hair loss.
Studies prove the link between nutrient deficiencies and chronic telogen effluvium, female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia. Therefore, before considering hair transplant options, many patients seek dietary recommendations and vitamin supplements to counter hair loss.
Copper Deficiency Hair Loss
Copper is necessary for the proper metabolism and absorption of iron, both of which work together to help the body form red blood cells. Copper is also necessary to immune function and healthy bones, nerves, and blood vessels. Low copper levels may prevent proper creation of red blood cells, preventing a supply of nutrients to hair cells. Copper is also essential to the production of melanin, the compound responsible for providing skin, eyes, and hair with their color, so a copper deficiency may potentially contribute to premature greying hair.22
Recommended Reading: Can Estrogen Supplements Help With Hair Loss
Can A Vegetarian Diet Cause Hair Loss
Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP
Plant-based? Youre not alone. According to data from research firm Ipsos Retail Performance, more than nine million Americans now eat a primarily plant-based diet, making vegetarian and vegan dieting more popular than ever before.
Eating a primarily plant-based diet offers numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of developing serious medical issues such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and several types of cancer.
However, following a vegetarian or vegan diet thats low in certain nutrients may increase your risk of developing nutritional deficiencies that can cause hair shedding.
Below, weve talked about how several different forms of hair loss can develop, as well as how some vegetarian and vegan diets may increase your risk of developing hair shedding due to a lack of nutrients such as protein, iron or other minerals.
Weve also talked about what you can do if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet to strengthen your hair, promote healthy hair growth and treat diet-related hair loss.
Does Collagen Help With Hair Loss
Hair loss is a very common problem we face on a daily basis, but there can be many reasons behind it. One significant cause for hair loss is the lack of collagen produced by the body. When there is a decline in collagen, the hair begins to lose its suppleness and thickness, including the health of the scalp.Collagen comes to your rescue by providing the necessary nutrients, strength and moisture required to sustain healthy hair. Since the collagen peptides are easier to digest, results from taking collagen supplements show up quicker as compared to other hair loss pills. Collagen also improves blood circulation thereby sending sufficient nutrients to the hair follicles and reducing hair loss.
Also Read: Does PRP Treatment Work For Hair Regrowth?
Don’t Miss: Can You Grow Back Hair Loss From Stress
Healthy Hair Food No : Nuts
Tips for healthy hair include eating more nuts. Zinc deficiencies can lead to hair shedding. Nuts are great sources of zinc. Walnuts, cashews, pecans, and almonds all provide zinc for healthy hair. Walnuts also contain alpha-linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, which may act as natural hair conditioners. Brazil nuts also contain selenium, a mineral that can help maintain a healthy scalp.
The Best Sources Of Protein For Healthy Hair
Although she recommends getting your nutrients from whole foods whenever possible, Dr. Francis says what’s most important is getting enough protein, period. “Some people choose protein bars or shakes, and if it’s easier for them to get protein that way, I don’t discriminate.”
Nutritious sources of lean protein include fish, eggs, chicken, dairy, nuts, legumes, quinoa and beans together they’ll provide the complete proteins your body needs to perform normal functions, including hair growth. Friendly reminder: A serving size of animal protein isn’t very large about three ounces, or the size of a deck of cards, in most cases.
Dr. Francis points out that even those following a protein-restrictive diet, like a vegan diet, can still meet their protein requirements from plant-based protein but does recommend vegans work with a dietitian.
Read more:13 Surprising Sources of Vegetarian Protein
Animal products, including chicken, fish and bone broth contain large amounts of another type of protein naturally made in our bodies called collagen. The amino acids that make up collagen, once ingested, can re-combine to create keratin, thereby supporting strong, shiny hair.
Read Also: What To Use For Thinning Hair For Women
Low Blood Pressure And Low Heart Rate
When you have a protein deficiency, your bodys blood proteins and blood pressure plummet, per the Mayo Clinic. This then impacts a myriad of other functions in your body since nutrients arent getting to vital tissues. If your body fat percentage is too low or youre not getting enough protein, you can suffer something called bradycardia, or slow heart rate. If you wear a tracker and notice your heart rates dropped anywhere below the normal 60 to 100 beats per minute, make an appointment to see your doctor. You could feel short of breath, light-headed, and possible even faint as a result and, as you can imagine, these are all terrible side effects if youre an avid gym goer.
Protein And Hair Loss: Whats Their Relationship
Ever wondered what relationship protein has with hair loss? Well, protein is one thing that is commonly found in our bodies, and it is the rock that builds every part of the body. When it also comes to growth, maintenance, and fixing tissues in the body, Protein plays a huge role in it. However, Protein is also essential to the scalp, and most of the Protein in the body is gotten from the food we eat. Furthermore, hair growth is most times influenced by the diet we consume and asides from the amino acids found in the body Protein also helps in secreting amino acids, so protein malnutrition should be avoided.
You May Like: How To Stop Thinning Hair From Stress
Healthy Hair Food No : Oysters
If you wonder how to make your hair healthy, look no further than oysters and zinc. Oysters are known as aphrodisiacs, but they are also great for your hair, due to their zinc content. Zinc is a powerful antioxidant, which can help renew and repair your cells from damage. Not in love with oysters? Zinc can also be found in whole grains, nuts, beef, and lamb. Eat more of these foods for healthy hair growth.
Negative Side Effects Of Not Getting Enough Protein
Heres the hard truth: Most of us dont get enough protein. Alternatively, some guys think the more protein, the better, and over-consume it when they do sit down to eat, chomping down a 30g protein bar and washing it down with a protein shake thats got upwards of 50g, says Jordan Mazur, M.S., R.D., director of sports nutrition at the University of California, Berkeley.
To put it bluntly: Both are bad.
Everyone has a protein intake ceiling. It varies with your height and weight, but most people can absorb at most 30-42g per meal. Any more, and your body cant use it to build and repair muscleso the surplus is stored as fat. But getting the right amount of protein depends on many factors, including your activity levels, age, muscle mass, and current state of health, Mazur says. Make sure to consult with a sports registered dietician to find out the right amount for you, he recommends.
If your diet is low in protein, you might not exhibit any symptoms, and you probably function just fine on a day-to-day basis, Mazur notes. But if youre under-consuming protein consistently over time, it can result in a range of negative health effects.
Here are the 13 major red flags that youre not getting enough protein.
Read Also: What To Do To Help Thinning Hair
Does Whey Protein Cause Hair Loss
If youve done shopping for any kind of protein supplements, you know that whey protein is one of the most widely available. Protein shakes made with whey protein isolate are a staple of diets often recommended for those who want to add muscle mass. Whey protein powder can even be helpful for weight loss, if used as a way to control appetite.
Like other supplements, there is a potential for some negative side effects for those who use whey protein. One of the most common of these conditions is hair loss. Many avid gym goers and others who use whey protein shakes especially men may wonder if whey protein could cause them to lose hair.
While there is some scientific evidence to indicate that whey protein isolate may accelerate hair loss in certain cases, protein is also an important element of having healthy hair. This article will discuss proteins connection with hair, why some people may experience accelerated hair loss, and some other options for people who may be concerned that whey will accelerate male pattern baldness.
Dietary Deficiencies That Cause Hair Loss
Having a full head of lush hair not only looks great but is a sign of overall good health. Besides genetics and grooming routines, dietary habits can also affect hair and even contribute to hair loss. There are five specific dietary deficiencies that can cause an individual to lose hair.
According to Nutritionist Resource, hair is more than 90 percent protein. Therefore, eating a diet high in protein is essential for strong, healthy hair. The body can shift hair growth into a resting phase when theres an inadequate amount of protein. Foods high in protein that are beneficial for hair include eggs, nuts, oily fish and dairy products.
Hair cells need oxygen to thrive. Iron produces red blood cells, which carry oxygen. With the increase of vegetarian and vegan diets, many people may find it more difficult to get adequate amounts of iron. While red meat is an excellent source of iron, there are other great ways to get enough iron. Beans, nuts and dark, leafy veggies are all good sources.
Vitamin C is important for everything from boosting the immune system to keeping hair looking great. Vitamin C specifically promotes hair growth by improving circulation in the scalp. Besides citrus fruits, broccoli and sweet potatoes are good sources of vitamin C.
Also Check: What Causes Head Itching And Hair Loss
Amino Acids And Proteins
Protein malnutrition, such as in kwashiorkor and marasmus, can result in hair changes that include hair thinning and hair loss .
One study examined the role of L-lysine, an essential amino acid that may play a role in iron and zinc uptake. Addition of L-lysine to iron supplementation resulted in a significant increase in mean serum ferritin concentration in some women with chronic TE who failed to respond to iron supplementation alone . Although interesting, there is limited data available, and the role of L-lysine should be investigated further.
In terms of other amino acids and proteins, no clear conclusions may be drawn about the role of supplementation in hair loss. While trials of amino acid and protein supplements have been published, they are formulated with a variety of nutrients, and therefore it is unclear what role, if any, is played by amino acid and protein supplementation in the absence of known deficiency.
The Best Foods You Can Eat For Healthy Hair
When hair looks limp, dull and lifeless, people often turn to new shampoos and conditioners for that extra oomph. But really, a poor diet could be the culprit for lackluster locks.
is usually coming from the inside out, says Michael Stranko, a hair stylist at Hair Designs by Karen Greb in Pittsburgh.
Stranko notices that when a clients hair changes, many times diet is to blame. One woman was on a doctor-ordered, low-fat diet and even two month after it ended, the stylist saw a difference.
Her hair turned very thin, very brittle, and there was no life to it. When you aren’t getting a proper nutrition it comes out through the hair, Stranko says.
Though there is a limited amount of science to back up Stranko’s observation, eating protein and certain fats is said to help give you lustrous hair.
If you dont have enough protein, you can end up having hair that is dry and thinner. Protein is the building block for … keratin, says Dr. Debra Wattenberg, a New York City dermatologist at NY Skin Rx.
Meat, fish, beans, and soy will arm the body to make keratin, a fibrous protein that builds hair and nails. While omega-3 fats, found in fish, walnuts and flaxseed, help make hair shine.
Also Check: What To Do When You Have Hair Loss