Proper Diet For Your Natural Hair

Some of us may not know that our hair cells are the second fastest-growing cells in our body. To add to this, another fun trivia: an adult woman has roughly 120,000 hairs on our scalp, all of which need nourishment in order to grow. But because hair is not a vital organ or tissue, your body will never prioritize its nutritional needs. So, due to hair’s expendable nature, a nutritional imbalance will often show up first in the form of hair loss.

Many women experience hair loss, but most people don’t talk about it, or even know the reason why their hair is falling, thinning, or disappearing. It’s a hard struggle to think or talk about, and even harder to come to terms with.

Hair loss may be attributed to a poor diet. Besides internal health reasons, there are some foods that cause follicular challenges, especially if consumed beyond the norm.

Foods that  might attribute to hair loss

• Sugar – Sugar produces insulin and androgen, the male hormone known to shrink hair follicles and cause hair loss. Food heavy in carbohydrates, such as potatoes, bread, pasta, and white rice, contain a high glycemic index, which can break down sugars quickly and cause inflammation.

• Fried Foods – High-fat, fried foods often contain hydrogenated oils that may contribute to hair loss. Testosterone levels are increased with diets that are high in fat, which could lead to male pattern baldness.

• Selenium – Although your body needs small amounts of selenium, too much of it could also cause hair loss. Selenium is found in oysters, tuna, and whole wheat bread.

• Foods High in Vitamin A – It’s always safe to assume that too much of a good thing, can lead to a bad thing. Dietitians suggest that foods or individual supplements high in Vitamin A may lead to hair loss.

Additionally, a lack in some nutritional foods may also trigger hair loss. Consuming the right foods will boost your nutrition and reduce hair from thinning and/or shedding. Deficiency in vitamin B, protein, and iron can aid in hair loss while foods containing vitamin C, silica, zinc, and sulphur can promote healthier hair and growth.

Well Balanced Diet 

Thinking about going full time vegan? Think again People that are committing to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle are doing it in an effort to eat healthier and save animal lives. However, they probably aren’t realizing that it could be a factor in their hair thinning on top.

Protein plays an important role in growing thick and luxurious hair. If you are basically eliminating most of the protein from your diet (other than plant protein), your hair could start falling out. Along with that, your nails may become brittle and your muscles may waste away. If you are experiencing balding and still want to eat a plant-based diet, you should probably consider adding daily protein shakes, eggs, and nuts to your eating habits. 

Foods That May Either Start Hair Growth or Stop Your Current Hair Loss

Your diet does not have to be all doom and gloom. You can take your current diet, make some small changes, and your hair could start regrowing in months. You should consider adding these things to your daily diet list

• Salmon-  Salmon contains enough omega-3s to not only keep you healthy and fit but also assist in growing hair and keeping it as shiny as possible. 

• Greek yogurt -   Greek yogurt has plenty of B5 and other B vitamins that play an important role in growing and maintaining beautiful hair. 

•  Liver - One food that is packed with nutrients (including iron) and has a poor reputation of not being too tasty is liver. If you can acquire the taste for this organ, your hair will reap the benefits. It may take you a meal or three but you just might end up loving liver after a bit. 

• Peanut butter - Is almost the perfect food. Sure, you can find jars on the shelves that have too much fat and too many calories but if you search a little more, you can come across the better brands that will be healthier for you. With that said, protein and vitamin E within peanut butter can strengthen your hair over time. 

          To wrap this blog up, a simple yet important reminder for you to have the healthy and thick hair that you always wanted. Make sure your nutrient levels are on track! Remember to check in with your doctor regularly to follow your diet and nutrition.