Navigation
Eating Well for Healthy Hair
If you need more reasons to consider eating a balanced diet, add good hair. Nutrition experts say that people with certain nutritional deficiencies tend to have dry, stringy and dull hair, and sometimes experience hair loss. Fortunately, nutrition-related hair loss can be restored once the deficiency is addressed. While male- and female-pattern baldness is considered a genetic trait, people experiencing any kind of hair loss should take the time to ensure they are getting good nutrition—for their hair health and general health. "What you eat or do not eat can affect your hair and skin," says Doug Kalman, RD, a nutritionist with Miami Research Associates. This is important for dieters to keep in mind, Kalman says, particularly those who choose diets that severely restrict calories or eliminate groups of food.
At least one study has shown that people on crash diets experience temporary hair loss because such diets result in poor overall nutrition. Thus, people with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are at risk of temporary hair loss, as well as many other medical conditions. Kalman says that people on low-fat and non-fat diets are at risk for nutrition-related hair loss because hair needs essential fatty acids. "Essential fatty acid deficiency causes a drying-up of the scalp and skin," he says. "These are vital nutrients that support follicular health. When the follicle is not healthy, hair loss or thinning occurs." Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, and in flaxseed oil and macadamia nuts and walnuts. It's recommended that women, in particular, try to eat a food source of omega-3 fatty acids three times a week to maintain skin and hair health. Biotin, part of the vitamin B complex, is another nutrient associated with hair loss. According to Kalman, people who are eating adequate amount of protein—which includes most Americans—should not have a problem with biotin deficiency, though vegans may be at risk. Good food sources of biotin are eggs, liver and soy. Karmally says that it's not known if biotin supplements, which are marketed to help with male- and female-pattern baldness, can help with hair loss, and adds that she is unaware of any research indicating that the biotin in biotin hair products, such as shampoos, can be absorbed through the hair or scalp. Karmally recommends that people experiencing hair loss see a physician, who can help determine the cause of their hair loss, and registered dietician, who can assess their diet and health status. "When you are looking for symptoms of nutrition deficiency in someone with skin and hair changes, it's difficult to pinpoint the cause," she says. "People should pay attention to all aspects of their diet for their total health, as well as their hair and skin." Further Reading Rapunzel Envy - Hair Loss in Women Womens hair loss Womens hair loss - Thyroid Hair Loss in Women - Why Does It Happen? Hair Loss takes most women by surprise. For some, the effects can be embarrassing and depressing. Here to explain the causes and warning signs of hair loss are two experts in the field. Though hair loss can be embarrassing and unpleasant for anyone, our society considers hair loss in women a sort of cosmetic disaster. One out of every four women in the United States experiences hereditary hair loss, and for that one woman, hair loss can feel like a first class cosmetic disaster. Womens Best Selling Hair Loss Products A listing on the sites best selling hair loss products for women The Heartache of Hair Loss in Women "For most people, hair is an integral part of themselves, so hair loss really represents losing a part of themselves and their self image," says Jerry Cooley, MD, of the Carolina Dermatology Hair Center in Charlotte, North Carolina When we think of hair transplantation, we often think of balding men. But women lose their hair too, and more and more of them are turning to hair transplants. Medical Treatments for Hair Loss in Women Although hair loss can seem a permanent condition, and devastating to many women, there is hope, and there are treatments out there for women, even if you never do see the ads. "What you eat or do not eat can affect your hair and skin," says Doug Kalman, RD, a nutritionist with Miami Research Associates. This is important for dieters to keep in mind, Kalman says, particularly those who choose diets that severely restrict calories or eliminate groups of food. Rogaine for Women - A Snapshot For years, only men were acknowledged when it came to hair thinning and hair loss, but now we know that hereditary hair thinning is almost as common for women. In fact, one in four women in the United States experiences hair thinning.
According to Wahida Karmally, DrPH, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, zinc deficiencies, which are associated with hair health, may be a problem among people on low-calorie diets, especially young women. Zinc is found in meat, eggs and seafood.
A 1999 study published in the Journal of Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine found that hair loss in women was associated with self-consciousness, jealousy and a feeling of powerlessness about hair loss.
Hair loss for a woman can be devastating. The problems seems to be increasing every year. It is estimated that six out of ten woman will suffer some degree of hair loss.
Where hyperthyroid people make too much thyroid hormone, hypothyroid people don’t make enough.