Preventing Hair Loss Using Nutrition : The hair that grows on the head is the product of many different cellular processes. These dynamics work together within the larger network of our body’s system. Therefore, maintaining high standards in your overall health will contribute to the optimal functioning needed throughout your physiology. This of course includes hair growth.

Preventing Hair Loss Using Nutrition

The intake of proper nutrition is not just something to be done over the course of a week or two. It is about lifelong lifestyle choices.

Genetics plays a central role in pattern baldness. But according to Dr. Umar, it is possible for environmental factors to accelerate or slow down the rate of hair loss.

Poor long term nutrition can lead to the breakage of hair shafts. And it can also speed up the rate of shedding. Furthermore, it can also slow down the rate of new hair growth.

While there are countless nutrients involved in promoting healthy hair, here are the main ones. They can not only help prevent severe and rapid loss of hair, but they can also help new shafts grow.

(1) Preventing Hair Loss Using Nutrition – Role of Proteins

The hair shafts themselves are made of protein. Therefore, consuming varied and rich sources of protein can help ensure that your hair follicles are receiving the amino acids it needs in order to build new hair shafts. High protein foods can not only be found in meats, but also from plant sources like almonds, soy and beans.

Some foods may be high in protein, but also rich in fat. Fat can lead to increased testosterone levels. When this hormone breaks down, it forms DHT which causes hair follicles to miniaturize, particularly in those who are genetically predisposed to pattern baldness.

The relationship between fat and testosterone may explain why researchers are noticing that men with high body mass indexes have a much greater risk of becoming severely bald. .

Preventing Hair Loss Using Nutrition – Trace Elements and Vitamins

(2) Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral needed for cellular reproduction. It is also used for re-growing and healing tissues. This nutrient also plays an important role in maintaining the functioning of sebaceous glands which produces oil for the skin and outer coating of the hair shafts. Deficiencies in zinc not only lead to hair loss, but dandruff as well.

Good sources of zinc include: seafood, poultry, nuts and seeds

Preventing Hair Loss Using Nutrition — Proper nutrition can help slow down the rate of hair loss

(3) Vitamin A

This vitamin supports tissue health and the ability for cells to regenerate. It also plays a role in forming amino acid chains from genes. Therefore, it is important for the well-being and integrity of the follicles which are essentially tiny organs that produce hair.

Examples of quality vitamin A sources include spices like : paprika, red pepper, cayenne and chili powder. Sweet potatoes, dark green vegetables and carrots are also rich in this nutrient.

(4) Vitamins B6 and B12

Both these vitamins are involved in the formation of hemoglobin. This is a molecule which carries and transports oxygen by way of the circulatory system in the blood. Healthy hair growth needs a constant supply of oxygen. Deficiencies will retard the rate at which it is produced. The shafts are more likely to become damaged and brittle. And higher levels of shedding will occur as well.

To learn more about hair loss factors, here is Dr. Umar’s interview on American Health Journal. Read more.