Naturopathy

Are you concerned with hair loss, more so than usual? Is your hair thinning gradually? This is fast becoming a major concern for a lot of people. Although hair loss is impacted by your genes and age, there’s a lot you can do to reverse this. Stress, nutritional deficiencies, and lack of sleep play a significant role in the strength of your hair.

You may also not be aware that some medications contribute to hair loss. Today I will share with you the top seven Foods that you should incorporate into your diet to keep your hair looking healthy and full and your bones resistant to fracture. Remember bone health is one of Mahashouse main concern.

Other than from the bone marrow, hair is the fastest growing tissue in the human body, The speed of your hair growth depends on several factors including age, hormones, gender and as previously stated, genetics. Availability of nutrients and access to oxygen is also key.

When our bodies experience stress in any way, be it a nutritional deficiency, illness, sleep deficits, or emotional stress, it re-prioritises the essential functions, the vital organs are attended to first, since the hair follicles are less of a priority, as a result, the follicles may not receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients.

Before I delve into the top foods for hair health, let me also assert that eating the wrong foods can negatively affect your hair. Sugar & refined carbs being the top culprits here.

A groundbreaking Finnish study conducted in the year 2000 revealed that men with insulin resistance were more likely to be bald. In 2003, the same Finnish researchers conducted another study on women. They concluded that women with some markers of insulin resistance faced significantly increased risk of hair loss.

So here’s the 7 top foods that helps your hair grow naturally. These foods contain those vital nutrients, many of which not only essential to hair health but bone health too.

Some of theses foods are acidifying foods, so remember, as long as you adhere to a 80/20 pH balanced nutritional plan, you can consume those foods.

1. Barley

Barley is one of the oldest grains in the world, It has impressive health benefits. It is rich in both copper and Iron, two minerals essential for the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the body, delivering much-needed nutrients to the hair follicle. A lack of adequate iron in the body can lead to anemia, which is a major contributing factor in hair loss.

Barley is also rich in the powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E.

2. Sweet Potatoes

The presence of beta-Carotene is what makes sweet potatoes an ideal addition for the prevention of hair loss. Beta-carotene gets converted into Vitamin A, which promotes the growth of healthy cells and tissues, including hair. Diets that are deficient in Vitamin A can contribute to several health problems, including hair loss.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A, along with carrots, butternut squash, and peppers.

3. Pumpkin Seeds

Scientific data confirms that a deficiency in the essential mineral Zinc contributes to the development of alopecia. Pumpkin seeds contain excellent levels of this mineral.

4. Nuts & Seeds 

Most nuts and seeds provide several nutrients that are important for healthy hair growth. Walnuts, are a rich source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants, which have been shown to have positive effects on hair.

5. Sardines

Because of its anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids content, Sardines are an excellent addition to your diet if you are trying to ward off hair loss. Your hair is a protein fiber, and as such, requires protein to grow new hair and keep the existing ones strong and healthy. Protein is also necessary to produce keratin, a key component of hair. Sardines are an excellent source of protein. Further, the fatty acids present in the fish add to the moisturising of your scalp.

Sardines also contains Vitamin D, which is essential for hair growth. Further, sardines helps the body process insulin. Since insulin resistance is linked to alopecia, sardines is an essential addition to your diet. You can click here for a delicious Sardines recipe 

6. Spinach

Spinach is a leafy green rich in both folate and iron. Both vital for your hair, since spinach is also a good source of Vitamin C, it helps aid in iron absorption. The Vitamin C in spinach also fights oxidative stress that leads to hair graying and loss.

In addition, spinach provides good amounts of Vitamin A, which aids in the growth of all body tissues, including skin and hair. Vitamin A is also required for sebum production. Sebum acts a natural conditioner to keep hair moisturized.

However if you’ve had kidney stones in the past. Then I would be cautious with Oxlate foods such as spinach, while oxalates do not leach calcium from the bones, laboratory studies have shown that oxalates may interfere with calcium absorption. However, the reduction is relatively small and should not prevent you from eating spinach, which contains many valuable nutrients.

7. Eggs

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, they are an excellent source of Vitamin B complex including biotin, which works synergistically with the B-complex vitamins to help metabolise proteins. Biotin keeps the skin supple and moist, and a deficiency leads to flaky and irritated skin, including on the scalp.

Eggs also contain Vitamin D which as noted above, plays a pivotal role in stimulating new hair follicles. Researchers have found that women suffering from hair loss had much lower Vitamin D levels.