By Willie Jones
Hair loss for men and women can be devastating to your confidence and sociability. Women especially can experience much anguish over thinning hair.
However, there are options to slow, stop or reverse this condition.
1. Hair transplants. This is probably the most invasive, expensive but quickest method to getting back a full head of hair. For those who have the time and money this may be an option for you.
2. Medicinal topical treatments. These are liquids or shampoo type products that you use over time to re-grow hair.
3. Diet! The food you eat can have a tremendous impact on hair loss and hair re-growth.
Nutrient rich blood flow to the scalp is essential for natural hair growth and luster. Dry brittle hair is a symptom of poor hair health. Excessive oil is also a symptom of poor hair health.
Hair needs good oils, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. These are the good fats that help keep the LDL cholesterol down and are heart friendly as well as healthy for your hair such as; almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios, and good oils such as olive oil, flaxseed oil or hemp oil. Flaxseed oil is high in omega 3 but even better is hemp oil that has the correct balance of omega-3 and omega-6, which is very important for healthy hair.
Studies done about Japan pre World War II showed that Japanese men maintained a full head of hair and that it was not until the western diet where saturated fatty foods were introduced that there was a rise in baldness.
Healthy hair also needs B-vitamins. These vitamins assist in making red blood cells which carry oxygen to all the cells and this is important for hair health. Foods that contain B-vitamins are; whole grains such as wheat, oats, quinoa, wheat germ and brewers yeast, also chicken, turkey, sea foods, dairy products, eggs, leafy green vegetables and a variety of beans.
The importance of minerals is often under estimated. A lack of minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and silica can contribute to hair thinning. Some mineral rich foods are dark leafy greens, sprouts, sea weed, fruits and vegetables.
Vegetables that are high in these minerals are;
Squash
Sweet potato and regular potatoes
Lima beans
Peas
Spinach
Kale
Avocados
Cucumbers
Broccoli
Peas
Fruits high in these minerals;
Kiwis
Blueberries
Citrus fruits
Black berries
Bananas
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Nuts high in these minerals;
Pecans
Brazil nuts
Pine nuts
Pumpkin seeds
Walnuts
Sun flower seeds
Vitamin C is also and important vitamin for hair health and absorption of minerals such as iron. Fruit, especially citrus fruits are high in this vitamin.
Hair is mostly made up of protein and a protein rich diet of sea foods, poultry, eggs and nuts helps to keep hair lustrous. If you are going to eat red meat, choose very lean cuts.
If you stick to eating a common sense diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and nuts you should do well overall. Processed foods should not your first choice for food. Most of these foods contain preservatives, pesticides and MSG which are not necessarily the best choice if you are trying to resolve your hair issue.
Organic foods not only taste better but have a higher nutrient content which is what you want if you are trying to improve the condition of your hair. If you are entertaining the idea of a hair transplant, changing your diet before hand, during and after can enhance the overall experience. The same goes for topical treatments.
Good luck!
Willie is co-owner of http://www.joneshaircare.com a site devoted to providing information in helping men and women with hair loss, and to assist with doctor developed products for hair re-growth and hair care.
Source:www.isnare.com |
