If you dread washing your hair and are extremely pained at seeing the clumps of hair going down the shower drain, well you are not alone. Almost 80-90% of people have suffered from some form of hair loss in their lives.
Hair loss can mar your self-esteem and make you extremely self-conscious. If the hair loss is not accompanied by some underlying medical disorder, there are some simple ways to rectify the problem. Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your hair.
The Best Foods To Prevent Hair Loss
Fish, Eggs and Nuts
Hair is primarily made up of protein so it makes sense to eat a high protein diet. Gobbling down a couple of steaks or red meat everyday will not help your cause, as steak and red meat are very high on bad cholesterol.
It also increases the amount of testosterone in the body, which leads to more hair loss. Stick to lean protein like egg whites, almonds and beans, which are cooked in less oil. These will nourish your body from within and lead to strong and healthy hair.
Iron is very important for maintaining high levels of blood haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a compound, which helps to efficiently transport oxygen to various cells in the body. An enhanced oxygen supply will lead to good blood circulation to the scalp. The roots of the hair will thrive and flourish with the enhanced oxygen in the blood and this will lead to stronger hair at the roots.
Stick to raisins as an alternative to sweets. They are rich sources of iron. Also, have green leafy vegetables, whole wheat and eggs, which are rich in iron and folate. Iron is better absorbed in the body by Vitamin C so it makes sense to increase your intake of Vitamin C in the body. This will help to absorb the iron better in your body.
Silica is needed in the body as it helps to enhance the absorption of dietary vitamins and minerals. Without silica, taking in vital vitamins and minerals will be of no use as they will not get absorbed into the blood and will not promote hair growth.
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Make sure you take silica rich foods like bean sprouts, cucumbers and red and green peppers that enhance the availability of other essential vitamins and minerals in the body. Try to eat these foods raw.
Zinc found in seafood is vital for cell reproduction and maintaining hormonal balance in the body. Zinc also strengthens the hair follicles from the root to the tip and prevents hair loss.
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Make sure you eat enough of zinc everyday to prevent hair loss. The zinc rich foods are red meats, Brussels sprouts, oysters and nuts. Supplementing with zinc will also help.
Avoid Simple Carbs And Starch
Fats, starch and simple carbs like greasy burgers and fries are the worst culprits for hair loss. Avoid eating these foods if you want strong and lustrous hair.