HEALTHY LIVING
Natural Ways to Slow Hair Loss
Heredity and stress are big factors, but these key nutrients can help slow the trend. ::
BY LYNN ALLISON T CAUSES
Steve Fallek, M.D., a board-certifi ed plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York and New Jersey, says that besides aging, there are several factors that contribute to hair loss. “Heredity is defi nitely at the top of the list, but emotional and physical stress can also cause thinning hair,” he tells Newsmax.
“Chemotherapy drugs, blood
thinners, and birth control pills may be the culprits for temporary hair loss,” says Fallek. “Other causes
include autoimmune diseases, certain medical conditions like anemia and thyroid disorders, or a poor diet.”
he average head of hair has about 150,000 strands and it is normal to lose about 100 strands a day.
But as we get older, the rate of hair
growth slows, so we don’t replace as many hairs. And if you are noticing more hair
than usual in the shower drain right about now, that is because seasonal hair shedding begins in late summer and continues through the fall.
Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic
dermatologist in New York, says that a well-balanced diet with foods rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin D can support hair follicle health, and a defi ciency in essential nutrients can lead to hair loss.
Green says that supplements are not always necessary in developed countries where important vitamins and minerals can be found in food, but it’s important to focus on these fi ve nutrients for healthier hair. B vitamins. Vitamin B12 helps
maintain the strength and condition of the hair, and is found in animal products, including fi sh, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Fortifi ed breakfast cereals also contain B12. Vitamin B7, or biotin, plays a role in the production of keratin, a protein essential in hair growth. Studies suggest it may help hair regrowth in those with a biotin defi ciency. Biotin can be found in
salmon, sweet potatoes, egg yolks,
and almonds, says Green. Vitamin D. “Individuals with a
form of hair loss known as alopecia areata were found to have low vitamin D, and studies have shown that symptoms of hair loss were even more severe in people with low levels of vitamin D,” Green says. Consume foods such as salmon, egg yolks, fortifi ed milk, and fortifi ed orange juice to get more D. Vitamin E. Supplementing with vitamin E has been found to improve hair growth. On the fl ip side, too much of this nutrient can also cause hair loss. Have your levels checked and if you are defi cient, eat more wheat germ, spinach, fi sh, and almonds. Zinc. Low levels of zinc have been
associated with hair loss and poor wound healing. Individuals with kidney disease or who are pregnant are at risk for low zinc, which should be supplemented with a diet rich in meat, beans, and seeds. Iron. This mineral helps your body produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the cells, including those responsible for hair growth. Defi ciency in iron leads to insuffi cient production of hemoglobin, which can aff ect how much oxygen is delivered to your scalp and contribute to hair loss. Iron-rich foods include clams, red meat, spinach, and lentils. If you are thinking of taking supplements, Green suggests speaking with a board-certifi ed dermatologist who can
recommend a safe hair growth supplement that has clinical studies to support its effi cacy. “Getting treatment for hair loss in its early stages can help minimize the loss and increase the treatment’s effi cacy,” she says. She adds that using
rosemary or coconut
oil to massage the scalp can also reduce
hair loss. 84 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | SEPTEMBER 2023
FOOD/HAPPY_LARKSA©ISTOCK / WOMAN/SVETIKD©ISTOCK
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