You may be familiar with the idea of improving and maintaining health and wellness through proper nutrition. But did you know that your nutritional choices can also affect your hair growth? If your hairline could use some help, try supplementing your diet with the key nutrients listed below.
The B Vitamins
Different B vitamins support hair health in different ways. Vitamin B7 (also known as biotin) helps convert proteins into amino acids. These amino acids then help create the keratin in hair. Vitamins B5 and B9 help manage stress, a known factor in hair loss. Vitamin B12 boosts the flow of blood and nutrients to the hair follicles. A good B-complex supplement can provide you with a healthy supply of all of these nutrients.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, a vitamin found in brightly-colored fruits and vegetables supports the development of collagen, an important component in hair. It also has potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants remove free radicals, which can promote hair loss or even premature graying of hair.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating hormones, including the hormones that grow hair. In fact, hair loss has been directly associated with vitamin D deficiency. The body normally manufactures its own vitamin D in response to sun exposure. If your lifestyle doesn’t allow much time in the sun, take a daily vitamin D supplement to make up for what your body isn’t manufacturing on its own.
Zinc
Zinc helps your follicles maintain healthy protein structure and normal cellular division rates. Lab studies have indicated that zinc supplementation helps grow hair in zinc-deficient individuals who suffer from hair loss. Oysters, sweet potatoes, spinach, eggs and chickpeas all contain plenty of zinc. You can also buy over-the-counter zinc supplements.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Eat your fatty fish — or your flax seed, if you prefer. Both of these food sources are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy cell structure, and they also have anti-inflammatory properties. Research has found that these nutrients can reduce hair loss, promote hair growth, and even enhance hair thickness.
In a very real sense, you are what you eat. So, make sure you’re getting the raw materials that your hair needs in order to thrive. Often times hair loss is beyond our control. At Custom Hair Tampa Bay, our specialists will help you customize a hair replacement solution that matches your lifestyle. To schedule a free consultation at one of our three locations click here.
Photo Credit: kkolosov Via Pixabay
Sources:
https://draxe.com/vitamins-for-hair-growth/
https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/vitamins-and-minerals-for-hair-growth/#11
https://www.buzzfeed.com/michaeljones070/3-essential-vitamins-and-minerals-for-hair-growth-39u1x?utm_term=.vbR7WO7qR#.kiw75g7v6
https://www.nutrafol.com/blog/the-importance-of-b-vitamins-to-healthy-hair-growth/
https://www.nutrafol.com/blog/5-top-vitamins-faster-hair-growth/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861201/