Hair fall is a common problem among many men and women. Our hair goes through 3 cycles: growth, transition and shedding which is why our hair falls out every 25 to 30 days and new hair grows back. But it becomes a problem when hair stops growing back or you start losing more hair than its normal count. This hair fall becomes hair loss for many people then. But there are some foods for vegans, vegetarians and non-vegetarians as well which can help them stop their hair fall. These have high nutritional value that strengthens hair health. But before knowing about foods to eat to stop hair fall lets understand why hair falls out and when you start losing hair more.
Causes of Hair Fall:
Hair fall or hair loss can be caused by many reasons such as stress, illness, medical condition, medications, heredity and poor diet. However as per various doctors the most common reason among people for hair loss is heredity and poor diet.
Causes:
Family History
One of the most common reasons behind hair fall is heredity. This may occur with aging. There are many types of baldness caused by family history; these are: androgenic alopecia, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. You may notice a receding hairline and bald spots with thin hairs on the scalp.
Poor Diet
Poor eating habits, following a poor eating cycle and nutrient deficiencies can cause hair loss. When you don’t consume enough vitamins and minerals such as Iron, Vitamin D and Zinc this can cause receding hairline, thin hair, male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss. Further, research shows eating too much simple carbohydrates can cause too much hair fall.
Hormonal Changes
A variety of conditions can lead to an excessive amount of hair fall which results in permanent or temporary hair loss. One of them is hormonal changes. Hormonal changes during the time of pregnancy, childbirth and menopause problems can cause permanent or temporary hair loss.
Medical Conditions
Medical conditions such as; scalp infection (Fungal infections), thyroid disease, alopecia areata and cancer treatment can cause hair loss.
Medicines
Some medicines as their side effects can cause hair loss. Medicines consumed for treatment of cancer, arthritis, depression, gout, heart problems and high blood pressure can cause excessive hair fall and temporary hair loss.
Stress
One of the main but ignored reasons for hair fall is stress. People often don’t care about their mental health and stress is one of the main parts of mental health which needs to be managed every moment. A stressful lifestyle can cause temporary hair fall which is referred to as telogen effluvium.
Smoking
The effects of smoking are not restricted to lungs. Smoking can potentially damage skin and hair. Because of smoking hair follicles get damaged which cause hair fall.
Supplements
Earlier we have mentioned that hormonal changes lead to hair loss. This can cause male pattern baldness. Some steroids can increase the DHT in our body which starts damaging the hair follicles causing inflammation and damaged hair. These damaged hair eventually fall out. But this may not happen to everyone.
Foods to Eat to Stop Hair Fall:
Spinach
Spinach works great for stopping hair fall and also strengthens hair. This promotes healthy hair. Spinach contains vitamins and various nutrients. Spinach contains folate, Iron, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. All these make the spinach a great food to eat to stop hair fall.
Oats
We often don’t talk about fiber when we look to follow a healthy diet. Foods with high fiber content can help you to prevent hair loss and reduce the chances of dandruff. Inclusion of oats in your daily diet increases fiber intake. Oats also contain essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and omega-6 fatty acids. These all together work for maintaining healthy skin and hair.
Carrots
Carrots are a good source of Vitamin A which your hair needs. They keep the scalp healthy and moisturized and nourishes hair roots to the tips.
Prunes
Deficiency of iron can cause dry scalp, hair loss and hair discoloration. Purines are a good source of iron and this can help you to fight with these problems.
Avocado
Deficiency of Vitamin E and Fatty Acids can affect hair health. Avocados which are high in Vitamin E can help you maintain healthy hair. Vitamin E helps in hair growth and strengthens hair. A medium sized Avocado contains 21% of your daily Vitamin E needs. Vitamin E is also a great source of fatty acid. Fatty acid is linked to hair fall. Eating avocado can help you boost fatty acids too in your body and that can help you prevent hair fall.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene which contains Vitamin A. Just like carrots, sweet potatoes with its Vitamin A content support hair thickness and sebum production.
Nuts and Seeds
Almonds, Chia seeds, Walnuts, Brazil nuts, Flax and Sunflower seeds are rich in Vitamin E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids. All of their nutrients make them one of the essential foods to eat to stop hair fall.
Beans
Beans are one of the essential sources of protein. Plant based beans such as kidney beans and chickpeas are also great sources of zinc, iron, biotin, and folate. Protein is essential for hair growth. Presence of protein along with other nutrients make the bean an essential food for stopping hair loss.
Kiwi
One of the great sources of Vitamin C that helps the body to absorb iron more efficiently. And by doing that Kiwi helps to boost hair development and reduces hair loss.
Low-fat Dairy Products
Calcium is an essential mineral for hair growth. Low-fat dairy products are rich in Calcium. Apart from calcium, low fat dairy products such as; Yogurt, Cottage cheese and Skim milk contain high quality protein as well. Protein works as the building blocks for hair and makes the hair strong and reduces hair fall.
Egg
Eggs contain protein and biotin. They both strengthen our hair. Protein which works as a building block for hair is essential for strengthening our hair. On the other hand, biotin produces keratin which is also one kind of hair protein. All these together make eggs an essential food for making your hair stronger and stopping hair fall.
Meat and Fishes
Meats are the ultimate source of protein and iron. Red meat is extremely rich in iron and supports red blood cells to supply oxygen to the various parts of our body including hair follicles. Thus this helps us in protecting hair fall and protein strengthens our hair.
Fishes
Fishes such as Tuna, Mackerel, Salmon and Herring are packed with protein and essential fatty acids like omega-3s. These fishes are also high in Vitamin B, selenium and Vitamin D. Together all of these support hair health and hair growth.
Before asking which foods to eat to stop hair fall, you must understand the importance of choosing of right food and diet for your body and skin. Diet has a main role in maintaining healthy hair. Hence, if the hair fall is not caused by any skin disease on your scalp area then it is better to concentrate on fixing your food habits instead of spending money on medicine and supplements. Also medicines and supplements can have side effects and they can be costly too whereas all the above mentioned foods don’t have any side effects and they will sure fix your hair fall problem. These foods are not only great in controlling hair loss but also great for maintaining hair health on a long term basis. Further, along with consuming these foods it is recommended to wash your hair every day to keep the scalp clean.
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