Foods that help reduce hair loss

A bad diet can often result in hair loss. Due to the diet of today, many are experiencing balding at younger ages. Below are four of the most valuable nutrients to help reduce hair loss.

Proteins

Hair is primarily made of protein and, therefore, it makes sense to eat a protein-rich diet if you’re trying to maintain your healthy hair. Avoid hamburgers and steaks because high-fat diets will result in increased testosterone levels, which have been linked to hair loss. Eat lean proteins such as fish, chicken, low-fat cheese, eggs, almonds, beans, and yogurt. Soy milk and tofu are also smart to add to your diet because they are high in protein and low in unhealthy fats.

Iron

Iron plays a key role in manufacturing hemoglobin, the part of the blood that carries oxygen to your body’s organs and tissues. When your hemoglobin is at a healthy level, oxygen is properly dispersed. This means your scalp is getting a good flow of blood, which will stimulate and promote hair growth. Dried fruits such as raisins are packed with iron and also red meats (However, go for leaner cut's of red meat) Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron, so fruits such as oranges, strawberries and lemons should be on your grocery list of foods that prevent hair loss.

Silica

More reason to eat the ‘taugeh’ or bean sprouts with your soup noodles because they are rich in Silica. Silica may not be a word you commonly hear associated with diet. The body uses silica to help it absorb vitamins and minerals; if you’re not consuming silica, eating your vitamins might not be helping much. Silica can be found in bean sprouts and the skin of cucumbers, red and green peppers, and potatoes.

Zinc

Many men who suffer from hair loss are found to have zinc deficiencies. Zinc plays a key role in many of the body’s functions, from cell reproduction to hormonal balance, and all these functions affect hair growth. Perhaps most importantly, zinc manages the glands that attach to your hair follicles. When you’re low on zinc, these follicles become weak, causing strands to break off or fall out. Don’t overdose on zinc though as that might do more harm than good.

Balanced Diet

Just as your overall health will benefit from eating a balanced diet, so too should the health of your hair. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, so don’t put foods in your body that speed up hair loss. You may be experiencing a thinning on top already, but you can counteract this (or at least slow it down) by eating from every food group daily -- concentrating on foods that are rich in protein, iron, silica, and zinc.