The Belgravia Centre Blog

Nutrition has a key role in hair growth and good nutrition radiates in your hair, skin and nails. However, some people have hereditary tendencies to hair loss and the only way to prevent the genetic time bomb is to look at scientifically proven treatments for hair loss. But there are some foods that can help to fight against hair loss and promote healthy hair growth and the best known ones are….

Red Meat

Lean red meat is probably the most beneficial food in the prevention of hair loss. It is the most easily absorbed source of iron, which is needed to help create haemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues and contains sulphur to keep the hair follicles in good health. Iron allows other nutrients to be more easily absorbed by the hair follicles by allowing your scalp to get a good flow of blood, and sulphur promotes hair growth by improving circulation in the blood to the scalp and decreases inflammation, helping prevent hair loss. Minoxidil is a  proven treatment for hair loss that works in a similar way. The topical vasodilator generates new hair growth by increasing circulation to the scalp and opening up potassium channels. Red meat, especially liver, also contains vitamin A which reduces oil in the scalp and vitamin B3 which enhances circulation in the scalp.

Eggs

Hair is mostly made of keratin and protein so a diet rich in protein is your fastest ticket to encourage hair growth and prevent hair loss. Eggs are a great source of protein and biotin to help produce keratin and sulphur to help prevent hair loss. Other protein and biotin sources are chicken, kidney, low-fat cheese, beans and some fruit and vegetables.

Oats

Not only do oats provide sustained energy levels, they also assist in maintaining the natural hair colour by aiding in the creation of melatin and can help prevent hair loss.

Oats contain important minerals for hair growth such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, not to mention iron. It seems oats are an all round super food for hair.

Dried fruit and nuts

If you’ve got a sweet craving, dried fruit and nuts are the healthy alternative and more beneficial for you than you probably realise. Packed with iron, sulphur and biotin, dried fruit and nuts (and almonds in particular) are a great source of vitamin E which enhances blood circulation on the scalp and inositol which maintains healthy hair follicles.

Bean Sprouts

Bean sprouts contain an important nutrient for hair health known as silica and a must on your shopping list for foods that prevent hair loss. The body uses silica to help it absorb vitamins and minerals so even if you’re eating plenty of vitamins but not consuming silica, they might not be helping much. Hair grows from follicles within the skin at the base of the hair root and need nutrients to form new cells and generate healthy hair growth. Silica can also be found in the skin of cucumbers, red and green peppers, and potatoes.

Seafood

Seafood is essential for hair growth and maintenance. Fish contains sulphur and provides essential fatty acids necessary for the maintenance of healthy hair and skin zinc-rich foods such as mussels, shrimp and oysters can help prevent hair loss by strengthening the hair follicles. Zinc plays a key role in many of the body’s functions, including hair growth, helping to build cells, keep hormones in check and assist with the absorption of various other vitamins.

Hairloss is a complex condition and nutrition can, to a certain degree, influence hair growth and the quality the hair. However, it’s important to remember that sometimes other factors can influence hair loss. If your hair is suffering despite following a healthy diet, there is more that can be done and it may be beneficial in discussing your concerns with a hair loss specialist.

Contact the Belgravia Centre, the UK’s leading hair loss clinic, to arrange a free consultation or complete the online diagnostic form for a free diagnosis and expert advice. A combined approach to hair loss involving medically proven treatments, hair growth boosters and dietary and lifestyle advice provides the most comprehensive and successful options available.

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