Six Superfoods That Can Boost Hair Health

Weight-loss expert Dr Sally Norton has shared her list of six superfoods she recommends to 'help to prevent heart attacks, cancer and strokes', with the Mail Online.

Each of the fruits and seeds listed acts like nutritional dynamite, blowing beneficial vitamins and minerals through your system. In addition to helping your overall wellness, including these foods as part of a balanced diet can also boost your hair's health, making it appear thicker, shinier and helping to prevent certain types of hair loss.

Six Recommended Superfoods

The six ingredients Dr. Norton recommends adding to your diet are as follows:-

Cherries

“The benefits include anti-inflammation, boosted sleep and improved sports recovery”, she says. Cherries also contain Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium and copper, all beneficial to your hair, and Acerola Cherry extract is also found in some hair growth supplements.

Avocado

Dr Norton says: “They’re a great source of healthy, mono-saturated fats  which have been known to help lower cholesterol”. Avocados are also rich in Vitamin E which increases oxygen levels in the blood and could improve circulation to the scalp. This blood flow encourages healthy hair growth.

Cranberries

Improving heart health, preventing certain cancers and fighting infections are just some of the ways Sally says these berries can aid wellness. Cranberries are a good source of Manganese essential for a robust head of hair and Vitamins C and E which are most effective when consumed together.

Blueberries

Often labelled as a ‘superfood’, these fruits are a great way to top up with unique, phenol-like antioxidants pterostilbene and resveratrol, as well as Vitamins C and K, fibre, and copper all crucial elements for strong, lustrous hair.

Pumpkin Seeds

Calling them “super seeds”, Dr Norton advises people to snack on these for a nutrient boost. They have also been suggested as a natural remedy for Male Pattern Baldness, when eaten as Pumpkin Seed Oil.

Chia Seeds

Containing more calcium, pound for pound, than milk, Sally recommends chia seeds for being “loaded with antioxidants, soluble fibre and minerals”. They can be added to smoothies or juices, to provide a protein punch that promotes strong hair.

Food-related hair loss

Although the most common hair loss conditions in both men and women are caused by inherited genetics, Male Pattern Baldness and Female Pattern Hair Loss are not the only reasons people lose their hair. Thinning hair can also be caused by a poor diet or nutritional deficiencies; this can also refer to medical conditions such as anaemia.

Telogen Effluvium (TE) is a temporary hair loss condition which can occur when the follicles fail to receive the nutrients needed for healthy hair growth. It can be caused by nutritional issues, hormonal changes and as a side-effect of medications or medical conditions.

The trigger incident instantly puts the hair follicles into the resting ('telogen') phase of the growth cycle; this premature shutdown of hair production becomes noticeable around three months later, once hair fall starts.

TE causes diffuse thinning which can appear anywhere, or all over, the scalp. Although it lasts for no more than six months, it can sometimes spark or exacerbate hereditary hair loss in those who are predisposed to the genetic condition.

Avoiding dietary hair issues

There are ways to avoid hair loss caused by food issues, whether these problems relate to deficiencies, regular consumption of foods that can cause hair loss or extreme eating (such as eating disorders including orthorexia, or crash-dieting).

Try to ensure you generally stick to a balanced diet full of whole foods and fresh produce, including foods that contribute to hair health, like those listed above. If you feel your diet is generally good but could do with a bit of a boost in the hair-care department, a once-a-day dietary supplement like Hair Vitalics is an easy way to top up.

If you are concerned about deficiencies or issues with your eating habits, consult your GP or healthcare provider at the earliest opportunity. Should you notice your hair is starting to thin as a result, visit a hair loss specialist for a professional diagnosis and advice on how to deal with your shedding, as - whilst hair lost to Telogen Effluvium should regrow naturally, many Belgravia clients have seen significant regrowth spurred on by proactive treatment featuring topical applications of high strength minoxidil.