Tackling hair loss
Nourish Your Way to Healthy Hair: How Nutrition Helps Prevent Hair Loss
It’s all very well saying “don’t worry about your hair”, it’s an important part of how we feel and how we look to both ourselves and others. I’ve suffered from this and shed many tears, but I am happy to say my hair is coming back, although it has taken a long time and a lot of hard work.
Hair loss is common and affects people of all ages and genders. There are many reasons for hair loss including:
Stress
Illness
Certain medications
Recently having a baby
Thyroid conditions
Nutrient deficiencies
Genetics
Styling products and treatments
The role of nutrition and lifestyle are often overlooked when it comes to hair shedding. As our hair is not necessary for survival, low intake of essential nutrients or digestive and/or hormonal issues which affect nutrient absorption, our body will direct resources away from hair follicles, speed up hair loss and slow down hair growth.
In this article, I’ll explore the connection between nutrition and hair loss, and shed some light on why our lovely locks sometimes decide to take a break.
Physical or Emotional Stress: Significant physical stress from surgeries, major illnesses, or traumatic events can lead to temporary hair shedding. Emotional stress can also contribute to hair loss by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions and illnesses can result in hair loss, including autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata and thyroid diseases, where the immune system attacks hair follicles.
Medications: Some medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. This includes chemotherapy drugs, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and certain antidepressants. Hair loss due to medication is often temporary and reversible once the medication is stopped.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances can lead to hair loss. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism), and pregnancy can cause hormonal fluctuations that impact hair growth.
Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, such as protein, biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamins A and D, can affect hair health and lead to hair loss. Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining healthy hair.
Sudden Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss or extreme dieting can cause hair to shed as the body shifts resources away from non-essential functions like hair growth.
Genetics (Androgenetic Alopecia): The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary, known as androgenetic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness. It tends to run in families and is related to hormones and genetics. In men, this often results in a receding hairline and baldness on the top of the scalp. In women, it can cause overall thinning of the hair.
Aging: As we age, hair naturally becomes thinner and more prone to falling out. The rate of hair growth also slows down with age.
Poor Hair Care Practices: Excessive use of hair treatments, styling products, and heat tools can damage hair and lead to breakage. Tight hairstyles like plaits, ponytails, or extensions can also cause hair loss if they put too much tension on the hair.
I can help you identify the underlying cause of your hair loss to determine the most appropriate treatment. Together we will look at your diet and lifestyle, medications and genetics to find the root cause. Testing is important and may include blood testing for thyroid conditions, hormones and nutrient deficiencies.