Is your hair thinning and falling out at an alarming rate? While it seems like you’re an island to yourself, hair loss is a common problem that men and women both face. Did you know that more than 50 percent of people will encounter hair loss before they hit middle age? It becomes more of a question of when and not if you’ll lose your locks.
Hair loss isn’t just about how you look on the outside, as it can affect how you feel on the inside too. The mental and emotional implications of such a devastating loss can’t be denied. While this is not a life-threatening problem, it can damage your overall self-esteem and quality of life.
The world around you looks different as you think everyone is looking at you. The truth is that this inner turmoil can cause you many emotional issues that can lead to anxiety and depression.
The Numerous Causes of Hair Loss
One of the most common causes of hair loss is a genetic condition called androgenetic alopecia, but it’s just one reason. Your genetic blueprint is only one small equation in the overwhelming problem. Does your father have hair loss, or even your mother? These genetics can predispose you to be more sensitive to some hormones responsible for your hair growth.
Each hair follicle has a lifecycle, and if the hormones that affect these follicles are not at the target level, you can experience thinning and, eventually, total baldness. Genetics doesn’t tell the entire story, though, as hormonal imbalances only instigate a much bigger problem. Here are some things that can affect your hair growth:
•Medications like birth control pills, cholesterol drugs, and acne treatments.
•Autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s, lupus, and PCOS.
•Serious medical conditions like cancer, anemia, and diabetes.
•Stress
Nutrition Impacts on Hair Loss
Did you know that a lack of vitamins can affect hair growth? Both vitamin D and zinc levels have been proven to have a direct impact on hair development. Since 42 % of the American population is vitamin D deficient, so it’s only natural that there would be much hair loss.
Your nutritional deficiencies in your body can impact things like your hair and nail growth. It would help if you had vitamins and minerals to help you meet the daily allowance your body needs to thrive. The stages of hair growth and loss are known as anagen, catagen, and telogen, and each is directly linked to the nutrients in your system.
1. Anagen
During this phase, your hair grows, lasting 2-6 years. However, if you have a poor diet, the growing phase will be shortened due to not getting the proper fuel in the body. The body quickly shifts to the resting phase or telogen to stop the loss.
2. Catagen
The second phase of your hair growth is transitional. The hair will separate itself from the blood supply. Your hair will spend 1-2 weeks during this cycle after it’s passed through the growth phase. Your body needs to eliminate unhealthy hair and make room for new.
3. Telogen
Finally, your hair will be in the telogen phase as it’s resting. Essentially, the hair has detached itself from the blood supply, sitting in the shaft until it dies and falls out.
Superfoods to Add to Your Diet
While there’s nothing better than a heaping plate full of comfort foods, it might not be providing the nutrients your body needs. Experts say you can stimulate your hair growth by adding superfoods to your diet. While there are many causes for hair loss, and it won’t work for everyone, it’s certainly worth a try. Here are the foods that can help you to fuel your body.
•Oats – it’s no mystery that oats are heart healthy and loaded with nutrients. They have zinc, iron, and omega-6 fatty acids that can aid in hair growth.
•Nuts – A hand full of nuts is a better snacking option than a candy bar. They have biotin, copper, and even vitamin E that your system needs.
•Eggs – Don’t let the threat of cholesterol scare you away from eggs. They have things your body needs, like sodium, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
•Carrots – These vegetables aren’t just good for your eyes; their vitamin A is also great for your locks.
•Peas – While peas are a starchy vegetable, there’s some nutritional value in their zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
•Spinach – Experts can’t mention super foods without mentioning spinach. It’s loaded with vitamins A, C, and B and has iron, folate, and beta-carotene.
Exploring Alternative Methods
You can eat a healthy diet, stimulate your scalp and do every gimmick marketed to the public to help with hair loss. Sadly, some people will lose their hair regardless of their diet or lifestyle choices.
Thankfully, other options exist to surgically transplant your healthy hair to these balding areas. Call Dr. Zacco’s team at AZ Hair Restoration at 919-615-0577 to see if you’re a good candidate for transplant surgery. You can have the full head of hair you want and improve your self-esteem.
