Foods that Help With Hair Restoration

Have you noticed more hair than usual in your hairbrush? Has your shower drain been excessively clogged up with excess hair? Have you noticed the part in your hair getting slightly wider? If you answered “yes” to these questions, you might be wondering if you are experiencing early or excessive hair loss.

Hair loss is frustrating, and it is made even more frustrating when we don’t know what is causing it, how much hair loss is normal, or what hair restoration methods actually work. A typical scalp has roughly 120,000-150,000 strands of hair, and a healthy person only sheds about 50 to 100 strands of hair each day. If you think you are shedding much more than that, it may be time to consult with a dermatologist.

TREATING HAIR LOSS WITH YOUR DIET
At the Dermatology and Aesthetic Center in El Paso, we take a holistic approach to hair restoration by treating the source – not just the aesthetic symptoms – of hair loss. While hair restoration may require medicinal treatments, experts recommend that people who suffer from excessive hair loss make dietary changes. Before you stress out about the prospect of having to go another gluten-free, paleo, vegan diet, relax! We are not talking about foods you need to take out of your diet for healthier hair. We are talking about foods you should put into your diet!

PROTEIN
Did you know your hair and nails are mostly composed of protein fibers? Because of this, a diet rich in protein is important for healthy hair. Many people do not get enough protein in their diet, but nutritional experts assert that we should aim to have a protein source on our plate at every meal. Lean meat, eggs, greek yogurt, and even vegan protein powder are great sources. Choose sources that work for your budget and lifestyle!

MILK, ORANGE JUICE, AND MUSHROOMS
What do milk, orange juice, and mushrooms have in common, you wonder? They are all excellent sources of vitamin D, an important vitamin for overall health. Early studies suggest that vitamin D plays a positive role in healthy hair production, but too much exposure to the sun can wreak havoc on our skin. Getting vitamin D in fortified sources like milk and orange juice, or from natural sources like mushrooms is a great way to augment your overall health and increase your chances of having a healthy head of hair.

IRON
According to representatives from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, people who don’t get enough iron in their diet are at a high risk for premature hair loss. Many sources of protein, such as red meat, contain high amounts of iron, but you can also find iron in spinach, pumpkin seeds, and lentils. To ensure you absorb the iron you consume, try pairing it with some vitamin C. This vitamin is known to improve iron absorption, and the combination of the two will be beneficial for hair growth.

Hair Restoration with a Dermatologist: If your hair loss came on suddenly, it is important to consult with a doctor or dermatologist. Sudden hair loss may be the result of illness or fungal infections, and they should not go untreated. If you have been experiencing steady hair loss and are ready to take proactive steps toward hair restoration, a dermatologist can help you diagnose the root of your issues and offer treatment protocol.

Diet is a very important step in hair restoration, but it is just one step. Dr. Karen and Dr. Peter Herman will do a thorough clinical and possibly laboratory evaluation, discuss with you prescriptive and non-prescriptive options of treatment, and review with you the option of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections for hair restoration. Find out more by contacting our office today!