Hair Loss: What Are the Causes and What to Do?

Hair loss is a very common problem. Many people suffer from this condition, which can have a very negative emotional outcome and create anxiety and stress, both in men and women.

But what are its causes?

• Heredity: Hair loss can be inherited from either the mother’s or the father’s side of the family.

• Post-Pregnancy: Some women experience hair loss a month or two after childbirth because of changes in the production levels of certain hormones that affect hair growth.

• Illness or excessive stress: Sometimes the problem appears due to illness, severe stress, loss of weight and iron deficiency. Also, those who suffer from thyroid disorders are likely to suffer from this condition.

• Bad habits: Compulsive hair pulling and wearing pigtails or using tight rollers can cause a condition called traction alopecia. This condition is reversible only if the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops. You also need to avoid frequently using hot oil treatments or chemicals because they can lead to scalp inflammation.

• Diet: Baldness may be caused by poor nutrition. More often than not, iron deficiency can lead to this condition, and for this reason, you should check the iron levels in your body and take a supplement, if necessary.

So how can I reverse baldness naturally?

Your diet is a very important factor. Studies show that baldness and the quality of the food we eat are inextricably linked and that people who don’t eat enough food with certain nutrients tend to lose their hair at a faster rate than others. Malnutrition and rapid weight loss are 2 situations that can equate to insufficient intake of vitamins, which can trigger baldness. What is more, low water intake is associated with poor health and with an increased risk of baldness.

The most important nutrients for hair health are vitamins A, C and E, copper and zinc, iron and folic acid. Vitamin A is essential for the good health of the scalp. It’s found in meat, fish, carrots, green leafy vegetables, pumpkins, apricots and peaches.

Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen and has antioxidant properties. Fruits (especially citrus) and vegetables (celery, peppers, carrots) are good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals and is found in vegetable oils, nuts, eggs and some cereals. Copper and zinc are useful in protein synthesis. Foods rich in zinc are seafood and mushrooms.

Copper is found in many legumes and in dark chocolate. Iron is a vital element for healthy hair. Dietary sources of iron are liver and red meat and also spinach and lentils. Folic acid holds a key role in the replication of cells including those of the hair. Foods rich in folic acid are red meat, beans, cabbage and lettuce.