In our fast-paced lives that we all somehow create for ourselves, it’s easy to overlook the importance of proper nutrition. However, when it comes to maintaining healthy, gorgeous hair, what we put into our bodies is just as important as the products we use on our hair. Hair loss can be a distressing experience, but understanding the role of nutrition in hair health can be an absolute game-changer.
Why Having Proper Nutrition Matters to Your Hair
Our hair is a reflection of our overall health. Just like our skin and nails, our hair relies on essential nutrients to grow and stay strong. Nutrient deficiencies are one of the top causes of hair loss. If our bodies aren’t getting the necessary vitamins and minerals, our hair will inevitably suffer. This is because, in times of nutritional deficiency, our bodies prioritize vital functions like heart, brain, and organ health over non-essential functions such as hair growth. We don't need our hair to live, therefore, our body will then neglect nourishing our hair follicles causing premature shedding.
The Dilemma in Our Modern Diet
The standard American diet is often filled with processed foods, bioengineered crops, microwaved foods, and produce treated with pesticides. These factors contribute to a significant reduction in the nutritional value of our food. Here’s how this impacts our hair:
~Processed Foods: High in sugars, artificial dyes, and unhealthy fats, processed foods can lead to inflammation, brain issues, and poor nutrient absorption, all of which negatively impact hair health.
~Bioengineered Foods and Pesticides: These can disrupt the balance of nutrients in our food, making it harder for us to get the vitamins and minerals we need for healthy hair growth.
~Nutrient Deficiencies: Key nutrients for hair health include vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, iron, and biotin. A lack of these nutrients can lead to weakened hair follicles, increased hair shedding, and even hair loss. We also have over 118 minerals and amino acids in our body that we can be deficient in so many of them at a time.
How Nutrient Deficiencies Lead to Hair Loss
When our bodies experience dysfunction due to poor nutrition, the first noticeable sign can be our hair. Since hair is non-essential for survival, the body diverts nutrients away from hair follicles to support more critical functions. This means that the hair follicles don’t get the nourishment they need, leading to premature shedding and slowed hair growth.
Keeping Your Body Nourished For Healthy Hair
To prevent hair loss and promote healthy hair growth, it’s essential to nourish your body with a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Here are some tips to get started:
Eat A Diet Filled With Nutrients: Focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, proteins, and fats. These provide the essential nutrients needed for hair health. Produce supplies the nutrients our bodies require so consume nutrients, not man made ingredients that are deemed edible.
Include Healthy Fats: Foods like avocados, nuts, and fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for maintaining healthy hair.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your hair hydrated and promotes healthy hair growth. Staying hydrated means adding electrolytes to your water. Adding a 1/8t of Himalayan or Celtic Sea salt to every 16oz of water is sufficient enough. Water is a diuretic and will flush right out of you without the electrolytes. Absorption matters!
Consider Supplements: If you find it challenging to get all your nutrients from food, consider taking supplements specifically designed for what your body is needing and craving.
Avoid Processed Foods: Reduce your intake of processed and sugary foods that can lead to inflammation and poor nutrient absorption.
Hair loss can be a complex issue with multiple causes, but proper nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining healthy hair. By prioritizing a nutrient-rich diet and avoiding processed foods, you can help ensure that your hair gets the nourishment it needs to stay strong and vibrant. Remember, healthy hair starts from within, and taking care of your body is the first step towards achieving luscious locks.
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