If you have been struggling with hair loss, it is possible that it is nothing more than what you are eating or not eating. Nutrient deficiencies happen very easily, but don’t often have a lot of symptoms. Here are some deficiencies that are common among people who have thinning hair or problems growing new hair.
- Iron
This is one of the most common deficiencies you will read about when learning about hair loss. It is easy to become iron deficient, especially if you don’t eat a well-balanced diet. Iron deficiency can also lead to anemia, so if you have dizziness or fatigue, this might be what you are dealing with. You can take an iron supplement, or get it in foods like red meat, spinach, dark chocolate, turkey, and quinoa.
- Vitamins A, D, and K
All three of these vitamins work similar in your body, and are all equally important for healthy hair. If you are deficient in any of these vitamins, then you might deal with dry and brittle hair, breakage, and hair loss. Vitamin K is related to the microorganisms in your gut, and found in most greens, like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and collard greens. Vitamin A, also called beta carotene, is found in carrots and many other vegetables. For vitamin D, you can get it through the sunlight, or with dairy products and some vegetables.
- Zinc
Another nutrient deficiency you might be dealing with if you have hair loss is zinc. This is especially common with hair loss in women. With enough zinc in your body, it really helps to generate new cells for not only your hair, but your skin as well. It can help keep you from losing too much hair, and increase healthy hair growth. Shedding is normal, but if you are not growing that hair back, if might be from the zinc deficiency. You can take a zinc supplement, or get it from foods like lentils, nuts, and seeds.
- Selenium
The last nutrient to be aware of for hair loss is selenium. This is actually a mineral, not a vitamin. Selenium has a lot of antioxidant properties, which can help with free radicals and medical conditions that often lead to hair loss, such as thyroid conditions. Like many of these other nutrients, selenium is also important for healthy hair and nails. For a healthy diet with selenium, eat foods with mushrooms, spinach, eggs, turkey, and beef.