What you put in your shopping cart truly makes a difference when it comes to the hair on your head.
You don't have to be struggling with hair loss to have an awareness of the treatments available. You've probably heard of prescription drugs like Rogaine and Propecia. You may know that low-level laser therapy can be highly effective. You may even know of someone who takes supplements like Biotin and Saw Palmetto (if you don't, you do now—I take them daily) to increase hair growth.
And yet there's something important that we can all do to prevent or slow down hair loss. We have three to six opportunities per day to feed our hair, as we feed our bodies, whether we realize it or not. Those of us who are concerned about our hair loss can make simple changes and feel empowered by making wise nutrition choices to support a healthier head of hair.
In either case, the best way to treat hair loss is before it becomes apparent to you. Odds are, it will eventually: By the age of thirty-five two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of noticeable hair loss, and by the age of 50 approximately 85% of men have significantly thinning hair. And hair-loss doesn't just affect men: An estimated 40% of Americans who suffer hair loss are women.
I realize that it can be a challenge to prioritize something that doesn't yet seem to be a problem. I can certainly remember not giving my hair health a second thought until years ago when my girlfriend at the time discovered a bald spot on the back of my head. I'll never forget it. I felt humiliated. My self-confidence shaken, I began a journey of finding my way back to a healthy head of hair and feeling like my best self again.
Nowadays, in addition to my supplements and laser treatments, I pay closer attention to what I put in my grocery cart. I look for foods that include any of the following: protein, probiotics, Omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, zinc, potassium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, B, C, and E.
Here's an example of what I eat on an average day to improve the growth of my hair.
Breakfast
I make sure to eat protein in the form of eggs (with not a lot of yolk), mixed with cheese and fresh spinach, which I enjoy on top of a slice of whole wheat toast. In addition to the protein from the eggs and cheese, the spinach gives me vitamins A, B, and C, as well as iron. The whole grain bread also has vitamin B, in addition to zinc and iron.
I also blend a smoothie of celery, carrots, bananas and strawberries. If you're not a fan of smoothies, try a fruit salad with oranges and cantaloupe, or tropical fruits like mango, guava, and papaya. These fruits provide a great boost of vitamins A, C, and E.
Lunch
I cook a piece of lean chicken on the stove for more protein, with a sweet potato and some broccoli on the side. Sweet potatoes have vitamins A and E, while broccoli is a great source of iron.
Snacks
My two favorites are yogurt (especially Greek) and almonds.
Yogurt is a probiotic that is commonly used to fight alopecia (when random patches of hair loss occur throughout the scalp). Probiotics thicken hair, improve its overall health and even increase the number of hairs that grow.
Almonds are my personal favorite to help maintain healthy hair; these tasty nuts are full of magnesium and protein. Magnesium is crucial when your hair loss is due to stress, for it helps keep your stress hormones under control.
Dinner
I enjoy fresh salmon or tuna, paired with dark leafy greens and quinoa.
There's no question that it's best to naturally obtain healthy hair before you resort to surgically replacing it. For once a hair follicle has fallen out, surgery is the only way to replace it.
That's why what you put in your shopping cart truly makes a difference when it comes to the hair on your head. As we all need to eat daily anyway, why not update your grocery list and try some new recipes that will keep your hair follicles thicker, fuller, and healthier?
About the Author
Craig Nabat, the CEO of Freedom Laser Therapy, is a “relentless” entrepreneur and inventor who has spent his life taking his ideas from concept to reality. From inventing laser therapy to help people quit smoking to creating the iRestore, an FDA-cleared laser hair loss medical device, so people can protect and regrow their hair, Craig has been driven by powerful desire to pursue his dreams and help others at the same time. He has also been featured on the cover of Entrepreneur Startups. To learn more, visit irestorelaser.com or follow on iRestore on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.