Hair Loss Treatment Diet

Hair loss is a common problem for men and women. Before resorting to prescription medications or other more drastic solutions, some may prefer to try dietary changes to reduce the loss of their hair or help hair to grow back. By providing the body with nutrients essential to hair growth, some people have seen a reduction in hair loss.

Causes of Hair Loss

It is normal for people to lose between 50 and 100 hairs each day, but if you notice that your hair is thinning, this may indicate excessive hair loss. You should have your doctor eliminate any medical causes such as an illness that you may or may not be aware of. Certain medications can also cause hair loss as does taking in too much vitamin A.
Hair loss can be caused by natural aging, genetics, stress or autoimmune disorders according to the American Hair Loss Council. Hormonal imbalances can contribute in some cases, such as in women who have just had a baby. Dramatic weight loss and poor diet can also be contributing factors.

Types of Hair Loss

Not all hair loss is the same. Male or female patter baldness is called androgenetic alopecia. Cicatricial alopecia is caused by scarring common in diseases such as lupus. Telogen effluvium is triggered by physical or emotional stress. Traction alopecia is the result of stressing the hair itself, such as pulling it back in a tight hair style.
Some of these things can be managed, such as by reducing stress or being more gentle in how you care for your hair. Providing the nutrients your hair needs to be strong and healthy can also help prevent hair loss.

Essential Nutrients

Biotin is important for healthy skin and healthy hair. Increasing the biotin in your diet may even prevent male hair loss according to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis A. Balch. Silica is a trace mineral necessary for healthy hair. Other nutrients that are important for your hair include calcium, iron and zinc.
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that protein is also important for healthy hair. It states that when protein levels get too low, the body conserves protein by slowing the growth of hair.

Foods to Battle Hair Loss

In order to take in enough of the vitamins and minerals needed for hair, include certain foods in your diet. Fruits and vegetables low in starch are important to encourage the growth of hair. These foods provide flavonoids that protect the hair follicle.
To provide biotin to your hair and skin, include brewer's yeast, lentils, brown rice, bulgur, peas, sunflower seeds and walnuts. High protein foods include lean red meats, poultry, beans, nuts, oysters, dairy products and whole grains. These same foods also provide zinc, as do fortified cereals.
Natural sources of silica as well as calcium and iron include green, leafy vegetables, red and green peppers, dried fruits and cherry juice. Soy has also been found to stimulate hair growth. This can be found in tofu and edamame.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid food that have raw eggs because they contain avidin, which is known to bind with biotin and keep the body from utilizing it. Cooked eggs do not have the same effect. Fatty foods should be consumed in moderation if at all. High fat diets increase testosterone levels, which may interfere with healthy hair follicles.