Hair loss is something that we all worry about at some point in our hair journeys, many worry that too much hair is falling out into their combs or brushes when detangling. It is normal to lose 50-100 hairs a day, but if you are dealing with extreme amounts of hair loss then there are a few lifestyle factors that you can examine, and one of those is your diet.
If you are on or are considering a plant-based diet, you will want to consider the nutrients from meats and dairy that you no longer receive and find ways to incorporate them into a plant-based one. Planning your meals around getting all of your necessary nutrients is of course important for your health, but failing to do this can also lead to excessive hair loss. Surely that isn’t part of your healthy hair goals, so make sure you incorporate these things in your diet to avoid a deficiency.
VITAMIN B12
This nutrient is only available in foods that come from animals–meats, fish, and poultry. If you are on a plant-based diet, this can be a problem. You are at risk of a deficiency, which can in turn cause hair loss and a dry, scaly scalp. Include this in your diet through fortified cereals and grains, or by taking a Vitamin B12 shot or supplements regularly.
IRON
Iron in plant-based foods is lower and less available for use by the body than iron that is derived from animal sources. Lack of iron causes fatigue, weakness, and hair loss. You should be consuming 18mg of iron a day. Whilst consuming iron-rich meals you can enhance the absorption by consuming vitamin C also for example eat greens and beans with fruit or fruit juices.
PROTEIN
Most foods included in a vegan diet are filled with protein like grains, beans, nuts and vegetables so you probably won’t have a problem with a deficiency in protein. Remember, it is incredibly important for the growth of hair and the strength. Our hair is made up of over 90 percent of the protein best known as keratin, so you may do a hair protein treatment to replenish its strength in addition to consuming it in foods or supplements.
Vegan? Do this.
Enhance your texture’s elasticity and strength by can increasing your Omega-3 fatty acids intake. If you avoid meats, choose tofu, canola oil and flaxseed oil. Chia seeds work with you to resist breakage and promotes growth as they are rich in calcium, iron and B vitamins. Almonds are a great source of protein and vitamin E, improving collagen for hair strength, moisture and elasticity. Cacao is a superfood rich in iron, zinc, protein, and sulphur. You can consume this as a raw powder each day on your meals (add some to your breakfast smoothie”>.If you feel that you have a good diet and are still experiencing hair loss you may want to speak to your Doctor as other life factors like stress or illness could be causing the change in hair loss. Supplements can be recommended if needed.
