Deficiencies That Cause Hair Loss

Nutrition is vital to achieve optimal health, including having healthy hair and minimizing the possibility of hair loss. Hence, it is important to eat right because nutritious foods nourishes the hairs.

Wonders foods are nothing new, and they are made up of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, water, fibre and a host of vitamins and minerals. It is important to remember that all these elements must work together, and not in isolation, to be effective. Here are the key elements which makes up wonder foods:

Proteins

Proteins form the basic structure of every living body cell. In fact, the various layers which hairs are made up are held together by a mesh that is basically protein. Some of the best sources of protein are poultry and fish, lean meat, eggs, milk and milk by-products. Proteins from vegetable sources include corns, wheat, oats, dried peas, lentils, and beans.

Carbohydrates

The most common source of food energy is from carbohydrates - that's starches and sugars. The best storehouse of these goodies are whole grains, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables.

Fats

Fats (lipids) are a must for conserving heat, energy, and proper functioning of all body cells. Unsaturated fats are best as they are good for the sebaceous glands which produce lubrication for the hair and scalp, and act as a moisturizer for the skin. The best food source of such fats are milk and milk products, unrefined oils from vegetables, nuts and seeds (soy beans, olives, safflower, peanuts, corn, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds).

Water

The human body is made up of about 60 per cent water. Water is a major constituent of blood, cells and lymph, and it constitutes the medium through which essential nutrients are transported throughout the body. How many glasses of water should one drink daily. Well, it depends on three key factors, namely (a) a person's weight, (b) active or inactive lifestyle, and (c) climate where one lives. But a good guide is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses daily.

Fibre

Fibre is important for every individual's wellbeing. Studies have confirmed that adequate intake of fibre results in lower incidence of many health problems, such as obesity, blood clots, and high cholesterol level. One of the best sources of fibre is natural wheat bran. It is inexpensive and can be added to breakfast cereals and juices. Other good sources of fibre are unrefined whole grains, raspberries, corn, blackberries and raspberries, dates, lima and black beans, almonds (eaten fresh from the shell), and potates in their jacket.

Minerals

Minerals are essential constituents of all body cells, and are necessary for the normal functioning of the body, and of course the hairs. The body requires the following minerals for proper functioning - (a) calcium, (b) iron, (c) magnesium, (d) phosphorus, (e) iodine, (f) potassium, (g) silicon, and (h)sodium. The body also needs trace minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc and selenium.

Good sources of these minerals are as follows: calcium (molasses, broccoli, mustard, Chinese cabbage, dandelion leaves, kale, cress, parsley, legumes, spinach, turnip greens watercress, citrus fruits, varob flour, milk and milk products); iron (watermelon, spinach, persimmons, dandelion, green lefy vegetables and parsley, legumes, lean beef, seaweed, prunes, raisins, oats, heart, kidney, pork liver, liver sausage, molasses, millet, sesame seeds, egg yolk, and sardines; magnesium (egg yolk, whole grains, milk, citrus fruits, seeds, dried fruits, nuts, green leafy vegetables, liver, tomatoes, legumes, potatoes, and coconut).

Good sources of phosphorus are unrefined foods, milk and milk products, fish, eggs, nuts, lean meat, seeds, and whole grains; iodine (garlic, unpeeled potatoes, eggs, seaweed, onions, seafood, sea fish, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, pineapple, and oatmeal); potassium (fruits and vegetables, legumes, molasses, unrefined grains, nutritional yeast, lean meat, fish, seaweed, nuts, seeds, all citrus fruits, watercress, green peppers, alfafa tea and kelp); silicon (lentils, carrots, asparagus, celery, strawberies, oats, whole grains, liver, and mushrooms); sodium (lima beans, asparagus, beet greens, beets, cabbage, carrots, celery, milk and milk products, pumpkin, prunes, spinach, strawberries, whole wheat, fish, poultry and lean meats).

Vitamins

Dont forget about vitamins. They are life-giving substances that are needed for health and growth. Pay attention to Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, F and K. If you are eating the foods listed above, you are basically covered as far as your vitamins needs are concerned.

Hence, to prevent hair loss, or minimize the chances of suffering hair loss problems, eat healthy foods and avoid junk food if you can. To achieve optimal health, besides stopping hair loss, throw in regular exercise sessions as well.