Hair growth is best controlled and stimulated through your diet and alternatively through medications. Each month, hair grows only about a quarter of an inch to half an inch, where diet plays a key role in determining the health and strength of your hair cells. Particularly, B vitamins, proteins, iron and Omega-3 essential fatty acids are key foods to add to your diet for lustrous hair.
Diet
Hair is primarily made up of proteins, therefore consuming a protein-enriched diet is beneficial for strong hair growth. A diet deficient in protein can cause thinning hair or even a halt in the growth process. For a protein-rich diet choose foods such as lean turkey or chicken, liver, egg whites, salmon, tofu, low-fat yogurt, beans or cottage cheese.
Iron is essential for red blood cells to carry oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles. A lack of iron in your diet may result in a lack of oxygen to the scalp, which is imperative to regrow hair. Add iron rich foods to your diet, which can be found in green leafy vegetables such spinach, chard and kale, and in salmon, eggs, whole grain cereals, raisins and dates.
B vitamins are essential not only to promote hair growth but also to prevent against hair loss, graying and thinning hair. Particularly, Niacin (B3), Panothenic Acid (B5), Biotin (B7) and Folic Acid (B9) are needed to regrow hair. Niacin, like iron, stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, which is necessary for hair growth. Take up to 50 milligrams three times a day. Pantothenic acid halts hair loss and promotes new hair growth. The recommended dosage is 100 milligrams three times a day to regrow hair. Biotin prevents hair loss and premature graying. For hair loss sufferers, take 3 milligrams a day and those maintaining healthy hair should take 2 milligrams a day. Select foods rich in B vitamins, which are found in egg yolks, meat, poultry, liver, whole grains, beans and salmon.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) are needed to rebuild and produce new cells. EFAs stimulate hair growth and provide soft, moisturized hair. Omega-3 EFAs are found in flaxseed, walnuts, soy, and salmon.
Medications
Medications sometimes respond more quickly than natural foods, but generally come with side effects. The most common side effect of hair growth medications is that upon discontinuing the medication, you may experience even more hair loss than before starting the medication.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an FDA topical application to help regrow hair. Rogaine is available over the counter and is applied topically to the scalp two times a day. Results show that Rogaine is more effective in preventing existing hair from falling out or thinning than actually regrowing new hair. Only a minority of men and women show results of hair regrowth.
Finasteride (Propecia) is another FDA approved medication for men only and is available only by prescription. The medication is taken once a day and hair regrowth can be seen in about three months.
Those suffering from alopecia areata can seek consultation from a dermatologist or physician for monthly injections of corticosteroids to be injected directly in the bald spots on the scalp. The corticosteroids also are available in pill form, but are taken internally only in severe cases.
Tags: hair loss, hair growth, regrow hair, your diet, essential fatty
