Hair loss: The diet to follow to reduce your risk of baldness

Trinny Woodall speaks about her struggles with hair loss

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Some types of hair loss, such as male pattern baldness, are permanent. Androgenetic alopecia is one type of hair loss that is quite common, often progressing to partial or complete baldness. Here’s one specific diet that may help reduce your risk.

Male baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is a dermatological condition that causes severe shrinking of hair follicles.

A study published in Archives of Dermatological Research found that a Mediterranean diet might reduce the risk of androgenic alopecia or slow its progress, especially for men.

Mediterranean diet is known for its many health benefits including lowering your chances of heart disease and stroke.

The evidence now also suggests that this diet can help with your hair loss too.

The study collected information on socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, smoking and diet.

It found that the key components of the Mediterranean diet beneficial for hair loss seem to be raw vegetables and fresh herbs.

The findings suggest that the best results could be reached by eating high amounts of :

  • Parsley
  • Basil
  • Salad greens.

Foods like these should be consumed for more than three days a week, the study suggests.

The study reports that an enzyme called 5α-reductase is involved in the development of androgenetic alopecia.

Polyphenol compounds have been suggested as inhibitors – substances that can slow down or prevent – the 5α-reductase enzyme.

The Mediterranean diet is very rich in those inhibitors.

Another important aspect of hair health seems to be protein, as the study suggests.

Hair follicles are made mainly of a protein called keratin.

Another study published in the National Library of Medicine revealed that people suffering from hair loss had a deficiency of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.

Even though more research is needed, the evidence suggests that eating a diet high in protein could also help prevent hair loss.

The NHS lists beans, pulses, fish, eggs and meat as good sources of protein.

Male pattern baldness is a permanent condition that can run in the family.

However, there are also some temporary types of hair loss that can be caused by factors ranging from illness to iron deficiency.

The NHS recommends seeing your doctor if:

  • You have sudden hair loss
  • You develop bald patches
  • You’re losing hair in clumps
  • Your head also itches and burns
  • You’re worried about your hair loss.

Source: Read Full Article