Our hair health is affected by so many different factors. Stress levels, the environment and what we eat - it can all have an effect on our locks. And it is clear that nutritional deficiencies can be bad for hair health.
According to the Institute of Functional Medicine any micronutrient deficiency can indirectly affect your hair’s health. For example, disease or physical trauma increases the body’s nutritional requirement for repair. Unfortunately for your hair, its health isn’t a priority for your body if there is something more important requiring its attention. Your body will always divert nutrition towards vital bodily functions like your heart and brain. So try to support your body during this time. A healthy diet is a must and great supplements are very beneficial too!
Poor Gut Health & Hair Health
In recent years we’ve heard more and more about the importance of gut health, from our skin to our mental wellbeing. But did you know poor gut health, including conditions like IBS and leaky gut, can encourage toxins to enter our blood stream? These can negatively affect the way vital nutrients supports hair growth. So, if you’re suffering from poor gut health seek advice from your GP or a qualified nutritionist.
Drinking Unfiltered Water
Staying hydrated is a key part of staying well. But unfiltered drinking water can contain toxic elements like lead, cadmium and arsenic. These aren’t great for your health or indeed, your hair’s health. And toxic materials like those mentioned can actually limit the absorption of essential minerals like zinc, iron and magnesium. These are vital for good hair health. So, use a filter jug at home or get a filtered tap installed.
Overexposure To Air Pollution
Most of us live and work in big cities. But unfortunately, this negatively affects the quality of nutrients that are supplied to our skin and hair. To limit this over exposure to air pollution, try to avoid running in big cities, or working with windows open in city environments. Although you might have a love hate relationship with air conditioning – it’s never just right! – it can help filter the air and limit your exposure to air pollution. A very smart way to improve your hair health.
Working Out Too Much Is Bad For Hair Health
Yes, you can have too much of a good thing – exercise included. Excessive exercise contributes to micronutrient and macronutrient deficiencies, which often leads to hair shedding. Overtraining causes inflammation, increasing your nutritional requirement for recovery. It also puts the body under a greater nutritional deficit to prevent any deficiencies.
Could You Be Overtraining?
More and more women are suffering from the ‘Female Athlete Triad’. This is a process where overtraining and not eating correctly combine to cause hormone imbalances and poor bone health. Our bodies do raise red flags when they’re not coping. If your period has gone AWOL that could be a sign of overtraining and not getting enough nutrition from your diet.
If your workout routine doesn’t currently include two rest days or more it’s a good time to wind things back a notch. You can still stay active on a rest day, if that’s what you feel you need to do. Just make the rest day an active recovery day, with low-impact exercise like swimming and cycling. So, why not take up yoga? It’s well known for its stress-busting benefits. Your body – and hair – will thank you for it!
Hair Loss Vitamin Deficiency
The humble vitamin plays a major role in our hair health. Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss? Well, deficiencies in vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B7 (biotin) can contribute to hair loss. Biotin is essential for the production of keratin, a protein that forms the structure of our locks. Vitamin E is an an antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells, including the cells in hair follicles, from oxidative stress. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant and aids in the production of collagen.
Final Thoughts
Our lives and the world we live in all can wreak havoc on our bodies and our minds. Nutritional deficiencies are particularly bad for hair health. Improving our diet and taking great supplements like Hair Gain Capsules and Gummies can help. Drink filtered water, take steps to avoid air pollution and while regular exercise is vital for your health, don't do too much!
Read More
Why Vegan Hair Products Are Good For You
The Benefits Of Pea Shoots For Healthy Hair
