The Connection Between Hair Loss and Vitamin Deficiency
Experts say that it is normal for a person to lose a hundred or so strands of hair every day; but if the number is significantly greater than that, then it becomes cause for alarm. Unless you are one of the few who like to have a shaved head, then losing hair is not something you want to deal with. As much as possible, you would like to know what caused your hair to fall out so that it can be remedied right away. The most common causes of hair loss are fungal infections on the scalp, serious illnesses, extreme stress, genetic predisposition and vitamin deficiency.
Just like any part of your body, your hair needs to be nourished and its nutrient requirements are different from those that are essential for your eyes, heart, liver and the other organs. Studies have shown that if your body does not get the adequate amount of nutrition for the hair, then strands could start falling off. There is indeed a connection between hair loss and vitamin deficiency.
A healthy body is equivalent to healthy hair. This should be the main goal you have to aim at. In fact, the hair can be an indicator of poor health because it becomes dull and lifeless or start to shed. When your body is depleted of the vital vitamins and minerals, it will trigger a defense mechanism to ensure supply of nutrients for the vital organs. It accomplishes this by not providing these nutrients to the lesser organs, which includes the hair. Without nourishment, the strands begin to fall off.
What are these vitamins and minerals that are essential for the hair? These include Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Inositol (a type of B vitamin), Vitamin H (biotin), Vitamins B3, B5 and B12, folic acid, protein and zinc. The advantage of taking these in adequate amounts is that not only will they provide nourishment for your hair; they can also contribute to your overall health. Conversely, not having enough of them not only leads to hair loss but to other medical conditions as well.
Eating a health diet that comprises mainly of fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains will help ensure that your body has enough supply of these nutrients. Meat is also permissible since protein is also beneficial to the hair. However, it is helpful to keep in mind that consuming too much could be as bad as or even worse than not taking them. For example, too much Vitamin A can cause headaches, lethargy, nausea and even hair loss. Vitamin E could also bring about a rise in your blood pressure.
Hair loss can be treatable, as tested and proven by the various methods to keep falling hair in check. However, the best form of treatment is still prevention and this means making sure that your body obtains all the essential nutrients that it needs, not only for the hair but for your overall health. Hair loss and vitamin deficiency will be a thing of the past if we learn to do our diet right.