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Suffering from thinning hair and fallout is a frustrating issue that can be caused by a number of factors. Whether it’s sparked by stress and anxiety, illness, or even malnutrition, losing your locks can be a blow to your confidence and leave you wondering what steps you should be taking next in order to repair the damage that has been done. There are a variety of topical treatments available over the counter to apply to your scalp to treat fallout from the roots, but sometimes natural treatments can be just as effective in thickening your hair and repairing the hair follicles to allow for better, fuller locks.
Believe it or not, your diet can be one of the first lines of defense against hair fallout, and tailoring your eating habits to include certain foods can have a profound impact on the quality and texture of your strands. As you work to spark new hair growth and improve thinning locks, experts agree there’s one food you should be eating to strengthen strands at the root, minimizing fallout and allowing for a beautiful head of hair from your diet alone.
Dark Chocolate
Have a sweet tooth? Satisfy it with one of the most nutritious treats.
“Dark chocolate makes for a tasty and highly nutritious snack which can give a much-needed energy booster during a long day,” Laver says. “It contains stimulatory compounds such as caffeine which can help with increased alertness. Dark chocolate is well known for its antioxidants which contribute to a healthy diet which is vital as we age.”
Sweet Potatoes
Repeat: carbs are NOT the enemy.
“Sweet potatoes are a great addition to your evening meal or even as part of your lunch salad,” Laver says. “They contain a good amount of complex carbs allowing for a slower energy release across the day. They're also packed with nutrients including vitamin A which supports the immune system and our vision as well as our viral organs. As our vision naturally deteriorates with age it's important to do all we can to maintain good eye health. Don't forget their excellent fiber content which is a needed staple for a nutritious diet.”
Not sure of serving sizes for your greens? Dr. Ailynne Marie Vergara-Wijangco MD DPDS has you covered. “One cup of cooked spinach contains about 6 milligrams of iron, a nutrient that is important for strong, healthy hair. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. It’s also linked to many different types of hair loss,” she says. “Vitamin A is another important nutrient found in leafy greens that plays a role in hair health. It helps your body make sebum, an oil that protects hair by moisturizing the scalp.”
While you may need to take additional precautions to stop hair loss in its tracks, improving your diet can be a great first step to strengthen your strands and allow your hair to grow stronger and shinier from the root. What you choose to eat on a regular basis informs so much more than just your body, and your skin and hair can be impacted just as much by a vitamin deficient diet, so it’s vital to eat your greens to reach both your beauty and health goals. There’s no shame in thinning hair, but if you are looking for subtle and actionable ways to minimize the issue, filling your diet with vitamin rich foods is a great place to start.
