The brush, the shower, the sink, full of hair – hair loss or brittle hair are often the results of an undersupply of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and trace elements. Of course, there is also genetic and hormonal hair loss, but the wrong supply of nutrients is usually to blame. With the right diet and the right vitamins, hair loss or brittle hair can be counteracted.
How does disturbed hair growth develop?
Digestive problems
Particularly with women, hair loss can indicate a problem in the digestive system. A damaged intestinal flora or a gastric acid deficiency can cause disturbed hair formation.
Fatty food
Men who are struggling with baldness can achieve a lot with their diet. If they switch from a high-fat to a low-fat diet, hair loss can be reduced or even prevented. Studies have shown that male hair loss is due to increased testosterone levels. Lots of fat and meat in a diet increases testosterone levels, which can lead to chronic hair loss.
Thyroid gland dysfunction
If the thyroid gland does not function properly, it can also lead to hair loss. However, if you suffer from a gland disorder, you can accomplish a lot with a healthy diet. If the hair loss indicates a thyroid dysfunction, foods with a high vitamin A and iodine content are recommended.
Disturbed acid-base balance
Imbalances in the acid-base balance, in particular chronic acidosis, can lead to a weakening of the hair root and hair loss in the long term. Basic minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium contribute to maintaining a healthy acid-base balance.
An undersupply of various vitamins can be the cause of weak hair and hair loss.
Hair and nails consist of the highly sulphurous protein keratin. Keratin ensures good cell formation. If one has too little of this high-quality protein, it can lead to a reduced hair quality. Keratin consists of two important amino acids cysteine and cystine. Cystine ensures a smooth and supple structure. If there is an undersupply, the result is disturbed hair growth.
Sulphur plays an important role in the development of collagen structures in hair and nails, which is why the sulphur-containing amino acid L-methionine is also an important resource. An undersupply of which can impair hair production. This manifests itself in slower hair growth or even uncontrolled hair loss.
Blood anaemia is the most common cause of hair loss. An undersupply of iron is to blame. Therefore, an additional intake of iron or an iron-rich diet should be considered.
Biotin, also called vitamin H, promotes the storage of sulphurous amino acids in the hair root. A biotin deficiency can manifest itself in hair loss. Biotin improves hair structure and leads to a silky shine.
Pantothenic acid plays a central role in the structure and function of the skin layers, as well as in cell renewal. Pantothenic acid is also essential for hair formation in the root as it regulates the metabolism of the hair-forming epithelial cells.
The human body contains about 1 to 2 g of silicic acid. Silicic acid, also called silicon, is the third most common trace element in the human body after zinc and iron. Silicon is mainly found in connective tissue and is responsible for maintaining an elastic structure. Silicic acid from bamboo can improve the thickness of the skin, the pressure of the tissue and the texture of nails and hair.
A lack of vitamin D or the trace elements copper and zinc can also impair hair growth and hair texture.