Factors that affect hair loss

Expert Rebecca Burn Dip RNT, MBANT and Healthy Direct Nutritionist explains more about hair loss and the factors that can affect this.

Worrying about thinning hair and baldness is not just the realm of middle aged men. Women and men of all ages can suffer. We all lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, this amount is normal, however many people experience more hair loss than this resulting in bald patches. Hair loss and balding (also known as alopecia) can be very distressing and is often the source of great emotional stress and reduced self-confidence.

Aside from genes and ageing, scientists are still not entirely certain what causes hair loss. There are however various factors that can affect hair loss:

Many men cite the reason for baldness as a sign of lots of testosterone! In fact there is a real element of truth to this adage, as an excess of a type of testosterone called 'Dihydrotestosterone' (DHT) is associated with balding.

Anyone suffering from hair loss may benefit from Healthy Direct's Alpharegul, a supplement designed to reduce excess DHT by inhibiting an enzyme called 5-alphareductase. Alpharegul has been put through extensive clinical trials by an independent laboratory which revealed that after the 3rd month, 88% of participants (both male and female) saw hair loss reduced by a significant degree.

Poor thyroid function can also cause hair loss. If you experience other symptoms, such as dry skin and weight gain, it could be worth getting tested. Iodine rich foods, such as seaweed, can help to boost thyroid function and reduce hair loss.

In both men and women, continued stress can result in a tightening of the scalp, which restricts nutrients reaching the hair follicles. Stress can also affect hormone balance resulting in hair loss.

Free radical damage can accelerate hair follicle ageing, resulting in reduced hair life. Free radicals are produced in the body when we come into contact with pollution, smoke, excessive sun exposure or consume lots of burnt or fried foods. If our diet does not include enough antioxidants, these free radicals can cause damage.

Free radical damage can accelerate hair follicle ageing, resulting in reduced hair life. Free radicals are produced in the body when we come into contact with pollution, smoke, excessive sun exposure or consume lots of burnt or fried foods. If our diet does not include enough antioxidants, these free radicals can cause damage.

A diet that is lacking in important nutrients will not only affect the health of the hair but also affect growth. Key nutrients for hair health include:

• B Vitamins - especially B6, B5, biotin and folic acid found in foods such as beans, cauliflower, yeast extract, nuts and eggs. (Biotin & Folic Acid deficiencies are also associated with prematurely greying hair).
• Vitamin E to increase oxygen uptake and circulation to the scalp.
• Minerals - Magnesium and calcium play a crucial role in building hair and an iron deficiency has been associated with hair loss. The mineral zinc is also vital for hair growth. Sulphur (MSM), found in onions, eggs and garlic, is a main component of hair's structure and important for healthy growth.
• Protein is a component of hair so a lack of protein in the diet can certainly make an impact.
• Essential fatty acids are important for strong healthy hair. Ensure you are eating plenty of nuts, seeds and oily fish. A diet full of junk foods and processed foods containing Trans fats can block the use of essential fats by the body so it is vital to avoid these.

• Oily fish contain omega fats and are a rich source of protein
• Eggs are great source of B vitamins, iron, sulphur and protein
• Avocado contains vitamin E and essential Fats
• Bananas for potassium, B vitamins, protein
• Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, and protein

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