Stop hair loss: What trichologists say you should eat for stronger hair
Luxurious hair (photo: Getty Images)
Spring is a time of renewal and new beginnings, and also an ideal period for weight loss. However, drastic dietary changes for the sake of appearance can turn into a real disaster for your hairstyle — from loss of shine to sudden hair shedding.
Trichologist Larisa Ponomarenko reveals foods whose elimination is critical for maintaining hair density and health.
According to Larisa Ponomarenko, switching to a healthy diet or eliminating certain products is often seen as a step toward better health. However, strict dietary restrictions can have unexpected consequences for hair.
Red meat: a source of strength and iron
One of the most common mistakes is completely avoiding meat, especially red meat. As the specialist explains, beef is an important source of iron — a mineral responsible for oxygen delivery to cells. In case of deficiency, hair becomes weak, loses shine, and may even fall out, as hair follicles enter a resting phase.
For maximum benefit, it is recommended to consume boiled, baked, or stewed meat. However, sausages and smoked meats should be left on store shelves — they provide no benefit for hair health.
At the same time, white meat supplies the body with protein — another key component for hair formation. Therefore, eliminating these products without replacement may have adverse effects.
Seafood — the foundation of growth
Hair is almost entirely made of keratin (a protein), so its deficiency makes strands brittle and thin.
Seafood is not only a source of protein but also of iodine, which is essential for thyroid function. The thyroid has a direct and strong impact on hair density and quality.
If there are no medical contraindications, seafood should be included in the diet regularly.
Hydration: internal moisture
Water balance is equally important. Larisa Ponomarenko emphasizes that insufficient water intake leads to dehydration of the body, which immediately affects the scalp and hair. Hair becomes dry, brittle, and less elastic. No mask can help if the body is dehydrated.
Experts recommend using the Devine formula to calculate ideal body weight in order to determine daily water intake accurately.
What else to feed your hair
To keep hair strong and shiny, the trichologist recommends adding the following to the daily diet:
- Greens and salads: a source of vitamins and micronutrients
- Dairy and fermented dairy products: provide calcium and healthy fats
- Plant oils: essential for shine and elasticity
Conclusion
Healthy hair is not just about cosmetic care, but primarily the result of proper nutrition. Before eliminating certain foods, it is important to ensure that the body will still receive all necessary nutrients from other sources.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
