Hair loss is a condition that involves the weakening of hair on the scalp. In permanent hair loss, the hair doesn’t grow back. At times it could be due to an autoimmune disorder called Alopecia. This autoimmune disorder is commonly caused by heredity, childbirth, hairstyles, age, medical treatments, stress, hormonal changes and therapies like radiation in cancer treatment of the head.
Hair loss can happen in numerous parts of the body like the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, on the nose and in the ears. There are various ways to prevent hair los like avoiding hairstyles that are too tight, avoiding treating the hair with chemicals and avoiding Bleaching using mild shampoos.
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when oil, bacteria or dead skin cells block hair follicles. It causes pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. These signs occur based on the intensity of the acne. It commonly occurs among teenagers, but it’s not limited to any age. Preventing acne is mainly based on skincare practices like washing the face two times a day and regularly visiting a dermatologist. Good care of your skin should involve avoiding the popping of pimples, using sunscreen, using products that are not so harsh on the skin and not using hot water as it dehydrates the skin hence causing skin damage. Nutrition and having a healthy diet is vital in preventing acne and hair loss. You can also consider brands offering products for reducing hair loss by reading about Kerahealth. Examples of foods one can consume to prevent hair loss, and acne are;
Dark Leafy Vegetables
Spinach, kales and Collard Greens are rich in nutrients like Vitamin C that maintains the collagen that gives the skin its structure, Iron which increases the number of red blood cells that prevent hair loss, Vitamin A, which helps in the formation of sebum oil that is important to protect the hair from dehydration by moisturizing the scalp and Folate (Folic Acid) commonly called VitaminB9 which is involved in the growth of hair cells.
Eggs
Eggs are essential to prevent hair loss as they are rich in zinc, protein, selenium and biotin. Zinc helps in repairing and growth of tissues of the hair. This means that zinc deficiency causes hair damage and breakage. Protein helps the development of hair follicles from where hair stems. With more hair follicles, the more the hair that grows on the skin. Selenium kills free radicals, which are known to cause a lot of health problems. It kills them by neutralizing them with the production of antioxidants, for example, Vitamin C, by generating and activating enzymes.
Fruits
Fruits like strawberries, guava, cherries and oranges have Vitamin C that is key to healthy hair. Vitamin C has antioxidants that fight and kill free radicals hence protecting the hair follicles. It also helps in the formation of collagen that strengthen blood supply to the hair, promoting hair growth. Bananas contain potassium that has natural oils that make hair very soft and has a healthy shine.
Foods that one should avoid to prevent hair loss and acne include:
Dairy Products
These products have a lot of fat that largely contributes to the secretion of testosterone that makes Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which has an enzyme called 5- alpha-reductase. DHT is known to cause hair follicles to be sensitive, contributing to hair fall. Dairy products also worsen problems like dandruff. Studies show teenagers who consume milk are more likely to suffer from acne. Milk upsurges the levels of insulin in the body, which could worsen the intensity of the acne.
Oily Foods
The skin secretes its sebum, an oily substance that helps to moisturize the scalp. However, eating oily food causes the sebum produced to be too greasy and covers the hair follicles, hindering hair growth. The use of mild products on oily hair is key to avoiding hair fall. Foods that are oily are linked to the development of acne. The oil accumulates in the body, causing the pores to clog, eventually leading to pimples and other conditions associated with acne.
Sugary Foods
Sugar contributes to the poor circulation of blood. This means that the blood that gets to the hair follicles is not enough; hence the follicles are supplied with lesser nutrients. Hair will therefore not grow well or will fall off due to the deficiency of necessary nutrients. The poor blood supply to the scalp due to sugar also causes scalp inflammation. People who take more sugar tend to become more prone to acne. This is because foods rich in carbohydrates raise blood sugars, thus raising insulin levels. Insulin produces androgen hormones that boost sebum production and make skin cells grow rapidly, thus increasing acne development.