The causes of hair loss are closely related to factors such as hormonal influences, diet, and mental stress. According to the Russian magazine "Scientific Life," selective consumption of certain foods can effectively prevent hair loss and baldness.
Iodine can make hair soft and shiny, and prevent it from drying out. It promotes the secretion of thyroid hormones, which are closely related to hair growth. Animal foods do not contain iodine, while marine plants such as kelp and wakame are rich in iodine. These seaweeds also contain large amounts of calcium and iron.
The composition of hair contains sulfur-containing amino acids, such as cysteine and methionine. These amino acids are all protein-based, and they are abundant in the proteins found in soybeans, peanuts, and sesame. The ancient saying that eating sesame can "regrow hair and turn white hair black" has a scientific basis. At the very least, such plant-based foods can provide the main nutrients for hair.
Cholesterol secreted from the body and accumulating on the scalp is not only a cause of dandruff but also a major cause of hair loss and baldness, as it blocks sweat and sebaceous glands, weakening the scalp's metabolism and making hair growth difficult. Excessive mental stress can cause localized alopecia areata, and there are even legends that in severe cases, one can become completely bald overnight. Baldness patients can improve and prevent it through medical treatment and dietary adjustments. In the diet, pay attention to choosing foods that are beneficial for hair growth:
(1) Supplement with plant protein and consume more foods such as soybeans, black sesame, and corn.
(2) Supplement with iron and consume more foods such as soybeans, black beans, eggs, poultry, hairtail, shrimp, cooked peanuts, spinach, carp, bananas, carrots, and potatoes.
(3) Consume foods high in iodine.
(4) Consume more alkaline substances, such as fresh vegetables and fruits.
(5) Consume foods rich in vitamin E, such as celery, amaranth, spinach, wolfberry, mustard, daylily, and black sesame.
(6) Eat more foods rich in mucoprotein and bone collagen, such as beef bone soup and pork rib soup.
In the diet, avoid and abstain from the following foods:
(1) Tobacco, alcohol, and spicy and stimulating foods, such as onions, garlic, chives, ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, and cinnamon.
(2) Avoid greasy and heaty foods (fatty meats, fried foods).
(3) Avoid excessive consumption of foods rich in sugar and fat, such as liver, meat, and other acidic foods like onions.
Diets high in oil, salt, and sugar can easily lead to obesity and slow down the body's metabolism, which in turn can lead to baldness. To prevent acquired baldness, the diet should be light-based.
In terms of nutritional supplements, since protein is the main nutrient component of hair, consuming high-quality protein is the top choice for preventing baldness. Sources of high-quality protein include low-fat milk, eggs, meat, and various seafood. However, be mindful of cholesterol intake from seafood, as excessive amounts can also lead to cardiovascular diseases.
Another source is foods rich in zinc. Zinc is also an important component of hair, and its main sources are shellfish, oats, chicken, animal liver, and peanuts.
It is generally believed that vegetables and fruits have no relation to hair growth, but they are actually important sources of various trace elements and vitamins, which are also very important for hair growth. If it is difficult to get enough vitamins from your diet, you can also supplement with vitamins A, B5, C, E, etc., which can effectively prevent baldness.