Hair loss is not always a cosmetic issue

​Hair loss is not just a beauty and cosmetic issue but for many, it can deeply affect their emotional health as well. With age or in the case of genes, hair loss can be an issue, however, due to several vitamin deficiencies in our body, the thinning and bald patch occurrences can thus be blamed. For healthy hair growth, vitamins play an integral role. We just don’t realize how much our hair depends on getting an adequate amount of vitamins, which results in brittle hair, shedding, and thinning. Identify these deficiencies and thus act upon them.

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​Vitamin D​

​Deficiency of vitamin D can lead to brittle hair which gets easily broken, and can also lead towards excessive shedding and thinning. Low levels of vitamin D are also responsible for greyish hair. One can get diagnosed with a simple blood test to check the level. If your body is lacking the vitamin excessively, then consume fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products in a healthy amount. Also, increased sunshine exposure is good for the body restoring vitamin D.

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Vitamin A

​Vitamin A deficiency leads to thinning of hair and excessive shedding. The regrowth period after the hair loss will take months, whereas the occurrence of dandruff in a large amount can also be seen. The positive news is vitamin A can be reversed and one can opt for vitamin A capsules. For better results, one should opt for vitamin A-rich orange and yellow vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, green peppers, and dark leafy vegetables. One can also use cod liver oil to obtain vitamin A in our body.

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Vitamin E

​Daily shedding of hair and thinning of the scalp can indicate a deficiency of vitamin E. You will find damaged strands and split ends with easy breakage. People with low vitamin E are also prone to autoimmune disorders such as alopecia areata. Vitamin E can be taken by supplements or the consumption of sunflower seeds, spinach, almonds, avocado, and other dietary supplements can increase the level of vitamin E. You can also apply natural oils such as rosehip oil to olive oil for better results.

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Vitamin C

​If you are dealing with dry hair, split ends, increased shedding, slow growth, brittle hair, and breakage, then you are dealing with vitamin C deficiency. One should include vitamin C-rich foods such as broccoli, peppers, citrus fruits, and strawberries in their diet to restore the level of vitamin C in the body. However, there are always supplements available, but always consult a doctor before the intake.

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Folic Acid or Vitamin B9

​Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid is very important as it is responsible for cell growth and division. If your body does not have enough folic acid, then it can impair the growth of cell division which is required for the production of new hair. A deficiency of folic acid will slow down the process and would result in excessive hair loss. The good news is that folic acid can be restored with leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, lentils, and beans. Vitamin B9 thus helps in nurturing thick hair with a rapid growth rate.

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Iron

Deficiency of iron in the body will result in shedding of scalp hair with stunted hair growth which would also result in thinning of hair. Though iron deficiency is treatable with a good diet and supplementation, iron medications can simply be consumed orally. For better results, one should include lentils, spinach, beans, red meat, and fortified grains in the diet, or animal-based sources which will improve the level of iron in the body, and would decrease the hair shedding cycle.

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