How to Reverse Hair Loss Due to Poor Diet?

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress and heredity. Malnutrition, which occurs when the human body does not receive the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs to function correctly, is one of the most prevalent reasons for hair loss.

Is it possible for black hair/hair to regrow after a period of malnutrition? Yes, it is correct. Diet-related hair loss can be reversed if the patient returns to a good diet, avoids stress, and maintains a healthy scalp environment. However, depending on your age, genetic composition, and other circumstances, it may take some time.

Why Does Malnutrition Lead to Hair Loss?

Androgenetic alopecia is a kind of hair loss that is usually hereditary. Hair loss can also be caused by non-genetic reasons in rare circumstances. Hair thinning can be caused by underlying medical disorders such as diabetes, lupus, anaemia, or thyroid illness. Low oestrogen levels in female patients may also be to blame, which is why temporary hair loss happens after childbirth or throughout menopause.

Crash diets, a lack of protein, improper eating, rapid weight reduction, or eating disorders are all typical causes of hair loss. In situations like this, hair loss is caused by a nutritional deficiency; your body is alerting you to a problem.

A healthy person may shed 50–100 hairs each day on average, but malnourished patients may notice their hair thinning and the shedding process speeding up. In addition to shedding, the hair becomes weak and brittle, and the skin becomes dry. These are the signs of protein shortage, according to biology.

Because the body's protein stores have been depleted as a result of poor nutrition, the body must prioritise the care of vital organs and muscle tissues. Your follicles will suffer as a result of the body reallocating its remaining protein supply to support life-sustaining organs, as hair is made up of proteins.

Aside from hair loss, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:

Colds that come on frequently
Immunity issues
Fatigue
Dehydration
Lightheadedness
Anaemia or exercise causes poor recuperation
Weight loss that is significant

Because your body relies on a steady stream of calories to meet its fundamental needs, eating appropriately is critical to remaining healthy. After dropping 15 pounds or more, strict weight-loss regimens might cause serious hair loss in three months. Excessive consumption of stimulants such as cigarettes, caffeine, and alcohol leaches critical nutrients from the body, while generally bad diets don't give the right nutrients to the body and contribute to poor hair health.

The hair growth process is inextricably linked to hormone levels and certain nutrients, to the point that hunger and weight loss disrupt several physiological systems and prevent hair from growing normally:

Protein deficiency can harm healthy long hair by preventing the body from forming new follicles. Protein and amino acids are essential for hair health because they are the body's building components.
Low iron and zinc levels, such as those found in anaemia patients, can turn healthy hair follicles "off." Iron and zinc help red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body. Because blood is crucial for nourishing hair follicles, low levels of both elements may delay hair growth and increase shedding.
Vitamins C, D, and E all contribute to the health of the hair and scalp. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that protect hair follicles from free radical damage, while vitamin deficiencies are connected to hair loss and alopecia.
Two necessary fatty acids and blood thinners, Omega-3 and Omega-6, help prevent hair breakage and make hair look lustrous. They're also required for cell repair and the formation of new membranes.
Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, has been connected to keratin formation and has been shown to strengthen hair.

How to Regain Hair Growth After Malnutrition?

Because alopecia and hair thinning have such a severe impact on one's self-esteem, scientists are still looking for remedies to hair loss and other similar issues. If you've lost hair as a result of malnutrition, arrange an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist to discuss treatment options.

For cosmetic purposes, male and female pattern baldness can be treated with a hair-regrowth treatment like finasteride or minoxidil. Surgical alternatives, like hair transplants, are also available, although they can be rather costly.

However, if malnutrition is the root of your hair loss and thinning, a healthy hair diet is your best choice. Deficits in minerals including iron, zinc, and biotin caused by eating disorders, famine, or malnutrition have been linked to hair loss or thin, brittle hair in studies. Because hair is made up of the protein keratin, a balanced diet rich in protein is also necessary to keep hair healthy and strong.

Supplements including biotin and collagen can help with hair regrowth

Diet alone may not be adequate to restore hair thickness in malnourished patients. Supplements containing collagen and biotin can help to promote hair development and improve hair condition.

Biotin

Biotin is also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, depending on where you are from. It is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that converts lipids, carbohydrates, and protein-rich foods into energy in our bodies. Because most people obtain their biotin from the best foods for hair regrowth like nuts, meat, eggs, and fish, the chances of being biotin deficient are slim.

Collagen

Collagen is a common element in skin care treatments, but it's also necessary for hair growth. Collagen is the most common protein in the human body, and it is frequently referred to as the "glue" that keeps everything together. Our natural collagen production diminishes as we age, causing our hair to thin and our skin to lose its flexibility.

Tips for Keeping Your Hair in Good Shape

Supplement your diet with vitamins

Supplements that promote hair growth can help, but regular multivitamins can also aid, especially if your body is deficient in iron or zinc. Adult patients should also take at least 40 milligrammes of vitamin C each day, with more if they are stressed, smoking, or training hard. Of course, speaking with a doctor before using supplements is recommended, as a high daily amount can have harmful side effects.

Control your stress

Psychosocial stress or shock can trigger extreme hair loss as your hair enters its resting phase and falls out all at once, a condition known as telogen effluvium. Females commonly get telogen effluvium after giving birth or after significant surgical surgery. Practice stress management measures such as frequent exercise or meditation to avoid this condition.

Take care of your hair

It's critical not to overstretch your hair as it regrows. This means no rigorous combing, aggressive towel drying, or brushing of wet or fragile hair. It's best to avoid pulling styles like updos or tight ponytails for female patients. Over-styling and frequent blowouts might irritate your scalp.

Give your scalp a good massage on a regular basis

While alleviating stress and tension, massaging your scalp helps stimulate the follicles and promote hair thickness. Essential oils such as rosemary, thyme, lavender, and peppermint have been shown to encourage hair development in alopecia patients, while coconut oil can aid in hair health and lustre. Pure aloe vera gel is also used by some patients to treat weak hair and moisturise the scalp.

Take away

Hair loss is related to poor diet and malnutrition and hence it becomes very important to take extra hair care routines for hair fall control and also have a proper diet.