You are what you eat…well, at least your hair might be. Brittle, dull, thinning hair and even female and male hair loss may be the result of a poor diet. As it turns out, what’s good for your overall health and well being is also good for hair regrowth. Treatment may be as easy as making sure you are eating enough nutrients for your body. If you don’t, your hair may show it sooner or later by thinning and/or falling out.

Keep in mind that hair naturally goes through three different stages. The normal cycle of hair growth according to Dr. Kenneth Williams, Hair Restoration Expert, Irvine Institute of Medicine & Cosmetic Surgery in Irvine, CA, “Each follicle lasts from 2 to 6 years. During the growth cycle, called the Anagen stage, your hair will grow about a half inch a month. At any given time approximately 10 percent of your hair will be in the Catagen or involution phase. This is followed by the Telogen stage, more commonly known as the resting phase, which lasts anywhere from 2 to 3 months.”

Let’s assume your hair isn’t falling out as part of its normal cycle or because of genetics, medical or stress related-hair loss issues but, rather from your poor eating habits. Eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can help you maintain the healthy hair you already have and possibly even encourage your own hair regrowth. Take, for example, foods rich in vitamin B complex. These foods can help increase hair growth by improving the blood circulation and oxygenation within your body, including your scalp.

Proteins: Since your hair is made of protein, it would seem to make sense that protein is good for hair growth. Foods rich in protein also may be rich in other nutrients your hair needs such as zinc, B-vitamins, and iron. Stick to leaner proteins such as fish, chicken, and pork for optimal health. Tip: For you vegans or vegetarians, and even those who aren’t, soy milk and tofu are high in protein and low in bad fats.

Walnuts: You need a certain amount of oil in your body and scalp for healthy hair. Too little oil and your hair may be prone to breakage. Walnut have oils which contribute to the elastin in your hair, which can also contribute to hair growth. According to WebMD, walnuts are a good source of omega-3, vitamin E, zinc, B-vitamins and protein. Tip: Swap out your current oil and use walnut oil in your homemade salad dressing.

Legumes: Make no beans about it; these little gems contain plenty of iron, zinc and protein –all important for building blocks for healthy hair. Beans are also packed full of biotin, an important B-vitamin known to improve your hairs strength.

Greek Yogurt: Eating yogurt regularly may help you keep your hair strong and healthy and give slow-growing hair a boost. The CDC recommends that females 14 years old and older eat at least 46 grams of protein a day, while boys between 14 and 18 should at least eat 52 grams and men 18 and older need at least 56 grams of protein per day. Greek yogurt can contain as much as 20 grams of protein per 6- or 8-ounce container.

Blueberries: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has ranked this berry number one in antioxidants and for good reason. Blueberries are rich in three major vitamin B components: para-aminobenzoic acid, inositol and biotin, which are all crucial in facilitating healthy hair growth. Tip: Mix blueberries into plain Greek yogurt for a delicious hair revolution.

Instead of panicking at the strands of hair circling the shower drain, eat healthier to take control of your body and hair growth.

To learn about which hair loss treatments and regrowth options may be right for you or to locate a Capillus specialist in your area click here or call Capillus for more information at (786) 888-6249 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 272-9599.