Given that hair loss can be caused by various underlying conditions and exacerbated by a range of additional external factors, there’s simply no such thing as a one-size-fits-all hair restoration treatment plan.
Finding the treatment approach that’s best for you depends on what’s driving your hair loss (e.g., genetic predisposition, age, hormonal imbalance), what’s making it worse (e.g., stress, smoking, poor nutrition), and whether it’s in an early, moderate, or more advanced stage.
At RVA Regenerative Wellness in Midlothian, Virginia, Jennylle Zanzi, FNP-C, and our team of hair health experts can recommend a combination of treatments to help you achieve the best possible hair growth results. Often, this includes optimized nutritional support.
Poor nutrition can undermine healthy hair structure and interfere with normal hair growth. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional issues which have been linked to hair loss:
Extreme dieting can lead to thinning, brittle hair, and hair loss. Calorie restriction affects the energy supply to your hair follicles, hampering their ability to grow and maintain healthy hair bulbs, roots, and shafts.
Inadequate protein intake also causes hair loss. Your hair requires amino acids, the building blocks of protein, to fuel normal, healthy growth. A diet that’s deficient in protein can give rise to several hair growth abnormalities, from brittle and thinning hair to total hair loss.
Certain macronutrient (vitamin and mineral) deficiencies can trigger or worsen hair loss. An iron deficiency may disrupt hair growth as your body pulls iron stores from your hair follicles for more essential use elsewhere. A zinc deficiency can also cause hair loss by leaving your hair follicles more vulnerable to shrinkage and slowed growth.
Vitamin D, riboflavin, folate, biotin, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have also been definitively linked to poor hair follicle health and hair loss.
In some cases, getting too much of an essential nutrient may trigger hair loss. Studies show that the over-supplementation of selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E can cause or worsen hair loss.
Just as your body requires the routine delivery of specific amounts of essential nutrients to function optimally and stay healthy, each part of your body — including your hair follicles — requires proper nutrition, too.
Optimized nutrition supports strong, healthy hair regrowth by giving your follicles the essential nutrients they need to thrive. You can obtain these nutrients through your diet, via high-quality nutritional supplements, or with regular IV therapy sessions here at our office.
The nutritional component of your hair restoration treatment plan emphasizes the following macronutrients, micronutrients, and antioxidants:
If blood testing shows you’re deficient in vitamin A or vitamin E, we may recommend an initial period of carefully monitored supplementation to help restore optimal levels before switching you to food-based sources of these nutrients. Vitamins A and E are vital for healthy hair growth, but as mentioned, can cause hair loss when they build up too much in your system.
You can get these nutrients by eating a variety of whole foods and centering your diet around fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats. Some of the best, nutrient-packed foods for healthy hair regrowth are:
Based on your nutritional needs and overall hair restoration plan, our team recommends the best course of action (supplements, IV therapy, dietary changes, or a combination of delivery methods) to attain your goal: strong, healthy hair regrowth.
Whether your hair restoration plan includes microneedling and follicle nurturing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a DHI hair transplant, or oral medication, chances are you can also benefit from targeted nutritional supplementation — and we can help you every step of the way.
Are you ready to stop hair loss and restore a full head of lush, healthy hair? Call or click online to schedule a visit at RVA Regenerative Wellness in Midlothian, Virginia, today.
