Eat Your Way to Gorgeous Hair

How to Eat for Healthy Hair Growth

Today, we'll discuss which foods can help regrow your hair, focusing on nutrition rather than supplements. I recently discovered an intriguing study about a specific amino acid that could be vital for hair health. Here’s what I learned and how it might help you.

Key Amino Acid for Hair Growth

- Amino Acid: Histidine

- Histidine is a crucial amino acid that is often deficient in people with hair loss.

- It is a precursor to histamine, which plays roles in immune responses, allergies, inflammation, and healing.

- Histidine also helps in:

- Building red blood cells.

- Supporting skin health (e.g., eczema or dermatitis).

- Strengthening hair by contributing to keratin production.

- Regulating copper and zinc levels essential for hair health.

Factors Affecting Histidine Levels

- Low Stomach Acid:

- If your stomach acid levels are low, you might not be absorbing histidine properly.

- Symptoms of low stomach acid include indigestion, gas, and bloating.

- Solution: Consider taking betaine hydrochloride, an acidifier, to improve digestion.

- Nutrient Co-Factors:

- Histidine requires certain nutrients to be effective:

- Vitamin B6: Generally easy to obtain from various foods.

- Copper and Zinc: Important for balancing histidine and overall hair health.

- Folate: Found in dark leafy greens. If you don't eat vegetables, liver is a good alternative source of folate.

- Folic Acid vs. Folate: Folic acid (a synthetic form of vitamin B9) can interfere with folate metabolism. Opt for natural folate sources to avoid this issue.

- Medication and Supplements:

- Certain drugs, like methotrexate, can block folate and affect cell growth.

- Folate is crucial for DNA protection and can help prevent cancer.

Recommended Foods for Healthy Hair

1. Organ Meats:

- Liver: Rich in histidine and folate. Consume in moderation (2-3 oz per day). If you dislike liver, consider supplements.

- Note: Organ meats are low in fats, contrary to some beliefs.

2. Animal Proteins:

- Beef, Fish, and Poultry: Provide necessary proteins and amino acids for hair growth.

3. Shellfish:

- Examples: Shrimp, scallops, crab, lobster.

- Shellfish are great for zinc, copper, selenium, and other trace minerals essential for hair health.

Additional Resources

- Folate Video: If you want to learn more about the role of folate in hair health and how it can affect you, watch this related video.

By focusing on these nutrient-rich foods and addressing potential deficiencies, you can support hair regrowth and overall health more effectively.