When it comes to your hair, it is probably fair to say it is your crowning glory. A thick, lustrous, and shiny head of hair is often thought to reflect an individual’s state of health overall. According to leading dermatologists, there is truth to this as nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiencies, often show up in your hair first. Hair is the fastest growing tissue anywhere in the body and as such, it needs to be fed a healthy nutrient and vitamin diet in the same way that any other organ is fed.
Telogen effluvium, or a sudden loss of hair, for example, could be down to an iron deficiency. On the other hand, a lack of protein can make your hair lose its vibrancy and shine. That’s because hair is almost exclusively made of protein so, in addition to needing to feed your muscles, your body also needs protein to keep your hair in tip-top shape.
Then, there are more serious issues. If you suddenly lose hair on your legs but not your head, for example, this could be down to diabetes. Who would have thought not growing hair on your toes could indicate raised blood-sugar levels? So, as it turns out, keeping your hair in tip-top shape is so much more than just a matter of vanity. Make sure you get enough of these 10 vitamins to make sure your hair is making all the right waves.
1. Vitamin A
The tissue that grows the quickest in the human body, namely your hair, needs vitamin A. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is found in sweet potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, carrots, and kale as these are all high in beta-carotene, necessary for the conversion to vitamin A. You can also get it from milk, eggs, and yogurt, among other foods.
Vitamin A is the same vitamin necessary to keep your skin healthy as it feeds the sebaceous glands. These glands produce an oil that moisturizes the skin and keeps it smooth and supple. It does exactly the same for your scalp. If your scalp is not healthy, it could lead to hair loss or dry, damaged hair. If your scalp is not healthy, your hair will not grow either. A lack of new hair growth will also lead to net hair loss over time, which in most cases can be extremely distressing.
