7 Evidence-Backed Foods That Stop Hair Loss And Build Bone - Save Our Bones

Have you been noticing more hair than usual in your shower drain or hairbrush? If so, you are not alone. It is estimated that 35 million men and 21 million women suffer from hair loss, medically referred to as alopecia.

You may know that alopecia is an expected aspect of the aging process, influenced in part by your genetics. While hair loss is undoubtedly impacted by your genes and age, there is so much more to the story. Stress, nutritional deficiencies, and sleep (or lack thereof) play a significant role in the strength of your hair.

What you may not have been told is that many popular osteoporosis medications also contribute to hair loss. At the Save Institute we never recommend to rely on these dangerous drugs, and instead, we show you how to fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods that reduce bone loss and hair loss.

Today we share with you the top seven Foundation Foods that you should incorporate into your diet to keep your hair looking healthy and full and your bones resistant to fracture.

The Biology Of Human Hair

As much as we all know that beauty is derived from the inside, hair plays a vital role in one’s appearance and self-confidence. In addition to serving the aesthetic function of adding uniqueness to your look, the hair on your head helps your body to regulate temperature, providing both heat insulation and cooling mechanisms. It also protects from the dangers of too much sun.

Aside from the bone marrow, hair is the fastest growing tissue in the human body, with the cells dividing every 23 to 72 hours. The speed of hair growth depends on several factors including age, gender, hormones, and as mentioned earlier, genetics. It is also impacted by the availability of nutrients and access to oxygen.

The living part of the hair, or the follicle, is found underneath the skin where it derives its nutrients from the papilla, which contains blood capillaries that nourish the follicle. On average, the human head has approximately 150,000 hair follicles, which cycle through four distinct phases: anagen (the growing phase), catagen (the regression phase), telogen (the resting phase), and exogen (the shedding phase). At any given time 80 to 90% of hair is in the anagen, or growing phase, while the rest of the hair cycles through the other phases. As we age, the length of the anagen phase naturally decreases, leaving our hair vulnerable to breakage and thinning.

When the body experiences stress in any form, be it a nutritional deficiency, illness, sleep deficits, or emotional stress, it re-prioritizes the essential functions. As such, the vital organs are attended to first, since the hair follicles are less of a priority. As a result, the follicles may not receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients.

The Devastating Effects Of Sugar On Hair Loss

Since Mainstream Medicine blatantly tends to ignore nutrition, your doctor may have never told you that what you eat can affect hair loss. But, as you’ll see below, science does confirm this.

A groundbreaking Finnish study conducted in the year 2000 revealed that men with insulin resistance were more likely to be bald.2 In 2003, the same Finnish researchers conducted another study on women. They concluded that women with some markers of insulin resistance faced significantly increased risk of hair loss.3 A 2014 study further confirmed these findings, establishing that metabolic syndrome is associated with early onset alopecia.4 A common cause of insulin resistance is a diet with excessive consumption of simple carbohydrates and refined sugars.

Could Medications Cause Hair Loss?

Oftentimes, hair loss is a side effect of medications. From antidepressants to blood pressure drugs, synthetically-made drugs can lead to temporary hair loss or permanent baldness.

In fact, research has shown that bisphosphonates, the most popular osteoporosis drugs, such as Fosamax, Boniva, and Actonel, are linked to alopecia.5 While the exact mechanism is unclear, scientists believe that bisphosphonates interfere with an enzymatic pathway.

Foundation Foods That Stop Hair Loss In Its Tracks

Science has established that multiple nutrient deficiencies result in hair loss. The foods listed in today’s article contain those vital nutrients, many of which are Foundation Supplements in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.6

Below are seven foods that you should consider adding to your diet on a regular basis to boost the health of your hair and prevent further hair loss. You may be surprised to learn that some are acidifying foods. Remember, as long as you adhere to the 80/20 pH balanced nutritional plan, you can consume those foods.

1. Barley * (Acidifying)

Barley is one of the oldest grains in the world, and although acidifying, barley has impressive health benefits. It is rich in iron and copper, two minerals essential for the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the body, delivering much-needed nutrients to the hair follicle. A lack of adequate iron in the body can lead to anemia, which has been shown to be a major contributing factor in hair loss.7

Further, barley is rich in the powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E. Tocotrienols are members of the Vitamin E family that protect skin cells, as well as repair sun damage to the scalp. Generally speaking, patients with alopecia exhibit lower levels of antioxidants in their scalp area. In one randomized study, 21 volunteers received oral tocotrienols while 17 others received a placebo. At the end of 8 months, those individuals who received the tocotrienol supplementation had a 34.5% increase in the number of hairs on the head.8

Barley is an excellent food source of tocotrienols. Other natural sources of tocotrienols include coconut oil and oats.

2. Eggs * (Acidifying)

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, containing several vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair. They are an excellent source of Vitamin B complex, including the Foundation Supplement biotin. Sometimes called Vitamin H, biotin works synergistically with the B-complex vitamins to help metabolize proteins. Biotin keeps the skin supple and moist, and a deficiency leads to flaky and irritated skin, including on the scalp.

Eggs also contain Vitamin D, which plays a pivotal role in stimulating new hair follicles. Researchers have found that women suffering from hair loss had much lower Vitamin D levels than the study controls.9

3. Meat (Lamb, Beef, & Turkey) * (Acidifying)

Scientific data confirms that a deficiency in the essential mineral zinc contributes to the development of alopecia. Meat, including lamb, beef, and turkey, all contain excellent levels of this mineral.

In a study conducted in the year 2013, scientists examined the zinc and copper levels of 312 men and women experiencing hair loss. The researchers found that those subjects with alopecia had significantly lower serum zinc levels.10 Three years later, another study reiterated these findings. Researchers compared 50 people with alopecia with 50 healthy controls and found that all of the individuals suffering from hair loss had significantly lower zinc levels.11

4. Nuts & Seeds * (Acidifying)

Although most nuts and seeds are acidifying, they provide several nutrients that are important for healthy hair growth. Nuts, such as walnuts, are a rich source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants, which have all been shown to have positive effects on hair.

In fact, a 2015 study found that the supplementation of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as Vitamin C, E, and lycopene, not only prevented hair loss in women but improved the thickness of their hair as well. After six months of supplementation, nearly 90% of the women reported that their overall hair loss had decreased.12 Further, the majority of the women said that their hair was shinier, softer, and had more volume.

To replicate these results, you can increase your consumption of foods high in omega fatty acids, such as walnuts, pine nuts, and seeds. They contain oils that will also help add to the amount of elastin in your hair.

5. Salmon * (Acidifying)

Because of its anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids content, salmon is an excellent addition to your diet if you are trying to ward off hair loss. Your hair is a protein fiber, and as such, requires protein to grow new hair and keep the existing ones strong and healthy. Protein is also necessary to produce keratin, a key component of hair. Salmon is an excellent source of protein. Further, the fatty acids present in the fish add to the moisturization of your scalp.

Salmon also contains Vitamin D, which as noted above, is essential for hair growth. Further, salmon helps the body process insulin. Since insulin resistance is linked to alopecia, salmon is an essential addition to your diet.

6. Spinach * (Alkalizing)

This leafy green is vital for your hair. Spinach is rich in both folate and iron. Folate aids in the production of red blood cells and iron helps the red blood cells carry oxygen. Since spinach is also a good source of Vitamin C, it helps aid in iron absorption. The Vitamin C in spinach also fights oxidative stress that leads to hair graying and loss.13

In addition, spinach provides good amounts of Vitamin A, which aids in the growth of all body tissues, including skin and hair. Vitamin A is also required for sebum production. Sebum acts a natural conditioner to keep hair moisturized.

If you’re not eating spinach because of its oxalate content, you only need to worry about it if you’ve had kidney stones in the past. While oxalates do not leach calcium from the bones, laboratory studies have shown that oxalates may interfere with calcium absorption. However, the reduction is relatively small and should not prevent you from eating spinach, which contains many valuable nutrients.

7. Sweet Potatoes * (Alkalizing)

The presence of beta-carotene is what makes sweet potatoes an ideal addition for the prevention of hair loss. Beta-carotene gets converted into Vitamin A, which promotes the growth of healthy cells and tissues, including hair. Diets that are deficient in Vitamin A can contribute to several health problems, including hair loss.14

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A, and there are other foods that contain this nutrient including carrots, butternut squash, and peppers.

* Foundation Foods

An Integrative Approach To Health Is Essential

Savers know that there are no quick-fix approaches to any health problem, including the loss of bone or hair. But the good news is that many of the answers you are seeking are available right in your own kitchen.

Stop Worrying About Your Bone Loss

Join thousands of Savers from around the world who have reversed or prevented their bone loss naturally and scientifically with the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.

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The Save Institute believes that healing must be viewed through a holistic lens, and this is reflected in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. When you follow the Program, you are building your bones, and you are also contributing to the health of many other biological processes, helping you to improve your health and the quality of your life.

Till next time,

Vivian

References:

1 Wang Q., et al. “A multi-scale model for hair follicles reveals heterogeneous domains driving rapid spatiotemporal hair growth patterning, eLife.” 2017. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28695824

2 Matilainen V, Koskela P, Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi S. “Early androgenetic alopecia as a marker of insulin resistance.” Lancet. 2000 Sep 30;356(9236):1165-6. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11030300

3 Matilainen V1, Laakso M, Hirsso P, Koskela P, Rajala U, Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi S.J. Cardiovasc Risk. “Hair loss, insulin resistance, and heredity in middle-aged women. A population-based study.” 2003 Jun;10(3):227-31. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12775957

4 Bakry OA1, Shoeib MA1, El Shafiee, Hassan A. “Androgenetic alopecia, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance: Is there any association? A case-control study.” Indian Dermatol Online J. 2014 Jul;5(3):276-81. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.137776. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144211/#ref6

5 “Alopecia caused by alendronate and risedronate.” Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb. January 2009. PDF file. Web: https://databankws.lareb.nl/Downloads/kwb_2008_2_alendr.pdf

6 Guo EL, Katta R. “Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use.” Dermatology Practical & Conceptual. 2017;7(1):1-10. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/

7 Trost LB, Bergfeld WF, Calogeras E. “The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006 May; 54(5):824-44.

8 Beoy LA, Woei WJ, Hay YK. “Effects of Tocotrienol Supplementation on Hair Growth in Human Volunteers.” Tropical Life Sciences Research. 2010;21(2):91-99. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3819075/

9 Rasheed H, et. al. “Serum ferritin and vitamin d in female hair loss: do they play a role?” Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2013;26(2):101-7. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23428658

10 Kil MS, Kim CW, Kim SS. “Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss.” Ann Dermatol. 2013 Nov;25(4):405-9. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24371385

11 Abdel Fattah NS1, Atef MM1, Al-Qaradaghi SM. “Evaluation of serum zinc level in patients with newly diagnosed and resistant alopecia areata.” Int J Dermatol. 2016 Jan;55(1):24-9. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26147750

12 Le Floch C. et. al. “Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2015. 14(1) 76-82.

13 Trüeb RM. “Oxidative Stress in Ageing of Hair.” International Journal of Trichology. 2009;1(1):6-14. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929555/

14 Mejia LA, Hodges RE, Rucker RB. “Clinical signs of anemia in vitamin A-deficient rats.” Am J Clin Nutr. 1979 Jul;32(7):1439-44. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/453058

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Comments on this article are closed.

  1. Kelsey Fickling

    Hello from Australia Vivian and team, my hairdresser tells me for my age (88 in November); my hair is plentiful; my brush has a lot of hair each morning though. My parents both had white hair ( my Dad) and my Mum’s hair was silvery grey at 35years of age. My began to turn grey at16 years of age and has been fully grey (silvery grey) since I was 35. Your information is always important to me; I think I found your site about 15 years ago ???? Bless you Vivian, your family and your team. Thanks to your information over the years I have never taken the osteoporoses drugs; supplements and food and moderate exercise (following your advise). 😊

  2. Ita

    Thank you, Ita.

  3. Mary

    Saw a presentation last night on Jarrow bone broth and its positive effects on bones. What is your opinion?

  4. Carol

    Are Vegan and Keto diets healthy?

  5. Faith

    You are absolutely right about MSM, I have been taking this for years, my hair is thick and long, even though I am over 80.

    • Kathleen

      Hello Faith,
      I’m new at trying to figure out how to reverse my hair loss. Could you please tell me what MSM is? Thank you in advance, Kathleen

  6. Ruth

    Vivian, don;t forget the effect of environmental pollution on hair loss. Benzene, one of the volatile organic compounds often emitted from fracked wells, is a major cause of hair loss in women in areas where this extreme method of oil and gas extraction is used.

    • Kristy

      I started losing my hair at age 13. I believe that the lead and mercury in my tissues (I’ve been tested) contribute to my hair loss as well as nutritional deficiencies. Good to know about benzene.

  7. Sue

    Vivian,
    I am so grateful for all the information that you share. I know it must take a lot of hard work to do all you do.
    Thank you so much.
    -Sue

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      It’s my pleasure, Sue! At the Save Institute we are really inspired by Savers like you 🙂

  8. Evelyn

    Good morning,
    Thank you Vivian for all that you do for us, all of this information is valuable to all of us, all of the foods that you mention, I am definitely on the right track.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      You’re welcome, Evelyn! Glad to know you’re on the right track… keep up with your healthy lifestyle and nutrition!

  9. Busisiwe Thebehali

    Thank you very much for the information. I’d appreciate if you let us know how much of these foods can one consume per day? per week?

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Simply make a point to include these foods in your meals several times a week. Remember that while these foods contain the highest levels of the nutrients mentioned in today’s article, other foods also contain them.

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