If you’re feeling anxious about hair loss, one diet change could help.
Thinning tresses or stagnant hair growth can be distressing, and although there are numerous causes – ranging from hormonal fluctuations and tight hairstyles to more serious health issues like thyroid diseases and autoimmune disorders – it’s part of the natural hair cycle to shed between 50 to 100 strands daily.
Nevertheless, if hair loss is causing concern, the NHS suggests consulting a GP to explore potential reasons. For those eager to boost hair growth, adding one particular item to your diet might help. In a trending TikTok video, NHS doctor Shireen recommends arranging a blood test to examine ferritin levels, which play a crucial role in hair health.
Surprisingly, even after seeking advice from a trichologist about her own hair, Dr Shireen admits that much of the information shared was novel to her, not covered in her medical training, and the suggestion to undertake a blood test was an eye-opener. She said: “The first thing she told me to do, which I did know, was a blood test to check specific things in my blood that can affect hair.
“The most important one in women of childbearing age is your ferritin level. But what I didn’t know about ferritin is that as a GP, anywhere between 13 to 150 is considered normal, but for hair growth, you want that level to be between 60-80. So if you are losing hair or your hair is thin, and you’ve had a ‘normal’ ferritin blood test, it’s always worth checking that with your GP.”
Ferritin levels can be increased by eating foods that provide iron. For anyone who can eat meat and animal products, this includes lean red meat, oysters, and eggs. One of the easiest ways for everyone to boost their ferritin levels is by making one swap at breakfast time. Instead of munching on sugary cereals, opt for a fortified breakfast cereal.
In the UK, this includes things like Weetabix, Kellogg’s Special K, and Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, all of which are fortified with vitamins and iron. Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli are also good sources of iron, as are lentils, beans, tofu, and raisins. You can also take iron supplements to boost your intake, but you should consult a doctor beforehand.
Dr Shireen also shared some other advice she received from her trichologist, including making sure you always blowdry your hair at the scalp. She added: “I used to let my hair air dry thinking that I wasn’t using any heat so I wasn’t damaging it, but that dampness in the scalp becomes a breeding ground for fungi, which can cause a flaky and irritated scalp.”
Moreover, she was advised to wash her hair “at least every other day” instead of her previous routine of once or twice a week. Dr Shireen explained: “You need to clean out all of the debris and the product and everything that builds up in your hair every other day at least. So, as crazy as this hair growth looks, I’m very grateful because these small, easy changes to my hair routine mean that my hair has become so much thicker.”
For further guidance on hair loss issues, visit the NHS website.