What foods help hair growth, according to Chinese Medicine
Let's talk about hair! One of the most frequent concerns shared by my female patients revolves around hair. They mention hair loss, reduced thickness, and slower growth, especially after having children or post viral. There are so many potential root causes of hair concerns, so it is worthwhile to have thyroid and hormones checked and have thorough bloodwork done, as conditions like hypothyroidism, PCOS, and autoimmune disorders can contribute to hair loss. Another common factor is inadequate nutrition, particularly deficiencies in iron and B vitamins.
At Michelle Malloy Acupuncture, we treat women from a holistic approach, finding the root cause of the issue, and treating from the source. Many of our patients choose a holistic and natural approach to healing and wonder, “what foods help hair growth?”
Chinese Medicine and Hair Growth
According to Chinese Medicine, we regard hair as an extension of your blood, roughly translating to the quality and quantity of nutrients in your blood. So regardless of the underlying reasons for hair loss or growth concerns, it's always a wise move to nourish your body with the essential nutrients that promote healthy hair:
Foods that Help Hair Growth
Incorporate these foods in your day to day diet to improve your intake of essential vitamins and minerals for hair growth, luster and strength.
1.Goji Berries:
Known as the "superfood of longevity," these berries are rich in Vitamin c, antioxidants and can nourish the blood, promoting hair growth and luster.
2. Black Sesame Seeds:
These tiny powerhouses are packed with essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron, which strengthen your hair and help prevent premature graying. You get the most benefit from eating these ground up into Black Sesame seed butter. I’ve been putting this into my smoothies for years!
3. Lamb and Beef :
High in protein, heme iron, zinc, B vitamins, they support hair growth and can help prevent hair loss, giving you the sheen you've always wanted.
4. Beef Liver:
It's a super source of heme iron, zinc, b vitamins, copper, Selenium, silicon, sulfur and collagen, all which contribute to hair growth and maintaining hair health
5. Bone Broth:
This liquid gold is chock-full of collagen and gelatin, which is fantastic for hair growth and strengthening
6. Spinach:
Spinach is rich in iron, which helps transport oxygen to hair follicles.
7. Salmon:
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can improve scalp health, reduce inflammation, and encourage hair growth.
8. Nettle Tea:
Nettles are another powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, silica, sulfur and b vitamins , that can help improve blood circulation and nourish the hair follicles, supporting hair growth and health. Iron ensures proper oxygen supply to the hair follicles, while silica and sulfur help strengthen the hair shaft and promote overall hair strength. Nettles can also help balance hormones and lower androgens in women with PCOS.
9. Avocado:
Packed with healthy fats, biotin and vitamin E, avocados moisturize your scalp and promote hair strength
10. Seaweed:
Seaweed is rich in iodine, b vitamins, iron and zinc, all which benefit hair growth.
Are you surprised by any foods on this list? Let us know if you try any of these and notice any changes to your hair!
If you’re experiencing hair concerns, and want help getting to the root cause, schedule a consultation at our Beverly Hills acupuncture and integrative healing clinic! We can provide a personalized treatment plan to help boost hair growth using acupuncture, herbal medicine, gua sha and functional medicine lab testing. If you’re looking for a natural way to stimulate and boost hair growth, we’re the practice for you.