Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Hair

Most people who still have hair can keep what they have. 95% of hair loss is androgenetically based. The remaining 5% is from other causes.

Testosterone is converted to DHT by 5 alpha reductase. DHT is an agent that creates seborrhea, causing oil, scales, and bacteria to build up. This inhibits the growth of a new hair follicle comparable in size to the one it is replacing.

A low fat, sugar balanced diet is recommended. Why? Because high fat a) increases testosterone, changing normal hormonal balance levels, and b)decreases sex hormone binding globulin thus more testosterone circulates

Propecia® and oral Anti-Androgenetic Pills inhibit 5 alpha reductase conversion of testosterone to DHT, however it is also beneficial to modulate testosterone production with a low fat, sugar balanced diet.

FEMALES - adipose tissue metabolizes estrogen to testosterone, therefore decrease your fat intake and lose weight.

The Sugar Balanced Diet is based on keeping blood sugar levels at a more even level and avoiding very low or very high blood sugar levels. This means eating at regular intervals to avoid low blood sugar levels, and not eating high sugar foods to avoid high blood sugar levels. The amount of insulin your body manufactures is based on the amount of sugar you include in your diet. By controlling insulin production, one controls the production of an essential fatty acid called arachidonic acid which aids in the production of testosterone. Controlling arachidonic acid production, also helps in another hormonal system known as eicosanoids (eye-kah-sah-noids), key hormones that control many body functions such as blood pressure and synthesis of keratin proteins (the major component of hair).

What should you eat?
A balanced diet of lean protein, soy, and complex carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables and monounsaturated fats found in extra virgin olive oil and certain nuts.

Carbohydrates - Eat lots of fruits and vegetables but avoid potatoes, pasta and bread as they immediately turn to glucose and elevate blood sugar.

Monounsaturated fats - Found in extra virgin olive oil, almonds, avocado, macadamia nuts, cashews, pistachios, pecans, and hazelnuts.

Alcohol - No more than one drink per day is advisable. Alcohol robs the body of zinc, vitamin B, folic acid, and vitamin C. It also acts as a diuretic and effects blood sugar levels.

Caffeine - Limit your use of caffeine as it depletes the body of Vitamins B and C, potassium, and zinc, causing stress to the adrenal glands by decreasing nutrients in the bloodstream and increasing DHT levels.

Avoid nicotine

For further information, read The Zone, by Barry Sears, Ph.D., and consult with a registered dietician or your primary care physician.