Minerals and trace elements are necessary for many processes in the body. A lack of minerals can manifest itself in different ways. Hair loss due to mineral deficiency results in diffuse hair fall on the entire head. With the right foods that contain the most important minerals, you can counteract hair loss due to a lack of minerals.
How hair loss due to a lack of minerals is noticeable
Hair loss can have various causes and shows itself in different forms. Minerals are important for hair growth and stimulate hair follicles to form new hair.
Minerals are involved in many processes in the body. A deficiency can manifest itself in different ways. Important for the hair are:
- iron
- calcium
- zinc
- iodine
- Selenium
If one or more of these minerals are missing, hair loss due to mineral deficiency can occur. Similar to a vitamin deficiency, this mineral deficiency occurs diffusely.
The hair falls out evenly over the entire head, becomes thinner and the scalp shines through. In extreme cases, there can be a total loss of hair.
In the case of a mineral deficiency, total hair loss is unlikely. As with most cases of diffuse hair loss, the hair will most likely grow back when the cause is removed.
If the body is sufficiently supplied with minerals again, the hair will grow again.
How can there be hair loss due to a lack of minerals?
An unhealthy and one-sided diet can lead to a mineral deficiency. The frequent consumption of fast food and heavily processed foods can cause a mineral deficiency.
However, a lack of minerals can also be caused by actually healthy foods that contain too few minerals. The soil has too few minerals in some areas.
The food grown there is not adequately supplied with minerals via the soil. Fertilizers impair the absorption of natural minerals through the soil.
For a good supply of minerals to your body, you should choose organically grown fruits and vegetables that contain significantly more minerals.
A predominantly acidic diet leads to acidification and hair loss due to a lack of minerals. With a basic diet you can neutralize overacidification and counteract hair loss due to a lack of minerals.
If the body’s acid and base balance has returned to normal, you should switch from a basic diet to a balanced diet.
Iron – one of the most important minerals for the hair
If there is an iron deficiency, this can lead to hair loss due to a lack of minerals. Iron is an important trace element and improves oxygen saturation in the blood.
It promotes blood formation and stimulates blood circulation to the scalp. The scalp is better supplied with oxygen and nutrients. To prevent iron deficiency, you should eat cabbage, spinach, beans and peas, whole grains, eggs, and nuts.
Calcium – important for hair growth
If there is hair loss due to a lack of minerals, this may be due to a lack of calcium. Calcium is sufficiently present in a healthy scalp and stimulates hair growth.
Calcium supports the immune system and helps ward off bacteria. If there is a lack of calcium, not only hair loss, but also brittle nails, dry skin and eczema and a reduction in bone density can occur.
To make up for the deficiency, you should consume soy products, almonds, kale, milk and milk products, as well as whole grains. You can also purchase Calcium tablets or capsules if you are not able to get enough calcium via your food intake, for example if you are allergic to milk products etc.
Zinc to stimulate hair growth
In the case of hair loss due to a lack of minerals, zinc may be lacking. Zinc contributes to the health of the scalp and hair. It is involved in the formation of keratin as the main component of skin, hair and nails, as well as in the formation of collagen.
Zinc supports cell division, which is important for hair growth. Good zinc suppliers are nuts, oatmeal, legumes, wheat germ and wheat bran. You can also purchase Zinc capsules for daily intake to make sure that your zinc levels are up.
Iodine – important for the thyroid
Iodine is important for a healthy thyroid. If there is a lack of iodine, an underactive thyroid can occur. It is required for the production of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
Hypothyroidism as well as hyperthyroidism can lead to hair loss. A lack of iodine can therefore lead to hair loss.
An excess of iodine, which is primarily caused by iodine tablets in addition to a diet containing iodine-containing foods, can promote hair loss. If you have iodine deficiency, you should eat sea fish, eggs and dairy products more often.
Selenium to support hair growth
If there is hair loss due to a lack of minerals, a lack of selenium could be the culprit. The trace element selenium is only required in small amounts by the human body.
However, it is involved in various body functions and contributes to hair growth. If there is a lack of selenium, you should make sure that you do not overdose this trace element.
You can compensate for a lack of selenium with nuts and whole grain products or supplements such as Selenium capsules.
Treat hair loss due to mineral deficiency with nutritional supplements
If you cannot provide your body with enough minerals with your diet, because you cannot tolerate or dislike various foods, you can counteract hair loss due to a lack of minerals with food supplements.
Various food supplements contain complexes of active ingredients made from vitamins and minerals. You should be careful not to overdose such supplements.
Conclusion: Hair loss due to a lack of minerals is often due to diet
If you do not get enough minerals with your diet, hair loss due to a lack of minerals can occur. The most important minerals your hair needs are iron, zinc, iodine, selenium and calcium.
These minerals are found in plant-based and animal-based foods. With a basic diet, you can neutralize overacidification of the body, which occurs through a predominantly acidic diet.
In order to counteract hair loss due to a mineral deficiency, a healthy and balanced diet is important.
Iron promotes scalp blood flow and blood formation. Calcium, zinc, iodine and selenium stimulate hair growth. The body only needs selenium in small quantities. You can use nutritional supplements to promote hair growth in case you aren’t able to get the full spectrum with your daily food intake.
