We all know that our body just like all other things needs nutrients to grow. But did you know that our hair too needs nutrients for their growth and proper maintenance? If not, then you must know hair needs a variety of nutrients in order to prevent any kind of hair fall problem. And zinc is one of the most important nutrient out of all the nutrients that our hair needs. Since zinc is a micro mineral, most people don’t give it much importance, and end up with zinc deficiency in their body which leads to problems like hair fall.
Zinc is an essential trace element, which implies it cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through food. Fish and meat are the most common sources of zinc in the diet. Zinc shortage can occur in people who eat a lot of cereal grain (which contains phytate, a zinc chelating agent), those who don't eat enough meat or use TPN, and infants on formula milk. Eating disorders (due to insufficient intake, increased zinc excretion, and malabsorption due to laxative misuse), inflammatory bowel disease, jejunal bypass surgery, and cystic fibrosis are some of the other reasons of zinc insufficiency in body.
Does Zinc Deficiency Affect Your Hair?
In short, yes, it does affect hair growth. Zinc is necessary for the growth and repair of hair tissues, as well as the smooth operation of the oil glands around the follicles. Hair loss and thinning are common symptoms of zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency causes alterations in the protein structure of hair follicles, decreasing their integrity and causing new hair to come out more quickly than normal. There have been documented incidents of persons using a zinc-rich diet to restore their hair colour, thickness, and strength. Zinc is a trace mineral that can be found in a variety of foods. Zinc is found in animal protein such as cattle, pork, chicken, and oysters, as well as beans, fortified cereals, and a variety of nuts.
Cell formation, hormone generation and maintenance, protein synthesis, and vitamin and mineral absorption are just a few of the vital functions that Zinc is involved in. A state of zinc shortage is identified when the body's zinc levels are insufficient to meet the body's metabolic needs.
What are the Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency
Zinc deficiency, also known as hypozincemia, is a nutritional shortage caused by malnutrition or malabsorption. It could also be caused by specific diseases, such as kidney illness, chronic liver disease, diarrhoea, sickle cell anaemia, diabetes, cancer, and even obesity surgery. It's mostly seen that zinc shortage is frequently caused by vitamin A and D deficits. Hair loss is one of the most common symptoms of zinc deficiency. Diarrhea, skin sores, psoriasis, and muscular atrophy are some of the other indications and symptoms. It has also been linked to the onset of acne. Zinc deficiency can cause anorexia and other hunger disorders, weight loss, baldness, impairment of motor abilities and cognitive functioning in children, pneumonia, dysmenorrhea, and a stressful pregnancy in pregnant women if left untreated.
Importance of Zinc In Your Diet
There are numerous reasons why our bodies need zinc. These are some of the reasons: Increasing the number of healthy cells, hormone regulation, assisting with the absorption of additional nutrients. But too much zinc in the body is thought to elevate DHT(Dihydrotestosterone) levels. Zinc is ineffective as a DHT inhibitor. One of the reasons zinc is so beneficial in preventing and treating hair loss is that it helps to balance hormone levels. Excess zinc, like zinc deficiency, can cause hair loss. Zinc deficiency in the body not only prevents the absorption of other critical minerals like magnesium and iron, but it also boosts testosterone synthesis. Hair thinning and hair loss are caused by high testosterone levels combined with other hormonal abnormalities. Iron deficiency, on the other hand, is a known cause of hair loss. As a result, extra zinc in the body causes hair loss in the same way that zinc shortage does. High doses of zinc are reported to inhibit both the anagen and catagen stages of hair growth.
How Much Zinc Do You Need To Consume Daily for Healthy Hair?
On average an adult man requires 11 mg of zinc per day whereas a woman requires 8 mg of zinc per day for healthy hair and proper metabolism of the body. There are multiple ways that you can get enough zinc in your diet without having to rely on supplements, so you can be sure that you are not getting too much or too little of the mineral. There are all kinds of delicious foods that contain zinc, including:
- Seafood such as prawns, crabs and lobster
- Red meat and poultry
- Pumpkins seeds
- Baked kidney beans
- Egg Yolk
- Dairy and Soy products
Phytates, a molecule that binds zinc and prevents it from being absorbed into our bloodstream, are found in plant-based foods like whole-grain bread, legumes, and cereals. Animal proteins are, without a doubt, the best source of zinc when compared to plant-based or food-based sources, according to studies. As a result, people who eat plant-based meals or follow a vegan diet are more likely to suffer from zinc deficiency, which can lead to hair loss. This is when the correct mineral supplement comes in handy.
Traya's Hair growth supplements that You can Include in Your Diet
Traya provides a variety of supplements for good hair health. One of it’s supplements is Hair vitamins which also contain essential minerals like zinc which helps in hair tissue growth and repair. It also makes the oil glands around the follicles work properly. So if you feel that your body is deficient in zinc then do try these supplements as it will not only provide you with zinc but also various other vitamins and minerals that’s mostly found deficient in our body. The supplements are completely natural with no added chemicals/additives.
- Targets hair root damage
- Improves hair and skin health
- Alleviates iron and zinc deficiency
- Boosts cell regeneration in the scalp