What Foods Should Be Eaten for Seborrheic Alopecia?
Aug 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Patients with seborrheic alopecia are generally advised to consume more black-colored foods, which can promote hair growth and darken hair. Examples include black sesame seeds, black fungus (wood ear), black beans, and black glutinous rice. These foods are commonly consumed and are rich in oleic acid and palmitic acid; they also contain vitamin E, protein, and folate—nutrients essential for the human body—that help suppress excessive sebum secretion by the scalp. Additionally, nuts such as peanuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, and raisins may be beneficial.
Seborrheic alopecia affects many people, and male-pattern baldness is also a common concern among men. This type of hair loss is primarily characterized by excessive sebum production on the scalp and is closely associated with lifestyle habits and dietary patterns. So, what foods are beneficial for seborrheic alopecia?
Recommended Foods for Seborrheic Alopecia
Individuals with seborrheic alopecia are generally advised to consume more black-colored foods, which can promote hair growth and help maintain hair pigment. Examples include black sesame seeds, black fungus (wood ear), black beans, and black glutinous rice. These foods are rich in oleic acid and palmitic acid, and also contain essential nutrients such as vitamin E, protein, and folate—nutrients that help regulate and suppress excess sebum secretion from the scalp.
Nuts are also beneficial for seborrheic alopecia—for instance, peanuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, and raisins. These nuts effectively alleviate hair loss symptoms because they contain cysteine, an amino acid often deficient in individuals experiencing hair loss. A significant deficiency in cysteine may contribute to hair shedding; therefore, appropriate supplementation can help prevent further hair loss. Nuts can be consumed directly as snacks or incorporated into congee (rice porridge) or soups.
Seafood should also be included regularly in the diet, as it aids in managing seborrheic alopecia. Seafood is exceptionally rich in iodine, which helps alleviate symptoms. Examples include kelp, seaweed, oysters, and clams. Regular consumption not only helps reduce hair loss but also strengthens the body and enhances immune function. Moreover, these foods are excellent sources of zinc.
Patients should avoid prolonged late-night activity, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, cola, and other stimulant beverages—as well as greasy, spicy, and highly irritating foods—to prevent exacerbation of scalp sebum production and subsequent worsening of hair loss. Maintaining scalp cleanliness, using mild shampoos and conditioners, and avoiding excessive heat styling or chemical treatments (e.g., perming or dyeing) are also crucial strategies for improving seborrheic alopecia.
