How to treat hair loss with dietary therapy
Jun 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Hair loss may be caused by malnutrition, excessive stress, seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia areata, anemia, and other factors. It can usually be treated through dietary improvements by consuming sufficient protein and vitamins, such as leafy vegetables, fish, black sesame seeds, and whole wheat bread. If hair loss persists or worsens, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, prompt medical attention is recommended. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important in daily life.
Hair loss may be caused by malnutrition, excessive stress, seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia areata, anemia, and other factors. It can usually be improved through dietary adjustments by consuming sufficient protein and vitamins, such as leafy vegetables, fish, black sesame seeds, whole wheat bread, and other foods. If symptoms persist or worsen, or are accompanied by other symptoms, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Malnutrition: Long-term dietary imbalance and deficiency of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins may lead to poor follicular nutrition, thereby affecting healthy hair growth and causing hair loss. It is recommended to increase intake of foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, such as lean meat, fish, nuts, leafy vegetables, and whole grains, to provide the necessary nutrients for hair.
2. Excessive Stress: Prolonged mental stress may cause endocrine disorders, affecting scalp blood circulation and normal follicular function, thereby triggering hair loss. It is recommended to relieve stress and improve hair loss conditions through appropriate relaxation methods such as exercise, meditation, and listening to music. In terms of diet, ensuring adequate intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals also helps improve hair loss.
3. Seborrheic Dermatitis: Excessive sebum secretion on the scalp may lead to follicular blockage and inflammation, resulting in hair loss. Accompanying symptoms may include scalp itching, redness, swelling, and flaking. It is recommended to use medications such as tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, and itraconazole capsules under a doctor's guidance for treatment.
4. Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune disease in which localized hair follicles on the scalp are attacked, leading to hair loss. It typically presents as round or oval bald patches on the scalp. Dietary adjustments should include increasing intake of foods rich in vitamins B, C, and E, as well as zinc, iodine, and iron, such as carrots, black sesame seeds, and walnuts, to nourish the liver and kidneys, replenish blood and qi, and promote follicular health.
5. Anemia: Anemia leads to insufficient red blood cells and hemoglobin, thus affecting scalp blood circulation and follicular nutrient supply, causing hair loss. Accompanying symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, and pale complexion. Treatment involves increasing intake of foods rich in iron and vitamin C, such as red meat, leafy vegetables, and citrus fruits, as well as taking medications such as ferrous sulfate tablets, aminocaproic acid tablets, and ferrous gluconate capsules as directed by a physician.
In daily life, it is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, reducing the frequency of chemical treatments and hot-air drying, and avoiding excessive dyeing and perming, to protect hair health.
