Protein Deficiency and Hair Loss

Proteins are one of the most essential nutrients required by the body. They are required in small amounts but regularly in order to carry out different functions in the body. Proteins are known as the building blocks of the body as they aid in formation of tissues and tissue repair. At the same time, proteins are also essential for proper growth and health of nails and hair in the body. As proteins are not stored in the body, it is essential to have a regular intake of them through proper diet or supplements. Failing to do so can result in protein deficiency. One of the symptoms or side effects of protein deficiency is hair loss. Here we will see more on protein deficiency, hair loss and measures on preventing it in detail. Let us take a look.

Protein Deficiency and Hair Thinning

Hair loss is one of the most common problems experienced by men and women all over the world. There are several reasons for hair loss like exposing hair to chemicals, use of heavy hair cosmetics, certain medications, deficiency of proteins and vitamins, etc. Iron deficiency and hair loss are also related to each other. So, what is the exact relation between protein deficiency, hair loss or thinning of hair? The human hair is made up of protein. In fact the hair contains up to 90% of proteins. Secondly, proteins are also essential for building and repair of tissues. Therefore, lack of protein in the body leads to thinning of hair and hair loss. It should be noted that among the different symptoms of lack of protein, hair loss is the most prominent ones. The other protein deficiency symptoms include brittle hair, brittle nails, early baldness, etc. One should know that prolonged protein deficiency and baldness and common conditions observed in case of young men. Although complete baldness is a rare condition in women, they may experience severe hair fall and thinning of hair due to long-lasting protein deficiency. In order to prevent hair loss, you need to correct the protein deficiency.

Prevention of Protein Deficiency

If you are following proper hair care routines, have a minimal use of hair cosmetics, but still suffer from hair loss, then you are suffering from protein deficiency. Correcting protein deficiency, hair loss and baldness is possible merely by following a diet rich in proteins. Having a high protein diet is one of the best and most effective hair loss treatment. Proteins are found in a variety of vegetarian and non vegetarians foods. However, in vegetarian foods, they are found in a lesser amounts and hence, people who abstain from eating foods obtained from animal source are found to experience hair loss more than those who have non vegetarian foods regularly. Among non vegetarian sources, proteins are found in literally all foods like eggs, sea food, fish, chicken, turkey, etc. On the other hand, beans, legumes, milk, cottage cheese, tofu, soybeans, are the vegetarian sources of proteins. You can easily include these foods and have a high protein diet for treating hair loss caused due to protein deficiency.

Secondly, in case of severe protein deficiency and hair loss, protein supplements can also be taken after the doctor's consultation. Several brands of protein powders, protein bars, tablets, etc. are available in the market which can be used to treat severe protein deficiency. Similarly, certain vitamins like the B complex vitamins are also helpful in treatment of hair fall. It is advisable to take these proteins and vitamins for hair loss under doctor's supervision to avoid overdose and toxicity. They should also be taken only in prescribed amounts. It is rather recommended to have one protein rich dish like boiled eggs, beans on toast, homemade protein shakes, grilled fish, salmon spread, etc. in the daily diet instead of going for supplements.

Lastly, remember that it is essential to have a balanced and nutritious diet regularly in order to prevent all the deficiency diseases. Take care!