Is hair affected by our diet? The answer is YES. They say you are what you eat. And here at EHT, we truly believe that. Food has a huge impact on the human body. What you take into your body changes your muscle and fat mass, the strength of your hair and nails, and of course your mood!

Hair transplantation is the right solution for those who suffer from hair loss or thinning hair. However, there are some measures that patients can take to improve, support and maintain the results of hair transplantation.

Besides all the aftercare instructions, such as avoiding intense exercise and direct sunlight - all of which are temporary. The permanent instruction that will actually improve your hair quality in particular, and your lifestyle in general, is to follow your diet.

Read on to learn more about diet after a hair transplant and how food affects your hair and the health of your hair follicles.

How is food and hair connected? 

There are many factors that affect the health of the hair, be it genetic factors, age, medications or diet. Certainly there are some factors that cannot be controlled, but factors such as diet can be easily controlled by the patient.

Hair is produced by the hair follicle, which is connected to a blood supply. If the hair follicle does not receive enough nutrients, it shrinks and produces thin hair, or it eventually dies and produces no hair at all.

Proper nutrition provides the hair follicles with the necessary nutrients to produce healthy and strong hair.

What food does the hair need to be healthy? 

A balanced diet provides your body with all the nutrients it needs to function effectively. However, some foods are especially needed by hair follicles to produce healthy hair, because these foods are rich in nutrients that promote hair growth. Such as:

• Berries 

Berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that boost collagen production and iron absorption in the body, which promotes hair growth.

• Eggs 

Eggs are an excellent source of protein and biotin, both of which are very important for hair health. When the body lacks protein or biotin, hair follicles become weaker, resulting in thin hair production.

• Fatty fish 

Fish like salmon is one of the rare sources of omega-3 acids that support the strength and density of hair strands. In addition, fatty fish are considered a source of vitamin D, which contributes to hair growth.

• Sweet-potatoes 

Sweet potatoes provide the body with beta-carotene, which is later converted into vitamin A, which is one of the nutrients responsible for hair growth. In addition, vitamin A affects the production of sebum, which ensures the health of the hair.

• Avocados 

One of the main reasons for hair loss is stress. Avocados are rich in vitamin C and vitamin E, which help prevent oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. Oxidative stress causes damage to the scalp and hair, which eventually leads to hair loss.

• Nuts 

Nuts are rich in many additives that have a great effect on hair in particular and on health in general. Nuts contain nutrients such as vitamins E and B, zinc and essential fatty acids that promote the growth and density of hair.

Always choose foods rich in protein, zinc, vitamins E and B, and omega-3 acid. These nutrients help maintain and promote hair growth and strength.

Why should you avoid sugary and fatty food after hair transplant procedure? 

Healthy circulation means that the organs are supplied with the necessary amount of blood to function properly. Sugary and fatty foods have a negative effect on the circulatory system because they constrict the blood vessels, thus affecting the entire blood circulation.

When hair follicles do not receive the nutrients they need because blood circulation is impaired by narrow blood vessels, hair follicles shrink over time and eventually die. Therefore, patients suffering from obesity face higher levels of hair loss compared to non-obese patients.

What is the best food to consume after a hair transplant procedure? 

After a hair transplant, it is advisable to consume foods rich in vitamin B, such as brown rice, broccoli, black beans, lettuce, green peppers and spinach. Also, make sure that your body consumes enough magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium, as the absorption of these nutrients supports and promotes hair growth.