Happy & Healthy
8 X A FULL head of hair
For those who enter my apartment (or even my bedroom…) during these winter months: I have no cat. Also no dog. I really would like one, whole different story. It looks very cozy and beautiful, such a light couch or that box spring with crackling white cotton sheets and three rows of white pillows, but you really see EVERYTHING on it. And let me just mention my dark brown long locks. I am currently shedding, changing my coat or something.
Hair loss and thinning, unfortunately, is not just a problem for men. How is it possible that our once so healthy head of hair can suddenly become lifeless, limp, and thinned out? For me and yes, for you too, our hair is a reflection of our physical and mental state. There are a whole bunch of factors that can cause hair loss. The good thing is: we can do something about it ourselves.
In a busy and stressful period where I eat differently (read: get fewer nutrients) and sleep less, I know there is little I can do about my hair. It is not only dry and lifeless, I might as well leave the white T-shirts in the closet. An important cause of hair loss in women is iron deficiency. Cause number 1 here is of course our menstruation (it won't always be like that). Eating healthy and nutritious is very important during this period. Try to skip your cup of coffee and other caffeinated drinks, that's usually where I go wrong. Because yes, fatigue means more coffee. But the caffeine in that cup reduces the absorption of vitamins and minerals in your body. So not only iron is very important for that full head of hair.
“Or match the color of your sheets
to your hair color, that can of course
still be done.”
• Ensure healthy nutrition. Nuts, brown rice, and oatmeal are rich in biotin. This substance improves the condition of your hair.
• Eat enough proteins. Your hair is largely made up of keratin (or a protein). This is why proteins are extremely important for a full head of healthy hair. Additionally, lysine is a very important amino acid for your hair follicles. Get your proteins mainly from nuts, eggs, turkey and chicken, beans, and legumes. Red meat is acidic and that works against it.
• Eat enough essential fats. Eat fatty fish more often and make your own granola with plenty of seeds and nuts.
• Ensure sufficient vitamin C. This helps to absorb iron properly. Try to combine your iron intake with vitamin C intake. This vitamin also helps your body produce collagen, which strengthens the hair capillaries that supply nutrients to the hair shafts.
• A visit to the gym improves your blood circulation. Exercising outdoors ensures optimal results.
• Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep per night.
• Give your head, neck, and shoulders a massage daily, this promotes circulation and reduces stress.
• Or match the color of your sheets to your hair color, that can of course still be done.
