Australian actress and model Miranda Kerr believes in it. Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow has built a business on it in recent years. Even TikTok is being taken over by it, if one can believe the newspapers. What is ‘it’, you’re wondering by now. Gut health is the simple answer. The relationship between the health of our gut and our general well-being has become a hot topic on Planet Celebrity over the last few years, but ordinary citizens are now getting interested, too. In particular, many people with hair that just won’t grow have sat up and paid attention to articles linking gut health to strong, healthy hair growth.
So, if you’ve tried all the shampoos and conditioners without much success, it’s maybe time to take a closer look at your gut health. Keep scrolling to learn more!
Gut Science
First, let’s talk science. The gut, also known as the gastrointestinal tract, is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. These microbes play a vital role in digestion, immune function and nutrient absorption.
However, when the gut is imbalanced, with too many bad bacteria and not enough of the good stuff, it can lead to a condition called dysbiosis. Studies have shown a link between gut dysbiosis and biotin deficiency. That’s bad news for your hair since biotin is essential for the production of keratin, the protein that makes up hair, skin and nails. In one study, researchers found that mice fed a biotin-deficient diet experienced hair loss and thinning, while those fed a diet high in biotin experienced increased hair growth.
But it’s not just about biotin. The gut also plays a role in the absorption of other nutrients that are important for hair growth, such as zinc, iron and vitamin D. Vitamin D is not only essential for bone health but also plays a role in the hair follicle growth cycle. Low levels of vitamin D, therefore, have been linked to hair loss. Gut dysbiosis can prevent vitamin D from being properly absorbed by your system.
Iron is another nutrient that is essential for hair growth, as it is pivotal to the delivery of oxygen to the hair follicles. While it’s not a common symptom, iron deficiency can be responsible for causing a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium in both men and women.
So, what can you do to improve your gut health and promote hair growth?
Ways to Improve Gut Health
Taking care of your gut microbiome is key. Eating a diet that is rich in fibre, fruits, vegetables and probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt and kefir can help support a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Probiotics are, essentially, living strains of helpful bacteria, and they can help restore gut balance and improve nutrient absorption. Studies have found that probiotics can help improve hair growth in people with hair loss, so you should also consider taking a probiotic supplement to help restore gut balance.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are not live bacteria. Rather, they are a kind of fibre that serves as food for the good bacteria in your gut. Foods that are high in prebiotics include garlic, onions, asparagus and bananas. In addition to probiotics and prebiotics, other supplements and remedies may help improve gut health and promote hair growth. Collagen, for example, is a protein that is found in the skin, hair and nails. Collagen supplements have been shown to improve hair growth and reduce hair loss.
Stress Management
Reducing the stress in your life is another way of ensuring a healthy gut. Stress can disrupt your gut microbiome and contribute to dysbiosis. Finding ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation or therapy, can be beneficial for both your gut and your hair. Stress management doesn’t have to be an organised activity. Simply do whatever it is that helps you chill out for a while!
Finally, it’s important to be patient when it comes to hair growth. It can take several months for changes in diet, lifestyle and supplements to show up in your hair. Perseverance is key!
Conclusion
In summary, the gut-hair connection is a complex one, but there is growing evidence that taking care of your gut health can have a positive impact on hair growth. By eating a healthy diet, reducing stress and taking supplements and remedies that support gut health, you can promote the growth of strong, healthy hair. So, go ahead and give it a try. Your gut (and your hair) will thank you!
If you have any concerns about hair loss or thinning, Vinci Hair Clinic would like to help. We are world leaders when it comes to hair restoration treatment. Vinci offers a free, no-obligation consultation to all first-time clients, one that can take place in person or over the phone using photographs. Contact us today to book your appointment!
