{"id":957,"date":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=957"},"modified":"2024-01-07T16:54:30","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:54:30","slug":"hair-loss-and-brittle-nails-are-a-sign-of","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/hair-loss-and-brittle-nails-are-a-sign-of\/","title":{"rendered":"Hair Loss And Brittle Nails: What They Could Mean For Your Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you’ve noticed more hairs than usual on your hairbrush or your nails seem more brittle lately, you may be wondering what’s going on. Hair loss and brittle nails can indicate an underlying health issue.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Hair loss and brittle nails are often a sign of nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, or other systemic imbalances in the body<\/b>. Identifying and addressing the root cause is key to resolving these outward symptoms.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons for hair loss and brittle nails. We’ll look at which nutritional deficiencies to watch out for, what thyroid issues could be at play, and when it’s time to see your doctor for bloodwork and further evaluation.<\/p>\n
Read on to learn what your hair and nails may be trying to tell you about your health.<\/p>\n
Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair loss. When you don’t have enough iron in your body, it reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles, which can make them shrink and stop growing hair.<\/p>\n
Anemia, characterized by low iron levels, is also associated with brittle nails that crack or split easily.<\/p>\n
Getting adequate iron from your diet or supplements helps stimulate new hair growth and promotes strong, healthy nails. Great iron-rich food sources include red meat, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified whole grain cereals.<\/p>\n
If your doctor diagnoses an iron deficiency, they will likely recommend taking an iron supplement to get your levels back to normal.<\/p>\n
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays many critical roles in hair tissue growth and maintenance. Some studies estimate that over 30% of people with hair loss are deficient in zinc<\/b>.<\/p>\n
Without enough zinc in your diet, your hair follicles and nail beds don’t get the nutrients they need. This can lead to increased hair shedding or slow regrowth, as well as white spots and increased brittleness in fingernails and toenails.<\/p>\n
Foods high in zinc include oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, and dairy products. Taking a zinc supplement may also help prevent hair and nail problems if you are deficient.<\/p>\n
Biotin is an important B vitamin that supports many aspects of health, including your hair, skin, and nails. In fact, biotin deficiency is one of the most rapidly growing nutritional problems linked to hair loss.<\/p>\n
Getting adequate biotin can help strengthen brittle nails and improve hair elasticity, reducing breakage. Foods rich in biotin include organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and sweet potatoes. Many people take a daily biotin supplement for optimal hair, skin, and nail health.<\/p>\n
Emerging research shows a strong connection between low vitamin D levels and hair loss. One study found that women with hair loss had significantly lower vitamin D levels than those with healthy hair.<\/p>\n
Vitamin D helps regulate cell growth and function in the hair follicles. A deficiency can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to excessive shedding or slow regrowth. Vitamin D also plays a role in the formation of strong nails.<\/p>\n
Getting 10-15 minutes of midday sunlight provides your daily dose of vitamin D. You can also find it in fatty fish, egg yolks, and vitamin D-fortified foods like milk. Many people take a vitamin D supplement, especially during the winter.<\/p>\n
Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, is a common condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and even hair loss and brittle nails.<\/p>\n
Here’s a deeper look at how hypothyroidism affects your hair and nails:<\/p>\n
When the thyroid is underactive, it slows your metabolism. This reduces the rate that old hair cells are shed and replaced by new ones. As a result, hypothyroid patients often notice thinning hair, dry hair, and excessive hair loss. The hair that remains may become brittle and dull.<\/p>\n
Similarly, hypothyroidism slows the nail growth rate and affects keratin production. Many patients with hypothyroidism develop brittle, fragile nails that chip and break easily. There may also be longitudinal ridges or grooves running down the nail.<\/p>\n