Yes, you heard it right – your gut and your hair have a bond that can rival the best of friendships!
I know you’re probably thinking "Wow, my gut does more than just digest food?"
As a matter of fact, it does much more than that! – and the health of your gut can impact the health of your hair. A healthy gut can lead to healthier, stronger, and shinier hair, while an unhealthy gut can cause dull-looking hair, breakage, and even hair loss!
HOW?
We all know that the gut is responsible for absorbing nutrients into the body, including those that are essential for hair growth and repair. So when it isn’t in optimal condition or functioning properly, the nutrient absorption process is disturbed. This means you can be eating all the right things but your body is not absorbing it.
This can impact the health of your hair because it leads to a deficiency of vital nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, and iron, which are essential for growing strong and healthy hair.
Not only can an unhealthy gut hinder nutrient absorption, but it can also trigger inflammations throughout your body, especially your scalp!
Continuous inflammation may disrupt your natural hair growth cycle, leading to a range of hair and scalp-related issues. The hair follicles could be prematurely pushed into the resting phase, causing hair strands to shed before completing their full growth cycle. This usually results in noticeable thinning or even bald patches.
SO, HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY GUT?
● Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet. These provide essential nutrients and fiber needed for a thriving gut microbiome.
● Up your intake of probiotic-rich foods - yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, Garri, Ogi, Fufu are great examples of foods containing beneficial bacteria that can help restore and maintain a healthy gut flora. Prebiotics such as garlic, onions, bananas, asparagus, and oats are also an excellent addition to your diet. Many of these also contain fibre which nourishes the good bacteria in your gut.
● Cut down your sugar! Excessive consumption of sugar and processed foods can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut and contribute to inflammation. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
● Drink water! We keep emphasizing this because it is so beneficial to your overall wellness. It helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, and keeping the gut lining hydrated.
● Chronic stress can negatively impact your gut health, so managing it effectively with techniques such as walking, meditation, yoga, etc is important.
● Regular exercise and quality sleep also aid digestion as well as repair and restoration ofyour body, including your gut.
By prioritising your gut health, you're not only nourishing your body from within, but also promoting healthy hair growth.