A diet high in fat and salt has been linked to hair loss. These high fat/salt diets have been known to cause damage to the kidneys and create increased levels of acid within the blood stream that inevitably leads to an increase in hair loss. A wholesome diet, rich in silica, calcium and iron can help reduce and/or prevent hair loss. Maintaining a diet low in fat, salt, and sugar is also highly recommended.

In a society with last minute meals many individuals also have diets that are low in vitamin rich foods. This deficiency will also increase your chances of hair loss.

For women, thinning hair or hair loss can be a sign of a problem within the gastrointestinal tract. Many times gastrointestinal problems are caused by an insufficient supply of proper stomach acids. A deficiency of protein, zinc, and other nutrients have been linked to this imbalance.

For men, the balding process can be prevented or slowed by decreasing the fat within their diets. A high fat diet raises testosterone levels, and that adversely affects hair follicles. Eating low-fat diets may not prevent hair loss but it will assist in slowing the process.

What should we eat?

* A balanced diet of lean protein, soy, and complex carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables is highly recommended.

* Monounsaturated fats also play a very important role in hair growth and revitalization, these fats are found in extra virgin olive oil and nuts; very different from that of fat in fast foods.

* Increase green, leafy vegetables as they are a good source of minerals.

* Increase raw oats to provide a silica rich diet.

* Avoid large portions of carbohydrates such as potatoes and pastas as they turn to glucose during digestion and elevate the body's blood sugar level.

* Keep alcohol limited to no more then one drink per day. Alcohol decreases the body's levels of zinc, folic acid, vitamin B, and vitamin C leading to a vitamin deficiency. Alcohol also contains high sugar contents and calories.

* Keep caffeinated drinks to a minimum as well. Caffeine depletes the body of vitamins B and C, potassium and zinc; this causes a vitamin deficiency that puts stress on the adrenal glands increasing the level of DHT within the body. Increased levels of DHT have been linked to cause a majority of issues with hair loss.