There are several nutrients that are well known and much loved for supporting hair and scalp health. From biotin and folate to vitamin C and D, including the top vitamins and minerals for the hair and scalp in your diet can work wonders for the condition of your hair, especially if you are looking to prevent, remedy or recover from hair loss or thinning.
There is one mineral that isn’t as well regarded for its hair health boosting benefits, which means when a deficiency does occur, many are left pretty stumped…
Calcium for hair and scalp health
Calcium is widely recognised as one of the most important minerals, especially for young children and the elderly. Here registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD, explains more about calcium’s role in maintaining health and wellbeing:
“If your calcium levels get too low, the parathyroid hormone will signal the bones to release calcium into the bloodstream. This can cause weakening of the bones, or osteopenia… Though calcium is most often thought about as being related to healthy bones and teeth, it also allows your body to do other critical things, like blood clotting, muscle contraction and nerve function.”
Calcium is a superstar in the hair department too. It actively regulates hormones to prevent the imbalances that so commonly affect hair growth. Calcium is also used by the hair follicles, stimulating the production of sebum to keep your hair and scalp moisturised.
The role calcium plays in hair health shouldn’t be underestimated. Calcium deficiencies have actually been linked to telogen effluvium (TE), a type of temporary hair loss that first appears as thinning before causing excessive hair shedding.
Calcium deficiencies commonly result in a slow rate of hair growth, with brittle nails, thin skin, weak bones, muscle cramps, and even confusion, memory loss, hallucinations and muscle cramps representing other symptoms.
Even in the most severe cases of calcium deficiency, rectifying related problems or reversing symptoms is as simple as adding more calcium to your diet. Calcium supplements, which are easier for the body to absorb, are often prescribed as an initial step. But, altering your diet to become more calcium-rich delivers the best long-term results.
You can get between 25 and 30% of your recommended daily allowance with a single serving of dairy. You should however choose a low or zero fat option to ensure the positives of a calcium-rich diet outweigh the negatives. High calcium intake has been linked to high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease.
Other calcium-rich foods include salmon, sardines, tofu, edamame beans, white beans, broccoli, figs and fortified orange juice. To increase your rate of calcium absorption, increasing your vitamin D intake is also recommended.
If you’re experiencing calcium deficiency and its many troubling symptoms, taking care of you during your recovery is important.
Thankfully, we can help with our range of men’s and women’s wigs. Our wigs provide the coverage you need to enjoy everyday life with complete confidence as you recover from deficiency-induced hair loss or thinning. Shop our range of wigs today and enjoy free UK delivery on orders above £25.
