Zinc and Your Hair

Why is Zinc Important?

Zinc is a key mineral for health and wellbeing. It helps support over 100 chemical reactions within the body, such as the formation of hormones and enzymes. It is especially significant in wound healing, and in maintaining a healthy immune system. As well as this, zinc helps our bodies process carbohydrates, fats and proteins – the building blocks of hair. It has been shown to promote hair and skin health.

Zinc Deficiency

Zinc is found in small amounts in a wide variety of foods, so it usually possible to get adequate quantities through a healthy diet. However, your body is unable to store zinc, meaning you must ingest it every day in order to maintain optimum levels. Factors such as malabsorption, illness, stress and allergies can affect your body’s levels of zinc. A zinc deficiency can cause diffuse hair shedding — as well as other symptoms, such as stunted growth and poor immune system function.

It is preferable to obtain zinc through your diet, rather than supplements. However, when hair loss and/or thinning is an issue, a combination of supplements, such as Philip Kingsley Tricho Complex, as well as a healthy diet, is best for encouraging re-growth of hair.

Foods Rich in Zinc

Lamb

Beef

Beef Liver

Kidneys

Oysters

Crab

Wheat Germ

Peanuts

Milk

Cheese

Please note, it is hard for your body to absorb zinc when it is found in foods containing phytic acid. This is because phytic acid can impede zinc uptake. Examples of such foods are beans and pulses. However, if you soak these foods beforehand, phytic acid is reduced.

For zinc-rich recipe ideas, please visit our Pinterest Board, 'In-Sync with Zinc'.