Foods That Prevent Hair Loss | Dr. Neal Barnard Live Q&A

Physicians Committee2 minutes read

Hair loss is a common issue affecting men and women, with hormones playing a crucial role. Dr. Neil Barnard discusses how a plant-based diet can help prevent hair loss by balancing hormones and eliminating animal products, emphasizing the importance of vitamin B12 supplementation for vegans.

Insights

  • Diet high in animal products and fats can worsen hair loss due to hormonal effects, while a plant-based diet can potentially reverse hair loss caused by diet-induced insulin resistance.
  • Vitamin B12 supplementation is crucial for vegans and those with absorption issues, with different forms of B12 supplements being effective, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical advice for proper treatment.

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Recent questions

  • How does diet affect hair loss?

    Diet high in animal products worsens hair loss.

  • Can a plant-based diet help with dandruff?

    Plant-based diet may reduce dandruff during hormonal changes.

  • Why is Vitamin B12 important?

    Vitamin B12 essential for nerves and blood, mainly in animal products.

  • How can one obtain Vitamin D?

    Vitamin D primarily from sunlight, supplements in low-sunlight regions.

  • Where can one find plant-based healthcare providers?

    Consider Barnard Medical Center for plant-based healthcare.

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Summary

00:00

Diet's Impact on Hair Loss Prevention

  • Hair loss affects 70-85% of men and up to 50% of women, with significant hair loss being common.
  • Dr. Neil Barnard, author of "Your Body in Balance," discusses the connection between diet and hair loss prevention.
  • Hormones, particularly testosterone and insulin, play a crucial role in hair loss.
  • A diet high in animal products and fats can exacerbate the effects of testosterone on hair follicles.
  • Insulin resistance, often caused by a Western-style diet, can contribute to hair loss.
  • Eliminating animal products and keeping oil intake low can help mitigate the effects of testosterone and insulin on hair loss.
  • Foods like dairy, meat, and high-fat items can worsen hair loss due to their hormonal effects.
  • Vegan cheeses, while dairy-free, can still be high in saturated fats and should be consumed in moderation.
  • A plant-based diet can potentially reverse hair loss caused by diet-induced insulin resistance.
  • Nuts and seeds may contribute to healthier hair, although research on their specific effects is primarily anecdotal.

14:57

Balancing Hormones and Defeating Dandruff Naturally

  • Dandruff can be embarrassing and often occurs during hormonal changes, like adolescence.
  • A plant-based diet may help balance hormones and potentially reduce dandruff.
  • Avoiding animal products and keeping oil intake low is crucial for hormone balance.
  • Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy nerves and blood, mainly found in animal products.
  • Modern hygiene has reduced natural sources of B12, leading to deficiencies even in meat eaters.
  • B12 supplementation is necessary for vegans and those with absorption issues.
  • Deficient individuals should seek medical advice for proper treatment, which may include injections.
  • The recommended daily intake of B12 is 2.4 micrograms, but higher doses may be needed for deficiencies.
  • Different forms of B12 supplements are effective, with cyanocobalamin being a common choice.
  • Vitamin D is primarily obtained from sunlight on the skin, with supplements necessary in low-sunlight regions or for those using sunscreen.

29:22

Nutrition Conference with Prominent Speakers and Food

  • The website pcrm.org icnm is where one can register for a nutrition conference featuring prominent speakers.
  • Dr. Barnard will be recording episodes of the Exam Room during the conference, offering live show opportunities.
  • Speakers like Dr. Dean Ornish and Dr. Kim Williams will be presenting at the conference.
  • The conference will feature exceptional food, including presentations by Dr. Hana Kaliova and Cyrus Cambada.
  • The conference is expected to be exceptional, with a focus on universal meals and limited seating due to social distancing.
  • The conference aims to inspire attendees and raise their health IQ significantly.
  • Mushrooms should be cooked before consumption to make the nutrients more accessible.
  • Sweet potatoes are recommended on a low-fat vegan diet for weight loss, with suggestions for toppings like Bragg's Aminos.
  • Starting a plant-based diet for type 2 diabetes involves a gradual transition over three weeks, focusing on whole plant foods and low oil intake.
  • Magnesium can play a role in lowering blood pressure, but a plant-based diet and reducing sodium intake are primary strategies for managing hypertension.

43:10

"Plant-based health experts at Barnard Medical Center"

  • To find a plant-based doctor or dietitian for improved health, consider the Barnard Medical Center, offering appointments via telemedicine, accepting insurance, reachable at barnardmedical.org or 202-527-7500. Like and subscribe to raise health IQ, with gratitude to Dr. Barnard and the crew at the Physicians Committee for their contributions.
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