Nutrition Supplements

Good nutrition can go a long way in helping you keep your thick head of hair. Some minerals work synergistically with others to boost antioxidant activity and help block "bad" enzymes. Therefore, a balanced, varied diet of fresh, whole foods is important. There are several hair supplements you can take to help keep your hair on your head!

Here are some of the best supplements to promote healthy hair:

L-lysine - L-lysine is an amino acid with a patent pending for hair growth. Rich sources include chicken, turkey, fish, legumes and most vegetables.

L-arginine - L-arginine is another amino acid that may stimulate hair growth by increasing absorption of nitric acid.

Saw palmetto - Saw palmetto is an herb that may reduce/slow hair loss.

Grape seed extract - Grape seed extract contains proanthocyanidins that stimulate growth in hair epithelial cells.

Green tea extract - Green tea extract has antioxidants (catechins) that may hold back hair loss.

Gamma linolenic acid - Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) -- a good fat -- also helps hold back the "Great Recession." Borage oil is one of the best sources.

Soy isoflavones - Soy isoflavones are antioxidant phytoestrogens in soy reduce hair loss. These can be found in soy foods such as tofu, tempeh, miso and soy milk.

Stinging nettle root extract - Stinging nettle root extract is used for benign prostate hyperplasia, but also thought to help hair.

Vitamin C and E - You can find vitamin C in Brussels sprouts, cranberries, mango, broccoli and tomatoes. Wheat germ and egg yolks are both rich in vitamin E and CoQ10.

B vitamins play a crucial role in the health and growth of hair. One place to get them is from blackstrap molasses. Blackstrap is the most unrefined of all molasses and, besides having a high concentration of B vitamins, is also high in calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin E. Obvious uses are in cookies and breads, but also try mixing some blackstrap molasses into barbecue sauce or baked beans.

Deficiencies in biotin have been linked to hair loss, and essential fatty acids can improve hair texture and prevent dry, brittle hair. You can get biotin from liver, sardines, soy, whole grains, nuts and beans. Good fats, essential fatty acids are also important for your hair. They can be found in cold-pressed olive oil, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and marine oils.