Don’t be fooled by snake oil. Many over-the-counter hair loss treatment supplements, pills and drugs contain unproven or straight out inefficient ingredients. If you want to truly prevent hair loss, or even reverse hair loss and restore your hair to your youthful thickness and health, scan the labels of your supplements and make sure they contain some of these star ingredients.
1. Pantothenic acid
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is found in a lot of luxury and salon shampoo products. It can help prevent hair thinning.
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that it helps your body to properly metabolize fat and protein (which is essential for growing and regrowing hair), and that your body also directly uses vitamin B5 for healthy skin, eyes and hair.
If you don’t want to get it from a hair loss supplement, some of the best sources of vitamin B5 include corn, avocado, egg yolks and split peas.
2. Iodine
A thyroid deficiency or health problem can cause early hair loss, especially in women. Iodine is a supplement that helps keep your thyroid functioning well.
The American Thyroid Association reports that 40 per cent of the world’s population is low on iodine. Some of the best dietary sources of iodine include ocean fish, seaweed, soy milk, yogurt and ice cream.
3. Green Tea Extract
Green tea is a potent source of antioxidants, which is why studies have linked green tea consumption with reduced signs of aging, lower risks of chronic diseases, and much more.
Green tea is also a source of caffeine, and caffeine can regulate the hormones that can make your hair follicles stop growing new hair. Thus, it could help reverse and prevent thinning and balding.
If you don’t want to drink green tea (some people find the tea has a unpleasant flavor), try a hair supplement that contains green tea extract.
