Hair Loss and Stress

• Hormonal changes caused by stress can affect hair loss.Anger! image by kuhar from Fotolia.com
  
  The most common stress-induced hair loss is called telogen effluvium, says Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D. Severe stress ceases hair growth and puts hair into a resting state; hair then falls out during routine brushing and washing. The condition typically reverses once stress alleviates, but can take months before hair is restored to its normal condition.
  
  In some people stress triggers alopecia areata, in which large patches of hair fall out, and complete baldness can occur. Individuals with such substantial hair loss should consult a physician.
  
  

Diet for Hair Loss

• Adding walnuts to your diet can benefit your hair when it's sloughing off due to stress.walnuts image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  A healthy diet gives your hair the building blocks it needs, while giving you the nutrients to focus on coping with stress. Salmon is a hair super-food, with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, iron and vitamin B-12. All those components support scalp health and can restart stalled hair growth caused by stress.
  
  Nuts are another good source of protein and healthy fats, along with minerals like zinc which boost hair health. Walnuts provide alpha-linolenic acid, which may condition hair. Brazil nuts contain high levels of selenium, which benefits the scalp. Cashews, pecans and almonds offer large levels of zinc, which decreases hair shedding--thereby stemming stress-based hair loss.
  
  

Diet for Stress

• Regular, balanced meals aid overall health and reduce the side effects of stress.delicious food in a plate on the table image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
  
  Eat regularly spaced meals throughout the day to keep blood-sugar levels stable and energy levels high. Eating three meals and three snacks with a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat at each meal helps mental functioning by sustaining the brain's glycogen stores, which fuel cognition.
  
  Decrease dependence on caffeine, sugar, alcohol and soda, as they cause blood sugar spikes and other energy rushes in the body, which can lead to a "crash" and lower functioning. Without them, you'll feel more relaxed and be better able to cope with stressors, says Melinda Smith, M.A. and Ellen Jaffe-Gill, M.A.