How an Alkaline Diet and Herbs Can Supercharge Your Hair Growth

Natural hair growth remedies are in high demand. From alkaline diets to herbs, people are seeking science-backed ways to achieve healthier, longer hair. In this article, we’ll break down how the foods you eat and herbs you use can naturally support hair growth, strengthen your strands, and help you achieve the luscious locks you’ve been dreaming of.

Hair receives its nourishment from the food, so why not optimize its growth with the very thing we love to do? (eat).

What is an Alkaline Diet

An alkaline diet consists of foods that change your body’s pH level. You may be wondering why pH levels are important for hair growth. With the right pH levels, your body can release more growth hormones to stimulate hair growth. Even with the right hair care products (because the scalp's optimal pH ranges from 4.5-5.5), you can help your hair thrive. 

Growth Hormones and Hair Growth

Hair growth is driven by your body’s natural hormones and the food you put into it. The external things we put on it, such as oils and moisturizers, simply help us retain that growth. These growth hormones control how long your hair stays in the anagen (growth) phase, and how strong and healthy it grows.

Growth Hormones work through receptors in your hair follicles and boost the production of the hormone that's a key player in keeping hair in the growth phase longer (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1).

How to Naturally Activate Growth Hormones

• Sleep: Deep, high-quality sleep is when growth hormone release peaks. 

• Exercise: Resistance training and HIIT workouts are especially effective for growth hormone release.

• Balanced Diet: Eating enough protein and healthy fats helps growth hormone production, while cutting down refined sugars prevents hormone suppression.

How Alkaline Effects Hair Growth

Several factors associated with hair health include genetics, lifestyle, and healthy habits such as diet and stress.

An alkaline diet can benefit hair growth by reducing inflammation and improving nutrient absorption. Foods high in alkalinity include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that play a big role in hair growth, such as vitamins A, C, and E, & minerals like zinc and magnesium.

One study by Dr. Chris Plaman, M.D. suggests that a diet rich in alkaline foods can improve hair health by reducing oxidative stress and promoting better circulation to hair follicles.

Understanding the Hair Growth Phases

Hair growth occurs in three phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). The anagen phase is the most crucial for hair growth, lasting several years. Ensuring proper nutrition and using beneficial herbs can prolong the anagen phase and promote healthier hair growth. 

Top 10 Best Foods for Hair Growth

1. Dark Green Vegetables: Such as collard, spinach, broccoli, etc.  Rich in iron, calcium, carotenoids and vitamin A &C. These vegetables help produce our natural scalp oil (sebum) and slow down the aging in skin. 

2. Sweet Potatoes: High in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A (combats dull hair).

3. Salmon & Tuna: High in protein, vitamin B12, and iron, which adds luster (Omega-3 fatty acids) and strength to the shaft.

4. Avocados: Packed with vitamin E and healthy fats (promotes hair growth).

5. Berries: High in antioxidants and vitamins.

6. Nuts and Seeds: Provide essential fatty acids and zinc. Such as almonds, which is a good source of biotin.

7. Beans & Legumes: Rich in protein, iron, zinc, and biotin.

8. Eggs: A Great source of protein, biotin, and vitamin B12 which stimulate growth and thicken the cuticle. 

9. Carrots: High in vitamin A, promoting scalp health.

10. Poultry (chicken/turkey): High in quality protein to strengthen hair.

(I'm a licensed natural hair care specialist; I had to learn this stuff!)

Foods to Avoid for Hair Growth

To promote optimal hair growth, it's best to limit foods that can hinder hair health & growth. Sometimes it’s the habits we form that have caused us to eat these foods. Be sure to consult with your doctor or nutritionist before making any extreme diet changes. 

Processed Foods: High in unhealthy fats and sugars.

Sugary Drinks: Can lead to scalp inflammation and hinder nutrient absorption.

Excessive Alcohol: Can dehydrate the body and scalp. Even cacti need water to survive.

High-Sodium Foods: Can affect blood circulation to the scalp.

Herbs For Hair Growth

Herbs have been used for centuries to promote hair growth. Here are some of the most effective ones:

Rosemary: Known to improve circulation and stimulate hair follicles.

Aloe Vera: Soothes the scalp, moisturizes & conditions hair.

Peppermint: Increases blood flow to hair follicles.

Ginseng: Promotes hair growth by stimulating hair follicles, repairs protein bonds in hair. Can also reduce scalp flaking. 

Horsetail: Rich in silica, strengthening hair infrastructure and promoting growth. Can be used after chemical damange or episodes of alopecia. 

Please note that this is not an all-inclusive list.

Adding an alkaline diet and herbs to your routine can support natural hair growth. These dietary choices not only improve overall health but also provide the essential nutrients your hair needs to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can an alkaline diet really make hair grow faster?
A: By balancing your body’s pH and reducing inflammation, alkaline foods support growth hormones that extend the hair’s growth phase. Keep in mind that hair grows 5-6 inches per year on average, but age, genetics, and health plays a factor this.

Q: What herb is best for hair regrowth?
A: Rosemary is one of the most studied herbs for regrowth, improving circulation and follicle activity