Hair Regrowth After Eating Disorder

Eating disorders often include habits that prevent the body from obtaining nutrients from food. One common symptom of eating disorders is hair loss. Although hair loss may continue once eating is resumed, that doesn't mean it will continue to fall out or that it will never regrow.

Why Hair Loss Happens

• The body has evolved to use different nutrients from food for different functions. When nutrients are not absorbed, internal activities such as the upkeep of hair growth are put on hold. More hair follicles than usual are signaled to go into hibernation mode, as nutrients are saved for more vital body functions. If this state goes on for too long (years), the follicles could atrophy or be killed due to an increase in certain male sex hormones that are triggered by malnutrition. But chances are that once in recovery from an eating disorder, hair will regrow.

Time Frame

• Hair loss will often echo what the body went through one to three months previously. Some people notice that their hair only starts to fall out after they begin eating normally again. Allow six to twelve months for complete recovery.

Aid Hair Regrowth with Nutrition

• Getting proper nutrition, including vitamins A, B, and C, copper, iron, zinc, proteins and biotin, are essential for hair regrowth. The easiest way for the body to absorb these nutrients is through whole foods, including vegetables, grains, fruits, nuts and oils.

Kick-start Hair Regrowth

• There are certain herbal treatments you can use internally or externally to kick-start your hair follicles out of hibernation. These include various seaweeds and algae, Chinese herbs such as dong quai and ginkgo, horsetail and rosemary. Also, taking a daily vitamin supplement can help; some suggest using a prenatal vitamin.

Advice

• Don't wash your hair in hot water---wet it with warm water and rinse with cool. Try massaging your head with oil to stimulate the follicles. Limit your consumption of alcohol and tobacco and minimize stress.