Top 3 Foods for hair, according to Dr. Eric Berg

Dr. Eric Berg (Keto and intermittent fasting expert)

Arisha Usman
ILLUMINATION
2 min readFeb 20, 2024

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Photo by Min An from Pexels

Today, I’m excited to share with you some valuable insights I gained from watching a video by Dr. Eric Berg DC. In his enlightening discussion (you can watch it here), he revealed some incredible information about combating hair loss through dietary changes. As someone who’s struggled with thinning hair, this really caught my attention.

So, let’s dive into what I’ve learned.

First things first, did you know that your hair is primarily made up of protein? It’s a common misconception that simply increasing protein intake will solve the problem, but as Dr. Berg explains, it’s not quite that straightforward.

In his video, he references a paper that outlines various deficiencies found in individuals experiencing hair loss. One particular amino acid, histidine, stood out to me. Shockingly, over 90% of people with hair loss were deficient in histidine.

Histidine plays a crucial role in hair health. It’s involved in producing the keratin protein, which is essential for strong, hydrated hair. Additionally, it helps regulate important minerals like copper and zinc.

But why are so many people deficient in histidine?

Well, histidine isn’t abundantly found in most foods. Factors such as medications, alcohol consumption, and even low stomach acid can impact histidine levels in the body.

To effectively utilize histidine, the body requires certain co-factors, including vitamin B6, copper, zinc, and folate. Ah, folate, the natural form of vitamin B9, found abundantly in dark leafy greens and liver.

But what if you’re not a fan of veggies or liver? That could contribute to histidine deficiency as well.

Now, onto the exciting part — the top three foods that can help prevent hair loss, as recommended by Dr. Berg:

  1. Organ Meats: Specifically liver, which is rich in histidine and other essential nutrients. If you’re not keen on the taste, you can always opt for a supplement.
  2. Animal Protein: Beef, fish, you name it! Make sure you’re getting enough raw material for your hair to thrive.
  3. Shellfish: Not only are they delicious, but they also provide zinc, copper, selenium, and other trace minerals crucial for hair health.

As I delved deeper into Dr. Berg’s recommendations, I couldn’t help but feel hopeful. Perhaps there’s a solution to my hair loss struggles after all. But I can only eat beef or fish. I shared it because maybe you can follow it.

If you’re like me and grappling with hair loss, I highly recommend checking out Dr. Berg’s video for more insights. It might just be the key to unlocking healthier, more vibrant hair.

And remember, taking care of yourself, both inside and out, is key to overall well-being.

Until next time, here’s to healthy, happy hair!

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Arisha Usman
ILLUMINATION

Arisha Usman, the author, has been a writer internationally for 4+ years. She enjoys sharing research on products and tools and tips.