Intro to Iron Deficiency and After Chemo Hair Loss
Hair loss can be one of the hardest aspects of chemo treatments. Our hair is our identity. It’s one thing we can control; we can cut it, color it, and style it.
It’s natural to have a rollercoaster of emotions about hair loss and deal with it differently than others. For some, no matter how well they were mentally prepared for hair loss, it was still very upsetting.
Now that chemo treatments are over, there is excitement for your hair regrowth. Your hair regrowth after chemo may feel slow, but we will provide you with some tips to help maximize the health of your scalp for faster hair regrowth.
Many overlook the importance of consuming enough nutrients, particularly iron.
If your diet is lacking in iron, you may experience excessive hair shedding (Telogen Effluvium), and may also find that your hair will not grow past a certain length.
Iron Deficiency and After Chemo Hair Loss
Before we continue, it’s important to note that we are not medical professionals and we are not giving any medical advice nor are we making any claims.
Iron is a mineral vital to our health. Its primary function in our bodies is to aid in producing red blood cells. Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen through our bloodstream to all our tissues and organs — including our hair follicles. Iron also optimizes energy levels, nourishes muscles (including your heart), and helps your immune system function. In other words, it is a great all-rounder for your general fitness and well-being. If you do not have enough iron in your body, you may develop a condition called iron deficiency anemia.
With a lack of red blood cells, your body lacks oxygen. It will channel the available oxygen supply to vital organs to keep them alive, rather than your hair follicles. Without oxygen, your hair follicles stop functioning properly, causing slow growth and hair loss.
Anemia can occur if your diet lacks iron-rich foods or if you are not absorbing iron adequately. It’s important to consume plenty of iron through diet if you are vegetarian, vegan, and if you frequently exercise because some iron is lost through sweat.
Some symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include:
Extreme tiredness
Lack of energy
Pale skin
Breathlessness
Heart palpitations
Slow hair growth
Hair loss
Conclusion to Iron Deficiency and After Chemo Hair Loss
If you notice your hair isn’t growing as long or as fast as it used to, or if you have excessive hair loss we suggest asking your doctor to test your iron levels.
If you discover you are anemic, try not to worry — hair loss due to anemia is reversible and your doctor can prescribe you an iron supplement. It is important to follow the dosage you are given, because high iron levels can also be dangerous, and taking more than prescribed will not lead to a faster result. You may also want to ask your doctor to suggest changes to your diet.
The most beneficial treatment for anemia and hair loss is making sure you’re getting enough iron through good nutrition and supplementation. Good sources of iron are meat, liver, shellfish, nuts, leafy green vegetables, dried fruit, beans, and whole grains. To ensure you are growing your best hair possible, you must use gentle, natural, and nourishing hair care products. Make sure they are SLS (sodium laurel sulfate) free and chemical-free and nasties free.
Belegenza Natural Hair Care has taken the guesswork out of which hair care products are right for you. They continuously research ingredients to provide you with the best and safest possible. Check out the Chemo-Premium Care Now package or Chemo Feel Better Look Better NOW package for your hair and scalp needs. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp!