Nutritionist Pooja Makhija talks about the nutrients you need to manage post-Covid hair loss

COVID-19 could have adverse effects on your physical and mental health. Unfortunately, a few COVID related complications could persist even after you make a full recovery. One such post COVID issue that many people are complaining of is hair loss. 

Understandably so, hair loss can be a major stress factor, however, it can be managed with optimal intake of nutrients as a balanced diet can help with recovering from COVID related complications. 

Recently, celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija took to Instagram to share how certain foods and supplements can help control the hair loss problem in the post COVID-19 stage. 

She wrote, “These are nutrients (foods + supplements) that have helped my clients and me as well post covid.”  Additionally, she advised her followers to check with a doctor/nutritionist before incorporating the foods recommended by her to your diet. 

Check out her post here:

Pooja recommended the following foods to eat daily:

1. Nuts (7 almonds and 2 walnuts)

Pooja recommends consuming seven almonds and two walnuts daily. Almonds are rich in magnesium, which promotes hair growth and prevents hair damage. Almonds supply sufficient nutrients to the hair follicles that make hair strands stronger, thus reducing hair fall. On the other hand, walnuts are a rich source of potassium that helps with regeneration of cells.

2. Chia, pumpkin and flax seeds (1 tbsp each)

She advised to take 1 tbsp of each, chia, pumpkin and flax seeds regularly. Chia seeds have a high content of phosphorus that encourages hair growth, while pumpkin is a rich source of minerals including potassium and zinc. Flax seeds are rich in vitamin E, which is great for both skin and hair health. 

3. Virgin coconut oil (1 tbsp)

Pooja recommended consuming 1 tbsp of virgin coconut oil on an empty stomach. Virgin coconut oil helps in protecting the hair strands against damage and increases volume, making it a perfect choice for maintaining hair health. 

4. Eggs (3 whites and 1 yolk)

Pooja advised consuming eggs because it is a rich source of protein. You need to take three whites and one yolk daily, according to her. Egg whites cleanse the scalp, while egg yolk can be a superfood for hair because of its unique combination of vitamins and minerals.

Besides the foods, Pooja Makhija also recommended 3 vitamin supplements that will boost your fight against hair loss:

 1. B12 (500 and 1500 mcg daily)

One of the most vital nutrients to promote hair growth is vitamin B12, also known as ‘cobalamin’. Pooja said, “the deficiency of vitamin B12 causes the hair follicles to not form new hair”. Hence, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to hair loss.  

2. D3 (2000iu daily)

Pooja said, “Vitamin D deficiency causes alopecia because it doesn’t like new hair follicles to come”. Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that causes bald patches on the scalp. Therefore, adequate intake of vitamin D3 plays an important role in stimulating new and old hair follicles. 

3. Vitamin C (1000mg daily)

She explained, “vitamin C because COVID causes oxidative damage and vitamin C can scavenge that ”. Moreover, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help your body to absorb iron, which is a necessary mineral for hair growth.

Lastly, she recommends checking the exact dosage, duration and timings with your doctor or nutritionist to get started. So, take care and have a happy recovery!