Ask the doctor: Hair loss and vegan proteins

Dear doctor, I have a toe nail that cracks often. And every time a new one grows back it breaks again. Is this a fungal infection and how do I fix it?

Yes, it could be a fungal infection. You can also get brittle nails from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Those tend to involve all nails, not just one toe.

Please see your doctor to exclude fungal infection and give appropriate treatment.

Dear doctor, does oil work for hair loss on the hairline?

There are many causes to alopecia (hair loss). What works is definitely first identifying the cause. It could be traction or pulling of the hair. It could also be a reaction to certain chemicals.

Please see a dermatologist to confirm the cause first so you can be on appropriate treatment.

Dear doctor, I have decided to go vegan but have a history of low iron levels. How will I supplement my iron if I don’t eat meat?

A vegan diet can be healthy and safe but you will obviously need to be more careful because of your historical low iron levels. You will need to make sure you substitute with vegetable iron sources, like black beans, lentils, tofu and chick peas. Eat brown rice and a lot of nuts and seeds.

Please visit your doctor at least every three months to check iron levels and if there’s a need for tablet supplements.

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