What’s Going On With Our Hair After 40?
Hormonal shifts are the main culprit. Estrogen and progesterone start to decline, and these hormones normally protect your hair follicles. At the same time, androgens like DHT (a hormone known to shrink hair follicles) may stay the same—or even increase.
“That’s why hair loss usually starts in the crown or part line,” she notes.
Add in chronic stress and rising cortisol levels, and the picture becomes even more complex. Cortisol not only breaks down keratin—the protein that forms your hair—but also slows thyroid function, disrupts blood sugar, and weakens digestion. And poor digestion means your body struggles to absorb the very nutrients your hair needs to thrive.
“Even if the nutrients are present in our diet, it doesn’t guarantee the body can absorb or use them,” she explains. “Low stomach acid, inflammation, and hormone changes all make absorption harder after 40.”
The Most Nutrient-Dense Food for Hair Growth Over 40
So what’s the expert’s #1 food for reversing hair loss? “Grass-fed beef liver,” she says without hesitation. “I know, I know—it’s not trendy. But it is the most nutrient-dense food for hair growth in women over 40.”
Here’s why:
Rich in heme iron, which delivers oxygen to hair folliclesHigh in histidine, a crucial amino acid for keratin productionPacked with B12, folate, and B6, essential for DNA synthesis and cell energyLoaded with retinol (active vitamin A) for scalp and follicle repairProvides CoQ10 and choline, supporting detox, hormone metabolism, and stress recovery
“It contains everything your hair needs in a bioavailable, absorbable form—which is so important after 40 when digestion often slows down.”
How to Make Liver Work For You
Not into the taste of liver? You’re not alone. But she offers realistic ways to get the benefits without turning your stomach:
Mix into ground beef (1 part liver to 4 parts meat) for burgers or meatballsSlow cook with warming herbs like ginger or star anise for a more tender, flavorful dishGrill it Turkish-style, marinated and seared, with lemon and fresh breadTake it raw (if sourced properly) by freezing and cubing like a supplementOpt for capsules: freeze-dried beef liver with no fillers is a great alternative
And if liver really isn’t for you, try lamb liver, chicken liver, or desiccated supplements. “You’re not failing if you don’t like the taste,” she emphasizes. “What matters most is finding what works for you.”
Liver is powerful—but only if your body can absorb it. That’s why she also recommends:
1 tsp of apple cider vinegar in water before meals to boost stomach acidPrioritizing sleep, blood sugar balance, and nervous system carePairing liver with pasture-raised eggs, sardines, and grass-fed butter to support hormone production and nutrient synergy
“Hair loss is not about vanity,” she says. “It’s your body sending a signal. It’s saying, ‘I’m under pressure.’ When you nourish your body deeply, at the cellular level, your hair will reflect that.”
The Bottom Line
Hair thinning after 40 isn’t just about aging—it’s a complex mix of hormones, stress, digestion, and nutrient status. And the solution isn’t another serum or supplement. It’s whole-body nourishment.
“When you restore balance to your hormones, metabolism, digestion, and nervous system,” she says, “your hair responds. Hair health is a mirror of internal health.”
And for many women, the key begins with something as simple (and surprising) as grass-fed beef liver.