Are Food Prices Really Falling?

"Where are you shopping?"

That was the No. 1 question we got in response to our article on food-price deflation. (And some folks expressed their disbelief in far harsher words...)

In our article, we looked at food prices across the entire U.S., not prices specific to regions or states. And, as we detailed, food prices in the U.S. are falling.

But prices can vary from state to state, town to town, and store to store.

Hawaii and Alaska, for instance, are notorious for high food prices.

So while average food prices across the U.S. have fallen, depending on where you live, that might not be your experience.

But there are easy ways to compare food prices in your area to make sure you're getting the best deals.

MyGroceryDeals.com allows you to compare items at different stores. Just type in your zip code and the item, and you'll see prices in your area.

You can also compare prices use the app OurCart. This app allows you to create a shopping list and compares prices in your area. (You do need to create an account to use it.) Keep in mind that the app is fairly new and relies on user-submitted prices.

Let's take a look at some other e-mails we got this week...

Q: Hi Doc – love the updates. Wondering if you have any information on female hair loss? My wife has had blood tests and only thing [out] of ordinary ranges is her iron levels. She is 45 and not yet to menopause. Any thoughts? – P.R.

A: Hair loss, unfortunately, often hits women in their 40s and 50s. While we can't get into specific medical advice, it's a good chance to cover some of the main reasons women lose their hair.

First, women in their 40s and 50s often experience changes in hormone levels thanks to pre-menopause and then menopause. In fact, nearly every woman in this age range will have some degree of hair loss, according to Harvard Health.

If hormones aren't to blame, it could be a sign of other health concerns. For example, one of the symptoms of thyroid problems is hair loss. Women in particular have a higher risk for thyroid issues, and the risk only increases with age. You can read more about thyroid problems and other symptoms in our issue here.

Similarly, iron deficiency is also a cause of hair loss. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology covered the connection in a 2006 article (which you can read here). The writers explain that the best way to treat the condition is to eat enough whole foods to get iron naturally.

Third, some research suggests that taking too much vitamin A is connected to hair loss. We addressed this in our issue on "The Dangers of Fat-Soluble Vitamins," which you can read here.

Even things like stress or genetic predisposition could play a role. Remember to keep your stress in check with exercise and meditation. And a chat with other women in the family could help find a common pattern.

• How to treat female pattern hair loss.

• "Interest rates have bottomed."

• Something different: What it takes to get a Michelin star.