When I meet someone for the first time, the first thing I most always
notice is their hair, or lack there of. Don’t get me wrong,
there is nothing wrong with bald heads, sometimes it is a welcome change
to some of the horrible hair styles out there. Time Inc., in response
to expensive surgeries, toupees and wigs, and costly, ineffective medications
says that the best solution to hair loss is to “cut your hair short,
and let nature takes its course.”
But some people just are not ready to start losing their hair and luckily,
there are natural answers to one of nature’s cruel tricks. The
most common offenders of hair loss are heredity, hormones, and aging. Other
known causes are exposure to radiation, diabetes, poor circulation, fungal
infections, and skin disease. But there are other controllable causes
too, like poor diet, stress, and exposure to chemicals (found in hair
products such as dyes).
If we could choose our heredity, we could eliminate a huge hair loss factor,
but since that isn’t possible – at least not yet – let’s
focus on those controllable factors such as diet.
A lack of vitamins, minerals, protein and iron is bad for your entire
body, including your hair. So make sure you eat plenty of foods rich
in lean protein like vegetables, grains, legumes, plus moderate amounts
of cheese and cooked eggs. However, animal fats, animal proteins,
and salt may contribute to hair loss, so be wary of where you get your
dose of protein. Include soy foods because they appear to inhibit
the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone believed to cause
hair loss. Avoid a diet based on excessive amounts of meat, which
tends to speed up hair loss. Meat stresses the kidneys, and your
kidneys influence your hair and scalp.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, but not a lot of starch. Foods
rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals feed the hair through the root
at the scalp, supporting hair growth. Fruits and vegetables contain
flavonoids that may provide protection for the hair follicles and encourage
hair growth. Foods high in Biotin promote healthy hair and skin,
and may even prevent hair loss. Good sources of Biotin include Brewer’s
yeast, walnuts, sunflower seeds, oats, soybeans, lentils, bulgur, brown
rice, and green peas.
If you know you are not getting enough of the essential vitamins, minerals,
lean proteins, and iron to promote healthy, full hair, there are plenty
of great herbs, supplements and specialty formulas to help do just that.
Herbal Answers:
Saw Palmetto,
Green Tea,
and Pygeum
– may aid in reducing hair loss.
Fo-Ti
– may slow hair loss and graying.
Apple Cider Vinegar
and Sage
tea – used as a rinse to help hair grow.
Gingko Biloba
– improves circulation, specifically to the scalp.
Horsetail
– excellent source of silica which is necessary for strong, shiny
hair.
Tea Tree Oil
– combats bacteria and mites which are sometimes the cause of hair
loss.
Supplements:
Essential Fatty Acids
– improves hair texture.
B Vitamins
– important for overall hair health and growth.
Vitamin
E – also improves health and growth of hair.
Zinc
– stimulates hair growth.
Kelp
– supplies needed minerals for hair growth.
Specialty Formulas:
Ultra Hair from Nature’s
Plus - contains nutrients necessary to stimulate hair growth.
FolliGRO –
naturally blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thus preventing the hormone
from attacking the hair follicle.
References:
Kelly, James, (Ed.). (2003). Time A to Z Health Guide – How to
Live Better and Longer. Hair Loss, 57. New York: Time
Books.
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000) Prescription
for Nutritional Healing. Hair Loss, 401-405.
Zand, Janet, Spreen, Allan N., & LaValle, James B. (Eds.).
(1999) Smart Medicine for Healthier Living. New York: Avery
Publishing Group. Hair Loss. 312-315. .
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