Hair Loss
Hair Loss And Nutrition The Basic Facts
It’s a mystery that has confounded the ages but hair loss remains one of the most unexplained conditions known to medical science. Of course we are talking about the common male pattern baldness here, as many hair loss conditions caused by various other factors can largely be remedied by simply cutting off the offending cause.
The hair loss suspectsWhile there is as yet no generally agreed upon cause for hair loss in males, it is though that the condition is a result of an iron deficiency, an excessively oily scalp, over production of the DHT hormone, and possibly even an underactive thyroid gland.
The condition of the hair itself is often a sign of the health of the individual, since illness or a lack of certain vitamins and minerals often shows up as poor hair condition. Even something as common as oily hair can be an indication that the person lacks vitamin B, with brittle or dry hair commonly caused by a scarcity of essential fats in the diet. If you don’t take enough zinc into your system, you may also experience dull-looking and lifeless hair. A lack of vitamin C, vitamin B1, iron and lysine can also contribute to hair loss.
Medications and natural remedies for hair lossAmong the medications commonly prescribed for hair loss treatment are Minoxidil and Rogaine. As effective as they can be, these medications do have some side effects associated with their use, which is why many people opt to use natural hair loss treatments with varying degrees of success. Among the natural treatment methods used to address hair loss are dieting, herbal concoctions, and exercise. Some people even address the issue with nothing more than proper hair care techniques.
Preventing hair loss with dietingMany people believe that eating the same foods that are beneficial to your overall health can prevent hair loss. This theory may have some merit to it, since hair loss can often be caused by poor nutrition. In general, high protein diets that are low in carbohydrates and fats can promote good overall health as well as play a role in reducing the risk of hair loss. Adequate amounts of essential fatty acids such as those contained in spinach, soy, tuna, and sunflower seeds may also go a long way in promoting healthier hair. Even omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids–both of which have numerous health benefits–may help you have healthier hair. At the very least, the inadequacy of such nutrients can cause you to lose hair much quicker.
So the next time you are worried about hair loss, a closer look at your diet may be in order.