Archive for February, 2009

Zinc For Hair Loss

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

We all know hair loss occurs due to genetic transpositions. Baldness is seen in successive generations of families which is an obvious proof for hereditary to be one of the causes of baldness. But besides genes, hair loss can also occur due to various other causes. One such cause is dietary insufficiency.

Research has confirmed the role of zinc has a vital nutrient in the healthy growth of hair. Zinc is an important element in the management of stress when it is mobilized in stress as it is an important constituent of many vital enzymes required for normal body functions.

In terms of hair, nails and skin, it helps in the synthesis of various proteins, which subsequently facilitate growth and maintenance. So any deficiency in the levels of zinc in the body will directly result in impaired growth and damage to these body parts.

Hair growth is reduced and the scalp skin also undergoes flaking and drying up thus not providing an environment for hair production. It may cause graying of hair as well. The presence of zinc is so essential that once replaced in sufficient quantities, it can reverse most of the degenerating mechanisms such as graying and thinning of hair.

To supplement your diet with zinc, consume food products rich in the same such as fish, wheat germ, egg yolk etc or take supplements, which contain zinc. A balanced diet is the first step to good health and this fact should be borne in mind always.

Thinning Hair Remedies

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

Hair thinning occurs so insidiously that more often than not, you may not observe it at its onset. But you needn’t worry, as there’s no reason to be frantic in getting treated for the same. Hair thinning can be broadly divided into 4 main causes – hereditary, nutritional status, some underlying ailment or due to therapeutic procedures.

Hair thinning
can be corrected by various ways. Although commercially available products which guarantee treatment for hair thinning don’t generally work, ones which are prescribed are effective only till the time they are being used. The effects needn’t be the same for everyone though. Hair thinning recurs more often than not, once the preparation’s usage is stopped. The only silver lining being that they can prove effective in prevention of complete baldness.

For permanent results, surgical intervention is the best bet. Transplantation is the latest in surgical procedures, which involves creating hair grafts from a site, which has hair growth. These, when placed at areas devoid of hair, cause production of hair which subsequently covers the bald patch. The procedure may be augmented with tablets or solutions for the scalp. This treatment is more suited for females as they suffer from bald patches rather than complete baldness.

Although these treatments may show results in the stipulated time, it is advisable to find out the side and after effects of the therapies as few may end up compromising your health. Hair growth may be essential, but not by sacrificing your wellbeing.

Herbs For Hair Loss

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

Herbs have held mystical powers in the eyes of the common man, since time immemorial. But in this era of science and technology, it is unfair to ignore the rising proof of the efficacy of these herbs in various conditions.

Here are few herbs for those suffering from alopecia:

Saw Palmetto – Seranoa repens, it is protective to prostate as well as facilitates hair growth. It is extracted from berries and besides the pure forms, is also available in many marketed preparations for hair loss.

Ginkyo biloba – acting at the hair follicles, it stimulates hair growth by increasing the blood supply to the brain and the scalp. The dry extract is preferred for application.

Aloe Vera – extracted from leaves, it is of gel like consistency which when applied to inflamed skin, soothes it. Also facilitates hair growth.

Green Tea – Generic name of Camellia sinesis, catechins in the tea inhibit the synthesis of Dihydrotestosterone from its precursors. Available as tea leaves or in capsule forms, it aims at preventing baldness in males.

Besides these, other herbs of Chinese origin such as Dong Quai, He Shou Wu etc have similar modes of action and prevent and treat predominantly male pattern type of baldness due to their inhibitory action on the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase which is responsible for the synthesis of Dihydrotestosterone.

Adequate use of these herbs can really make a difference in your hair growth. So act now and prevent vital loss of hair.