Posts Tagged ‘Hair Loss’

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.

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.

Natural Products for Hair Loss

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

Hair loss, especially in men, has always been a delicate matter to discuss. In spite of the extensive research, only recently it was concluded that hair loss is mainly due to 2 factors – genetic and hormonal.

For prevention of hair loss due to hormonal cause, or male pattern hair loss, we should know its action on hair follicles first. The main hormone, Dihydrotestosterone, although vital during the earlier decades of a man, is chiefly damaging to the hair follicles in the later part of life. DHT shrinks the hair follicle thereby causing fall of hair and no subsequent growth.

Even though hair loss can be implicated to a certain hormone, there can be many other reasons as well. Many vitamins, minerals, macroscopic and microscopic elements are required for the functioning of a healthy body. A healthy body will produce healthy hair. Pyridoxine and Biotin are soluble B-Complex vitamins, which are needed by the body. Other elements such as zinc and magnesium are also vital, not only for hair growth but also for other body functions.

For prevention of hair loss, herbs have been promoted. Saw Palmetto, Nettle Root, Gotu Kola and few others not only prevent hair loss in men, but also work on women. Pumpkin seed oil may be used to prevent loss of hair, but its inhibitory action on testosterone is yet to be substantiated.

There are few synthetic drugs as well, besides these natural products, which can enhance hair growth. Hair loss can be treated, but it is advisable to arrest it in early forms itself to have better results of your therapy.