thinning hair Archives - Amazing Health Advances

What Are the Best Foods for Your Hair Care Routine?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 07:00:10 +0000

Maggie Gama, MD via Dr. Axe – We’ve all wondered about the secret to luscious, shining hair. Perhaps we’ve even tried to emulate shiny haired models by trying specially formulated shampoos for our exact hair type and texture, with little effect. Instead of spending money on haircare products that produce lackluster results, consider how your overall health impacts the quality of your hair. Following a healthy hair diet can help you grow thicker, more lustrous tresses. What we eat impacts every aspect of our health, including the top of our heads. Best Foods for Healthy Hair Growth and Thickness Hair loss or thinning can be a distressing prospect, and it results from a variety of factors. The natural hormonal changes that occur as we age, for example, can lead to hair thinning. Certain medications and treatments can also contribute to balding or alopecia. Stress and nutritional deficiencies also play a role in our hair’s quality and thickness. Knowing what food helps grow hair can improve your hair’s overall health and condition. Consider adding these foods to your diet to stimulate hair growth, strengthen your hair follicles, and improve the overall quality and health of your tresses. Adding some of these foods to your diet can also help address the root causes of your hair loss, such as nutrient deficiencies or even hormonal imbalances. 1. Seek Out Antioxidant-Rich Foods Antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are the perfect food for growing hair. Antioxidants fight inflammation and boost red blood cell production, all of which help facilitate repair in the body. Strengthening hair follicles through diet can help promote hair growth and prevent further loss. Berries Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are among the most nutrient-dense fruit, prized for their antioxidant profile. Vitamin C naturally boosts collagen and aids in the absorption of iron, a must for red blood cell production. With increased circulation to the scalp, follicles remain strong and reduce the risk of damage and balding. A handful of berries each day can help keep thinning at bay. Avocado Avocados have an excellent reputation as a health food for good reason. A rare source of natural vitamin E, they help prevent free radical damage and improve the way your body uses oxygen, which can increase circulation to your scalp. A dash of B vitamins and omega 9 fatty acids also help provide luster. Aim for 1 medium avocado 2–4 times a week — tossed in salads, sandwiches or crushed as guacamole. Leafy Greens Veggies such as Swiss chard, spinach, kale and cabbage are high in vitamins A, C, and K – musts for hair growth. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and circulation, promoting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your tissues. Snack on kale chips, eat a salad with Swiss chard, or whip up a crunchy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar for a hair healthy boost. 2. Embrace Food Containing Natural Silica You may notice that many shampoos are silicone-based, as it coats the hair and makes it appear shiny. However, this only adds protection to the shaft of the hair. Eating foods that have natural silica compounds can help strengthen the follicle, prevent breakage and promote wellness from within. Mango The orange flesh of this tropical fruit is abundant in the mineral silica, an essential part of a diet for hair growth. Try slicing and eating the mango whole as a sweet after-dinner snack, or blending into a green smoothie for breakfast. Whole Grains Grains such as wheat, barley, oats and brown rice all contain silica, a natural building block of collagen. Enjoy slices of whole wheat toast, overnight oatmeal with berries, or a stir fry with brown rice and veggies to compound the effects of food for strong hair. 3. Don’t Be Afraid of Healthy Fats Last but not least, a diet rich in omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids helps increase hair strength. A study of 120 women found that incorporating more omega 3 fatty acidscombined with increased antioxidants improved hair density. Salmon High in protein and an unrivaled source of omega 3s, this superfood really is an essential part of a healthy diet. Opt for wild-caught salmon varieties and mix with a green salad with berries. Herring An underrated fish, herring is a great source of lean protein and is good for more than just pickling. Try sautéing, coating in lime juice and folding into tacos. Nuts A plant-based, vegan friendly option for nutritious fats, certain healthy nuts like walnuts, almonds and pecans pack a nutrient-heavy punch. Process them with lentils to make burgers and sauté to make sandwiches with a satisfying crunch. Cooking Oils The preparation of foods can add essential fats and nutrients to your diet that create a synergistic effect promoting hair growth. Canola oil and avocado oil are both nutrient-dense sources of essential fatty acids. Sautéing vegetables or scrambling eggs in them can give you an extra nutrient boost and promote a diet that strengthens your hair from within. Combating Hair Loss with Diet the Natural Way We can’t always prevent hair loss or thinning from happening. A number of factors — such as genetic disposition, medical conditions, treatments such as chemotherapy, or hormonal imbalances — can all contribute to alopecia. However, taking a holistic approach by eating healthy foods can help improve hair health and promote growth. Try incorporating some of these hair superfoods into your wellness plan. Dr. Maggie Gama founded Synergy Lifestyle Medicine to reflect values of unparalleled comprehensive and personalized patient care that focuses on understanding and addressing each patient’s unique healthcare needs. Her greatest passion is in disease prevention. Many of today’s chronic diseases are associated with poor lifestyle choices, environmental toxins, and various infectious diseases that can wreak havoc on our bodies, even years later. Dr. Gama believes that wellness is the result of a synergy between the mind, body, and spirit, which can only be established through genuine, compassionate, and unbreakable bonds established through compassionate care and genuine patient partnership. To read the original article click here.

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Thinning Hair? Conditions That Cause Hair Loss (Part 4)

AHA Publisher — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 07:00:21 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – There are many reasons for hair loss. They range from nutrient deficiencies to excesses to medical conditions and more. The more you know about the cause of your hair loss, the better position you are in to improve it, if possible. There are actions and conditions that cause hair loss. If any of these describe your situation, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional to correct them. Hair loss is an issue for many people. It can occur due to nutrient deficiencies, over-consumption of nutrients, and many conditions and actions. Today we’ll discuss 8 actions and conditions that cause hair loss. When you think about it, we have a lot of hair to lose. On average, the human scalp has approximately 100,000 hair follicles (1), and most healthy adults lose about 100 strands each day. Each hair follicle on your head goes through a phase in its lifecycle. These phases include: • Anagen phase: The growing phase of hair, 2-7 years. • Catagen phase: A 2-week phase when hair follicles start to shrink. • Telogen phase: A 3-month resting phase. • Exogen phase: The phase when the follicle releases the hair and begins new growth. Your hair can be affected by external and internal factors at any time during these phases. As these factors and phases come together, they sometimes cause damage and hair loss. Here are 8 actions and conditions that cause hair loss during their lifecycle. 7 Actions and Conditions That Cause Hair Loss 1. Vigorous Styling and Treatments If you braid your hair tightly or pull it back in tight ponytails often, you may cause your hair to become damaged or fall out. What’s more, chemical treatments like straighteners, dyes, heat-induced treatments, such as hot oils and other chemicals, can damage the hair shaft and root. The term for hair-trauma from styling and products is called Trichorrhexis Nodosa (2). According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s best to use conditioner after every shampoo, let your hair air dry loosely, limit contact time of heated straighteners and curling irons, and use only chemical treatments occasionally (3). 2. Depression and Stress This one’s similar to which came first: the chicken or the egg. In studies, researchers found those with active hair loss often report stress and depression. But, researchers also know hair loss can have psychological consequences, such as stress and depression. For example, a meta-analysis of 17+ studies covering 6,010 patients with hair loss showed there was a positive relationship with anxiety and depression. But, while a link was established, the analysis could not claim cause and effect (4). Anecdotally, many people do believe both physical and emotional stress can cause hair loss. And unfortunately, many adults live stressful lives at a hectic pace. If you believe you’re stress levels are affecting the health of your hair, it’s a good idea to do your best to reduce stress. Here are some steps you can take. Fortunately, stress-induced hair loss is typically temporary and doesn’t cause damage to the roots themselves. 3. Health Conditions Unfortunately, there are some medical conditions that cause hair loss, either directly or indirectly. Some impact thyroid or hormone levels and cause thinning hair. Others directly impact the hair follicle itself. Medical conditions that may cause hair loss include (5): • Hypothyroidism • Hyperthyroidism • Hodgkin’s disease • Hypopituitarism • Hashimoto disease • Systemic lupus erythematosus • Addison’s disease • Celiac disease • Lichen planus • Ringworm • Scleroderma • Autoimmune disorders • Trichorrhexis invaginata 4. Hormonal Changes During the Lifecycle Throughout your life, your hormones will change. Both men and women see changes in hormones as they age. Women also experience changes during pregnancy, breastfeeding, pre-menopause, and menopause. All of these time periods can influence hair health, growth, and thinning. With menopause, hair thinning is caused by the reduced production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. 5. Genetics One condition that’s out of your control is your genetics. Genetics is the most common cause of hair loss, and it typically appears as male-pattern and female-pattern baldness (6). Typically, hair loss from genetics begins above both temples and recedes over time in men. In women, the hairline does not recede but becomes thinner all over the head. 6. Sudden Changes Physically or Emotionally Another common cause of hair loss is called telogen effluvium (TE). This type occurs when there’s a change in the number of follicles that actively grow hair, and the number that is in a resting state (7) TE can be caused by a “triggering event,” or an event that disrupts the hair lifecycle, from hormonal changes to a sudden condition that “shocks” the body (8). For example, TE can be triggered by: • Sudden weight loss • High fever • Serious infection • Chronic illness • Emotional stress • Crash diets, lack of protein, eating disorders, and so on Luckily, hair thinning from TE is temporary. But, like stress-induced hair loss, there is often a delay of up to 3 months making the cause of TE difficult to determine 7. Medications Certain medications like retinoids, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, thyroid medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also lead to hair loss, via TE. Again, this type of hair loss is usually temporary and reversible. Once the medication is discontinued, hair usually grows back. More On Hair Loss This is the 4th and last installment in Dr. Colbert’s series on thinning hair and hair loss. Many of the causes of hair loss can be improved with stress reductions, lifestyle changes, and nutrient corrections. In addition, a better balance of hormones and thyroid support can help. For more on the causes of hair loss and supplements that help, see: Thinning Hair? Nutrient Deficiencies (Part 1) Thinning Hair? Nutrient Excesses (Part 2) Thinning Hair? Real Foods May Help Your Hair Grow (Part 3) Hormone Zone for Hormone Balance Thyroid Zone for Thyroid Balance Bottom Line There are many reasons for hair loss. They range from nutrient deficiencies to excesses to medical conditions and more. The more you know about the cause of your hair loss, the better position you are in to improve it, if possible. There are actions and conditions that cause hair loss. If any of these describe your situation, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional to correct them. To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Colbert click here.

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