Understanding hair loss:
Alopecia is the medical term used for hair loss. Loss of hairs can occur in any part of the body that normally has hair, such as eyelashes and eyebrows. Hair loss to certain extent is common and occurs in every individual. It has been found that a normal, healthy person sheds around 50 to 100 hairs on a daily basis. But most of the hairs that had been shed grow back. A healthy hair has a life cycle of approximately three to six years. Hair loss becomes a problem when the shed hairs do no come back or fail to regrow. Baldness or hair loss is considered as a genetic problem. Hair shedding or temporary hair loss can occur due to various reasons. Poor nutrition and diet, genetics, hormonal changes, and aging are some of the causes of hair loss. Certain medications such as chemotherapy, infections, chemicals and radiation therapy can also lead to hair loss. Some diseases such as anemia, cancer and low thyroid hormone levels can also cause hair loss. Let us see some of the essential nutrients that can help in preventing hair loss.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient which helps in promoting the growth and health of cells and tissues. Even the cells and tissues of the hair and scalp require this nutrient for better growth. Deficiency of Vitamin A in the body can result in dandruff and thereby causing hair loss. Vitamin A can be achieved in two ways, through plant sources and animal sources. Plant sources contain Carotenoids which converts beta carotene into Vitamin A in the body. Animal sources provide vitamin A in the form of retinol. Some of the vitamin A sources are:
Alopecia is the medical term used for hair loss. Loss of hairs can occur in any part of the body that normally has hair, such as eyelashes and eyebrows. Hair loss to certain extent is common and occurs in every individual. It has been found that a normal, healthy person sheds around 50 to 100 hairs on a daily basis. But most of the hairs that had been shed grow back. A healthy hair has a life cycle of approximately three to six years. Hair loss becomes a problem when the shed hairs do no come back or fail to regrow. Baldness or hair loss is considered as a genetic problem. Hair shedding or temporary hair loss can occur due to various reasons. Poor nutrition and diet, genetics, hormonal changes, and aging are some of the causes of hair loss. Certain medications such as chemotherapy, infections, chemicals and radiation therapy can also lead to hair loss. Some diseases such as anemia, cancer and low thyroid hormone levels can also cause hair loss. Let us see some of the essential nutrients that can help in preventing hair loss.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient which helps in promoting the growth and health of cells and tissues. Even the cells and tissues of the hair and scalp require this nutrient for better growth. Deficiency of Vitamin A in the body can result in dandruff and thereby causing hair loss. Vitamin A can be achieved in two ways, through plant sources and animal sources. Plant sources contain Carotenoids which converts beta carotene into Vitamin A in the body. Animal sources provide vitamin A in the form of retinol. Some of the vitamin A sources are:
- Red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables.
- Liver
- Fish oil
- Fortified milk
- Eggs.
Other Vitamins
Vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin B12 are the three essential vitamins required for the normal formation of blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in the body which includes the hair, too. Healthy and strong hair is a result of constant supply of blood and oxygen. Deficiency of these vitamins can reduce the blood and oxygen supply to hairs and thereby resulting in hair shedding, slow regrowth and damaged hair. Leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, fortified cereals are some of the plant sources of these vitamins. Chicken, liver, kidney, pork and fish are some of the animal sources of these vitamins.
Other essential nutrients
Protein is another vital nutrient needed for normal growth of hairs. Vitamin C is essential for producing collagen that helps to strengthen the hair. In some cases, deficiency of biotin can also cause hair loss. However, people who follow a healthy diet will rarely come across this deficiency. Deficiency of iron in the body leads to cause anemia and eventually hair loss. Absence of adequate zinc in the body can result in dandruff as well as hair loss, too. All of these essential nutrients can be achieved through healthy diet. Healthy diet must contain vegetables such as dark green leafy vegetables, cereals and nuts. Fruits such as citrus fruits, berries and melon shall also be included in the balanced diet to prevent hair loss. Animal sources such as meat, poultry, egg, fish and pork can also help in preventing hair loss. Along with these sources, try to keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Once you cultivate the habit of balanced diet in your daily regime, hair loss and other diseases will get miles away.
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