If you are genetically prone to early balding or graying of hair, you can blame it to your ancestors but largely – hair health depends upon your blood circulation and nutrition. Hair color is the result of pigmentation attributed to the presence of certain specific chemicals known as eumelanin and pheomelanin (broadly referred to as melanin). The stem cells at the base of hair follicles are responsible for producing melanocytes, the cells that produce and store pigment in hair and skin. In general, the more melanin present, the darker the hair color; the less melanin, the lighter the hair color.
Causes of graying of hair-
Grey hair is usually associated with ageing, but this is not always the case. The change in hair color is caused by the gradual decrease of pigmentation that occurs when melanin ceases to be produced in the hair root and new hairs grow in without pigment. The death of the melanocyte stem cells causes the onset of graying.
Early graying of the hair is basically hereditary and may get inherited from our parents or grandparents. Since hair is made up of protein, a low protein intake can result in a change of hair color, change its texture making it look dull and lifeless, and cause unnecessary thinning. Grey hair can also be influenced by stress. A person experiencing a prolonged period of stress, worry and anxiety may notice premature graying of hair, over a period.
Excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, refined flour and sugar, red meat, and fried, spicy, and acidic foods can reduce the moisture and nutrients reaching the hair follicles, subsequently leading to premature graying.
A drop in the melanin production may also be caused by a lack of vital minerals like copper, selenium, iron and calcium and vitamins like B12 and folic acid. Chronic illness such as diabetes, pernicious anemia, albinism or thyroid malfunction too can stop or affect the production of melanin.
How to delay premature graying :
- Graying of hair at an early age is primarily due to hereditary reasons or due to intense stress, but lack of a balanced and wholesome diet, rich in nutrients plays a pivotal role in early graying of hair.
- To maintain healthy hair and delay premature graying-
- Take sufficient antioxidants both in the natural form as in vegetable and fruit juices, raw nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, and in the synthetic form by taking supplements of vitamin E, selenium, zinc, folic acid and B-vitamins is beneficial.
- Consume good quality of protein in appropriate quantity to give your hair a natural shine and good texture. Include more of sprouted whole grains, cereals, eggs and soy in you diet.
- Include dark green vegetables and orange & yellow fruits & vegetables in your diet as they are rich in vitamin A, which aids in promoting a healthy scalp whilst giving body and glow to your hair.
- Including minerals like zinc (present in chicken and eggs), iron (green leafy vegetables, sesame seeds) & copper (whole grains and fish) also promote healthy hair.Avoid foods loaded with artificial colors and preservatives, as they put a strain on your digestive system and can lead to dull and brittle hair along with a dehydrated scalp.
- Instead of reaching for a packet of commercially processed hair dye, try some natural applications such as olive oil, avocado or banana as your nourishing masks.
- Nourishment and proper grooming is very important to keep the hair texture, growth, shine and lustre in a good condition. Therefore, use a shampoo & conditioner that suits your hair type. Choose products that are gentle, preferably without any harsh detergent like sodium lauryl sulfate. For daily washes, use a mild shampoo that is gentle & moisturizing.
- Daily massage your hair with your fingertips; it helps proper blood circulation in the scalp. Regular massage of hair scalp with “amla” paste along with warm coconut oil and lemon has worked wonders in many cases, frequently reversing the process of greying or extensive hair fall.
- Boiling soaked reethas and shikakai pods for few minutes and using this liquid as shampoo has been shown to improve hair health. Soak dried amla (10-12) overnight and apply the strained water on hair as a natural conditioner. This will leave your hair smooth and shiny and stop premature greying of your hair.
- Exercising regularly for about 30-40 minutes 4-5 days in a week promotes proper blood circulation to hair follicles, thus promoting good hair health.
Although many hair problems are due to faulty genes or too much of the male hormone testosterone, and cannot be reversed with nutrition alone; a significant improvement in hair health can be achieved by improving your diet and taking vitamin supplements.
(As published in Hindustan Times dated September 09, 2019)
ANJALI MUKERJEE, Nutritionist, Founder Director-Health Total, having health centres in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune.
Health Total treats obesity & other health related disorders.
Contact numbers: 1800 266 0607 / 022-672 66888
For further information, visit www.health-total.com
The post Graying of Hair appeared first on Health Total.
Post a Comment