Hair loss is one of the most troubling problems for both men and women. But few small changes can help you prevent this phenomenon. Let us explain why it is important to add avocado to our menu and why wash our hair with natural shampoo.
Hair Structure
The hair is built from body, which is the part that is exposed to the damage of sun and chemicals, and the root. An adult has about 100-150 thousand hair follicle growing by continuous cell division at the base of the root. Hair is composed of strong structural protein called keratin. This is the same kind of protein that makes up the nails and the outer layer of skin. Below the surface of the skin is the hair root, which is enclosed within a hair follicle. At the base of the hair follicle is the dermal papilla. The dermal papilla is feed by the bloodstream which carries nourishment to produce new hair. The dermal papilla is a structure very important to hair growth because it contains receptors for male hormones and androgens. Androgens regulate hair growth and in scalp hair Androgens may cause the hair follicle to get progressively smaller and the hairs to become finer in individuals who are genetically predisposed to this type of hair loss.
Hair growth is done in three cycles: growth phase (Anagen), transition phase (Catagen) and resting stage (Telogen). Each hair can be in different phase.
Causes For Hair Loss
The most popular causes for hair loss are genetics, too much male hormones (those will shrink blood vessels near the skin and will shorten blood supply to the root of the hair, making it fall), excessive stress and lack of essential food components (stress will dilute your stores of vitamins and minerals, along with unhealthy diet this will contributes to hair loss), lack of protein (hair is a protein and therefore with no protein in the body it will lead to hair loss), lack of vitamin B12, iron and poor blood flow to the scalp (which prevents vital nutrients reaching the hair root, so it weakens the hair and it falls).
Yes, hair loss can be genetically based, but before we blame the genetics we recommend a simple blood test of overall health status. Although it is only hair falling out, in many cases this can indicate health problem, both physical and mental.
How Can I Prevent Hair Loss?
There are a few tips that can help you prevent hair loss:
1. Egg Protein
Egg protein contains the complete and best of nature. Its calorific value is an average of 70 calories, with which there are about six – seven grams of protein. As mentioned, protein deficiency can cause hair loss, which can be avoided by consumption of eggs. Egg should be integrated with other protein foods, custom to your own health. In addition the egg contains iron, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin D and some of the vitamin B.
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a quality grain and considered valuable. It contains complex carbohydrates (those donor to moderate rise in blood sugar) and fibers that contribute to a feeling of fullness, proper digestion and helps lower blood cholesterol levels. Due to the high concentration of vitamin B in oatmeal it helps in lowering tension, thereby helping the body cope with stress and prevents hair loss. Vitamin B found in oatmeal improves the health of the hair and scalp and prevents hair loss. It is recommended to consume oats or other whole grains every day.
3. Avocado
The avocado is low in sodium and a good source of dietary fiber, complete protein (and therefore suitable for vegetarians) and vitamin E. And vitamin E is fat soluble and is used as powerful antioxidant and helps maintain healthy scalp. The recommendation is to combine the avocado diet regularly. People who are dieting should be aware that avocado is high in calories.
4. Omega 3
Foods that contain omega like ground flax seed or North Sea fish contain omega-3 fatty acid and are recommended to prevent hair loss. Studies show that Omega 3 prevents inflammation in the body, lowers blood Triglycerides levels, helps with concentration and the bonus: Reduces dandruff and itching scalp and strengthens hair health. Combine fish two or three times a week in your menu as well as a teaspoon or two of flax seed every day.
5. Green Tea
Green tea contains a large amount of antioxidants, help the body neutralize toxins in the blood. The flow of blood that doesn’t contains high concentration of toxins to the scalp area and feed the hair roots with essential materials. In addition, green tea contributes to maintaining healthy full of life skin. Combined two or three cups of green tea throughout the day.
6. Pumpkin
Pumpkin seeds contain high concentrations of the zinc (seven mg per 100 g). Zinc absorbed in the intestine and is necessary to heal wounds, strengthen the immune system, maintaining the sense of taste, concentration, proper functioning of gender systems and strengthening the hair roots. Add to your diet, two – three teaspoons of pumpkin seeds every day.
7. Green Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables, like parsley, cilantro and chives are rich in iron. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, weakness, fatigue and hair loss, and therefore eating varied of green leaves foods is essential to prevent hair loss. You can get the green leaves blender or a juice machine and prepare green leaves drink, which contains a concentrated amount of vitamins and minerals.
8. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, a mineral needed for healthy scalp and helps to prevent hair loss. Selenium is also considered a powerful antioxidant and thus it contributes to heart health, blood vessels and skin. Brazil nuts also contain zinc and omega 3, which contribute to the strength of hair, its health and its sight. Consume five – six Brazil nuts a day.
9. Carrot
Carrot is an excellent source of vitamin A, important to proper vision, healthy skin, growth and development and good blood flow to the scalp. Adequate intake of carrots is essential to maintain optimal health and prevent hair loss.
10. Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage and sprouts, increase the concentration of Glutathione patches in the liver – a powerful antioxidant that helps cleanse the toxins from the body. It is very important to clean the body of toxins because toxic blood is thicker blood and it will have difficulty moving. The hair will not get the materials that are important for it to growth and develop and it will begin to weaken and eventually fall out.
11. Natural Shampoo
Another important tip for preventing hair loss is using natural shampoo, rather than chemical shampoo. Chemical shampoo contains various materials, such as SLS that do not contribute to the health of your body or hair. There are herbs that can strengthen the hair and clean waste. Nettle is recommended for the treatment of hair loss. Try to combine it with detoxification herbs like milk thistle, dandelion and turmeric. Remember: Although herbs are natural use may harm your health and therefore it is important to consult with a professional in choosing the right herbs for you. Essential oils that help prevent hair loss are: rosemary, lavender, cinnamon, cedar, geranium and Salvia. Use of essential oils also has risks therefore use the help of a professional.
12. Exercise
It is very important to engage in physical activity. Exercise improves the blood circulation and toxins removal processes. Better circulation of blood will help make your hair stronger and healthier. Do some training routine a few minutes every day. Combine the routine of lying on a mattress and lifting legs straight on the wall. This exercise will improve blood flow to the head and helps blood flow to the scalp.
Another recommended exercise is to hold the hair close to scalp and gently pull it. This exercise also improves circulation to the scalp. Do not worry about hair that will tear off during the exercise, those are weak or already dropped out hair.
13. Relax
Take care of stress and tension by finding a relaxing activity or framework that will help you deal with the stress you have. You can also use alternative medicine such as massage, acupuncture, Bach flower remedies and psychotherapy.
14. Nutrition
Keep a healthy diet avoiding foods that contain sugars, colorings, preservatives and flavorings that are not natural. Healthy diet will provide your body and the hair on your head all the nutrients it needs. Balanced diet will accelerate the aging process and hair loss. If necessary consult with a professional to help build an appropriate diet plan.