The adult scalp contains approximately 100,000 hair follicles. The scalp loses about 100 hairs per day, but these hairs grow back after 5 to 6 weeks; after the age of 40, the amount of prolactin, a by-product of testosterone, increases in men, which stimulates the production of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT, resulting in thinning hair or no hair growth at all. DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, resulting in thinning of the forehead, parting, and temples in men and the entire scalp in women, hence the problem of hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. Causes of hair loss.
1) Causes of hair loss
a) Aging
Human aging is biologically unavoidable, but a healthy diet consisting of complex carbohydrates, green foods, garlic, onions, water, and juice can reduce it to some extent. It can also reduce the amount of DHT produced by the body, which can slow scalp hair loss.
b) Mineral deficiencies
Minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, chromium, iodine, zinc, and magnesium are essential for proper hair growth. Mineral deficiencies reduce the body’s ability to regulate thyroid hormones, which promote healthy hair growth, stimulate blood circulation and prevent dry hair, hair loss, and color defects. Too much iron is poisonous to the body. Always consult a doctor before taking mineral preparations.
c) Lack of oxygen
A lack of oxygen in the blood weakens the hair follicles, resulting in dry scalp and hair loss. A diet rich in saturated fatty acids leads to an accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries and a lack of oxygen in the blood. Smoking and passive smoking also reduce blood flow and increase the clotting activity of blood cells, which obstructs blood flow and damages the arteries, resulting in a lack of oxygen and weakening the hair follicles.
d) Side effects of ingested medications
Some medications, such as lithium, warfarin, heparin, and amphetamines, contain components that can cause hair loss. If hair loss is a side effect of the medication, hair growth usually returns to normal when the medication is stopped.
e) Genetic hair loss
Hair loss is genetically inherited. It is passed on from generation to generation. Hereditary hair loss affects mainly men, but also some women.
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2. Foods to avoid
Foods that can cause hair loss or slow down hair growth.
a) Saturated and trans fats
Foods such as meat, poultry, and fried foods contain a high proportion of saturated fatty acids. Foods such as margarine, cheese, and butter contain a high proportion of trans fatty acids. These foods cause cholesterol to build up in the arteries and small veins of the scalp and reduce the supply of oxygen to the cells of the body, including the cells of the hairline.
b) Products containing aspartame and monosodium glutamate
MSG contains chemicals that cause a variety of health problems, including weight gain, increased appetite, and hair loss.
Aspartame contains harmful chemicals that can cause weight gain, increased hunger, and health problems such as migraines and cardiovascular problems.
c) Smoking
As mentioned in previous articles, smoking can reduce blood flow to the scalp, which leads to atherosclerosis, limits blood flow, and increases hair loss.
d) Artificial dyes
Artificial dyes contain chemicals that disturb the body’s natural balance.
Foods to avoid are colored drinks, colored candies, chewy candies, and many-colored cereal products.
e) Preservatives
May be toxic to the liver and kidneys, cause hair loss and inhibit hair growth, as described in Hair Loss Part 4 – Hair Growth with Chinese Medicine.
f) Food packaging
Polyvinyl chloride is a known carcinogen and is often used as a plastic packaging material for food. Ingested in large quantities, it is toxic and can cause kidney and liver damage and hair loss.
g) Salt
Excessive salt consumption can lead to water retention in the body and increased blood pressure, which reduces oxygenation of the body’s cells, including those in the scalp, and leads to hair loss.
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3) Prevention and treatment of hair loss
- Here are some important minerals for the prevention of hair loss and the promotion of hair growth
a) Iron
Iron is involved in the oxygenation of red blood cells in the body. It is important for normal hair growth and health. If iron is not supplied by the diet, an iron deficiency leads to a lack of oxygen and increased hair loss.
b) Zinc
Zinc helps the scalp produce the necessary oils and prevents dandruff, which leads to hair loss.
c) Copper
Studies have shown that this tripeptide complex can actually regrow hair, even in patients who have lost their hair completely due to alopecia. The concentration of copper in healthy tissue is 1.7 to 3.5 milligrams. Any other amount can cause hair loss.
d) B vitamins
A deficiency of B vitamins (especially B6, B3, B5, and folic acid) in the diet can cause hair loss.
e) Biotin
Biotin prevents aging, promotes keratin production, and prevents gray hair and hair loss.
Sources of biotin include whole grains, egg yolk, liver, rice, and milk.
f) Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for general health. It is also beneficial for hair follicles, as it keeps them moist. Hair loss can be caused by too much vitamin A.
g) Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays an important role in promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss because it is an antioxidant that increases oxygen uptake into the blood and promotes efficient blood flow to the scalp.
h) CQ-10
Coenzyme Q10 (CQ-10) is an important vitamin that provides the body with the nutrients it needs for healthy hair growth. It also contributes to overall vitality and promotes beautiful skin and strong nails.
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Daily foods that prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.
1. Yogurt and soy
Yogurt and soy are rich in protein, which is important for hair growth. Research has shown that soy protein strengthens hair and promotes hair growth.
2. Dark green vegetables
Dark green vegetables are rich in iron, which is essential for restoring oxygen levels in the blood and nourishing the body’s cells.
3. Whole grains
Whole grains contain zinc, which is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Zinc deficiency can lead to dry hair and oily skin.
4. Essential fatty acids
Essential fatty acids are found in large quantities in cold water fish. They help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce triglyceride levels by improving blood circulation in the body.
5. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are fatty foods that generally have the highest content of vitamin E, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and protects the nerves. Vitamin E deficiency can lead to skin irritation, dryness, and hair loss.
6. Carrots
Carrots are rich in vitamin A. It has antioxidant properties and helps the scalp produce healthy sebum. Too much vitamin A can lead to hair loss.
There are many other foods that promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, such as fruits, eggs, spinach, and broccoli.
Always consult your doctor before consuming large amounts of any of the above foods. An overdose of vitamin A in carrots can lead to hair loss and other side effects.
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Effective Herbs in treating hair loss
Traditionally, herbs have a history of over 1,000 years and have been used with great success to prevent and treat disease long before the discovery of Western medicine. The following herbs are known to be effective in treating hair loss and promoting hair growth.
a) Shikakai
Acacia concinna is a small shrubby tree native to India. The pod-like fruits are harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder. It is used to clean the hair and is known to promote hair growth and eliminate dandruff. Because of these benefits, the powder is called shikakai, which means “fruit for hair”.
b) Grape seed extract
The grape seed extract is a very powerful antioxidant that some people use as a dietary supplement or remedy for various disorders. It contains a high proportion of vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which are important for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.
c) New discovery from Kirin Brewery
The Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido, in collaboration with the Kirin Brewery, has discovered properties of hop extract that can activate the melanocyte cells that produce hair pigment.
d) Saw Palmetto
As mentioned in another article, saw palmetto is the first choice for men. Saw palmetto inhibits the production of 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT, and thus prevents this enzyme from causing hair loss.
e) Basil extract
Basil extract, derived from the natural flowers of the basil plant, quickly soothes the scalp.
f) Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds block DHT, which causes genetically determined hair loss. This common seed contains zinc and magnesium that can block the enzyme that produces DHT, which damages hair follicles and causes hair loss.
g) Buddleja Davidii extract
Buddleja Davidii extract contains active substances that protect the skin from harmful radicals. It also reduces skin aging and protects the skin from damage caused by stress and toxins.
h) Green tea
Green tea contains chemical globulins that help reduce free testosterone and prevent it from being converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicles.
Always consult your doctor or dermatologist before taking any herbal supplements.
Chinese herbal medicine
Chinese herbal medicine has been around for over 4000 years and has been used with great success to prevent and treat disease long before the discovery of Western medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, hair loss is directly related to kidney failure syndrome. People with hair loss problems, especially in childhood, may have weak kidneys. Here are some Chinese herbal medicines that have been shown to be effective in treating hair loss and promoting hair growth.
a) Dong Quai
Traditionally, Chinese women use dong Quai after menstruation to restore blood cells and improve oxygen circulation in the cells. Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens that help block androgen receptors, which inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT and reduce the likelihood of age-related hair loss.
b) Ginseng
Ginseng is said to rejuvenate the body and provide energy. It also promotes the circulation of oxygen in the circulatory system, not only in the cells of the scalp but also in the cells of our body.
c) Shawui (Polygonum Polygonum)
Shawui is a plant of Polygonum multiflorum. It is currently used in combination with other plants in shampoos and orally as an active substance to prevent hair loss and repair hair follicles and produce new hair.
d) Solaria seeds
Studies have shown that Psoralea extract and UV light can remedy hair loss and promote hair growth, with a success rate of 33%.
e) Mulberries
Chinese herbalists believe that mulberries are an excellent tonic for the kidneys, liver, and blood and that they bring more oxygen to the fine blood vessels of the scalp and to the blood circulation.
f) Chinese yam
There are many success stories about the benefits of Chinese yams. Chinese yam roots nourish the liver, kidneys, and blood, prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.
g) Green tea
Green tea, which contains catechins, inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT, which is undesirable for hair. Daily consumption of green tea is, therefore, an effective way to treat hair loss in men.
h) Lentil root
The roots of the Chinese crown vetch contain corn, a substance that nourishes the kidneys, liver, and bloodstream and promotes hair growth.
i) Wolfberries
One of the natural superfoods used in traditional Chinese cuisine. Wolfberries help eliminate toxins from the body, improve kidney, liver, and blood functions and promote hair growth.
In Chinese medicine, it is believed to nourish the kidneys and replenish the blood, which promotes healthy hair growth and prevents hair loss.
Prescribed drugs for hair loss
Here are some prescription and over-the-counter treatments that prevent further hair loss and promote hair growth.
1. Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter spray or lotion that is applied directly to the scalp twice a day. It can be purchased without a prescription. It is thought to work on the potassium regulation mechanism of hair follicles. Studies have shown that it can help slow or stop hair loss and grow new hair with a success rate of over 60%. Always consult your doctor or dermatologist before taking minoxidil. Rashes may occur in some patients.
2. Finasteride
Finasteride is an oral prescription drug. In addition, it is a synthetic hormone that stops hair loss and promotes hair growth. The drug selectively inhibits the activity of an enzyme that converts testosterone, a “male hormone,” into an active form in hair follicles.
3. Rogaine
Rogaine is a clear alcohol-based liquid to be applied twice daily to areas of thinning hair using the pipette or spray provided. In about 25% of men and 20% of women, a reasonable amount of hair grows gradually. Especially on the top of the head. To obtain new hair, Rogaine must be used indefinitely.
4. Retin-A
Retin-A is available in the United States only by prescription. In moderate doses, it can be used in combination with minoxidil to stimulate hair growth. Studies have shown that Retin-A causes moderate hair growth in some patients.
5. Proscar
Proscar contains the same active ingredient, finasteride. In addition, Proscar works on balding and sensitive hair follicles to reduce the level of DHT, the hormone that causes hair loss. The finasteride in Proscar can slow and even stop hair loss in many men. By reducing the level of DHT in the patient’s body.
Before taking any over-the-counter hair loss medication, a doctor or dermatologist should be consulted.
About Author
Sara is a freelance writer, linguist, and communications expert based in Southern Europe. At age 10, she read a book called “1001 Questions about the Human Body” and has since dedicated her life to breaking down the complexities and myths around the human body like plasma hair treatment and the culture surrounding it, especially in relation to mental and physical health. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
