ON 15-JUL-2020

The Role of Nutrients in Hair Growth

The Role of Nutrients in Hair Growt

In general, healthy-looking hair is a symbol of good health and good haircare practices. Most healthy people have sufficient nutrients in their diet. In contrast, some people do not have access to proper nutritiondue to busy lifestyles or are exposed to environmental toxins, stress and pollution that lead to the need of higher nutritional quantities; some have medical conditions that predispose them to nutritional deficiencies that affect the scalp and their hair.

Importance of nutrition for hair

The living portion of the hair is under the skin of the scalp, where it houses its root within its follicle. It receives its nutrients from the blood. Health issues may affect hair, e.g. stress, trauma, drugs, medical conditions, heavy metals, smoking, etc. Hence, the best nutrition for hair growth is vital and necessary.

Hair is the fast-growing natural tissue in the human body: depending on ethnicity, the average growth rate is 0.5 cm-1.7 cm per month. Optimal growth of hair occurs from age 15 – 30 and reduces from age 40 – 50. It has not been shown that hair product (shampoos or other hair products) markedly change this rate. Growing follicle ‘s growth cycles include development followed by self-destruction. The follicle is partly recreated over every new cycle.

The hair growth rate is dependent on genetics, gender, age, and hormones. The nutrient deficiency (i.e., anorexia, anaemia, zinc deficiency) and hormonal fluctuations (i.e., menopause, polycystic ovaries, thyroid disease) may reduce it. It is important to note that metabolic requirements of follicle cells (minerals and vitamins) have to be fulfilled for optimal hair growth. Nutritionists confirm that people with specific nutritional deficiencies tend to have dry, stringy, and slender hair, and sometimes have hair loss. Fortunately, once the deficiency is addressed, the latter can be restored.

How to restore damaged hair?

Crash diets due to incumbent nutritional factors such as anorexia, bulimia and other medical conditions cause temporary hair loss.Diets should contain protein, vegetables, grains, fruits, and an acceptable amount of fat. Usually, deficiency may show up in the hair. Vitamin B, particularly biotin, is significantly crucial to healthy hair.

When the body is under attack, it reprioritizes its processes – first attending the vital organs – hair follicles are not considered a priority. Although not all hair growth problems stem from malnutrition, it is a valuable symptom of diagnosis. It is vital to supply essential nutrition for hair to protect them.

The essential fatty acids omega-3, protein, vitamin B12, and iron found in sources of fish, prevent dry scalp and dull hair colour. Generally, green vegetables contain high amounts of vitamins which contribute to sebum production and provide natural hair conditioning. Legumes provide hair growth protein and also contain iron, zinc, and biotin. Individuals can find biotin in cereal-grain products, egg yolk, soy flour, liver, and yeast to avoid a deficiency. Nuts contain high selenium sources and are therefore essential to a healthy scalp. Also present in certain nuts are alpha-linolenic acid and zinc, which help strengthen the hair and avoid hair loss that could be caused by lack of zinc. Low-fat dairy products are excellent calcium sources, a key component for hair growth. For a healthy scalp and hair, a balanced diet is required.

Some of the significant nutrients that are essential for hair growth are,

Proteins

The structure of your hair is made of a hardened protein known as keratin. If your protein stocks are small, production of this essential building block slows, and hair grows slower and weaker.

Iron

The hair follicles in your red blood cells receive nourishing oxygen from the iron. While the iron level in your blood may be considered normal, there’s still a chance you may have low ferritin — your body’s “bank” of iron keeps drawing on when it needs it. Low ferritin, as well as shedding, has been linked to slow or halted hair growth.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3s are found in your skin’s cell membranes, and your scalp and hair grow in the natural oils to remain hydrated. Getting these essential fatty acids can help in preventing dry scalp and help your hair grow and shine.

Zinc

This mineral helps strengthen your hair follicles by binding its proteins and preventing hair loss. It also plays a role in the proper functioning of your oil glands which protects your locks against dryness and dandruff.

Folic acid

Drop in folic acid level may contribute to decreased division and growth of hair follicle cells. Also, folic acid is essential for maintaining healthy levels of methionine in the body. Signs of deficiency in folic acid include anaemia, apathy, tiredness, and greying hair.

Antioxidants

Vitamins A, C and E are antioxidants which boost skin cell turnover and synthesis of collagen. These vitamins protect against premature ageing of the skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet light and pollutants to the environment when applied topically.

• Vitamin C helps to reduce the damage from free radicals and exposure to UV. Free radicals can damage elastin and collagen, the fibres which support skin structure over time.
• Vitamin E also helps to reduce free radicals and UV radiation on the skin.

Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is essential for hair growth, too. It is because beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A as required by the body, helping to sustain healthy growth and development of the bone, preserving the sheathing around nerve fibres, and encouraging healthy skin, hair and nails.

Apart from these, there are a lot more nutrients necessary for healthy hair. But how much ever we try, it is not possible to consume all these nutrients just by consuming food. Especially with the sedentary lifestyle, and all the junk food we eat, it is highly doubtful if our hair gets enough nutrients. However, there many best nutritional supplements in Indiasuch as Ra Anagen, Ra Essential, Ra Primerose, Ra Defence,andRa Skin Bright from the house of SolSkin Corp to thicken and promote hair growth. Nutrition, along with proper lifestyle, will help you have healthy hair and akin.