Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Prevent Hair Loss the Right Way with Natural Nutrients

Are you losing your head because you're losing your hair? Although it's quite normal to lose a few strands daily, excessive hair fall can lead to bald patches and ultimately, baldness. This is especially true for men who, unlike women, are prone to baldness due to their genetic makeup. Testosterone, the same hormone which makes you feel manly and all, is the culprit. Once this hormone comes in contact with your hair follicles, it's converted into DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, which shrinks your strands and thickens your scalp. This reduces blood flow to your scalp and makes your strands unhealthy, thus, promoting hair loss.



Fortunately, not all men are doomed to this fate. According to Profollica.com, a well-known scientists have found out that men with reduced levels of DHT in their scalps experience minimal hair fall. This does not mean that they are less manly since they still produce normal testosterone levels. What this means is that they have DHT blockers in their scalps to prevent shrinking strands and thickening scalps. So before contemplating a sex change, picking out your future toupee, or considering follicle transplants, consider hair care systems with natural nutrients and vitamins which act as DHT blockers to prevent hair loss.



Nutrients and Food Sources that Prevent Hair Loss



1. Zinc



One of the most popular hair loss prevention minerals is zinc. Studies show that severe deficiency of this mineral leads to baldness and other scalp problems. People with reduced or less-than-normal amounts of zinc in their bodies usually experience excessive hair fall and premature graying. This mineral is also valuable for minimizing the effects of stress which promotes excess DHT production.



As it's, eating zinc-rich foods or taking a mineral supplement can effectively minimize hair fall. Some food sources rich in zinc include the following: wheat germ, egg yolks, spinach, whole grains, mushrooms, and red meat. However, care should be taken in eating these or taking supplements. A daily does of zinc over 12 mg can cause decreased iron absorption and anemia.



2. Biotin



A component of the B complex group, Biotin is often referred to a Vitamin H or hair vitamin. This is because it promotes hair growth while preventing loss. It metabolizes fatty acids which fuel the growth and repair of hair follicles, thus reducing breakages caused by DHT. It also staggers the premature aging of the hair strands by keeping them moisturized and nourished. Excellent sources of Biotin are cooked eggs, milk, liver, kidney, and yeast. Although no exact amount is pegged as the ideal dose of Biotin, its sources are high in fat which can cause other health problems.



3. Protein



Hair is almost 90% protein so it makes sense that this nutrient is among the top hair regrowth agent. Shampoos and conditioners list protein, or at least its derivatives, as their main ingredients. But protein does not boost hair regrowth, it only strengthens the strands to help them endure combing, styling, and heat exposure -- added stress which aggravates DHT production. With its ability to increase strand thickness by as much as 45%, protein, in regulated amounts, is the most common solution to thinning hair. Common sources for this nutrient include red meat, legumes, milk, and eggs.



As good as protein is for your hair, it needs to be taken carefully because excesses of this nutrient promotes fat intake and dehydration. Increased fatty acids can boost oil production in the scalp which can block and weaken hair follicles. Likewise, dehydration will cause hair to become brittle and dry.



4. Vitamin A



Retinol, carotenoid, or carotene -- this terms only mean one thing: Vitamin A. Unknown to many, this popular vision enhancer is also our hair's best friend. It's an antioxidant that promotes healthy sebum production in your scalp. It allows your hair to produce just the right amount of oil to moisturize the strands but not too much that it blocks the pores in your scalp. Normal sebum production is equal to less chances of DHT damage. Sources for this vitamin includes yellow or orange vegetables, leafy greens, milk, fish oils, and meat. However, doses exceeding the daily requirement of 2,500 IU can be toxic and cause health problems.



5. Vitamin E



Since blood circulation aids in hair growth, an antioxidant which promotes this is necessary. Vitamin E works well for this even though it's more popular as an anti-aging nutrient. Aside from promoting healthy blood flow, Vitamin E also reduces the appearance of graying hair , another effect of DHT, hence, making you look young and your hair, thick. Cold-processed vegetable oils, soybeans, leafy greens, dried beans, and nuts are excellent sources of this nutrient. As good as it's, you should be careful in consuming E-rich foods since it can increase high blood pressure. The recommended dose for this one is 400 IU.



Growing Your Hair Safely Using Natural Hair Supplements



Although it's good to try to prevent or treat hair loss by eating naturally healthy food, there is always the danger of consuming too much vitamin and mineral sources. Instead of alleviating your less-than-hairy problem, you might end up with more dangerous side effects. This is the problem spotted by makers of hair care systems. Instead of risking your hair further, you can opt to use specially-formulated hair supplements.



One of the leading hair treatment systems today is Profollica which is made from all-natural DHT blockers. Its website, Profollica.com lists natural ingredients like Kigelia Africana, Salvia Sclarea, and Panax Ginseng Root extracts -- proven effective hair loss retardants -- as its main ingredients. These herbs are effective in maintaining healthy hair and preventing its loss. It provides the needed nutrients like vitamins and minerals and other organic ingredients which further improve hair regrowth. By using a natural hair loss treatment system like Profollica, you get the benefit of healthy strands minus the side effects.

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