Seven nutrients for healthy hair

Hair loss is a natural, everyday occurrence that increases with age. Most people lose between 50 and 100 strands a day.

Excessive scalp hair loss is usually the result of hormone elevations or blood circulation.

Known as alopecia, hair loss can result from steroid medications, vitamin deficiencies and hair processing treatments.

In some cases, genetics can predict when hair loss will occur. This type of hair loss is usually permanent, but treatments can slow its progress.

Read more-battlemage names

Called androgenetic alopecia, genetic hair loss is also known as pattern baldness. It starts with a sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone or DHT, a powerful male hormone.

An enzyme called Type II 5-alpha-reductase produces this androgen from testosterone. High levels of DHT damage the scalp follicles and lead to hair loss.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two drugs to stop hair loss and regrow hair, but many people prefer to use natural supplements.

Many nutrients can halt DHT production, slow the progression of baldness and even grow new hair in the damaged follicles. Here are seven hair loss vitamins to consider:

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is called “the anti-infective vitamin” because it strengthens the body’s natural defenses to fight infections and allergies.

Studies show that it also stimulates the hair follicles at the point where hair starts to grow.

Foods that contain beta-carotene can prevent a vitamin A deficiency and promote healthy hair. Carrots and dark greens two good sources.

2. Vitamin B

Vitamin B is actually a group of vitamins called the vitamin B complex. They are effective stress reducers that can prevent stress-related hair loss.

Of the eight vitamins that make up the B complex, five are especially supportive of healthy hair.

They are vitamins B-2 or riboflavin, B-5 or pantothenate, B-6, B-7 or biotin and B-12. Red meats and whole grain cereals are good sources of vitamin B.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is sometimes called “the master vitamin” because it is essential for overall body function.

Since it acts as an antioxidant, it fights the accumulation of harmful free radicals in the hair.

This keeps the hair follicles healthy and may prevent hair loss. Vitamin C is abundant in oranges and other citrus fruits.

4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known as “the sunshine vitamin” because sun exposure helps the body manufacture it.

It is really more of a hormone than a vitamin. Since hair growth and loss are connected to hormones, adding vitamin D to the diet may help grow the hair. In addition to sunlight, vitamin D supplements can prevent a deficiency.

5. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is called “the skin vitamin.” It reduces the appearance of age spots and other skin blemishes.

A topical application of vitamin E stimulates the blood vessels in the scalp. This increases circulation, encourages hair growth and may prevent further hair loss. Vitamin E is found in nuts, oils and supplement capsules.

6. Lysine

In addition to vitamins A, C, D, E and the B complex, two other nutrients are essential for healthy hair: lysine and omega-3 fatty acids. Lysine, an amino acid, is a protein building block.

Because hair is composed of protein, adding lysine to the diet can strengthen the hair and prevent hair loss. Lysine is found in eggs and meats.

keep knowing-mage name

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fish oils. One tablespoon a day can help prevent hair loss.

Like aspirin and other blood-thinning drugs, omega-3 fatty acids may increase bleeding and should only be taken with doctor approval.