Hair Loss: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
It’s normal to shade 70-100 strands of hair every day. However, more than that comes under hair loss. If it is not covered on time, hair loss converts into baldness in which most of the hair from your scalp is lost. Reasons behind hair loss can be heredity, poor diet, medical conditions, alopecia and more. Know more on Hair Loss: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment - Zaroori baat hai
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Boost hair growth naturally
THE BIOCHEMICAL POWER OF TEAS AND NUTRIENT-RICH FOODS
Herbal teas and their role in hair growth
🌸Green Tea
Active Components
the powerhouse in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant
Biochemical Mechanism
EGCG helps in blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Elevated DHT levels are linked to hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). By reducing DHT production, green tea helps in preventing hair follicle shrinkage and hair thinning. Additionally, the polyphenols in green tea enhance blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen to thrive.
Usage
Drink 2-3 cups of green tea daily to reap its hair-boosting benefits. It can also be used as a rinse post-shampooing to stimulate the scalp directly.
🌸Nettle Tea
Active Components
Nettle is rich in iron, silica, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and K.
Biochemical Mechanism
Nettle tea works as a natural DHT blocker, similar to green tea. Its high iron content supports hemoglobin production, enhancing oxygen delivery to the scalp and hair follicles. This is crucial because a well-oxygenated scalp provides an optimal environment for hair growth. The silica and sulfur in nettle also strengthen hair strands, improving hair’s structural integrity and reducing breakage.
Usage
Regular consumption of nettle tea (1-2 cups daily) can provide these essential nutrients. Additionally, a cooled nettle infusion can be used as a hair rinse to further strengthen hair shafts.
🌸Rosemary Tea
Active Components
Rosemary contains ursolic acid and caffeic acid.
Biochemical Mechanism
Ursolic acid found in rosemary improves scalp circulation, similar to EGCG in green tea. This ensures that hair follicles are well-nourished, promoting robust hair growth. Rosemary also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help in maintaining a healthy scalp environment by reducing potential scalp conditions like dandruff, which can hinder hair growth.
Usage
Drinking 1-2 cups of rosemary tea daily or using it as a hair rinse can provide these benefits. Infusing rosemary oil into your tea can further amplify its effects due to the added antioxidants.
Nutrient-dense foods for hair growth
🌸Biotin-rich foods
Key Foods
Eggs, almonds, sweet potatoes, spinach, and seeds.
Biochemical Mechanism
Biotin (Vitamin B7) is crucial for the production of keratin, the structural protein that makes up your hair. It acts as a coenzyme in fatty acid synthesis, which is essential for the growth and repair of cells, including hair cells. A deficiency in biotin can lead to hair thinning and brittleness.
Incorporation
Incorporate biotin-rich foods into your diet regularly. For example, adding a boiled egg to your breakfast or including sweet potato as a side dish can help maintain adequate biotin levels.
🌸Iron-rich foods
Key Foods
Lentils, red meat, spinach, and fortified cereals.
Biochemical Mechanism
Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues, including the scalp. Oxygenated blood nourishes hair follicles, facilitating the growth of strong, healthy hair. Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair loss, particularly in women.
Incorporation
Combine iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges or bell peppers to enhance absorption. For example, a spinach salad with orange slices can optimize iron intake and support hair growth.
🌸Omega-3 fatty acids
Key Foods
Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Biochemical Mechanism
Omega-3 fatty acids are integral to maintaining the lipid barrier of the scalp, which helps retain moisture and protect hair from drying out and breaking. They also reduce inflammation, which can sometimes hinder hair growth by causing scalp conditions like psoriasis or dandruff. Omega-3s contribute to the overall health of cell membranes in the scalp, making them more resilient.
Incorporation
Aim to consume fatty fish at least twice a week or add flaxseeds to your smoothies or cereals. Walnuts can also be a great snack option to keep your omega-3 levels adequate.
🌸Zinc-rich foods
Key Foods
Oysters, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and cashews.
Biochemical Mechanism
Zinc plays a key role in DNA and RNA production, which is essential for the division of hair follicle cells. It also helps regulate the production of androgens, a hormone linked to hair loss when imbalanced. Moreover, zinc helps in repairing hair tissue and maintaining oil glands around hair follicles, which are crucial for healthy hair growth.
Incorporation
Include zinc-rich foods in your diet, like a handful of pumpkin seeds as a snack or adding chickpeas to salads and stews.
🌸Vitamin E-rich foods
Key Foods
Sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, and avocados.
Biochemical Mechanism
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps repair damaged hair follicles, which can be a barrier to hair growth. It also improves blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles are nourished. Vitamin E helps balance oil production in the scalp, preventing dryness or excess oil, both of which can impede hair growth.
Incorporation
Sprinkle sunflower seeds on your yogurt or salads, or incorporate avocados into your meals for a healthy dose of vitamin E.
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