It’s a normal part of aging for both men and women that we experience some hair loss as we get older. The dreaded male pattern baldness or Androgentic Alopecia often runs in families and, depending on the luck of the genetic draw, affects some people more than others. One cause of baldness is sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This is a hormone produced by the natural breakdown of testosterone. Needless to say, men produce more testosterone than women and also tend to experience more hair loss.
Just seeing some hair in the drain after a shower is not always something to be concerned about. It’s perfectly normal to lose some hair on a regular basis and, in fact, most people lose 100 to 200 hairs during an average day. The hair that does fall out simply is at the end of the normal growth cycle. At any given time hair falls out and new hair grows in its place. Some people, however, experience more hair loss than is normal and this can be the result of external factors.
Certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and even ringworm can cause abnormal hair loss. Some medications like blood thinners, birth control pills and even an overdose of vitamin A can cause sudden or abnormal hair loss. Going on a crash diet also has been known to cause some sudden and unexpected hair loss.
Good nutrition is so important for your overall health in many ways. A diet that is low in some very important vitamins can be a major cause of hair loss.
1. Vitamin A - Responsible for keeping you immune system functioning, vitamin A is a key player in having healthy hair.
2. Vitamin B - The B vitamins are vital in maintaining healthy hair and nails and can be taken in supplement form or by eating beans, eggs or berries.
3. Vitamin C - Strong blood circulation is one of the benefits of vitamin C and this includes blood flow to the scalp contributing to healthy hair.
4. Vitamin D - Not having enough vitamin D can lead to many health problems, among them problems with skin and hair.
5. Vitamin E - Also a big one for increasing blood circulation, vitamin E helps increase the uptake of oxygen into the cells of the body.
6. Biotin - Promotes the strong growth of hair and nails.
A balanced diet can go a long way in helping or preventing a variety of ailments. While too much vitamin A can sometimes cause hair loss, it’s far more likely that not enough of some vitamins is the culprit.
Before you take any vitamins or supplements, consult with your doctor and get his opinion. Your doctor will be able to run tests and go through your history with you, letting you know what you can and can’t take. This way, you can choose your vitamin supplements accordingly and be assured that there will be no long term side effects or problems.
