The average scalp contains about 100,000 hairs, and may lose about 100 a day. Each individual hair lives for about 4-1/2 years, growing about a half inch per month. When a hair falls out, it is normally replaced within 6 months by a new one. Baldness occurs when the body' fails to produce new hairs.
Hair and nails, the only nonliving tissue on the human body, are composed primarily of a fibrous protein known as keratin. New hair sprouts up as keratin builds up in the scalp. The health of hair is maintained by nutrients from the nutrient-rich blood which flows to the scalp. Hair loss may be caused by a variety of factors, including disease, emotional stress, environmental circumstances, hormonal changes, an under active thyroid gland, immune disorders, certain inherited genetic factors, or by chemotherapy or other drugs.
Hair loss problems can also arise due to nutritional deficiencies in the person. Herbs, and other healing foods, which may be helpful for preventing baldness, include: horsetail, kelp, licorice root, rosemary, safflower, saw palmetto, sesame, and yellow dock. Vitamins, or vitamin rich foods, which may be beneficial, include: B6 , beta-carotene, B complex, biotin, C, calcium & magnesium, choline & inositol, copper, E, folic acid, iron, multi-vitamin, omega-3 fatty acids, silicon, and zinc.
Some herbs may also be used externally. They are normally used at a tea or vinegar, and applied as a hair rinse. Beneficial herbs may include: aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, ginger, rosemary, sage, shavegrass, stinging nettle, and yarrow.
To maintain a hair-freindly body, avoid alcohol, salt, and tobacco. Don't bombard your hair with hair dyes or other toxins. Moderate exercise may be helpful in providing blood circulation to the scalp. Try to keep cholesterol levels low. Consuming a high protein diet may also be beneficial.
Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed medical professional.
