Vitamins to Stop Hair Loss

A popular German monk Martin Luther once said, "The hair is the richest ornament of women". But these days men and women both equally treat hair as their ornament. Several hairstyles and hair products are gaining popularity for both men and women. It's all about improving a person's look and visual appeal. So when the topic of hair loss comes about, everyone shudders and secretly prays they never go through it.

What Causes Hair Loss
When you talk about hair loss, you typically think of balding old men! Wake up to reality, hair loss is not something that only old men are prone to. More and more women and teenagers are experiencing hair loss.

There are several reasons why you may be plagued by hair loss. There could be an infection in the body or a disorder that could lead to hair loss. Eating habits, stress and your lifestyle also play a part in hair loss.

Before we proceed to hair loss, let's understand certain basics of hair. Hair is made of a protein called keratin. Hair consists of the hair shaft, which is the visible part; hair root, which is under the surface of the skin; follicle, from where the root grows; and a hair bulb, which is the end of the follicle where melanin is produced. It is also important to understand that on an average a person loses 100 hair per day. Anything more than this would be considered abnormal and should be a matter of concern.

Common Causes

• Illness - If a person is suffering from an illness or a medical condition like diabetes, thyroid problem, kidney problem or even polycystic ovary syndrome, there will be an increased hair loss.
• Medications - The side effects of certain medications like those for acne and cancer lead to hair loss. Diet pills can also lead to hair loss.
• Styling and Other Such Treatments - Continuous exposure to styling products and treatments such as perming, straightening and coloring can lead to hair loss.
• Bad Diet - A bad or poor diet can lead to hair loss. This is because the body does not get sufficient nourishment which obstructs hair growth.
• Interference in Hair Growth Cycle - When the body goes through some major change like childbirth, taking anesthesia or surgery, the hair growth cycle gets altered and can lead to hair loss.

If you notice increased hair loss then the best solution here is to go to a doctor and get medical help. There could be a serious problem that needs help. But hey, stop worrying! Most likely it is a bad diet that needs rectifying, nothing that a few vitamins cannot solve.

Helpful Vitamins
So, what is the treatment for hair loss and how does one stop it? The most common reason for hair loss is lack of vitamins in the body, specially that of vitamin B. As the body starts getting its daily dose of vitamins, hair loss will be noticeably reduced.

There is a list of vitamins that considerably play an important role in hair loss treatment.

Vitamin AThis antioxidant is what helps in the secretion of healthy sebum in the scalp. Meat, dairy products, veggies like carrots, cabbage, spinach, fruits like peaches, apricots and fish liver oil are sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A administers the flow of retinoic acid(integral for growth and development of the body) in the hair follicle and is also present in many hair care products.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)This is another vitamin that helps in scalp circulation. It is found in wheat germ, brewer's yeast, meat and poultry.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)Also known as calcium pantothenate this vitamin is important for growth and health of hair. It is chiefly found in egg yolk, milk, liver, kidney and potatoes.

Vitamin B6Important for the production of melanin, this vitamin ensures that hair looks and stays healthy. It is found in whole grain cereals, egg yolk and organ meats, but if taken in large quantities it leads to numbness in the limbs.

Vitamin B12This vitamin - found in fish, milk, eggs and chicken - helps in prevention of hair loss. B12 in itself is a part of the hair. B12 is chiefly present in non vegetarian food and vegans are especially deprived of B12 resulting in deficiency.

Vitamin CFor healthy hair, the vitamin C is integral. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and strawberries are the most common source for vitamin C. Other sources are potatoes, green peppers and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin C absorbs the iron content in our body and an average daily intake of vitamin C should be up to 2500 mg.

Vitamin DIntake of vitamin D prevents hair loss effectively. It strengthens the cells along the hair shaft making it firm. Vitamin D is also dubbed as the sunshine vitamin, a large source of which is effected by sunlight. Vitamin D in food include dairy products, dark leafy vegetables and oil-rich seafood.

Vitamin EThis vitamin increases blood circulation in the scalp, which in turn promotes hair growth. Raw seeds, cold-pressed vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, nuts and green leafy vegetables are a great source for natural vitamin E. It stimulates the hair follicles and increases the capillaries in the body.

BiotinCommonly known as vitamin H, this vitamin prevents hair from graying and falling. Whole grains, liver, milk and rice are where it is commonly found.

Folic AcidFolic acid or Vitamin B9 is a water-soluble component naturally found in the water content of food. Folic acids help increase the RBC count and production of DNA. Food sources include citrus juices, pork, green leafy vegetables and liver.

Minerals and More ...
ZincThose suffering from zinc deficiency will often experience a bald patch and scalp disorders, which can be prevented by consuming food rich in zinc like low-fat roast beef, roasted pumpkin, dried watermelon and peanuts. Zinc is a very integral mineral in hair growth as it maintains the oil content in the scalp preventing dandruff and benefits by strengthening and repairing tissues along the scalp.

L-Methionine and L-CysteineThey help in improving growth, quality and texture of hair and stop hair loss. These are easily accessible and can be taken as a part of the diet or as supplements. It is advisable to consult a doctor or a nutritionist before taking any supplements as the overdose of any can be harmful, resulting in side effects.

CholineCholine is a nutrient which coordinates balance of stress. Choline when administered in its essence to bald patients, worked wonders for them. It is B-complex vitamin counterpart and when introduced with Inositol works on stabilizing the cell membranes caused by oxidized cholesterol deposit in the scalp.

Hair loss can be a traumatic experience, but not one that cannot be handled. A simple visit to the doctor or dermatologist can help ease the distress that comes with loss of your lustrous locks.