Tips to prevent hair loss

Hair loss

The problem of hair loss seems to be very common these days. Some of the most common causes of hair loss are stress, nutritional deficiencies, dandruff, excessive oiliness of the scalp, illness, thyroid imbalance, as well as hair damage caused by procedures like hair colouring/dyeing, bleaching, straightening, perming, etc.


Hormonal imbalances during menopause, or post pregnancy can also cause hair loss. In men, hair loss can be due to hormonal factors. It is called "male pattern baldness." Doctors believe that the male sex hormone, testosterone, is an important factor in male pattern baldness.

If you are facing hair loss, try to find out which causes apply to you. For instance, your age may be an important factor. Older women face the problem of thinning hair during the menopausal years. Men should find out if hair loss is hereditary in the family. Both men and women should also consider if they have had any illness recently, or if there is a problem of thyroid imbalance. Regular use of permanent dyes can also lead to hair loss.

Beautician Shahnaz Husain says, "I am often asked, how often the hair should be washed and if washing hair regularly can lead to hair loss. It is not washing of the hair, but the products one uses, that can have a detrimental effect. The hair should be washed according to hair type and season. In hot and humid weather, the hair should be washed more often, in order to remove sweat and oil deposits, along with dirt. If the hair is oily, it should be washed three or four times a week. For dry hair, wash twice a week. This is important in order to remove dirt and chemical air pollutants."

It is also important to choose the right products. Harsh hair products disturb the normal acid-alkaline balance and also stimulate the scalp further, leading to a build-up of dead cells on the scalp, aggravating problems like dandruff. If your work entails travelling long distances, hair should be washed frequently, using very little shampoo. If there is excessive oiliness, a hair rinse should also be used.

What are the products which help hair care?

First of all, one needs a shampoo or hair cleanser, along with conditioner or hair rinse. If the hair is oily, a hair rinse is better. For dry hair, a creamy conditioner may be used. Leave-on conditioners are also available. Apart from these, you would need hair oil, herbal hair tonic and hair pack. One should select products containing herbs like amla, reetha, brahmi, bhringaraj, arnica, trifala, hibiscus (gurhal or javakusuma), bael, neem, sandalwood, etc. Such ingredients not only have powerful healing properties, but offer an element of safety. Husain adds, "We have found that Shatone, a non-oily herbal hair tonic, containing Ayurvedic ingredients like trifala, amla, brahmi, etc, has helped in controlling hair loss. In fact, brahmi helps stress-related hair loss."

As nutritional deficiency is one of the most common causes of hair loss, the diet is very important. A nutritious diet helps healthy hair growth, since the hair is actually fed by the nutrients in the blood stream. You should include a small bowl of sprouts daily in your diet. Sprouts contain amino acids, which are very beneficial to the hair. Also include fresh fruits, raw salads, leafy green vegetables, whole grains and curd in the daily diet. If the scalp is oily, or if there is dandruff, drink plenty of water. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning. Ask your doctor to prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements.

Try to reduce stress. Learn yoga and practice it daily. Learn relaxation techniques. They help to reduce stress and thus control hair loss.


Source By.....http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/Tips-to-prevent-hair-loss/articleshow/12196047.cms

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Top 10: Causes of Hair Loss

10. Tight braids or pulled-back hair

This cause is probably a bit more relevant to women, but even men should know that wearing hair in tight braids (like dreadlocks or cornrows) or having hair tightly pulled back (like in a ponytail) can lead to hair loss -- or what is medically known as traction alopecia. It is caused by chronic pulling of the hair, leading to gradual hair loss, mostly at the hairline. While it’s most commonly seen in African women, it’s also seen in men who wear hairpieces in the same location on the scalp for long periods of time.

9. Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is the name given to the habitual plucking or pulling of the hair from the head or other parts of the body. While it’s still unclear whether trichotillomania should be classified as a habit or as an obsessive-compulsive disorder, the end result is the same. Over time, a bald spot will develop. If the habit stops, hair will typically regrow, but with excessive and long-term trichotillomania, scarring of the scalp can result, leading to permanent hair loss in the affected location!

8. Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is a small gland located in the front of the neck just below the voice box. It plays an important role in regulating the body’s metabolism through the release of various hormones. Hypothyroidism is an underproduction of certain hormones and is the most common cause of patchy hair loss known as alopecia areata (which can affect the whole body and not just the head). Hypothyroidism itself is caused by birth abnormalities, autoimmune diseases or surgery involving the removal of the thyroid.

7. Autoimmune disease

If you have diabetes or have arthritis, you've already been dealing with autoimmune diseases that arise when the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. When the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles or other cells or tissues important to hair growth and maintenance, it can result in hair loss of various kinds, including cicatricial alopecia (a form of permanent hair loss) and telogen effluvium (which occurs when hair's growth cycle is disrupted).

6. Infection

Although a number of infections can lead to hair loss, the most common infection that affects the scalp and hair is ringworm. Don’t let the name fool you: Ringworm is actually caused by a fungus. Tinea capitis, as it’s more scientifically known, is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes that thrive in warm, moist conditions and typically arise due to poor hygiene. While it affects mostly children, it can be caught at any age.

5. Chemotherapy

Cancer cells typically divide and grow faster than the body’s healthy cells. What allows chemotherapy to be so effective in stopping cancer is that it stops those cells that grow rapidly. Unfortunately, there are other cells in the body that grow rapidly as well -- like those in hair follicles. While there are cancer myths out there, experiencing near-total hair loss after chemotherapy isn't one of them. The loss could be gradual or dramatic, depending on the type of drug, but the end result is usually the same. Thankfully, the hair usually grows back!

4. Medication

Most of the human population is well aware that chemotherapy drugs can lead to hair loss, but there are, in fact, dozens of other drugs that might cause hair to fall out. These include anti-thyroid medications, hormonal therapies (like birth control), anti-convulsants (for epilepsy),  anti-coagulants, beta-blockers, and many others. These medications tend to cause telogen effluvium, a rapid shedding of the hair that arises when a large number of hairs suddenly shift from a growth phase (known as anagen) to a resting phase (known as telogen), and then fall out when new hairs begin to grow.

3. Vitamin/Mineral deficiency

Whether it’s because of a crash diet, general malnutrition or some genetic or biological defect, deficiencies in certain nutrients can cause hair loss. Probably the most common deficiency thought to contribute to hair loss is iron. Being severely low in iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, a condition that causes the body not to have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen to nearly every cell in the body, helping those cells maintain normal function. Deficiencies in other nutrients -- such as vitamin B (specifically B12) and protein  -- are thought to contribute to hair loss as well.

2. Stress

Severe physical stress (like surgery) or severe psychological stress (like a death in the family) can have strange effects on the body. Severe stress typically sends the body into a state of shock, flooding it with various hormones and metabolites. This may lead to telogen effluvium, a shedding of the hair that we mentioned above. While the effects of acute stress on hair are well understood, what isn’t as clear is how chronic or long-term stress affects hair loss.

1. Male pattern baldness

Despite all the different causes of hair loss, the leading cause is one that we can’t do much about. Male pattern baldness, medically known as androgenetic alopecia, refers to hair thinning in an “M-shaped" pattern that is typically mentioned when men talk about balding. Over time, the hair follicles will change and shrink, leading to thinning hair. While many treatments are available, they aren’t guaranteed to work and most only slow progression (although some can lead to hair regrowth) and are not permanent solutions for hair loss. In the end, we’re all victims of our genes -- and that’s something that will never change.



Source By.....http://www.askmen.com/top_10/fitness/top-10-causes-of-hair-loss_1.html

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14 Vitamins That Help Hair Loss

No one wants to have to deal with hair loss, but it is something that happens to millions of people around the world.

Often, hair loss can be treated, and in many cases, just following a healthy diet that is loaded with certain vitamins for hair loss can help.

It is important to be sure that we are eating all the right foods for our overall health, and the things we eat can play a huge role in the health of our hair.

Both men and women need to have plenty of certain vitamins and nutrients in their diets to avoid hair loss, and these can be found in many foods and in dietary supplements.

Many people don’t know a whole lot about vitamins for hair loss and the role they play in our health. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various vitamins that you need and decide if you need more or less of certain vitamins.

Here is a rundown of 14 vitamins for hair loss:

# 1 – Vitamin A for Hair Loss

carrotsWe need vitamin A for the production of scalp oil, also known as sebum. Without sebum our hair gets dry and brittle, and dandruff and a thick scalp will develop, both of which can be annoying to treat.

Dry hair will eventually start to break, and when hair is broken and unhealthy, it can often lead to permanent hair loss.

You can get plenty of vitamin A, which is also an anti-oxidant, from mangos, oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash and liver.

# 2 – Vitamin B for Hair Loss

Vitamin B is necessary for healthy hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the scalp through the red blood cells.

There are various B vitamins, and the best for treating hair loss are vitamin B-6, para amino benzoic acid, biotin and inositol. You can get vitamin B from fish and seafood, poultry, meat, beans, peas, bananas, oatmeal, eggs, potatoes and low or non-fat milk.

# 3 -- Folic Acid Hair Loss

chickpeasThis vitamin can play a huge role in treating and preventing hair loss.

Taking supplements and eating foods that have folic acid can not only help to decrease the chance of hair loss and prevent hair from thinning in the future. This can be a great help to those who are genetically pre-disposed to baldness.

Folic acid can be found in chickpeas, frozen peas, boiled asparagus, cooked lentils, medium papaya and collard greens.

# 4 – Vitamin C for Hair Loss

orangesHealthy collagen development depends on vitamin C, and collagen is important if you want to have healthy hair.

We also need to have vitamin C to avoid many health issues, and it can help keep us from catching colds and the flu.

You can find many delicious foods that are loaded with vitamin C, including oranges, lemons, grapefruits, red sweet peppers, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, green peppers, strawberries, pineapples, mango, blueberries and guava.

# 5 – Vitamin D for Hair Loss

Hair loss and rickets are two health issues associated with a lack of vitamin D. It is involved in the health of hair follicles.

Research done on mice showed that when certain genes were removed, the mice displayed vitamin D deficiency symptoms. These symptoms included rickets and hair loss.

Fatty acids play a role in the body’s production of vitamin D. Without enough essential fatty acids, the body is not able to produce enough vitamin D, leading to a deficiency that can cause psoriasis and a flaky scalp.

# 6 -- Vitamin E for Hair Loss

safflower oilWe need to have vitamin E in order to have good blood circulation in the scalp. It also helps to increase the absorption of oxygen, which is also important.

You can find vitamin E in vegetable oils, safflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil, nuts, turnip greens and other leafy vegetables. It is best to ingest vitamin E rather than use it as a topical solution, as it will be absorbed by the body much better this way.

# 7 – Hair Loss Omega 3

This is an essential fatty acid, and it is necessary that we have omega-3 acids for healthy hair. The three main nutrients found in Omega 3s are ALA (alpha linoleic acid), EPA (ecoisapentaionic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenioc acid).

Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in shrimp, clams, salmon, halibut, albacore, trout, salmon, sardines, catfish, cod, tuna, herring, walnuts, almonds and flax seed.

# 8 -- Zinc Hair Loss

We need to have zinc for a number of reasons, including for healthy hair. Zinc is necessary for the production of sebum, which is the natural oil produced by the scalp and is necessary for healthy hair.

Zinc helps to keep the scalp conditioned, preventing dandruff, and keeps the hair shaft healthy and strong. Not enough zinc in your diet can lead to premature greying or balding. The body does not naturally store zinc, so it is important to get it from healthy dietary sources, such as yeast, egg yolks, pumpkin seeds and shrimp, or from dietary supplements.

It is important to remember to only take the recommended daily amount, unless otherwise directed by a physician, as too much or too little can lead to many problems, including hair loss.

You can find zinc in red meats, poultry, liver, wheat germ, shrimp, pumpkin seeds, soy products, egg yolks and shrimp.

# 9 -- Beta Sitosterol Hair Loss

This is a natural plant extract that is loaded with nutrients necessary for healthy hair. Because it is all natural, there are no side effects, and it can be taken in combination with your regular medications.

Beta sitosterol treats hair loss and promotes healthy new hair growth.

There is no danger in taking beta sitosterol, and it can be used by both men and women. It is often recommended to men who are experiencing hair loss, and regrowth of hair occurs in many cases.

# 10 -- Iron Hair Loss

BroccoliA lack of iron can cause hair loss in women, so it is important to make sure that women are getting enough of this nutrient in their diets.

There are three main reasons why women may have iron deficiencies: heavy periods with a lot of bleeding; ulcers and inflammations of the stomach that cause bleeding in the digestive tract, and blood loss after giving birth.

Dietary sources of iron include lean red meat, dried fruit, tofu and broccoli.

# 11 -- Grape Seed Hair Loss

This is one of the safest things that can be used to treat hair loss. It is available in liquid and capsule form, and it inhibits hair loss while promoting healthy hair growth.

Those who have certain genetic diseases or suffer from poor nutrition and are experiencing hair loss can benefit from using grape seed extract, which can be found at most health food stores or any store that has a vitamin section.

It stimulates the hair follicles, and hair loss can be reversed by using grape seed extract. It is also great for cleansing the body due to its many detoxifying agents.

# 12 -- Amino Acids Hair Loss

Hair loss can be treated with amino acids, which will work even better when combined with other vitamins and nutrients.

The amino acids that are best for treating thinning hair are:

    *Methionine, which is a strong anti-oxidant and an excellent source of sulfur;
    *Cysteine, a non-essential amino acid that can increase hair growth substantially;
    *Cystine, another non-essential amino acid that is used to treat thinning hair and promote hair growth;
    *Tyrosine, yet another non-essential amino acid that is used to treat many health problems, including hair loss.

# 13 -- Inositol Hair Loss

This is used to help inhibit hair loss and allow healthy hair to grow back. It is also great for reducing cholesterol levels.

Inositol is used by men and women to treat thinning hair, and it has anti-oxidant properties that keep hair follicles healthy.

There are many delicious ways you can get plenty of inositol in your diet, including unrefined molasses, raisins, Brewer’s yeast, oat flakes, nuts, wheat germ, bananas, beef and pork brain, liver, hearts, brown rice and a variety of vegetables.

# 14 – Hair Loss Biotin

Biotin supplement-Biotin is considered to be “food for your hair”, and it plays a huge role in hair loss.

It is one of the most important vitamins you can have in your diet for healthy hair growth, and it may be that you will need supplements in order to get as much as you need.

Two foods that are excellent sources of biotin are liver and egg yolks, but you need to eat so much of these that it is much better to take supplements, or you would be doing nothing but eating liver and eggs all day long.

If you are eating a healthy diet, but find that you are still not getting all of the vitamins you need for optimal health and to avoid or treat hair loss, you may want to consider taking vitamin supplements.


Source By..........http://www.progressivehealth.com/hair-loss-vitamins.html

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Try these Amino Acids for Hair Loss

Amino acids are known to be effective in treating hair loss. Find out how it can help you.
by Brad Chase
 
Are you starting to experience hair loss and trying to find natural ways to treat it so you can continue to have full head of healthy hair?

Consider amino acids for hair loss.
 Some amino acids are extremely beneficial in treating thinning hair in both men and women. They can be used in combination with many hair loss vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that promote healthy hair and good health in general.

Amino Acids, Proteins and Hair

There is a simple relationship between amino acids and hair. Amino acids are the building blocks of all the proteins found in the body and hair is composed of keratin, a protein. It is this keratin which gives hair strands their strength.

If amino acids are insufficiently supplied to the cells of the hair follicles, the level of keratin production will drop or the keratin produced might lose most of its strength. Both of this will lead to reduced hair growth, discolored hair and hair strands that easily fall off.

While the body uses about 22 amino acids to build all the proteins in the body, those proteins go on to serve as enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and form into tissues, muscles and organs.

Of these amino acids, 9 are considered essential because they are not synthesized in the body. These amino acids need to be ingested either from dietary sources or from supplements. While animal protein sources (meat and dairy products) contain all 9 amino acids, plant sources don’t usually contain all of them.

The hair is an example of the complexity and beauty of how amino acids form into proteins. They are not simply strung together. Rather, each protein is made from specific sequence of amino acids to form a superstructure.

This superstructure must then be folded into the exact 3-dimensional form for the protein to function at all or properly. For example, the set of amino acids making up keratin, the hair protein, must not only be pieced together in a perfect sequence but must also be folded up in the right way to fulfill its role.

Lastly, amino acids have different functions and they do not all perform the same ones.

Some amino acids are interrelated, though, and some functions are complimentary. For optimal hair growth and to reverse hair loss, the amino acids that provide the most benefits are discussed below.

Amino Acids for Hair Loss:

Arginine

PECANThe active form of arginine is L-arginine. It is a semi-essential amino acid that is normally synthesized in adequate levels in the body.

However, in distressed states due to disease conditions, stress and aging, the level of arginine will drop in the body and the amino acid is recommended for supplementation then.

Dietary sources of arginine includes nuts such as pecan, cashew, hazelnut, peanuts and coconuts; seeds such as those of sunflower and sesame; as well as wheat germ and flour, beef, fish, poultry and dairy products.

Arginine as a precursor of nitric oxide is essential for hair growth.

Hair growth is stimulated due to the properties of arginine increasing the amount of nitric oxide in the body to help potassium openings. This helps to improve blood supply to the roots of the hair and encourage hair growth.

Arginine also improves capillary microcirculation to the cells of the skin follicles through the vasodilation caused by the nitric oxide it produces in the body.

It is also known to strengthen hair shafts and accelerate the development of hair follicles.

Methionine

This is an essential amino acid, and a very strong anti-oxidant. It is an excellent source of sulfur, which is something that can prevent problems with the hair, nails and skin.

Basically, Methionine is a lipotropic, meaning that it aids in breaking down fats and keeping fat from building up in certain areas of the body, including the arteries.

It can prevent premature hair loss, as well as act as a detoxifying agent for the body.

Methionine’s greatest attribute is the sulfur in its chemical structure. It supplies sulfur to hair cells and connective tissues, thereby improving hair strength as well as normal growth and appearance of the hair.

Dietary sources of methionine include cereal grains, eggs, sesame seed, fish, meat and Brazil nuts.

Cysteine

YOGURT This is one of the non-essential amino acids that our bodies are able to produce.

Cysteine is one of the many amino acids that are necessary for healthy hair growth. Adding more cysteine to your diet can increase the rate of hair growth substantially.

Cysteine also supplies sulfur to hair cells to improve hair strength. Cysteine is also known to bind to and transport minerals such as iron and zinc which are essential agents in the reversal of hair loss.

It is a common ingredient in hair care products.

Dietary sources of cysteine include pork, chicken, sausage meat, milk, eggs, yogurt, ricotta, whey protein, cottage cheese, wheat germ, granola, oats, garlic, broccoli red pepper, onions and Brussels sprouts.
Cystine

This non-essential amino acid actually makes up approximately 10 to 14 percent of our skin and hair.

Cystine is formed from the disulfide bonding of two cysteine molecules. This bonding of two amino acids provides strength for hair shafts.

Since cysteine is formed from cysteine, it shares the same nutritional benefits and dietary sources as that amino acid.

It is important to have cysteine in our bodies, both for our overall health and for the health of our skin and hair. Cystine can be used to treat hair loss, and has been known to promote natural hair regrowth.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is produced in the body from another amino acid, phenylalanine.

DAIRY PRODUCTSDietary sources of tyrosine include fish, chicken, turkey, dairy products, peanuts, almonds, lima beans, pumpkin seeds and soy products. It is also available as a supplement.

This is another non-essential amino acid that the body naturally produces. This amino acid creates melanin, which is the pigment that colors our hair and skin.

We need to have tyrosine for our metabolism, as well as for adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands.

Not only is tyrosine a good amino acid for hair loss, it can also be used to treat many other health problems, including insomnia, anxiety and depression.

Tyrosine is also known to contribute to reduction in stress hormone levels in the body. Since stress is a strong factor in hair loss, tyrosine can slow alopecia too by reducing stress.

Taurine

Taurine is an unusual amino acid because it contains a sulphonate group instead of a carboxyl group.

It is also synthesized in the body from cysteine but can also be ingested in food. Dietary sources of taurine include marine animals and meat. It is present in breast milk, and added to both energy drinks and infant formulas.

Taurine is the sulfur amino acid that is most abundant in humans, and can affect the health of organs and tissues. It is stored in the hair bulbs, and if there is not enough taurine in your system, it could result in thin, weak hair.

Apart from its benefits in the development and functioning of the central nervous system, and skeletal muscles, taurine has been shown in studies to maintain skin health and prevent the breakdown of hair follicles.


Source By ......http://www.progressivehealth.com/amino-acids-hair-loss.htm

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Zinc for Hair Loss

  Are you having problems with thinning hair or hair loss? If so, it could be because you have too much zinc in your diet.

There have been many studies that show how too much zinc can lead to hair loss and other issues.

Why is this? Even though we need to have a certain amount of zinc in our diets, there are many problems that can arise, including hair loss, if we have too much.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace element in the human body yet it is essential for a lot of biochemical processes. 

Some of the essential processes dependent on Zinc include cell reproduction, production and maintenance of hormone levels, protein synthesis and absorption of vitamins and other minerals.

When the body level of zinc is not enough to meet the body’s metabolic needs, a state of zinc deficiency is diagnosed.

Zinc deficiency or hypozincemia is a nutrient deficiency precipitated by malnutrition or malabsorption of the element. It can also be caused by certain disease states such as renal disease, chronic liver disease, diarrhea, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cancer and even after having surgery to treat obesity.

hair lossIt is important to note that deficiencies of Vitamin A and D are prominent causes of zinc deficiency.

One chief sign of zinc deficiency is hair loss. Other signs and symptoms include diarrhea, skin lesions, psoriasis and muscle wasting. It is also implicated in the development of acne.

If allowed to persist and without treatment, zinc deficiency could lead to anorexia and other appetite disorders, weight loss, baldness, impairment of motor skills and cognitive functions in children, pneumonia, dysmenorrhea, and distressed gestation in pregnant women.

The group of people most prone to zinc deficiency includes the elderly, anorexics, alcoholics, those on restricted diets and those with diseases such as Crohn’s and celiac which causes general malabsorption.


There are many reasons why we need to zinc in our bodies. These reasons include:

   * Building healthy cells
   * Regulating hormones
   * Aiding in the absorption of other nutrients

Of course, too much of a good thing is not always good either, and this holds true with zinc.

It is a common fear that too much zinc in the body can raise levels of DHT. It may seem strange, because even though DHT levels are raised, production is limited. Using zinc as a DHT blocker is not effective.

Zinc helps to keep hormone levels regulated, which is one of the reasons why it is so effective in preventing and treating hair loss.

The Zinc Balance

Just as zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, so can excess zinc. High levels of zinc in the body not only disrupts the absorption of other essential minerals such as magnesium and iron, it also promotes the production of testosterone.

High testosterone levels coupled with other hormonal imbalances lead to hair thinning and eventually hair loss. On the other hand, iron deficiency is an identified cause of hair loss.

Therefore, just as zinc deficiency causes loss of hair through multiple paths so does excess zinc in the body.  In a way, this is good news since it means that zinc is very important to the growth of hair follicles.

High doses of zinc are reported to inhibit both the anagen and catagen stages of hair growth. To achieve the best balance of zinc it is important to

How Zinc Prevents Hair Loss

To understand how zinc prevents hair loss, it is important to know how zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss.

One theory established that zinc deficiency leads to changes in the protein structure of hair follicles leading to weakening of their structural integrity. This means new hairs will fall off quicker than they should. The importance of zinc to hair regrowth has been confirmed in lab rats.

Furthermore, there are recorded cases of people whose hair changed back from dull, aging gray to their original colors when placed on diets rich in zinc.

Another study puts the importance of zinc to hair regrowth on the mineral’s crucial role in DNA and RNA production. This is a requirement for the efficient division of follicle cells leading to an improved anagen stage of the hair growth cycle.

In addition, the effectiveness of zinc in reversing hair loss due to negative enzymatic reactions has been demonstrated in topical application of the mineral.

A Fine Line to Walk

It is very important to make sure that you are getting the right amount of zinc, and not to have too much or too little.

There is another theory that having a zinc deficiency can lead to Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-a). This is a chemical messenger that causes the immune system to cause damage to healthy tissues in the body. This includes hair, and it can cause hair loss.

Too much zinc can lead to health issues, as well as not enough zinc.

One of these issues is a deficiency in other minerals our bodies need, including copper, magnesium and iron, which can lead to hair loss.

Those who take high doses of zinc supplements can experience a lack of anagen development, which causes hair loss, but at the same time, one form of zinc treatment can actually encourage hair growth.

It really is a fine line to walk.

Not having enough of certain minerals, including copper and other hair loss vitamins, can keep new blood vessels from being created, which in turn can inhibit hair growth and cause damage to the scalp.

Basically, having too little zinc can cause damage, and having too much zinc can also cause damage. The best thing to do is to just make sure that you are getting the recommended daily amount of zinc, which should be adequate.

Sources of Zinc

There are many ways that you can get enough zinc in your diet without having to rely on supplements, so you can be sure that you are not getting too much or too little of the mineral.

There are all kinds of delicious foods that contain zinc, including:

    *red meatRed meats
    *Poultry
    *Liver
    *Wheat germ
    *Pumpkin seeds
    *Shrimp
    *Egg Yolks
    *Soy products

These are just a few of the foods that are rich in zinc, as well as many of the other nutrients our bodies need.

Sometimes hair loss is inevitable. However, if it is caused by something in your diet, there are steps you can take. One of these steps is to make sure that you are getting enough zinc in your diet.


*Zinc in a nutshell
*Zinc is an essential, trace element
*Both zinc deficiency and high levels of the element can lead to hair loss
*Zinc is essntial for DNA and RNA synthesis, and so to a rapid hair follicle growth
*Zinc stabilizes cell membranes and helps remove oxidative radicals to promote the integrity of hair *follicle cells
*Although it is easy to get the daily allowance of zinc in the diet, most people do not
*Studies have shown that zinc prevents hair loss

Zinc Supplementation

Zinc supplementation is important because even though dietary sources of zinc are common in most people’s diets, only 30% of the zinc present is absorbed. 

zinc supplementThe recommended daily intake of zinc is 8 – 11 mg but the recommended daily dose of the mineral is 15 mg delivered as a chelate. While the recommended doses are put on the safe side of treatment, some hair loss experts advocate an upper limit of 25 mg.

However, to prevent excessive zinc intake, zinc supplementation should not be taken at this upper limit for longer than 2 – 3 weeks.

Since zinc reduces the amount of copper in the body, the recommendation is to take a little copper supplement alongside.

Also, zinc supplementation is often paired with selenium supplementation because the latter is a known antioxidant which protects pathways known to promote hair growth.

On the other hand, zinc reduces the absorption of calcium and vice versa. For this reason, Zinc supplements formulated with calcium should be avoided. Similarly, zinc should not be taken with foods such as milk or cheese with high calcium content.

It should not be taken alongside fibrous food too since dietary fiber binds minerals and prevent their absorption. Lean meat, on the other hand, as well as shellfish, fish and eggs improve the absorption of zinc.

Zinc supplements come in many forms: as sulfate, acetate, gluconate, aspartate, arginate, citrate, picolinate and monomethionine (ZMA ; also containing magnesium aspartate and vitamin B6 to promote absorption and address any attendant magnesium and iron deficiencies).

The amino acid chelates of zinc provide the best absorption of its supplements.

Please consult your physician before starting on zinc supplements as the mineral can affect the absorption and bioavailability of some antibiotics and blood pressure medications.

Source By ...http://www.progressivehealth.com/zinc-hair-loss.htm

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9 Reasons for hair loss in women

 A woman’s body goes through a lot of changes through her entire course of life. These changes can at times be a contributing factor in hair loss. But in order to treat this problem, we first need to figure out the root cause of it so that the apt treatment method can be suggested. We list 10 common reasons for hair loss in females.

#1 Bad hair etiquette

Excessive use of hairstyling tools like strengtheners and curling iron or hair products like gels, mousse, sprays, colours, etc. can damage the hair shaft and prolonged usage can hamper its growth. Tight ponytails, wrong combs, parting your hair, can further aggravate the condition. According to trichologist Dr Apoorva Shah, even excessive colouring can lead to hair loss. Can shampoo cause hair loss? Click here to find out.

#2 PCOS

In this condition, male hormones or androgens are secreted in excess and they form small fluid-like sacs in the ovaries which are known as cysts. It is due to hormonal imbalances in your body which negatively affects your hair growth as well. While you may notice more hair growth on your body, it can trigger hair fall from your scalp. Read more…

#3 Anemia

Anemia is a result of low iron intake in one’s diet. Many women may be anemic due to heavy menstruation or inadequate folic acid in their body. This results in low production of hemoglobin which means less oxygen to your organs. When oxygen does not reach your hair follicles, they tend to be weak and break easily. This results in hair fall. Here are 10 tips to beat this.

#4 Menopause

A lot of changes take place in a woman’s body once she hits menopause and one of them can be hair fall. This is because estrogen hormone levels are low in the body. They can make the hair dry and also cause hair loss if due care isn’t taken. It is essential to use mild shampoos and condition your mane as well as eat right. Here are a few remedies you could try.

#5 Labour

Many women experience hair fall after their delivery. This is because, during pregnancy, there is a peak in the hormone estrogen so you can expect a full head of hair. But once the baby is delivered, hormones go back to their normal phase which may result in hair falling out at once. But this is a temporary phase and hair growth returns to normal after a few weeks.

#6 Protein deficiency

Our hair is made of a protein called keratin. When we do not eat protein-rich foods, it depletes from our body making the hair brittle. This leads to weak strands which fall prematurely. Here are a few essential nutrients you need to eat to prevent hair fall.

#7 Medications

Women who are on birth control pills can have side-effects like hair fall if they abruptly stop using them. Other hormonal pills and therapies can have a similar effect. Chemotherapy sessions also result in hair loss. Here are 5 methods to combat hair loss after chemotherapy.

#8 Extreme weight loss

Crash dieting and losing a lot of weight suddenly or too quickly can adversely affect the growth of your hair. This is because, usually these diets deprive your body of essential nutrients or put a ban on eating certain food groups which then impact your hair growth.

#9 Medical illnesses like thyroid disease, autoimmune disease

Thyroid is responsible for secreting triiodothyronine and thyroxine hormones which are needed for proper growth and development of our body. When a person suffers from hypo or hyperthyroidism, there is excess or low secretion of these hormones which can lead to deficiencies if not treated on time. Hair loss is one of the complications due to various changes taking place in your body. In an autoimmune disease, our body creates antibodies against our own cells and tissues. They attack hair as well as other organs resulting in hair loss.

Source By.....http://www.thehealthsite.com/beauty/hair-loss-in-females-which-of-these-10-reasons-are-causing-yours-k114/

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Cat Hair Loss-Causes & Treatment

Also known as "alopecia" hair loss  isn't a disease in itself but a symptom of an underlying condition. All cats lose hair (shedding), but alopecia is defined as an excessive loss of hair.

What causes alopecia?

There are many possible causes of alopecia in cats, and they can be defined as pruritic/self induced or non-pruritic/non self induced. Below are some possible causes:

Pruritic

   # Flea allergy dermatitis - Allergy to the saliva from the flea bite.
   # Food allergy - Allergy to a protein in food. Fish, beef and chicken are the most common causes of food allergy.
    #Inhalant allergy - Allergy to an inhalant such as cigarette smoke.
    #Notoedric mange - Mange caused by spider like parasites.
    #Ear mites - Tiny spider like parasites which live in and around the ears causing intense itching.
    #Psychogenic - Compulsive over grooming.
    #Pyoderma - Bacterial infection of the skin.
    #Abscess - Walled off collection of pus located in the tissue. Usually the cause is a cat bite.

Non pruritic

    #Hyperthyroidism - Usually caused by a benign tumour of the thyroid gland.
    #Stress - Surgery, new pet, new baby, illness etc.
    #Cushings syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism) - Excessive levels of cortisol in the blood either caused by the adrenal glands or the administration of steroids.
    #Ringworm - Fungal infection.
    #Feline Acquired Symmetrical Alopecia - The exact cause isn't known, it is believed to be a hormonal disorder.
    #Drug reaction (topical, injected).
    #Telogen defluxion - Hair loss which occurs during the resting phase of the hair growth cycle).
    ##Anagen defluxion -Hair loss which occurs during the growing phase.
    #Sunburn
    #Seborrhea - Excess secretion of sebum.
    #Stud tail - Hypersecretion of the glands located at the base of the tail. As the name would suggest, this condition is seen most often in entire males.

How is the cause of hair loss diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination and pay careful attention to the location, size and shape of the hair loss, if any other symptoms are also present and obtain a medical history from you. He will need to establish if the cat has been scratching, itching, how long it has had symptoms, if it has recently had any medication (topical flea/worming products, injection etc).

Some diagnostic tests your veterinarian may wish to perform include;

Trichogram - This is a microscopic examination of the hair root. Broken tips indicate that the hair loss is self induced.

    #Fungus culture - To look for ringworm.
    #Food elimination trial - Your veterinarian will place your cat on a food trial which usually lasts between 8-12 weeks. During this time, you must not give your cat any other foods, vitamins, minerals or chewable medications apart from the prescribed diet. If any other foods or vitamins are given during this trial it will invalidate the results. If the allergy clears up after the specified time then a food allergy is the likely cause. The diet given to your cat during the trial will be a food the cat has never had before such as rabbit, duck or venison. The diet may be home made or a special 'prescription' diet. After the trial, if the cat's allergies have cleared up it will be placed back onto it's regular food and if after a short period of time the allergies return then it is safe to conclude that the food was the cause of the allergy.
    #Specific blood tests to check for hyperthyroidism.
    #Specific blood tests to check for Cushings syndrome.
    #Skin scrapings - These are studied under a microscope to look for mites.

Treatment of alopecia in cats:

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the alopecia and may include.

    #Ringworm - Lime sulfur dips, anti-fungal drugs.
    #Food allergies - Switching to a novel or low allergenic diet.

    #Hyperthyroidism - Radioactive iodine to destroy the tumour or surgery to remove it followed by lifelong replacement of thyroid hormones.

    #Cushing's syndrome - Gradual withdrawal of corticosteroids if veterinary induced, surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland if a tumour is involved, surgical removal of both adrenal glands if a pituitary tumour is the cause.

    #Inhalant allergy - Avoidance of the allergen if possible.

    #Notoedric mange - Clipping, weekly lime sulfur dips, Revolution.

    #Ear mites - Removal of the exudates, insecticide such as Revolution.

    Psychogenic - Behaviour modification, keeping your cat in a stress free environment and drug therapy (if other methods fail).

    #Pyoderma - Antibiotics and clipping the affected area.

    #Abscess - Draining of the abscess and antibiotics.

    #Feline acquired symmetrical alopecia - Hormones, although not all veterinarians recommend this.

   # Drug reaction - Switching or discontinuing medications.

    #Seborrhea - Shampoos, omega-3 fatty acids, antibiotics.

    #Stud tail - Antiseborrheic shampoos, neutering (where possible).

    #Sunburn - Severe sunburn may be treated with topical or oral steroids.







Source By.............http://www.cat-world.com.au/hair-loss-in-cats

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