Posted on April 8, 2016
Is your hair trying to tell you something about your health? Maybe. Some conditions and medications affect your body as well as your hair. Remember that hair and nails reflect chronic health issues. Once the underlying cause is discovered and addressed, it will take several months to begin to see improvement. Self diagnosis is not a wise path to take here, because IF you don’t know for sure why your hair is changing for the worse, how can you correct it?
Could a crash diet cost you your hair? In extreme cases, yes because your hair needs protein and iron to stay healthy, along with omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin A (too much Vit. A can hair loss). Low-calorie diets often lack sufficient nutrients, which can stunt hair growth. Someone with a chronic eating disorder, will have severe hair Loss.
Dandruff isn’t contagious, it is thought to be due to an overgrowth of a fungus. If the dandruff flakes you see are greasy and yellow, you may have seborrheic dermatitis. This is an inflammatory skin condition that can occur where there are lots of oil glands, like the scalp and face. Seborrheic dermatitis is related to hormones, fungus, and some neurological problems like Parkinson’s disease.
Some experts estimate that we may shed up to 100 or more hairs a day, so don’t be alarmed, it doesn’t mean you’re going bald. About 90% of your 100,000 hair follicles are producing hair at any given time. Any shock to your system, surgery, vaccinations, giving birth, certain medications (chemo), crash diets, severe stress, thyroid problems, can push hair into its resting, or telogen state. Around two months later you may see hair falling out and thinning, a condition called telogen effluvium, sometimes described as hair “coming out in handfuls.” In most cases, new hair starts growing right away.
In alopecia areata, your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out, often suddenly. Most people will have one or two bald patches, which can be treated easily, but in some cases all body hair falls out.
Though hereditary, the “Male pattern baldness” trait may be more influenced by your mother’s family than your father’s. So a look at your maternal grandfather’s locks may give you a better clue about the future of yours. Women can also acquire this trait, but women rarely go bald, and they tend to lose hair more slowly than men.
Help keep hair shiny by eating salmon and walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids; spinach and carrots for vitamin A. Double the results: Foods good for your hair are also good for your heart.
Going gray isn’t always related to aging. If you’re not yet 40 and see more than a few gray hairs, chances are it runs in your family. Gray hair usually isn’t a sign of poor health, unless there’s anemia, thyroid issues, vitamin B12 deficiency, and vitiligo which can cause premature graying.
Pulling hair too tight, (as can happen with ponytails, braids, and cornrows) can damage hair follicles and cause hair to break or fall out. Hair extensions and hairpieces can sometimes cause traction alopecia because their extra weight pulls on existing hair.
Among the medications that list hair loss as a side effect are anticlotting drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and drugs for menopause, birth control, and antibiotics. Usually, hair grows back when the medication is stopped, but may not in some cases.
So if your hair is changing in a negative way, even though you’ve been taking this great “Healthy Hair Supplement” for 3 months now, maybe it’s time to come talk with me about it, so I can help you correct the issue.