Combat Hair Loss Naturally

naturopathy treatment for hair loss

We all want lustrous hair and radiant skin. Though hair loss is not a medical ailment, most of us are worried about the receding hairline or loss of hair. There are various reasons for hair loss, some of them could be a chronic illness, stress, hormonal imbalance, anemia, thyroid or insufficient absorption of nutrients. Many women are facing this challenge and worried if they would ever have shimmering lustrous hair again.

Cheer up, folks! There is a basket full of hope for your hair; already on your kitchen shelves.

Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, produced by hair follicles in the outer layer of the skin. As follicles produce new hair cells, old cells are being pushed out through the surface of the skin at the rate of about six inches a year. The hair that you see is a string of dead keratin cells.

Hair loss can be treated after determining the cause, right from balancing hormones to improving absorption and assimilation of nutrients to managing stress or regulating the overactive immune system. Naturopathy deals with an ailment by diagnosing the symptoms and treating the root cause.

Diet is an integral part of naturopathy treatment, which provides a very rich source of vitamins and proteins through nature. For restoring the vitality and growth of hair we should include some essential nutrients in our diet.

Here are some foods that will nourish and help with hair growth.

• Vitamin B: Hair loss occurs due to inadequate vitamin B, especially B6, Biotin and Folic acid together with minerals like Magnesium, Sulfur, and Zinc. Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic acid and B3 Niacin, are especially important for hair growth.
• Food source: mushrooms, avocado, sweet potato, beans, lentils, brown rice and nuts are some foods rich in vitamin B.

• Iron: Iron deficiency or anemia is also another major cause of hair loss. Iron plays a key role in manufacturing hemoglobin, the part of the blood that carries oxygen to a different part of the organs and tissues in our body. When we have a healthy level of iron, oxygen is present everywhere in the body including the scalp and there is a good flow of blood which in turn stimulates the hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
• Food source: Dried fruits like dates and raisins, dark green leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens, and whole grain cereals are a good source of iron for vegetarians. However, while choosing plant-based iron, make sure to have some citrus fruits like orange or orange juice, or just add some lime juice. This will help in getting the iron activated and easily metabolized in the body. The plant-based iron source is non-active unless supplemented by vitamin C, which aids in its absorption.

• Protein: Since hair is made up of a protein called keratin a diet rich in protein will encourage hair growth.
• Food Source: Brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, beans, and lentils are some of the vegetarian food sources. Mix together an equal quantity of brewer’s yeast and wheat germ to two parts of granulated lecithin and have this as a supplement for a high protein diet to encourage hair growth.

• Zinc: Plays a key role in the functions of our body including cell production and hormonal balance. All these play a very important role in hair growth. When we are deficient in zinc, hair follicles become weak causing strands to break off and fall out. A diet high in zinc helps to combat this problem.
• Food Source: Nuts and seeds like sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, lentils and beans.

Simple Tips to Manage Your Hair

• Gently massage and shampoo into the length of your hair and use the conditioner on your hair and not on the scalp.
• Dry your hair wrapping in a towel and let it dry. Gently rub with the towel.
• Brushing- if you have straight hair, wait until the hair is dry before you comb. Use a wide tooth comb. However, if you have curly hair, comb your hair while it’s damp.

Reduce the use of artificial and synthetic products to minimal

• Use as little as possible hair colors, stylers and other hair products to limit hair damage. – Do not use brush or combs in excess.
• Blow dryer- limit the use of blow dryer, curler, and hot iron as much as possible to prevent hair damage. Use the lowest heat setting possible, when required.

Stress

In addition to a healthy diet, reducing stress is very important for healthy and shimmering hair. Yoga, Pranayam, and meditation is a panacea for stress relief.

Contact Jagadguru Kripalu Yoga and Naturopathy Hospital, Odisha for lifestyle consultation and naturopathy treatment. consultation. https://www.natural-cure.org/contact-us/

Pragya Sinha