How Nutrition, Hormones, and Prescription Drugs Affect Hair Health
Unless you are dealing with premature balding, you probably don’t spend too much time thinking about hair on a daily basis. Most of us devote a couple of minutes to styling our hair in the morning, and then spend a few minutes in the shower every evening washing and conditioning our locks. When we are at work or school, though, our hair generally becomes an afterthought.
New medical studies have begun exploring how our daily routines affect hair health. More specifically, these studies have examined how our diets and drug intake affect the strength and resiliency of our hair shafts.
Daily Routines and Hair Health
According to medical experts, there are a number of elements in our day-to-day lives that determine the long-term health of our hair. For example, diet, stress, hormonal changes, and various health disorders can all create unhealthy hair.
The nutrients you ingest on a daily basis contribute to keeping your body healthy. Naturally, these nutrients also nourish your hair, too. Doctors suggest that diets deficient in protein are linked to hair loss and unhealthy hair shafts. This is because hair is made out of protein. Eating protein enables your hair to regrow. To ensure that you are eating enough protein in your diet, opt for protein-rich foods like eggs, dairy products, and legumes.
Prescription Medication, Medical Treatments, and Hair Loss
Although most of us are aware of how chemotherapy causes tremendous hair loss, most people are unaware of the effects that prescription medication can have on the health of our hair. Drugs that treat gout, depression, arthritis, and high blood pressure have all been linked to premature hair loss. Many Americans take prescription medication on a daily basis, making them more vulnerable to hair issues.
People who take high doses of supplements and vitamins also report suffering from hair loss.
How Hormones and Stress Affect Our Hair
One of the most important day-to-day factors for hair health is stress. Stress can directly affect how hormones interact with our bodies. These hormonal interactions regulate how our hair grows. Certain hormones limit our hair growth, while other hormones promote richer, fuller hair.
One hormone that has been linked to hair loss is DHT. DHT, which is a type of testosterone, kills the hair follicle. When a follicle is killed, it doesn’t grow back. Progesterone and estrogen, on the other hand, are two hormones that encourage shiny and luxurious hair for women.
While we do not have control over the presence of certain hormones in our system, finding ways to manage stress in our day-to-day lives is a great way to promote healthy hair growth.
