Hair Facts:

Hair is body protein called keratin and it grows out of a minuscule opening of the skin called a follicle. The average human scalp has 100,000 hair follicles. Normal hair loss is 50 to 100 hairs per day. Hair is not critical for human survival, but it may serve some important functions. Some experts argue that hair protects the scalp from heat loss as well as from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. However, scientists are divided as to whether hair has a genuine and important role in thermo-regulation and photo-protection, or whether it is predominantly an evolutionary remnant associated with identity and sexual attraction.

Hair is a tactile organ, and is associated with numerous free nerve endings that are sensitive to touch, At birth we possess all the hair follicles we will ever own. By the time we expire, hopefully many decades later, each of the 100,000 or so original follicles will have grown 20- 30 individual hairs. Over time follicles become exhausted and atrophy.

Causes of excessive hair loss:

Age : As we age we produce less hair, and the hairs are thinner. Older hair is also more prone to break.

Illness and medication : Major surgery, illness, fungus infections of the scalp, and high fevers may cause excessive hair loss. Over active and under active thyroids also cause hair loss. Hair loss is sometimes related to an underlying disease such as lupus or diabetes. High doses of vitamin A can also cause excessive hair shedding. Since hair loss is often an early sign of disease, it is important to have a physical examination to find the cause, Medicines that may exacerbate hair loss include blood thinners, birth control pills, antidepressants, and medicines uses for chemotherapy.

Hormones : Hormones have a great impact on hair growth. Many women notice changes during and after pregnancy and around menopause. After menopause, the ovaries may produce more androgens (male hormones) than estrogen, and this can result in hair loss. Male baldness is related to increased testosterone. Male-pattern baldness is usually an inherited trait.

Iron: Iron deficiency may cause hair loss. Women that have heavy menstrual periods may suffer from iron deficiency. This condition can be detected by laboratory tests, and can be corrected by taking iron pills.

Protein deficiency: Proper nutrition is essential to healthy hair growth. Fad diets low in protein may cause the body to save protein by shifting growing hairs into a resting phase. Trichotillomania : Twisting and pulling on hair is a bad habit that is often a coping response to stress. In severe cases, the help of a mental health professional is required. A less perplexing condition is traction. Tight pony tails, braids, weaves, extensions, heavy beads, tight curlers may result in hair loss. This condition may easily be rectified by loosening taught hair.

Alopecia Areata : Hair loss usually results in small, smooth patches. Rarely does this condition cause complete loss of scalp hair. The exact cause of this condition is not yet known, but in most cases the hair regrows . Dermatologists may help expedite hair growth through a combination of topical medications, injections, special light treatments, and pills.

Over processing: Repeated permanents, hot combing, and harsh bleaching may contribute to hair breaking and falling out.

Stress: Physical traumas as well as mental traumas can cause hair loss. There is some new clinical evidence that psychoemotional events actually alters hair follicle growth by prematurely terminating the normal duration of active hair growth.

Excessive hair loss has many different causes, and may indicate an underlying illness. If you experience rapid or continued hair loss, you are advised to consult with a healthcare professional .

Hair loss treatments:

There are no miracle cures for hair loss. Even surgical hair transplants do not cure the problem. Surgical restoration simply redistributes permanent hair to balding areas. The allopathic medical view most often treats hair loss with surgical intervention, cortisone injections, or drugs such as minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). These medications promote hair growth in a significant minority of patients, especially those with male pattern baldness and alopecia. In most cases these drugs are safe but adverse side effects can occur. Side effects of Rogaine include some dryness and irritation of the scalp. Reported side effects of Propecia include some cases of diminished sexual drive and impotence. Propecia is not approved for women because it can cause birth defects.

Alternative and complementary medicine treats hair loss and shedding not only with allopathic modalities, but also with a combination of diet, nutrition, herbs, vitamins, exercise, and stress management. A well balanced diet can help reduce or prevent hair loss. Nutrition is a critical factor in hair loss. Hair is a reflection of your overall health, and good nutrition means better hair growth. Nutritional factors not only affect hair but also the skin and scalp. Eliminating scaling problems is often critical to improving hair quantity and quality .

Like the body, healthy hair demands a well balanced and nutritious diet. A healthy hair food plan should contain fruits and leafy vegetables containing vitamins and antioxidants, whole grains for minerals, nuts and seeds for minerals and vitamins, and protein for iron.

•  The fiber from fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes is good for your body and your hair.

•  Water not only hydrates your body, but helps keep your hair silky and shiny. 8 to 10 glasses of water and juice are recommended daily.

•  The fiber from fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes is good for your body and your hair.

•  Soy products contain phytoestrogens -- estrogens from plants help boost your health.

•  Increase protein intake. Many peoples shun protein sources like nuts and cheese because of their high calorie content. As a result they depend on carbohydrates and suffer from protein related hair loss, along with fatigue, lowered immunity, and blood sugar imbalances.

A low-fat diet may slow down hair loss. A high-fat meat based diet raises testosterone levels in men. This may adversely affect hair growth. In Japan , prior to World War II, male pattern baldness was quite rare, The change of the Japanese diet from a lean and healthy diet to a Westernized diet rich in animal fat appears to have caused a substantial increase of baldness among Japanese men. Low-fat foods may not stop hair loss, but it may very well slow the hair loss process.