Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow!
Written By Rashida Beckford, BS
There are numerous factors that affect hair loss, the rate of loss and the extent of loss. As with any situation, the approach for helping the situation should be holistic (meaning all encompassing), addressing the situation both internally and externally. Several causative factors include hormonal imbalances, emotional and physical stress, heredity, and illness. Nutrition in combination with comprehensive and superior vitamins and supplements that addresses thinning, may benefit the most common contributors to hair loss.
Hormonal Imbalances
Men and women alike share experiences of hair loss due to hormonal imbalances. The most common cause is due to androgenic alopecia caused by an increase in the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative factor of the group of male hormones or androgens. Hair shedding is natural; as new hair strands replace old, the newer ones being just as strong. In the presence of DHT, however, a chemical reaction will cause the new hair follicles to shrink in size, leading to hair thinning. Without the interruption of the antagonistic DHT, this reaction continues to take place, causing thinning and ultimately balding in men and global thinning of the hair in women.
In women, hormonal imbalances due to life cycle changes are what affect hair loss. Women produce a bit of testosterone, but a few are more sensitive to its effects. This grouped with hormonal changes as a result of birth control pills, menopause, and/or childbirth, can disrupt the restoration of a healthy mane. Thyroid abnormalities can also be a contributing factor of the hair loss, along with emotional and physical stress.
Nutritional Approaches to Healthy Hair
Beta sitosterols, especially those extracted from Saw Palmetto, have been linked to blocking the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Green tea correlates to the sex hormone, binding protein, globulin, which carries testosterone along with others around the body. As testosterone is bound to globulin, it is not available to be converted to the undesirable DHT.
In the presence of stress, zinc is a primary mineral that is depleted. Zinc is essential to the protein structure of hair strands. Zinc along with biotin are important growth factors, especially with respect to hair. Biotin is a component of the B Complex. It has a direct link to the prevention of hair loss along with the discoloration that occurs with age. Adding to an already great formula, supplementing with Biotin 2000mcg twice daily will only enhance the effectiveness of the program and allow you to achieve a healthy body of hair. Para-Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA), Inositol and Biotin are all components of the Vitamin B Complex. Grouped with folic acid and zinc, these vitamins and minerals are directly linked to the preservation and restoration of healthy locks. B-Complex 100 contains valuable amounts of each factor contributing to the effectiveness of a hair care regimen.
Another major factor is the physical presence of excess oil, sebum. Sebum is normally used by the body to coat and protect hair but if sebum is not removed overtime it accumulates and clogs pores making the emergence of new hair strands near to impossible.
Safe Products for a Healthy Scalp and Hair Follicles
The InVite® Shampoo and InVite® Conditioner not only rids the strands of excess grease and trapped dust particles, but allows the scalp to breathe. Both products are free of sodium lauryl sulfate, benzoic acid and parabens. They contain only the ingredients that will benefit the health of the scalp and follicles. The hair is lighter and after being cleansed by the shampoo, the conditioner restores moisture to the hair. Shea Butter, Avocado and Vitamin E nourish the scalp while enabling hydration of the hair. The gentle scent of lavender and other herbal extracts, stimulate both the follicles and the senses.
One thing to also consider is the lack of supply of nutrients and oxygenated blood to the scalp. As in any other part of the body, this will lead to malnourishment of the cells and growth retardation. Toxins built up from the external environment, not so healthy food choices and a few select drugs and chemical therapies may contribute to the deprivation of nutrients getting to the actual scalp. Though genetics are linked to hair loss, a well balanced diet and a bit of internal and external stimulation will help to obtain and maintain a healthy head of hair.
InVite® Hair and Scalp Stimulant is fortified with Green tea, Apple Cider Vinegar, L-Arginine, Lemon Peel, essential oils, and Lavender amongst other natural plant extracts. Green tea along with Apple Cider Vinegar are useful for helping to stimulate regrowth of healthy hair strands. Aloe Vera contained in the formula is soothing to the scalp and beneficial to the repair of damaged cells. The essential oils are employed to introduce healthy oils into the scalp to create luster and shine while stimulating circulation to the follicle.
No matter what factors are attributing to your hair loss, we InVite you to try our internal and external products to put an end to your 'bad hair day.' It all begins with a well balanced diet, but including high quality supplements and a hair care regimen will only enhance your efforts and results.
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Assisting Scientific Director and Pharmacist Jerry Hickey is a team of nutritional professionals - a group of hand chosen, dedicated experts, available at each and every InVite® Health retail location - there to provide you with a FREE, personalized, and professional nutritional consultation. Visit an InVite® Health retail location near you for assistance in selecting the correct nutrients to address your health concerns.
You can also e-mail an InVite® Nutritionist or call us directly with any of your nutritional questions. The InVite® Health team is always available to assist you.