Weeks from today, in an article we discussed with you the common causes of hair loss and provided you with a Seven Step regimen for Lustrous Healthy Hair. However, through this article, we would want to surface the critical role of amino acids, minerals, and nutrients in paving the way for strong and healthy hair!
Hey, are you also amongst the ones …who longed for healthy hair and wondered how could you get them? The obvious answer you would get was-EAT HEALTHY!
Volumes of blogs and articles suggest dietary changes to improve hair health. Studies suggest that a healthy mane is not only a reflection of your genes but also of what you eat. As was highlighted in the previous article, the hair strands are formed of protein called keratin and collagen along with lipids, water, trace elements and pigments. Keratin is made up of 21 amino acids including cysteine, lysine, arginine and methionine. This in a way tells us to include amino acids in our daily diet.
But before you opt for this, Did you know why these amino acids are vital for hair growth?
Of the total amino acids in the body, our body can naturally produce some of the amino acids and are called as non-essential amino acids such as glycine and alanine. On the contrast, the amino acids that cannot be made by the human body are called essential amino acids such as lysine and methionine.
The non-essential amino acids can be easily made available to the body but it is important for an individual to source the essential amino acids from the diet to maintain the optimal working of the human body. But how best can you do this, is the next question. And before we hop on to the source of the amino acids, let us read to understand their relevance in hair health.
Arginine
A precursor of nitric oxide, it increases the production of nitric oxide that helps to improve the blood circulation and supply of nutrients, thereby boosting hair growth. In case of stress, the body is ripped off the essential nutrients and therefore becomes deficit of the conditionally essential amino acid. Arginine levels can be improved by including foods such as chicken, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, peanuts and spirulina or supplements that supply arginine.
Cysteine
Cysteine is responsible for the formation of cross bridges in the keratin protein and has been found to play a vital role in combating hair loss problems such as alopecia. Like arginine, cysteine is naturally produced by the body, however, can be supplemented by including foods such as legumes, broccoli, whole grains and poultry products.
Lysine
Lysine helps to stimulate collagen, another important constituent of hair strands and is responsible for hair shape and volume. Research suggests that lysine plays a critical role in hair growth. Ideal sources of lysine are fish, dairy products, poultry products, pork, and legumes.
Methionine
Methionine is a rich source of sulphur. It is an important component of keratin and studies reveal that a decline in the methionine levels can lead to hair loss. Methionine helps to strengthen the hair follicle and reduces the chances of hair loss.
With a major population of the country being vegetarian, and the increasing number of people moving towards vegetarian diets, how easy is it to add these amino acids to your daily diet? For a major chunk of people under this bracket, it is best to opt for supplements that shall help to combat hair loss and promote hair growth
In addition to amino acids, the process of hair growth is accelerated by important vitamins and minerals needed by the body. Vitamins and minerals serve as important cofactors in this process. The most common vitamins and minerals needed for hair growth and strengthening are Vitamin C and Vitamin B family.
Vitamin C, that represents the broad category of citrus fruits and foods, have been studied at length to understand its role in hair loss. Vitamin C rich foods such as gooseberries, kale, broccoli, strawberries, and guava are amongst the healthiest sources of Vitamin C. Significant literature validates the critical role of Vitamin C rich foods and fruits to promote healthy hair growth and combat hair loss.
Vitamin B family including Biotin and Niacin has been proven to improve the strength and growth of compromised hair strands. Niacin not only nourishes the hair strands but also improves its growth. Biotin, on the other hand, helps to produce glucose and break down the proteins into amino acids that can be utilized by the human body.
Is Eating Healthy Enough, Or Do You Still Need Supplements for Healthy Lustrous Hair?
Adjuvant therapies, such as topical and oral supplements, for hair loss and hair growth, not only help to improve the quality of the hair but also add strength to the hair strands. So, along with nutritionally enhancing yourself from within it is important to try these supporting topical therapies as well.
Walk down your memory lane and you will be reminded of times when your friends would allure you by names of products that would enhance the quality and restores the vitality of the hair. If you choose to synergistically follow a regime that includes eating hair-healthy diet and trying topical products that promote hair health, you are definitely choosing the ideal way to handle the problems of hair loss.
You can always choose a shampoo which prepares the scalp for receiving hair loss treatments like Minoxidil. These shampoo help to make the hair stronger and restore volume.
There are also Specially designed multi -targeted Hair Growth Serums which improve microcirculation and strengthen hair like Adenosine, Melatonin, Cococcin and Procapil. These are easy to use, non-greasy and non-staining.
There are also innovative international brands which have patented actives (Creatine, Tetrapeptide, Vitamin B5, B6 & B8) a unique combination of ingredients and forms of B vitamin, that stimulate microcirculation and provide the adequate nutrition to the hair bulb.
Before you start trying these, remember there are no shortcuts to a healthy mane. Getting back those heavy beautiful locks shall definitely take some of your time and efforts!
It is important to be compliant to the regimen recommended by your Consultant/Dermatologist as it will give the desired results. Normally 3- 6 months is the minimum recommended schedule for any visible results. Stay Patient and always Remember …..Healthy Hair is a reflection of a Healthy You!