Hair

Hair Facts

The normal head of hair consists of 100,000 - 150,000 hairs. In the normal hair growth cycle, an average of 50 - 100 scalp hairs are shed daily to be replaced by new hairs growing from the hair follicles. The average rate of hair growth is about half an inch per month varying from person to person. When the rate of new growth falls under the rate of daily loss, the condition of thinning hair or balding scalp begins.

There can be various causes for hair loss: aging, genetic pre-disposition, thyroid imbalance, eating

disorders, illness, hormonal effects of birth control pills, pregnancy, menopause, certain medications

or medical treatments. Still, the most common cause is a hereditary condition known as Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), which represents 90% of all male cases. Hair loss or Alopecia up to six months is considered severe, whether temporary or permanent.

Hair loss caused by AGA in either men or women is marked by the gradual shrinking of hair follicles. This results in a progressive shortening of the growing cycle phase, reducing hair re-growth and making new hair shorter or thinner, until growth stops entirely. 40 million or 2 out of 3 men in the United States are experiencing significant hair loss. Some form of balding afflicts 25% by the age of 30. 65% begin to bald by age 60. The numbers are less in women, but still significant: 1 in 4 or 30 million. Hair loss is prevalent after age of 40, affecting 25% of pre-menopausal and 38% of post-menopausal women.

Since what is good for the body is also good for the hair, diet and lifestyle are important in preventing and treating severe hair loss. Frequent and long-term smoking causes constriction of the small blood vessels that supply the scalp. Quitting, obviously,  would be beneficial. Poor diet can negatively impact hair health and growth. Aging and genetics can be causative aspects of hair loss. Research, of course, has established the important role of nutrition in slowing down the aging process and its effects. An understanding has arrived of the role of botanic nutrients in preventing hair follicles from entering a permanent dormant state. Extreme stress and anxiety have been the culprits of falling out hair in some individuals. Meditation, yoga, pilates, relaxation music, and exercise have have been demonstrated to relieve stress and emotional negativity.

Again, what's good for the body is good for the hair: an alkaline biological terrain fostered by a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, superior hydration from pure water for flushing away toxins, and antioxidants to eliminate free radicals, which damage healthy hair cells. According to 1Dr. Patrick Flanagan, antioxidants stimulate the scalp's microcirculatory network and improve nutrient and oxygen uptake.

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1Dr. Flanagan's Health Secrets

Hair Loss is Not Necessary –

January 2006