Originally published May 19 2010
Nutritional Supplements Prevent Hair Loss: Vitamin C, Lysine, Omega 3
by Melanie Grimes
(NaturalNews) Hair loss occurs naturally every day and increases with age. Also known as alopecia, hair loss can be caused by problems with circulation or hormones. Drugs, including steroids, can cause hair loss, as can bacterial infections, vitamin deficiencies, and some hair treatments, such as coloring hair and perms. Genetics also predict when someone will lose hair, but many vitamins and nutrients can slow the process and even regrow hair.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C prevents hair loss because it acts as an anti-oxidant. The suggested dose is 500 to 1000 mg taken twice daily. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, especially citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are a healthy form of oil found in fish, especially salmon and sardines. The recommended dose is one tablespoon of fish oil a day to prevent hair loss. Those taking aspirin and other blood thinning drugs should consult with a doctor before taking fish oils, because they can increase the tendency for bleeding.
Lysine
Lysine is an amino acid and one of the building blocks of protein. Because hair is made of protein, adding lysine to the diet helps prevent hair loss. The suggested dosage is 500 to 1000 mg daily. Lysine is found in meat and eggs.
B vitamins
B vitamins reduce the stress that can cause hair loss. The best way to take B vitamins is in a complex where all of the B vitamins are combined. B vitamins are found in brewer`s yeast and in red meat.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is actually a hormone and because hair loss can be connected to hormones, adding vitamin D to the diet grows hair. Vitamin D can be synthesized on the skin after it is exposed to sunlight, but taking additional vitamin D helps prevent a deficiency. The recommended daily dose of vitamin D has been 400 IU per day but research now suggests that daily intake as high as 4000 IU is beneficial.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A stimulates the hair follicle where hair growth begins. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, as are other dark green and red vegetables.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is important for the circulation in the body and has been shown to grow blood vessels, which increases circulation. The increased circulation improves the body`s ability to make new hair. The recommended daily dose of vitamin E is 400 IU. Capsules of vitamin E can also be applied to the hair and scalp as a hair tonic for dry hair. Topical application also directly stimulates the capillaries on the scalp and helps prevent hair loss.
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About the author
Melanie Grimes is a writer, award-winning screenwriter, medical journal editor, and adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University. She also teaches homeopathy at the Seattle School of Homeopathy and the American Homeopathic Medical College.
A trained homeopath, she is the editor of the homeopathic journal, Simillimum, and has edited alternative and integrative medical journals for 15 years. She has taught creative writing, founded the first Birkenstock store in the USA and authored medical textbooks.
Her ebook on Natural Remedies for the Flu is available at:
http://melanie-grimes.blogspot.com/2009/04/b...
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