Rule # 1. The scalp, hair follicles and hair shafts benefit from proper nourishment. A healthy diet to prevent premature hair loss should incorporate foods that contain plenty of essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet, also known as SAD, is heavy on devitalized junk foods, processed grains, and sugar-loaded products that provide little nutritional value. In order to support the growth of thick, healthy locks, hair roots particularly need such vital minerals as magnesium, iodine, zinc, iron and selenium. The richest sources are marine foods ? mussels, oysters, kelp, lobsters, shrimps, and deep-ocean fish, including herring, tuna and salmon. Another important group of nutrients to support successful hair growth is B-vitamin family, which is contained in a variety of whole foods, including potatoes, nuts, meats and liver. Also, do not forget to supplement your diet with traditional foods that contain vital cholesterol and animal fats ? be it nitrite-free bacon, natural butter, free-range egg yolks, or cod liver oil. Contrary to what is preached by ?diet dictocrats?, these nourishing foods are highly beneficial not only for your hair, but also for your general health, good mood, and overall vitality.
Rule # 2. Healthy hormones equal healthy hair. Hormonal imbalances brought forth by genetic predisposition, iodine deficiency, oral contraceptives, or diets loaded with phito-estrogens, such as soy products, can damage hair follicles and trigger premature baldness in both men and women. Female patients often suffer from excessive hair shedding right after pregnancy or during their menopausal transition. Many men tend to be genetically predisposed to testosterone overload in their mid-life, which may result in the production of toxic substances that damage hair roots and induce male-pattern baldness. Underactive thyroid is known to contribute to hair thinning, too. If you suffer from hormonally-triggered hair loss, consult your doctor about balancing your hormonal levels by means of herbal or pharmaceutical therapy.
Rule # 3. Minimize your exposure to synthetic ingredients found in commercial shampoos and hair-care products; avoid harsh hair-styling procedures (flat-ironing, blow-drying with hot air, perming, dyeing, etc.); and take steps to protect your hair and scalp from direct sunlight, excessive moisture, wind, and dry air. Use only natural, preferably herbal shampoos, rinses, conditioners and other hair-care products that do not contain dangerous petrochemical ingredients. Regularly massage your scalp with beneficial lubricants, especially emu oil and extra-virgin coconut butter. Lay off most hair-styling products that feature laboratory-made chemicals. Do not use synthetic hair dyes. Always wear a hat when you enter a hot sauna or go outside during a hot, windy, rainy, or frosty day.
Rule # 4. Minimize stress. Stress is known to be a major contributor to premature ageing and hair loss. Try to balance your work with relaxing social activities and proper leisure. Find time for forest walks, regular relaxation massages, yoga sessions, aromatherapy, meditation, or other low-stress procedures and activities that you enjoy. These simple techniques will greatly benefit to the heath of your hair follicles and thickness of your locks.
Rule # 5. Protect your hair from chlorine and salt exposure. Chlorine is routinely added to tap water; it is also a common ?disinfectant? in swimming pools; while plenty of natural salts are contained in sea water. Both chlorine and salt are toxic for the hair and should be avoided. A good preventive measure is always to rinse your locks thoroughly after swimming in the sea or a pool.
Christiana Roberts
