Hair Problem

The hair has always been aesthetically important in addition to the function it has in human body. In human body, hair loss is considered a big beauty issue which affects self-esteem and mental health. It can also be a sign of a more serious health condition.

Hair has a natural life cycle in which old hairs fall daily around 50 to 100 strands and new strands grow in the same follicle. When the rate of hair falling is greater than the hair of regrowth, the hair volume decreases over time. Follicles gradually lose their ability to produce new hair. This is why it is called hair fall. There are four phases of the hair.

First is the anagen phase. It is a growth phase with the rate of half an inch of growth of hair per month.
Second is the catagen phase, which is the detachment phase. When the follicle is gradually detaching from the blood vessels in the scalp. Therefore, the absence of nutrients will cause hair fall.
In the third phase, that is the telogen phase or resting phase. It is a resting phase because the hair strand is not connected to the food supply but is also not ready to fall yet. It symbolizes weakening of hair, dryness of hair that is prominently observed in this phase.
Shedding is the last phase wherein the hair strand falls, and the follicle enters a three-month rest period, until a new hair strand takes its place.

These are the four phases through which hair growth takes place as well as the hair cycle.

When we talk about the patterns of hair as seen in the hair fall cases, they can be seen as:

Androgenetic alopecia

This case is caused when the testosterone hormone metabolizes and plays a role genetically in this type of hair fall. Changes in the levels of the testosterone hormone can be seen in this type of hair fall.

Alopecia Areata which is an auto-immune disease wherein our body’s alkaline pH proceeds to the acidic pH level because of which hair fall increases severely.
Hypothyroidism is a condition due to the underactive thyroid gland which may cause severe hair fall. Thyroid gland represents the metabolism related components or metabolism. It’s a wear and tear as an imbalance may cause damage to the hair.
Nutrient deficiency is also directly related to hair fall. It is often the root cause of many individuals’ hair fall problems. Many vitamins, minerals, proteins and fatty acids are needed to maintain the growth of hair and follicle growth. A system like hair maintenance and growth costs to keep the brain, heart and digestive system working. Hence, nutrients play a vital role in our body
Stress of any kind, be it emotional, physical or mental causes the release of too many adrenal hormones and these hormones put the body in defensive mode instead of the classic repair and rest mode. This is seen in many patients having hair fall, that they are facing some kind of heavy stress.

Some other causes can be:

Genetical causes
Hormonal imbalances
Contraceptive pills
Scalp infections
Thyroid diseases
Nutrient deficiencies
Unhealthy lifestyle
Staying up at night
Having an acidic medium
Being in a hot environment
Certain kinds of medications
Age criteria and aging process
Poor hair care which includes washing of hair, maintaining hair, taking care of the scalp, combing hair regularly, etc.

Role of food and healthy nutrition for healthy hair

Vitamins and minerals are essential to carry out bodily functions
Helping in fighting infections
Regulating hormones in the body

We should take care of the vitamin and minerals’ balance and intake in the body.

We do suggest taking supplements but rather the food that will provide those essential nutrients.

That is vitamin, A, B, C, D and those rich in iron and zinc.

In the naturopathic approach, for the treatment of hair loss we should:

Avoid inflammatory foods
Refined and reprocessed foods
Avoid sugar added foods as well
Consume anti- inflammatory foods such as fruits and vegetables
Have a clean and green diet. The foundation of our body improves.
Our hair is like plants or saplings, if the soil or the body is provided with the right nutrition, it affects in positive hair growth or health improvement.
If the alkaline medium is good so is the growth of the hair. If the gut is heated and the acidic pH increases, hair fall begins to take place.
Maintaining healthy intestinal bacteria, fighting infections and inflammation demands good amount of B12 in the body. This causes less hair fall.
Consume an adequate amount of iron and zinc rich food that is green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds
Maintain sufficient rest, relaxation and find ways to manage your stress
Make sure to get some sunshine
Reduce the use of chemicals directly applied on your scalp and hair.

A few more treatments in naturopathy include:

Fasting treatment
Enema, which consists of 21 days enema as it helps to clean the intestine which will get rid of inflammation and impurities. We clean and re-establish the gut during this time.
Wet pack applications in the stomach area, neck area and head area. Wherever heat is more prominently found.

Alopecia Alta is the most common problem when it comes to hair related issues. Many people are not aware of this issue but are able to identify the symptoms and signs of it, nonetheless. It is an auto-immune disease.

It is a condition wherein our own cells resist; the immunity goes against our own cells and creates alopecia. Basically, it is very common for the skull. If bifurcated, alopecia can be divided into two types:

Types of Alopecia:

Alopecia tortalis – It is a form of total hair loss. It is hair loss that starts and occurs in small patches.

Alopecia Universalis – It occurs in places where there is no hair in whole body. It’s very difficult to cure since it is a chronic situation. It has very rare chances of being reversed.

Proper diagnosis is essential before treatment. It is a problem arising due to the dying of follicles. With naturopathy, within 3-6 months of treatment one can achieve drastic positive results. This is proven through research and understanding. Good regrowth and improvement in hair growth is observed.

Causes of Alopecia

Scientifically no conclusion has occurred for hair loss. There is no specific cause discovered for the issue of alopecia. Although scientists have researched this phenomenon and found some common symptoms and possible causes.

Most common reason can be genetic through one or both the parents. Other than that, down syndromes, collagen vascular disease, stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, allergy, etc are responsible.

There is no special test or diagnostic system available for Alopecia though we can perform checks for cholesterol, proclaim and thyroid test.

Biopsy (skin) is the major tool used for diagnosis in this area. If the patient is suffering from any additional or related health issues, they need to get it checked too. Thyroid is related to the master gland that is the pituitary gland.

The simulation and secretion of thyroxine hormone and its imbalances are the main cause responsible for alopecia.

Likewise, the symptoms of thyroid include memory loss, headache, appetite imbalance, swelling of glands and heart related problems which covers the regulations in the entire body.

It is not a contagious or fatal problem since it is an auto-immune and common disease.

The solutions are similar for all hair related problems since they possess a common root cause.

Dandruff

Many people, especially during the rainy season, face the issue of dandruff. Many of us have also faced this issue at least once or twice in our own lives. It becomes a problem affecting your aesthetics.

It is as good as risking your confidence and social life.

It is similar to an infection affecting your scalp. 50% of people are suffering from this problem which may range from minor to severe levels. It may also vary from person to person. Rainy season although is prominent when it comes to dandruff problems but is not a cause for the same.

Mostly 16-25 age group face this problem. Personal hygiene can protect you from dandruff. It is the best way to do so. Do not share your hair combs with other people. The shampoo or soap that you use should also not be shared.

Malassezia globes fungus is the main cause of dandruff. This fungus along with the sea bums that are the oil glands in the scalp cause dandruff. Fungus thrives in moisture; hence this problem is prominent in the rainy season.

It is essential to treat this in time otherwise it can get dangerous. It should be cured or at least minimised within 60-90 days. With time it can even affect your immunity levels.

Scaly, patchy or white granular particles are called dandruff. They can cause white and black heads too. Secretion of oleic acid from the scalp causes pain and irritation in the skull area. Arachidonic acid causes rashes and red patches all over the head.

If the problem is minor, it can be neglected but if it aggravates it can become a major issue. Our hair follicles and hair are provided nutrition through various secretions taking place. Dead skin comes off along with dandruff.

Comb your hair at least 5-7 times to remove upper layers of dandruff that are forming with time.

Types of dandruff:

Dry dandruffs are most common, it is the normal small dust like particles, they are curable easily without extraordinary care or any medication.
Greasy dandruffs are rarer than dry dandruff. They are small sticky patches. Excessive oil secretions and environmental cause this issue. The most frequent issue with this is the misconception that applying more pressure while washing hair might help get rid of this dandruff. This method is completely wrong since it causes extra hair fall. Using cotton towels may increase hair fall.

Seboria is chronic condition of dandruff. This issue directly affects the efficiency, psychology and consciousness of a person. Visible problems may create depression, stress and other such psychological issues.

Remedies for this:

Mixing butter milk with Multani Miti and applying it on our scalp for 30 minutes once a week can help in curing dandruff. It has amazing potential for curing dry dandruff.

Tankan Bhasma used in ayurveda can be mixed with coconut oil and curd to improve hair condition. You can also add bitter neem juice in this mixture. Gently massage this for 15-20 minutes once a week.

Amla juice containing vitamin C can also help with dandruff. Hair wash twice a week is advised. Take a hot Turkish towel steam for just 5-7 minutes for improved hair health. Regular application of oil is necessary. Don’t use hair dyes, etc. when facing dandruff.

Hydration levels also affect hair problems.

Hair fall:

Hair fall is a very common issue. Daily 50-80 hair fall is common and does not fall into the hair fall category. Like aging the hair ages as well and falls off which is completely normal. New hair takes its place.

Dryness, brittleness, baby hair and split ends are commonly observed. If you start to see patches or bundles of hair falling off, then it becomes a genuine hair fall problem.

Dermal papillae are present in many places int the body and are responsible for hair fall.

They are in follicle and provide nutrients, oxygen and growth to the hair. Papillae is directly dependent on your metabolic rate.

Detox your system for good immunity and prevention of hair fall.

Matrix is called the new stage of hair generation. Internal factors have more influence on hair growth than external factors.

Alkaline and acidic proportional balance in necessary in the body. You should check constipation or acid reflexion in the body. Increase in DHT hormone increases hair fall. Google search for extra information.

Spinach and mushroom with 5 alpha reductors should be used. Lenonic acid from flax seeds are beneficial. Pumpkin seed oil is beneficial too.

Massage for hair fall or mix with other oils. Cardio exercises decrease DHT levels, avoid weight training.

GNRH in females is responsible for hair fall. Menstrual cycle causes hair fall too.

Have complex carbohydrates to improve hair health.

Premature grey hair:

It is a very disturbing problem that is now affecting children of ages 5 as well. Even without hereditary issues they face grey hair.

One of the major reasons for premature grey hair can be because of using dairy products as they have lots of preservatives.

Milk and paneer these days are contaminated with ample amount of chemicals and don’t contain a drop of real milk.

Milk as per our tradition is said to be a complete food. But these days it cannot even be considered as a proper food. Indian mentality regards consumption of milk as a must.

Going vegan is actually a good alternative to prevent all these issues. If you are grooming cows or Buffalows, it is okay to consume the milk they provide.

But otherwise, it may cause issues in your body. If you still want to consume milk, you may consume almond or any kind of nut milk and coconut milk.

You can also make peanut curd and other dairy products off of it. They are greatly digestive, and plant based.

Good food investment is like investing in your good health!

It is the worst hair condition or the one that is the most emotionally affecting. It is troublesome in all aspects that is physical, mental and psychological. Melanin is responsible for the colour or pigmentation of hair; there are of two types:

Dark hair (eumelanin)
Blonde hair (pheomelanin)

With age, the levels of melanin change which in turn change the colour of the hair. When children are born, they initially, do not have dark hair. It gradually turns darker in their youth.

Factors responsible for premature grey hair:

Vitamin deficiencies – Vitamin B6, B12, E, D causes premature grey hair.
Mineral deficiencies – zinc, copper, iron causes genetical influences. The chromosome 6th is responsible for hair health. IRF 4 is its genetic name.
Genetic genes.
Deactivation of sympathetic nervous system.
Noradrenaline and cortisol hormones are the result of hypertension. Solution to this is sound sleep and deep breathing and pranayama.
Smoking can also cause hair fall. Smokers are more prone to premature grey hair.
Excessive free radicals damage hair follicles.
Excessive sugar and white or table salt. Instead use jaggery, pink, rock or black salt.
Hypothyroidism in females. It affects hair health.
Chemical hair dyes.
Excessive exposure to sun or UV rays.

No age bar is seen in this disorder.

Treatment and naturopathic remedies:

No treatment is available to treat grey hair, but certain therapy might help such as hair therapy and hormone therapy. Transform your body instead.
We should detox our body.
Naturopathy provides home made treatment and drugless treatment.
Eating green leafy vegetables which are rich in iron and B complex in the form of salad should be consumed or boil it and eat, they help in increasing red blood cell in the body.
Avoid making cooked food out of it.
Dark colour fruits such as berries, plums, peach, apple etc are best food for hair follicles. In India we have various fruits as such like apple pomegranate, different berries and much more. Seasonal and regional foodstuffs are best for your health.
Eat mushroom as they are rich in copper and protein. It stimulates melanin production.

Broccoli is also great as it is rich in vitamin A, C and calcium. We should always boil the broccoli before eating as raw broccoli may create gastric and bloating problem.
Lentils and dals which always stimulates our DNA and RNA production.
Amla, the Indian gooseberry is beneficial.
All nuts as they are rich in protein and fibre and other nutrients. Walnuts, pistachio, almonds, cashew and peanuts, etc. 4 of each can be soaked and consumed as snacks.
Flaxseed and sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and selenium which helps in hair growth.
For non-vegetarian, eggs and chicken are a great option as it contains the biotin, vitamin b12, b9 and protein. Salmon fish is also a great option. You can add these in your routine food.
Drink coconut water before noon, lemon with mint water to increase fluid in body. Maintain high levels of hydration. Raw mango juice is also a good alternative.
Waking for 20 minutes bare foot on grass or on acupressure mat can help with healthy hair.
Apply medicated hair pack made equal proportions of with mehndi, jatamansi, deep sea mud and bhringraj for 20 minutes. Soak this ingredient for 7-10 hours in earthen or glass pot.
Message your scalp with pumpkin seed oil, coconut oil avoids aroma oil. After washing it, stream your hair with towel for 5-7 minutes.
Deep breathing and pranayama help with increasing oxygen flow in the body.
Adequate sleep of 6 – 8 hours of sleep is important for hair repair and growth.
Sirs Hasana is the best asana for any type of hair follicle damage.
For cleansing, enema, that is included in water therapy should be done with khichadi as the main food consumed for 4-5 days.
We should avoid washing our hairs in alternative days, wash maximum twice a week.
We should use oil, if one doesn’t want like stickiness after applying oil, keeping oil in hair overnight and washing it in morning is fine so that follicle will absorb the nutrients they need around 5 – 7 hours.
Dilute the shampoo with some water along with the scalp with water before applying that shampoo to the scalp.

These are some very cost-effective solutions to all your hair problems. If these treatments are remedies are followed consistently, you will see results within 3-6 months.

Small changes in your routine, diet and sleep patterns will lead to positive changes in your overall health. Stay consistent and have faith!