(NaturalNews) People lose about one hundred hairs each day. Because hair is made of many nutrients, those nutrients need to be replenished in the body in order for hair to grow. Hair contains protein, fat, water, and carbohydrates. Foods to prevent hair loss can be found in oats, molasses, liver, and whole grains. Because water is comprised of water, it is important to stay hydrated to stimulate proper hair growth. Hair growth is conditioned on genetics. Hair loss increases with age, but proper nutrition can help prevent hair loss, thinning hair and balding.
SilicaSilica makes hair shiny and prevents hair from thinning. It is found naturally in oats, nettles and alfalfa. An easy way to add silica to the diet is by drinking nettle tea.
ProteinBecause it is a component of hair, protein deficiency can cause hair loss. This is especially true for vegetarians or those on a reduced protein diet. Add protein by adding meat or fermented soy products to the diet.
Molasses Grows HairThe Chinese have used molasses to grow hair. It can be used as a hair rinse or taken internally. To apply, add one spoon of molasses to a cup of warm water and massage into the hair. Make sure to completely cover the roots, as that is where the hair follicles stimulate hair growth. After a half an hour, rinse off and then shampoo as usual.
InositolInositol is one of the B vitamins and is found in organ foods such as liver and kidneys. Inositol is considered one of the main nutrients to spur hair growth and prevent balding.
Para-Aminobenzoic AcidPara-Aminobenzoic Acid, known by its abbreviation, PABA, is another B vitamin. Deficiency of PABA has been shown to cause hair to turn grey. Hair color can be returned by adding PABA to the diet. PABA and folic acid combine to help hair grow. PABA is found naturally in whole grains and yeast as well as in organ meats such as liver and kidney.
Herbs to Help Grow HairRosemary, thyme and lavender help grow hair and prevent hair thinning and balding. The essential oils can be massaged into the hair after shampooing. Herb tea made from these herbs can also help grow hair, but more indirectly.
Vitamin E Prevents Hair LossBecause vitamin E encourages circulation in the body and helps grow new blood vessels, vitamin E also grows hair. Research has shown that applying vitamin E to the hair follicles prevents hair loss and balding. To apply, open a capsule of vitamin E and massage into the scalp.
About the authorMelanie 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.
