Vitamins and herbs for strong, healthy hair

by Danna Norek

(NaturalNews) Men and women alike desire thick, healthy and shiny hair. Chances are people who possess all of these traits are supplementing with certain vitamins and herbs, or eat a diet that feeds their hair these nutrients on a daily basis. Hair is not just an extension of our bodies. It has become a symbol of beauty, health and status. In order to get the coveted body, bounce and sheen you desire there are certain nutrients you should be concentrating on putting in your body.

Vitamins for healthy hair

The first vitamin for hair health is biotin. This is actually a form of vitamin B that is widely used to help prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth. It is often recommended for chemotherapy patients to help increase the rate of growth.

It is also useful for thinning hair and is thought to help with loss of hair pigmentation although no conclusive evidence has been found. Biotin helps our bodies to break down fats, protein and carbohydrates. It can be found naturally in Swiss chard, liver, halibut and goat milk, to name a few.

Several other B vitamins help with hair loss or slow hair growth as well. Panthenol, or vitamin B5 is often used externally in shampoos and other hair products to help increase thickness. It has the ability to penetrate the cuticle and increase the diameter as a topical supplement.

A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, which stunts hair growth. Supplements of this vitamin often fall short as they don't absorb very well. Vitamin B12 shots are given for energy support in those who are deficient. However you can also increase your levels of this vitamin by eating foods such as grass fed beef, egg yolks and free range poultry.

Antioxidant vitamins are also an important source of nutrition for healthy hair. Vitamins C, E and A are important for the health of the skin and hair. They increase the health and efficiency of the entire body, thereby "freeing up" the resources to feed your hair the nutrients it needs on a daily basis. They help promote healthy connective tissues and cellular growth. A diet rich in these vitamins provides support for vibrant, abundant hair growth. Vitamin E also increases scalp circulation which in turn promotes hair growth.

Herbs for healthy hair

The foremost herb known for adding beauty and luster to the hair when taken orally is horsetail. Named for its long brush-like appearance, this herb is packed with a nutrient called silica. Silica is a substance that strengthens bones, nails and hair.

Silica adds resilience to the hair by fortifying it with strength and thereby lessening breakage and thinning. Silica also is known for increasing shine and body thanks to the additional strength and presumably increased volume of hair. It is a relatively inexpensive herb and is used extensively for brittle or unhealthy hair.

Rosemary is an excellent herb to use topically to promote hair growth and increase scalp health. When applied to the scalp rosemary increases circulation and helps to gently remove excess sebum and dandruff, which can inhibit healthy hair growth.

Lavender is another herb that enhances the beauty of the hair. Lavender helps increase shine and gently cleanse deposits that dull the hair.

Hops are not only a main ingredient in beer. They make an excellent natural hair conditioner and softener when applied topically. The herb also contains silica so it helps fortify the hair from within. Many popular hair supplements use this to add strength and resilience.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/vitamins-minerals/8-foods-rich-in-biotin.html

http://www.hairlosstreatment-s.com/vitamin-and-hair-loss.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/198978-horsetail-herb-for-hair-growth/

http://www.endhairlossnaturally.com/balding-ingredients.htm

Suzanne

Any thoughts of where to get B12 if you don't eat "foods such as grass fed beef, egg yolks and free range poultry"? There are some thoughts that healthy eaters don't need as much since their diets allow it to be absorbed more. There are some thoughts that dirty food gives a source of B12. But what's correct and/or proper?

Hi Kland, - From memory, Agatha Thrash (SDA vegan pathologist) describes an intrinsic factor in the gut - shortly after the stomach - which will produce B12, presumably if the gut is kept in good condition. Space age foods, fats & sugars may disable this process - in my opinion they do. Ingesting animal foods may also render it redundant. Perhaps it takes a fast or cleanse to reactivate natural human B12 production. Thrash discusses the intrinsic factor in her book Nutrition for Vegetarians which is not with me at the moment.

The grapevine has long held that comfrey plants contain B12. Some years ago the authorities (FDA or USDA?) came out with a warning against ingesting comfrey - due to possible hepatotoxic side effects (liver damage) as I recall. But some official health warnings are more spin than truth. More recently we've been warned of the dangers of Stevia as a natural sweetener, though it's been used on a commercial scale for decades in other countries. But don't forget the sugar lobby is one of the oldest interests in America, as descendants from slavery can attest.

Comfrey is a perennial, easy to transplant and thrives in loose, fertile soil. The roots resemble long fleshy snakes. The plants die off with a hard frost but return to 3 or 4 ft. tall each summer. Winter hardy in my zone of 4a or 4b where they have seen sustained temps of -40 (F or C). The leaves don't seem edible as they have a prickly texture. I add them to meals, but the late SDA MD Kirschner wrote a book on comfrey and ate it as a salad.

Stevia is brought indoors for the winter. It's a v. sweet plant which unlike sugar cane requires no refining. Eat raw, or more practically, dry leaves and add to herbal teas. Much 'stevia' on the market today is adulterated with sugars and processed to be a white crystal resembling table sugar. But the dried leaves crush to a green powder, retaining their sweetness for years.

It's very possible other green plants contain B12. Dark greens are especially fortifying, Parsley and Dandelion leaves in particular. Raddiccio too. Perhaps the more bitter, the better. Think endives, escarole. Quite palatable when dressed with additions of tomato, lemon, baked potato, low fat hommus or other beans.

The focus is to eat the greens as the main dish.
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We're told that animals are the only source of B12. We are animals too. We may produce B12 as required. Returning to a plain diet of simple unprocessed foods will change the chemistry of the body. We should co-operate with nature and the God of nature.

Ellen White laid out clear simple testimony for the diet of the last days. This did not include artificial meats, restaurant foods, chips, etc. These are suicidal, self-destructive. Though fancied & promoted by many loyal SDAs, they are contrary to God's order.
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Stop hair loss and damage with these natural remedies

by Carolanne Wright

(NaturalNews) North Americans are not known for their lush locks and it is no wonder -- their diet tends to be high in harmful fats, laden with sugar and heavy in animal protein along with dairy. All these foods contribute to hair loss and breakage according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Harsh shampoo as well as chemicals in the water aren't helping the matter either. But there's hope. By revamping the diet, adding a few supplements and introducing shampoo-free cleansing, a healthy head of hair is possible.

Want a lustrous mane? Look to the diet

Most don't make the connection between diet and hair loss, but the link is strong. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that immoderate consumption of sugar is the main culprit of shedding hair. This would explain why Americans suffer from the malady in greater numbers than most. Even excessive fruit consumption can lead to thinning hair. Many who embrace a raw food diet have experienced this phenomena. On the other end of the spectrum, overindulging in animal protein and dairy also contributes to balding and weak hair due to acidic blood. Yet another offender, unhealthy fats congest the hair follicles -- encouraging hair loss. Iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism along with dehydration are obstacles to healthy hair too. The best bet for glossy, thick locks is to adopt a whole food diet that is abundant in vegetables, healthy oils like coconut and olive, nuts, seeds, low sugar berries and seaweed. Flax and chia seeds are especially beneficial due to their high essential fatty acid content.

Focus on hair-enhancing supplements like B vitamins (especially biotin), zinc, iron and calcium. It is also important to inhibit hair thinning DHT which is derived from the hormone testosterone. Natural remedies that block DHT include saw palmetto, stinging nettle, green tea, pygeum extract and pumpkin seed oil.

Environmental enemies of healthy hair

Two chemical culprits found in city water, chlorine and fluoride, weaken hair -- leading to breakage, clogged follicles and shedding. Both irritate the cuticle on the hair shaft too, thereby creating dull, lifeless locks. A trusted shower filter is a must for healthy hair.

Shampoo is antagonistic as well. Filled with harsh cleansers and additives, hair doesn't stand a chance. Even when natural brands are used, hair is stripped of natural oils and subsequently revolts against the abuse. Conditioner is then required to tame the disorder. Follicles are subsequently clogged -- triggering fallout. To avoid this anarchy, a simple and cost effective remedy is available: baking soda and vinegar. Hair settles down, loss is minimized and luster restored. To cleanse the hair with baking soda, mix one tablespoon of powder to one cup of water in a squeeze bottle. Shake well and apply to the roots, massaging for a minute or two. Rinse well. Next comes the vinegar wash which conditions, calms and boosts shine. Mix a quarter cup white or apple cider vinegar with one cup water. Pour over hair, avoiding the face and eyes. Rinse thoroughly with water.

A full head of hair need not be a pipe dream. By choosing a nutrient rich diet, supplementation and shampoo-free cleansing, tiresome hair frustrations can be laid to rest.

Sources for this article include:

"How to delay or stop hair loss -- Naturally" Kevin Gianni, Renegade Health, April 27, 2012. Retrieved on November 15, 2012 from: http://renegadehealth.com

"Ten Natural Ways Grow Hair and Reduce Hair Loss" Melanie Grimes, Natural News, February 26, 2012. Retrieved on November 15, 2012 from: http://www.naturalnews.com/028251_hair_loss_balding.html

"Tips and Tricks to go Shampoo-free" Rural Spin. Retrieved on November 15, 2012 from: http://ruralspin.com/2012/04/22/tips-and-tricks-to-go-shampoo-free/

"Hair Loss Remedies" Earth Clinic. Retrieved on November 15, 2012 from: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/hair_loss.html

"How to slow or reverse hair loss with a healthy diet and nutritional supplements" Dani Veracity, Natural News, October 27, 2005. Retrieved on November 15, 2012 from: http://www.naturalnews.com/012893_hair_loss_male_pattern_baldness.html

"Taking hot showers could harm your health" Shelley Huang, Taipei Times, January 25, 2011. Retrieved on November 15, 2012 from: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2011/01/25/2003494382

Suzanne

Originally published November 5, 2013

12 natural ways to achieve amazing hair

by Sandeep Godiyal

(NaturalNews) Both men and women can suffer from hair loss. Health problems and genetics can play a role in hair loss, but there are some natural things that can be done to help grow hair.


The following is a list of twelve natural things that can be done to grow hair.

Eat Less Meat

Japanese researchers have linked high sebum production to hair loss. They found that animal fat can increase the amount of sebum production, so eating less meat is a good idea.

Add The Saw Palmetto Herb

Saw Palmetto has been used to treat hair loss in both men and women. An investigation by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed that hair growth improved in men when they took Saw Palmetto Daily.

Get Your Thyroid Checked

Hypothyroidism can cause thinning hair and hair loss. Problems with the thyroid gland need to be addressed with a qualified holistic practitioner, but there are some other things that can be done. One of those things is to avoid drinking from the tap because Fluoride and Chlorine are in tap water and they can inhibit iodine absorption which is a problem with low thyroid. Another good idea is to add sea vegetables like kelp because they have natural iodine and they may help to balance the condition. The bladderwrack herb is also a good daily supplement for this condition.

Don't Forget Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids are good for the hair and they can be found in things like walnuts, avocado and flaxseed.

Bioton For Hair

Bioton is good for the health of the hair and the scalp. Things like brown rice, nuts, and oats contain Biotin.

Methylsulfonylmethane and Keratin

Methylsulfonylmethane can help in the production of a protein found in hair called Keratin, and it can also strengthen hair follicles. In one investigation 100 percent of people that used Methylsulfonylmethane decreased hair loss and had an increase in hair growth in just six weeks time.

B-Complex Vitamins are Great For Hair Follicles

By just taking one supplement of a B-complex vitamin, a person can reduce the rate of hair loss and increase the amount of hair growth. By doing this a person can also rejuvenate their hair follicles and increase the circulation in the scalp.

Collagen Production and Vitamin C

Collagen is very important to hair because it surrounds the hair strands. The best way to boost Collagen is by taking in more vitamin C. Vitamin C rich foods include things like: Oranges, red peppers, and strawberries. The great thing about increasing Collagen is that it can also decreases wrinkles.

Vitamin E Stops Breakage

Vitamin E can nourish damaged hair and it can help to prevent breakage. Vitamin E helps hair to fabricate Keratin in the strands of the hair and it will also help to prevent breakage of the hair. To protect hair with vitamin E it is a good idea to take 400 IU a day.

Iron Rich Foods Are Great For Hair

For hair to grow naturally Iron is an essential element. Iron can be found in foods like green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and berries. To help iron better absorb in the system it is a good idea to take it with vitamin c.

Great Minerals For Hair

Two great minerals for hair growth are Silica and Zinc. To help stimulate the growth of hair it is a good idea to take 500 mg of Silica daily and 50 mg of Zinc two times a day.

Rosemary Helps With Scalp Circulation

Rosemary has been used over the years to help with scalp circulation. By just adding a few drops of rosemary to shampoo or coconut oil and rubbing it on the scalp, a person can really improve the circulation to the scalp.

Sources for this article include:
http://wellnessmama.com/8102/improve-hair/
http://ruralspin.com/2013/03/30/10-natural-tips-for-healthier-hair/
http://science.naturalnews.com/hair.html

Suzanne