Thursday, August 17, 2006
Problem Hair loss
Possible cause
A diet too low in calories, protein, iron or vitamins A and C. If you're not eating right, your locks will show it. Hair is made of protein, which your body produces when you're healthy and following a balanced diet, says Megan Majernik, R.D., a clinical dietitian at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Chicago. But consuming too few calories or simply skimping on protein, iron and vitamins, especially A and C, which are crucial for cell growth, means your system wont have the energy and nutrients it needs to create hair. Cure To keep your hair healthy and strong, be sure youre eating enough calories. Also, aim for 700 micrograms of vitamin A a day (good sources include leafy green vegetables like spinach, as well as eggs and dairy products) and 65 milligrams of vitamin C daily (citrus fruits like tangerines, strawberries and red bell peppers provide a good dose).
When to see a doctor
If your hair falls out rapidly or in clumps. You could have a thyroid condition; both hypothyroidism (when the body produces too little thyroid hormone) and hyperthyroidism (when the body produces too much) can be culprits. Studies have shown that consuming too much vitamin A, although rare, can also lead to hair loss. In addition, sudden physical trauma including extreme nutritional changes can cause your hair follicles to release telogen hairs, those that are in the resting stage of the growth cycle.
A diet too low in calories, protein, iron or vitamins A and C. If you're not eating right, your locks will show it. Hair is made of protein, which your body produces when you're healthy and following a balanced diet, says Megan Majernik, R.D., a clinical dietitian at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Chicago. But consuming too few calories or simply skimping on protein, iron and vitamins, especially A and C, which are crucial for cell growth, means your system wont have the energy and nutrients it needs to create hair. Cure To keep your hair healthy and strong, be sure youre eating enough calories. Also, aim for 700 micrograms of vitamin A a day (good sources include leafy green vegetables like spinach, as well as eggs and dairy products) and 65 milligrams of vitamin C daily (citrus fruits like tangerines, strawberries and red bell peppers provide a good dose).
When to see a doctor
If your hair falls out rapidly or in clumps. You could have a thyroid condition; both hypothyroidism (when the body produces too little thyroid hormone) and hyperthyroidism (when the body produces too much) can be culprits. Studies have shown that consuming too much vitamin A, although rare, can also lead to hair loss. In addition, sudden physical trauma including extreme nutritional changes can cause your hair follicles to release telogen hairs, those that are in the resting stage of the growth cycle.
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