Tag: hair and nails

Hair loss 掉头发

Hair loss is the thinning of hair on the scalp which normally occurs with age in both men and women, but is usually more pronounced in men.

Some men never go bald but everyone’s hair thins out over the years. Despite much research, there is little men can do to slow down or reverse hair loss since it is likely caused by make hormones and genetic constitution.

Acute environmental or psychological stress can result in sudden, rapid shedding of hair. Although losing clumps of hair is alarming, the body will often adjust itself and in most cases, the hair grows back.

Using natural wheat-germe based hair products can help hair follicles stay clean and promote healthy hair growth.

Applied nutrition

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Helps manufacture healthy hair 1 scoop,
2x daily
CoQ10 Improves scalp circulation, increases tissue oxygenation 1 tab,
3x daily
Omega 3 Improves hair texture. Prevents dry, brittle hair 1 tab,
2x daily
B Complex B vitamins are important for the health and growth of hair. Deficiencies have been linked to skin disorders and hair loss 3 tabs,
3x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Aids scalp circulation. Helps antioxidant action in the hair follicles 3 tabs,
3x daily
Selenium E Increases oxygen uptake, improving circulation to the scalp. Improves health and growth of hair 3 tabs,
3x daily
Multivitamins + minerals + phytonutrients Stimulates hair growth by enhancing immune function As indicated

Biotin (vitamin H)

Overview

Biotin is part of the B complex group of vitamins. All B vitamins help the body to convert carbohydrates into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, also help the body metabolize fats and protein. B complex vitamins are needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. They also help the nervous system function properly.

Your body needs biotin to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Biotin is often recommended for strengthening hair and nails and it is found in many cosmetic products for hair and skin.

Like all B vitamins, it is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning the body does not store it. However, bacteria in the intestine can make biotin. It is also available in small amounts a number of foods. Biotin is also important for normal embryonic growth, making it a critical nutrient during pregnancy.

As our bodies can produce it, serious deficiency of this vitamin is rare. Symptoms include hair loss, dry scaly skin, cracking in the corners of the mouth (called cheilitis), swollen and painful tongue that is magenta in color (glossitis), dry eyes, loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, and depression. People who have been on IV drip for a long period of time, those taking antiseizure medication or antibiotics long-term, and people with conditions like Crohn’s disease that make it hard to absorb nutrients are more likely to be deficient in biotin.

Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

Infants who don’t have enough biotin often develop this scaly scalp condition.

Diabetes

Preliminary research indicates that a combination of biotin and chromium might improve blood sugar control in some people with type 2 diabetes, but biotin alone is inadequate.

Dietary Sources

Biotin can be found in brewer’s yeast; cooked eggs, especially egg yolk; sardines; nuts (almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts) and nut butters; soybeans; other legumes (beans, blackeye peas); whole grains; cauliflower; bananas; and mushrooms.

Raw egg whites contain a protein called Avidin that interferes with the body’s absorption of biotin. Long term consumption of raw egg whites is not recommended for this, and health, reasons.

Food-processing techniques can destroy biotin. Less-processed versions of the foods listed above contain more biotin.

Upper limits

The Council for Responsible Nutrition sets the upper limit as 2.5 mg / day although the US FDA has never given public notice of receipt of any reports of adverse effects associated with biotin.

 Source

University of Maryland Medical Center
Council for Responsible Nutrition