OPTIMUM NUTRITION FOR HAIR GROWTH
If you have problems of hair loss you should first see that your general health is well taken care of. Various derangements in the functions of your vital organs must be corrected. The digestive system must be in good working condition, so that the nutrients from the foods you eat will be properly assimilated. Also, see that the glandular system, particularly the thyroid gland, is active and that the nervous system is working well. It is worthwhile to have a thorough physical check-up to be sure that there are no pathological conditions as an underlying cause for the hair loss.
From the point of view of hair loss and baldness, there are certain nutritive elements which have been found to have a direct relation to the health of the hair. These are as follows:
B-complex vitamins
Vitamin B is one of the most important vitamins for your hair.
It has been demonstrated that the two of the most important B-vitamins for hair growth are inositol and choline. The other B-vitamins, pantothenic acid, para-amino-benzolic acid and folic acid, have been also linked with hair loss, and particularly with the graying of the hair. Animal tests have shown that these vitamins can restore the natural Color to the hair. This has been also reported by many men using these vitamins.
Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is necessary for the normal metabolism of proteins and fats in the system. Biotin deficiency has been shown to cause fat dandruff which contributes to the loss of hair. It has been demonstrated in animal experiments that if biotin is totally removed from the diet, the animals lose their hair. When biotin is added again to their diet, the condition of their fur is soon improved.
In human beings, biotin deficiency has resulted in seborrhea, lack of appetite, skin disorders and inflammations. It is believed that the daily requirement of this vitamin is 150 to 300 micrograms.
Pantothenic acid deficiency in men has caused, among other things, chronic fatigue, increased tendency for infections and loss of hair. The daily requirement is 8-10 mg.
Niacin, or nicotinic acid, has a blood vessel dilating property; it is especially effective in widening the small peripheral blood capillaries. This is of vital importance for getting nutrition to the hair roots. The daily requirement is approximately 15 mg.
Vitamin B9, or folic acid, is extremely important for the health of the skin. Folic acid deficiency can cause serious skin disorders. Persons deficient in folic acid often become completely bald. When folic acid is introduced back into the diet, hair starts to grow normally.
Inositol is vital also for hair growth. It works together with pantothenic acid and choline and is involved in vital metabolic processes. A diet low in inositol can cause hair to fall out. Some authorities advise taking 3,000 mg. or half a teaspoon of inositol daily.
Deficiencies of vitamins B2 {riboflavin) and Be (pyridoxine) have also been shown to cause impaired hair growth.
As you can see, almost all vitamins from B-complex are involved in one way or another in the loss of hair and baldness.
How to take B-vitamins for hair growth
For your hair’s sake, do not rush to your nearest drug store and buy the pure, isolated B-vitamins mentioned above. There is danger involved in taking large doses of synthetic B-vitamins separately. Taking one B-vitamin separately may cause a deficiency of another B vitamin. For example, taking large amounts of niacin may cause a deficiency of thiamin (Bi). In fact it is known through animal tests that taking single synthetic B-vitamins may, result in the directly opposite effect than that hoped for—impaired health generally and weakened hair growth. Furthermore, the two of the B-vitamins which are vitally important for the health of your hair, folic acid and para-amino-benzoic acid, are now sold only on prescription in the United States.
The best way to assure that you get all the B-vitamins named above without the risk of overdosage or imbalance, is to take only a natural B-vitamin preparation, sold usually through health food stores. Practically all manufacturers of natural vitamins have a B-complex formula. Read the labels and select the formula with all the B-vitamins discussed in this chapter. See that the formula contains particularly large amounts of biotin, choline and inositol; also pantothenic acid, nicotinic acid, and folic acid. Take B-complex tablets as directed on the bottle. In addition, the following five food supplements contain B-complex vitamins in well-blended and biologically potent combination:
Brewer’s yeast (powder and tablets) —up to two tablespoons a day, or the equivalent in tablets.
Desiccated liver (powder or tablets) —five to ten tablets a day.
Lecithin (granules or liquid)—one to two tablespoons a day.
Wheat germ (raw) —two to three tablespoons a day.
Sunflower seeds (whole or meal) —two tablespoons a day. These food supplements are the richest known natural sources
of the B-complex vitamins. In addition, they are rich in other vital nutritional elements, such as enzymes, minerals, trace elements, and—last but not least—they are an excellent source of the complete proteins. Desiccated liver is also rich in iron and copper, the deficiency of which has been shown to cause anemia with resultant hair loss, as demonstrated by Swedish researcher Dr. S. Hard.2
That iron deficiency can cause hair loss has been also observed in St. George Hospital in London. Two women blood donors started to lose their hair. When they were given iron supplements, their hair condition returned to normal.
Vitamins and food supplements should be taken with foods, divided equally among three meals.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has been shown to have hair-growth-promoting properties.
In experiments with rats, conducted by two Japanese researchers, it has been demonstrated that topical application of vitamin E made hair grow 2.4 times faster than normal.3 Vitamin E works by increasing the blood flow to the skin surface, causing a rise in skin temperature and an increase in blood volume. Vitamin E is also effective taken internally. It oxygenates the blood and stimulates the circulation. Wheat germ (rich in vitamins B and E) and wheat germ oil (the richest natural source of vitamin E) are used extensively in the fur-animal industry. Mink and fox growers have used these foods for years because they give a healthy, thick and luxuriant fur to their animals.
One tablespoon of wheat germ oil, two to three tablespoons of raw wheat germ, and/or 300 to 600 I.U. of vitamin E in capsule form, are the usually recommended doses.
Vitamin C and bioflavonoids
Vitamin C is such an universal wonder vitamin that it should be routinely prescribed in every condition of ill health. Vitamin C plays an important role in the health of all connective tissues. It is linked to the health and proper functioning of the adrenal glands. Bioflavonoids (or vitamin P) which always accompany vitamin C in its natural form are known to be essential for the healthy condition of the blood capillaries.
Health food stores usually stock organic forms of vitamin C with bioflavonoids from which you make your selection.
Vitamin F
Vitamin F, found in essential fatty acids, is considered by many European doctors to be a very important factor for a healthy scalp and good hair growth. The condition of the sebaceous glands, which are located in and around the hair follicles, is closely related to the health of the hair. The sebaceous glands produce an oily secretion, sebum, which lubricates the scalp and hair and moisturizes the skin. Vitamin F is considered essential for the healthy condition of the sebaceous glands.
The best sources of essential fatty acids are cold-pressed, unrefined vegetable oils, which may be purchased at most health food stores.
Vitamin A
Also vitamin A is universally acknowledged for its great beneficial effect on the health of the skin. Since many hair conditions are connected with excessive dandruff and dry, itchy, and flaky scalp, vitamin A can be of considerable benefit in such conditions.
The richest source of natural vitamin A is cod liver oil. One or two teaspoons of cod liver oil will supply you with good amounts of vitamins A, D and E, and with unsaturated fatty acids.
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