Graying hair has been a prominent sign of aging. However, nowadays, many youngsters are facing this grave problem due to varied reasons. Here are some natural remedies which may prove useful to prevent this condition.
With the ever-increasing pollution and tensions, another phenomena that is on the rise is premature graying of hair. It is considered as an embarrassing fact and affects the confidence level of a young person to a considerable extent. Furthermore, it increases the 'face-age' value of any person by a staggering 10-15 years.
There are many products in the market that make false claims to reverse it within a few days. Though many natural cures are available, such as herbs to darken it for natural color and natural hair dyes, these are all temporary ways and they have to be done repeatedly.
As one's hair grows from the scalp, the condition reappears. Therefore, the best way to get rid of it is to understand the basic cause and find a solution to nip the problem in the bud.
Understanding the Hair Structure
The main component of hair is a structural protein called keratin. Each strand of hair has three layers wherein the innermost layer is called medulla (present only in large thick hair), the middle layer called the cortex, and the outermost layer called the cuticle.
Melanin is responsible for the color is present in the middle cortex. Eumelanin and pheomelanin are two types of melanin. Furthermore, pheomelanin makes hair red whereas eumelanin makes it black or brown. Blond hair color results from less amount of eumelanin. Sufficient black eumelanin will give it a black while deficiency of the same would result in gray.
Pheomelanin is present in the hair of all humans in varying quantity. When the production of melanin diminishes or stops, the hair turns white. Premature graying of hair is also known as canites. It is actually a mixture of white and colored hair; gray-colored hair does not exist.
Ways to Prevent It
There are some ways to reverse this condition; however, it is better to prevent the same.
Hair follicles would stop producing oil due to deficiency of essential vitamins and nutrients which would result in this condition. The vitamins and nutrients required for healthy hair should be included in the diet in sufficient amounts.
Vitamin B12
It can occur due to lack of proper amount of vitamin B12 in the diet. Vitamin B12 is found mainly in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products; 1/2-1 liter of yogurt per day is said to be an excellent remedy
Consuming wheat, oats, soybean products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fruits that are rich in vitamin B12 will prevent the condition.
Iodine and Proteins
Low levels of the key thyroid hormones T3 and T4, that affect the human hair follicle growth, leads to this problem. To maintain the thyroid level, foods rich in iodine, proteins, copper, and zinc should be included in the diet.
One should make iodized salt, curry leaves, fruits, meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products a part of their daily diet to maintain adequate iodine and protein levels in the body.
Pumpkin seeds, legumes, mushrooms, pecans, sunflower seeds, and whole grains are all foods rich in zinc. To get one's copper levels right, consume foods that are rich in fiber.
Folic Acid
Meat products like liver, chicken, kidney, egg yolk; legumes such as soybean, almonds, nuts, dried beans, lentils, split peas; starch products like bread, wheat flour, potato, sweet potato help in preventing graying hair.
Fruits and vegetables like spinach, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, banana, oranges, and peaches are the excellent sources of folic acid which is essential to prevent this problem.
Iron
Meat, green leafy vegetables, cereals, oatmeal, pasta, and rice, are rich in iron; hence, are beneficial.
Overconsumption of coffee and tea should be avoided as it nullifies the effectiveness of the vital nutrients, thus stimulating the rate of this condition.
Another major phenomena that turns causes it is hypertension. Over-stressed people tend to have this condition. In fact, stress may cause this problem to occur overnight. Too much anger and acute depression can also account for the same. The only solution for all this is to regularly exercise the mind and the body.
Yoga and a few strenuous exercises are said to work well for stress relief. If stress levels are severe, consulting a counselor may help greatly.
Smoking can also be a cause. It is advised to minimize or quit smoking for preventing this condition. Consumption of strong or toxic drugs can also cause the same to a great extent. Hence, it is always better to take any drug or medication with the doctor's permission.
There are a few things that can be done for releasing stress instantly such as breathing in and out steadily, maintaining a good posture while sitting, standing or lying down, listening to soothing music, reading good books, etc., or pursuing any hobbies that would help relax one instantly.
Following the aforementioned ways might prove beneficial. Also, one needs to maintain a healthy and refined living. Once that is done, this problem would never come in the way of youth.
Disclaimer: This content is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.