Wellhealthorganic – Know the Causes of White Hair and Easy Ways to Prevent It Naturally
When it comes to things like your height, skin-type and adorable facial dimples, genetic factors have a lot to do with how you look. Read more wellhealthorganic.com:know-the-causes-of-white-hair-and-easy-ways-to-prevent-it-naturally. But when it comes to premature graying of hair, these aren’t the only influences.
Your diet can also play a major role. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can help prevent premature graying of your hair.
Genetics
Genetics is the study of genes, which are the strands of DNA that contain the instructions for building molecules that help our bodies function. Scientists use this knowledge to learn about traits and diseases in humans as well as other animals.
Genes are the basis of heredity, which is the process that allows a trait to be passed down from parent to offspring. This knowledge has allowed scientists to learn that every living organism evolved from a common ancestor.
Our genes are also responsible for reproducing the unique features of our parents that we can see in ourselves. This includes our hair color, skin texture and other characteristics.
The human body has millions of hair follicles that generate hair and pigment cells that contain melanin. As we age, our melanin levels can decrease, leading to the graying of our hair.
It is normal for our hair to go gray, and it can happen at any age. But if you notice premature white hair, it may be because of a variety of factors including genetics, stress and other health conditions.
If you want to prevent your hair from going white, there are several things you can do. One is to make sure you are eating a diet rich in antioxidants that will counteract oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Another thing you can do is to protect your hair from sun damage by wearing a hat and scarf when you are outside or by using heat protection products. UV rays can cause premature graying of your hair by damaging its cuticle, so it’s important to keep your hair protected from the sun.
You can also prevent white hair from appearing by taking vitamin supplements, eating more foods that are rich in antioxidants and getting enough exercise. You should also try to minimize oxidative stress by not smoking and drinking plenty of water.
Deficiency of Vitamins and Minerals
Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals can cause premature graying of hair. These deficiencies can be due to various factors, including autoimmune diseases, cancer medications, thyroid conditions and aging.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the normal functioning of your body. Without these nutrients, you may experience a variety of health problems including brittle nails, mouth ulcers, bleeding gums and dandruff.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is best to have a professional check your dietary habits and give you an accurate diagnosis. Having an awareness of the vitamins and minerals that you are lacking in your diet can help you prevent deficiency-related illnesses from developing.
Some of the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies that are associated with premature graying include B-6, B-12, biotin, and vitamin D. These deficiencies are usually treated with vitamin supplements.
Adding more vitamin D-rich foods to your diet can also help prevent premature graying, such as milk, eggs, fish and fortified cereals. Similarly, taking extra calcium in the form of fortified dairy products can reduce your risk of premature graying as well.
You can also add zinc to your diet if you have a deficiency of this essential mineral. This mineral influences the production of melanin, which is responsible for your hair color. Zinc can be obtained from many foods, including meat, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds.
There are other factors that can affect the appearance of your white hair, such as genetics and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a natural process that occurs in your body, but you can reduce it by consuming antioxidant-rich foods.
Another reason for premature graying is a medical condition that causes the body to produce less melanin. This happens when the cells that make melanin die or stop producing it.
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin disorder, can also result in early graying of the hair. The disease causes hair loss on the scalp, face and other parts of the body.
Smoking can contribute to premature graying as it constrictes blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the follicles. Taking steps to quit smoking can prevent white hair from appearing on your strands.
Harsh Chemicals
The right products and a healthy diet can go a long way toward keeping your hair color intact. Choosing a quality shampoo is one of the easiest ways to do this. It’s also wise to avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals on a regular basis, because these can deplete the body of important nutrients and lead to premature greying.
A little research can go a long way toward finding the best shampoos and conditioners on the market. This is especially true if you have a sensitivities to fragrances, dyes or chemicals.
Toxic substances can be found in almost any consumer product you can imagine, from household cleaners to prescription drugs to gasoline and alcohol. Some are safe for the short term, but many have long-term health effects when inhaled, ingested or absorbed by the skin. There are even some that are hazardous to the environment when used, stored or disposed of incorrectly. The best chemicals are ones that meet a set of criteria including safety, cost effectiveness and ecological impact.
Sun Damage
The sun’s UVA and UVB rays cause long term damage to the skin. These rays can also damage your hair strands. White hair is more prone to this damage than black or brown hair.
When exposed to the sun’s rays, your skin cells get damaged and produce less collagen. This causes your skin to lose its elasticity.
This is the main reason that you develop fine lines and wrinkles over time.
It can also lead to a change in the skin’s tone, making it appear blotchy and uneven. This is called photoaging and it can affect people of all ages.
If you want to prevent this, then make sure that you use sunscreen and wear sun-protective clothing. This includes hats and sunglasses.
You should also avoid spending too much time in the sun. This can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.
In addition, the sun’s UV rays can also cause dark spots to appear on your skin (called age spots or sun spots) and freckles. These spots are a common sign of long-term sun damage, but they can also be signs of other conditions.
These other conditions include vitiligo, which is the loss of pigment in your skin, and a condition called eczema, which is an itchy, rash-like skin condition.
Many people with eczema also develop skin damage that looks like dry patches of sun-damaged skin, says dermatologist Wilma Bergfeld. The condition can be treated with topical steroid creams and light therapy.
Another common sign of long-term sun damage is the development of small, scaly red patches called actinic keratoses (AKs). These are precancerous lesions that can spread to other parts of the body.
The best way to treat these is with a medical treatment, such as tretinoin (brand name Retin-A). This treatment helps the skin to recover from sun damage.
The good news is that most of these conditions can be reversed or grow out with proper medical treatment and good skin care. You can also reverse the yellowing of your hair and restore its natural colour if you follow a healthy diet and take care of it.