The doctor named the causes of early gray hair. It’s not just stress
The doctor explains why people turn gray prematurely and what methods will help keep hair healthy for as long as possible.
Many people note that during the war there was more gray hair on their heads, some lost their hair. Doctors say: it is most likely a result of stress.
— A research group from Harvard University studied the relationship between stress and graying in laboratory mice. The animals were subjected to three types of stress (light short-term pain, psychological stress and limited movement), says Zhanna Prykhodko, a dermatocosmetologist.
— In the meantime, scientists observed what changes were occurring in the mice’s body at the cellular level. It turned out that the stronger the stress, the greater the amount of the stress hormone norepinephrine in the mice’s body, the faster the melanocyte stem cells died. Actually, they are responsible for hair color other than gray. Actually, they are responsible for hair color other than gray. In a few days, the fur of some experimental animals irreversibly lost their pigment, new hairs grew white.
– How does stress affect people’s hair? Do similar mechanisms work?
— Yes, noradrenaline is also produced in people’s bodies during stress. Its influence, in particular, extends to melanocyte stem cells. Unfortunately, this process is irreversible. The more lost cells, the more gray hair. I had a young patient who experienced the loss and funeral of loved ones in less than half a year. Literally a month later, the girl noticed that the regrown roots of her hair were glistening with gray hair. The graying was total and it was very noticeable against the background of the rest of the dark hairs (a blonde might not see it right away).This means that the cells that are responsible for the pigmentation of the hairs have died, so the new hair grows colorless. In general, graying is a physiological process. With age, the formation of melanocyte cells slows down and stops.
— Even 20-year-old people who seem not to have been under stress also turn gray prematurely. What other factors contribute to early graying?
— Among the causes are diseases of various organs and systems, most often endocrine, in particular thyroid gland pathology. And there are also signs of a lack of copper, zinc, magnesium in the body. Tests can be done to check thyroid function, as well as trace mineral and vitamin deficiencies. The doctor will tell you how to adjust the diet and possibly advise which drugs should be used to restore the balance of hormones and other important substances in the body.
— Is it true that hair can fall out from stress?
— Yes, because stress hormones provoke a spasm of blood vessels, in particular those that supply blood to the hair follicles. The more stress, the more bulbs die. However, alopecia (baldness), as researched, can also be the result of a deficiency of certain trace elements, such as iron, sulfur, zinc, vitamins of group A and E. Hair loss can also be caused by infectious diseases accompanied by high temperature, certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy.
– Do massages and masks help prevent baldness?
— In certain cases, yes, because hair loss can also be caused by blood circulation disorders. This happens due to overheating of the scalp under the sun’s rays, frequent use of a hair dryer. In such a situation, a special massage, rubbing onion juice and pepper tincture into the head, hair strengthening masks (for example, with egg yolk and oil) are effective. Stimulates the growth of hair bulbs and burdock root decoction – you can rinse your hair with it after each wash.
— What products should be in the diet for healthy hair?
— It is necessary to include in the diet enough protein products (fish, beef, eggs, cheese), as well as products rich in fiber (bread with bran, cereals, greens).
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