Statistics show that 8 out of 10 people suffer from hair loss problems. Hair loss can happen at any age and stage of life. The only way to manage it is by beginning early. By beginning early, we mean targeting the root causes of hair loss. So if you find yourself using anti-hair fall shampoos to cure your hair loss, say goodbye to your hair for real.
Why Does Hair Loss Occur?
Hair loss is complex and is a result of underlying imbalances in your body. Though most of us are quick to blame our genes for hair loss, it is triggered by our lifestyle choices. Your diet, metabolism, hormonal health, stress levels, sleep patterns, existing medical conditions all contribute to hair loss. Knowing what’s causing your hair loss will help you take correct measures to stop it.
In this article, we look at how digestion and dandruff are causing hair loss and give ways to remedy these conditions effectively.
How Gut Health Affects Your Hair Loss?
Did you know that your gut is sometimes referred to as the second brain? The gut bacteria influences production of certain nutrients such as biotin, riboflavin, which are necessary for hair growth. Your gut flora also regulates certain hormones that are said to have an effect on hair growth.
Digestion begins the moment food enters your body. Your stomach breaks down complex food particles and the intestines absorb nutrients from the food.
A balanced gut flora will extract essential nutrients from your food. Whereas, a poor gut flora fails to absorb effectively and results in mild forms of nutritional deficiency, even if you are consuming a relatively balanced diet. This is why most of us are deficient in vitamin B12, biotin, vitamin K, niacin, folic acid or niacin. Most of which are produced by microorganisms that reside in the intestine and are responsible for healthy hair.
Here are few digestive issues that are said to contribute to hair loss-
- Leaky gut syndrome- A condition where toxins, bacteria, undigested food & undesirable gut elements are leaked into your bloodstream. This exposes hair follicles to immune damage.
- Gut inflammation- It is inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. The pro-inflammatory cytokines reach the hair follicles and impact the hair growth cycle.
- Malabsorption- It is caused by low intestinal absorption of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and fats. Poor nutrient assimilation impacts hair quality and growth.
So yes, your hair growth does not only take place on the scalp but it starts from the gut. Therefore it becomes pertinent to look after your gut.
Lifestyle Changes for a Healthy Gut
Find out ways to maintain your gut health and thereby promote hair growth listed below:
- Cut down on sugar
High levels of sugar causes an imbalance of gut microbes, thereby resulting in poor health. Reduce your sugar intake and for your sugar cravings load on fruits and foods containing natural sugars.
2. Move daily
Regular exercises don’t just contribute to physical form but strengthen your immune system, boost digestion, improve metabolism and also regulate your hormonal health. Certain studies have also found a link between athletes and increased variety of gut flora.
3. Eat probiotic foods-
Probiotic foods such as fermented veggies, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, and may prevent intestinal problems.
4. Eat prebiotic foods
Probiotic foods feed on non-digestible carbs aka prebiotic foods. Including foods such as bananas, onions, garlic, whole grains and asparagus encourages the good bacteria to multiply.
5. Switch to a vegetarian diet
A vegetarian diet is said to improve gut health due to the high content of prebiotic fiber available from the meal. Begin by swapping meat with plant-based options.
6. Avoid antibiotics when possible
Antibiotics are necessary when you’re trying to battle bacterial infections. But using them too is said to negatively affect your gut flora.
It is important to address your digestive issues as they can improve not just your hair growth but overall health as well. We at Traya provide a holistic treatment to target your internal imbalances. Check it out here.
How Dandruff Affects Your Hair Loss
Moving on to the second cause, dandruff. Dandruff, even though considered harmless, is a skin condition that develops white or yellow flakes on the scalp. We all have had occasional dandruff in our hair depending on the weather, products used, sweat and maintenance. But chronic dandruff is a cause of worry and should be treated or could result in hair loss.
Here’s the list of conditions to determine the type of dandruff you’re suffering from-
- Dry skin (small flakes with no inflammation or redness)
- Seborrheic dermatitis (rash that looks red, scaly or oil and has white or yellow flakes)
- Malassezia (most common, causes irritation and growth of extra skin cells that leads to dandruff)
- Contact dermatitis (sensitivity to certain ingredients/ chemicals in your products that cause red, flaky skin)
No, dandruff does not directly lead to hair loss. But the itching, irritation and inflammation of the scalp injures hair follicles, resulting in some hair loss. Don’t worry, it doesn’t cause complete baldness. Nonetheless is said to increase hair loss in those suffering from androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness. Alarming, isn’t it? So please go get your dandruff treated.
Effective Dandruff Control Remedies
Here’s a list of ways that are said to provide relief from dandruff and thereby reduce your hair loss.
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Use medicated solutions
Use medicated shampoos containing Pyrithione Zinc, Salicylic Acid, Ketoconazole, Coal Tar and Selenium Sulfide to target mild or moderate dandruff. Some shampoos are required to be left on the scalp to work effectively, always follow the instructions listed on the bottle or as prescribed by your doctor. -
Try natural-herbal remedies
If your scalp has an allergic reaction to chemical products, use herbal shampoos that contain medicinal properties. A few natural options are Neem, Aloe vera, Reetha, Bhringraj, Turmeric, Rosemary oil, Mint, Amla, Tulsi, Tea tree oil and Lemon extracts. We at Traya love these ingredients for a reason, they are effective in controlling dandruff! -
Check your hair products
Hair dyes, preservatives and fragrances irritate your scalp and are common causes of contact dermatitis. If you find yourself using products containing natural or artificial fragrance, bleach, detergents and formaldehyde, try swapping them with something less harsh.
Moreover, certain anti-dandruff shampoos containing ingredients like selenium sulfide when used over a prolonged period of time can increase hair loss. This is why Traya provides clinically proven and dermatologically tested dandruff solutions.
Takeaway:
Hair loss is triggered by various factors, but poor digestion and recurrent dandruff can aggravate hair loss. Rather than buying products that work externally on your hair, target these internal imbalances. We at Traya understand that hair loss is not external and therefore provide holistic solutions to your hair troubles. Take the hair test to find out your root cause and get a treatment plan prescribed by doctors for you. You can also check out our products that help at relieving digestive problems and dandruff here.
