What Causes Hair loss?

Nobody wants to lose their hair. Whether it is from age, genetics, chemotherapy, or lack of nutrition, hair loss is one symptom millions would rather do without. Women especially tend to gain some of their self-esteem and worth from their hair. Not that this is ideal, but it is human, and hair loss is something that can be detrimental depending on the age of the person.

It is notable that most hair loss is a result of age and genetics. Pattern baldness is often genetic and there is little to be done except to try hairstyles in which the hair looks thicker. There is one approach, however, to preventing hair loss that few have tried. The answer may be found by simply adding certain foods to your diet.

Hair loss may be caused by a lack of protein in the diet. While this is certainly not the only reason, it is often a cause of premature hair loss. Protein malnutrition is certainly not uncommon and it is often caused by a diet lacking in protein. The result of such diets is that the body will try to save protein by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase. Shedding also will often increase within 2 months. This condition can easily be prevented by eating and maintaining the proper amount of essential amino acids which are found in proteins. By simply adding foods such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, some cheese, dried beans, tofu, grains and nuts you can most likely get enough protein. It is also important to consider how much protein you should consume. For example, most adults need between 45-50 grams of protein for a healthy diet.

There are several other causes of hair loss including normal habigs like coming, brushing and shampooing. Indeed it is normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day. However, there are often other causes including disease, stress, medication and even hair styles which may increase the rate of hair loss.

The most common cause of hair loss is of course genetics. While one of your parents may have a full head of hair, hair loss in just one parent is enough to enhance the chances of losing those locks. The tendency to lose hair is called either male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss, also referred to as alopecia. About half the people with this type of hair start losing at 50 years of age.

Other common causes include ringworm of the scalp, which is especially common in children. Also, mental stress or physical stress such as surgery, illness, or high fevers can also increase the liklihood of hair loss. Wearing your hair back too tightly, as in tight braids or ponytails can also increase the liklihood of hairloss. This is particularly important to consider for caucasian females who get their hair braided in an African style. While the style may be flattering and unique, African hair can take it a little better because of the courseness of the hair. Other major causes include chemotherapy to treat cancer cells and age. As you grow older, you grow less hair. The hair you have tends to become more brittle and breaks off more easily.
In order to decipher whether or not you may need to seek treatment, adhere to the following guidelines:

If your hair loss is sudden, rather than gradual or if you notice hair shedding in large amounts after combing. Also, if your hair falls out in clumps or large amounts. (This may be particularly common after wearing your hair woven tightly into a weave or pulled tightly into hair extensions.

If you see a rash, or any change in your scalp with the hair loss, you may also want to seek treatment. There may also be signs of bacterial infection on your scalp such as increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat. Seeking treatment if you notice red streaks extending from the area or if you have a fever above 100 F is necessary.

Some treatments to deal with hair loss include Rogaine and Finasteride. Also, hair loss which is caused by medications, stress, and lack of protein or iron can certainly be prevented. Avoid certain medications, reduce the stress, and get adequate protein and iron in your diet by eating enough red meat and other foods high in protein.

Of course, there is the aspect of hair loss in which one must deal with it emotionally. It can be a very traumatic, frightening, depressing, and discouraging event in one's life, especially if it occurs at a younger age than typical or is the result of stress. Hair loss can indeed add to the stress, but hopefully one is able to reduce their stress to prevent any further hair loss. Apparently dealing with this is just as hard for men as for women. It was once noted that people's attitude can change toward others losing their hair and it is necessary to note that a person's worth is NOT determined by the amount of hair on their head. It is also interesting and intriguing to know that our Creator knows how many hairs we have on our head and that He looks at our heart instead of our outward appearance. (1 Samuel 16:7)