GHS Natural Health Blog

Read about hair loss, types and causes and how you can treat it with proper nutrition and natural tips.

Hair is very significant to the appearance for men and women. It is a normal process to shed 50-100 hairs daily, when shampooing and brushing the hair. For whatever reason if the hair loss is bigger and persists for long time, you should be worried and look for possible causes. Hair loss, occasional or chronic and the progressive thinning and ageing of the hair is a common male most cases the process is reversible, apart from cases of genetic tendency and serious illness. For a treatment to be successful it has to positively affect all the factors, which stimulate hair growth, to support, to restore and protect the hair from the root and along entire shaft.

Hereditary hair loss or Androgenetic Alopecia

Hair loss (androgenetic alopecia or hereditary hair loss) is caused primarily due to the impact that androgens have on the hair follicles. There is a genetic predisposition for this particular category of hair loss to take place which could also be expressed at a very young age. Not only is it the main cause of androgenetic alopecia as it accounts 50-70% of all cases, but it also responsible for 40-50% of all female hair loss. The main factor that affects hair loss is the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The hair follicles at the top of the head are particularly sensitive to the effect of this hormone. DHT shortens the hair growth cycle reducing the follicle size thus leading to shedding of hair.

In males, hair loss happens in following time frames that are interrupted by remission phases. The hair becomes more and more thin and short and is finally changed into indiscernible fuzz with distinct signs of balding especially at the top of the head. The sooner the hair loss begins, the faster the process becomes. In females, hair loss occurs in seasonal spurts and follows a slow process. The hair becomes thin and dull and fall out in a diffuse manner all over the top of the head at first broadening the parting. In succession a true alopecia is observed and it ceases just about 1 cm away from the hairline.

Other types of Hair loss

Non-hereditary hair loss occurs mostly in women and is predominately caused by hormonal disorders (pregnancy, menopause) by uncommonly stressful situations and overtiredness by “crazy” unhealthy diet or malnutrition (low vitamin, protein and trace mineral intake) by mechanical damage (repeated shampooing with “tough” shampoos, blow drying, excessive combing, hair bands) or chemical damage (hair coloring hair perms). Other factors that intensify the condition are the excessive sebum secretion, the intense dehydration of the scalp, UV radiation, pollution and environmental conditions (drought, wind). Finally there are cases of hair loss that are directly related to numerous conditions and the use of specific drugs. These cases are referred to as pathogenic hair loss and need the medical assist of a dermatologist.

Nutrition: Proper hair nourishment and invigoration

Your daily diet affects the healthy form and the quality of your hair. The everyday intake of nutrients that are implicated in the appropriate growth of the hair is requirement that must be met through our regular diet.

One of the key factors of hair loss is a diet rich in fat. The combination of a diet low in fat and the intake of food rich in protein (lecithin, wheat germ oil, brewer’s yeast), amino acids that are involved in the formation of hair’s keratin, minerals and trace elements that are involved in the development of hair (silica, zinc).

Hair loss natural treatment

Generally, anxiety, stress and extreme exhaustion are all factors that affect good health of the hair and their growth. Keep in mind that a healthy life style, resting, a good night’s sleep, stress management and regular eating habits can indisputably contribute to healthy hair growth.

Aromatherapy is one of the natural therapies that can also be beneficial to hair wellness. Shampoos and solution with the appropriate essential oils are used to combat safely baldness and promote hair regrowing. They have antibacterial, tonic and antiseptic attributes and aid good condition of scalp. Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender, Jojoba and Cedarwood oil are considered by dermatologists as the most effective essential oils that can naturally treat hair loss and improve hair health.

Which are the best habits and activities in order to preserve youth and wellbeing? Learn how you can expand your youth appearance naturally, with everyday tips.

Throughout history, human beings have always tried to slow down the process of getting old and conceal the signs of aging. Definitely, it would be lovely to stay young for the rest of our lives, to look strong and healthy. But, is this possible or just an infeasible dream?

New scientific researches and experiments have confirmed that with the advance of bio-technology and genetic science a healthy life that extends to 120 years is a high probability in this century. However the extension of life span would be reality only for the ones that could afford the high expenditure.

Unlike genetic methods and diseased organs replacements which cost a lot, there are many other methods that helps in improving and maintaining a good quality of life and concerned with diet habits and lifestyle activities. Here we will cover some useful and natural tips in order to look younger and stay healthy.

Nutrition habits

Probably one of the most useful strategies in order to fight the negative effects of aging is to have a proper diet. Try to avoid food that content 30% fat or higher. Eat olive oil and eliminate saturated fat (butter, bacon etc). Fat intake is associated with weight gain, which is a major cause to grow up sooner. Contrarily, eating raw fruits and vegetable contributes to slowing the aging process to some extent. Garlic, Avocado, Carrot, Citrus, Onion, Spinach are some of the best preservers of youth.

8 cups of water or other liquids

Frequent drinks of “good” water are very helpful and refreshing. “Good” water considered the filtered water full of magnesium, because it lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. Furthermore, fruit and vegetable juices and herbal teas can be used in order to satisfy the “8 cups” rule.

Keep Fit

Take as much exercise as you can. People who exercise regularly, not even improve their physical appearance and delay many of the outwards signs of old age, but their life can be prolonged. Swimming, running and yoga are excellent anti-ageing exercises.

Holistic Anti-Aging Treatments

According to holistic medicine gurus, body, spirit and mind balance have great impact on our state of health and wellness. They recommend alternative techniques in order to achieve wellbeing and delay the actual aging process. Holistic Massage, Oxygen Therapy (increased supply of oxygen to the lungs and therefore much more oxygen to the body tissues) and Aromatherapy (use of Essential Oils for healing and soothing purposes) are some of the alternative natural methods that can diminish the more visible signs of ageing and offer you a more youthful appearance.

Lifestyle tips

Balance your activities with the proper amount of rest and sleep. Stay calm and avoid stressful situations. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption and sun exposure are unwholesome habits that keep people from being healthy, looking younger and feeling healthier and more alive. Think positive. See the glass as half-full, not half-empty and live in an attitude of optimism, forgiveness and gratefulness.

Just remember that getting older does not mean you have to look like it. Go natural!

The following ”Edible Plants In Yard” video gives very useful information about common outdoor plants that are edible and can be added to dishes or salads. You will be surprised!

Q. I am looking for some product for jet-lag and to boost the immunity.

A. Your body has more than 100 circadian rhythms and each 24-hour cycle influences an aspect of your body’s function, including body temperature, hormone levels, heart rate, blood pressure and pain threshold. A circadian rhythm is roughly a 24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of plants and animals, etc., and partly depends on external factors such as sunlight and temperature.

Circadian rhythms are important in determining the sleeping and feeding patterns of all animals, including humans. There are clear patterns of brain wave activity, hormone production, cell regeneration and other biological activities linked to this daily cycle.

Many travellers have experienced the condition known as jet lag, exhibiting symptoms of fatigue, disorientation and insomnia. When a person travels rapidly across multiple time zones, the circadian rhythms do not shift at the same rates or in a synchronized manner. This results in poor synchronicity among various body functions and rhythms, resulting in ”jet lag.”

Re-synchronization takes place over a number of days, depending upon the number of Trans-meridian time zones crossed, but generally takes place more quickly after travelling in a westward direction than in an eastward direction. Exposure to afternoon light after a westward flight speeds up re-synchronization and exposure to early morning sunlight speeds up re-synchronization after an eastward flight.

The time of departure and arrival do not have much influence on the circadian rhythms, but the amount of sleep you get while on the plane and directly after arrival does matter. If you sleep poorly on the flight, the sleep deprivation contributes strongly to the disorientation and fatigue associated with jet lag.

Because of the increased air pressure while travelling on board a pressurized aircraft, alcohol can have an adverse diuretic effect on your body. Coffee and tea also can have this effect to a smaller degree.

The pressurized air in the aircraft is already devoid of moisture, requiring your body to compensate for this lack, but with increased urination, the problem gets worse, causing extra dehydration.

Keep your food intake moderately light and drink plenty of water during the trip instead of alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated fizzy drinks. Carbonated drinks can make you feel bloated and may also cause stomach upset. If you do feel bloated and uncomfortable Chamomile tea may benefit.

Some herbs that can help balance jet lag symptoms and boost the immune system are Ginseng, Reishi, Astragalus and Schizandra.

Ginseng in particular has been used in easing the effects of jet lag. Only a small shaving a day is necessary to boost the immune system, but increased dosage would be needed before and during travel.