Hair Facts:

Hair is body protein called keratin and it grows out of a minuscule opening of the skin called a follicle. The average human scalp has 100,000 hair follicles. Normal hair loss is 50 to 100 hairs per day. Hair is not critical for human survival, but it may serve some important functions. Some experts argue that hair protects the scalp from heat loss as well as from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. However, scientists are divided as to whether hair has a genuine and important role in thermo-regulation and photo-protection, or whether it is predominantly an evolutionary remnant associated with identity and sexual attraction.

Hair is a tactile organ, and is associated with numerous free nerve endings that are sensitive to touch, At birth we possess all the hair follicles we will ever own. By the time we expire, hopefully many decades later, each of the 100,000 or so original follicles will have grown 20- 30 individual hairs. Over time follicles become exhausted and atrophy.

Causes of excessive hair loss:

Age : As we age we produce less hair, and the hairs are thinner. Older hair is also more prone to break.

Iron: Iron deficiency may cause hair loss.

Proper nutrition is essential to healthy hair growth. Fad diets low in protein may cause the body to save protein by shifting growing hairs into a resting phase. Tight pony tails, braids, weaves, extensions, heavy beads, tight curlers may result in hair loss. This condition may easily be rectified by loosening taut hair.

Over processing: Repeated permanents, hot combing, and harsh bleaching may contribute to hair breaking and falling out.

Like the body, healthy hair demands a well balanced and nutritious diet. A healthy hair food plan should contain fruits and leafy vegetables containing vitamins and antioxidants, whole grains for minerals, nuts and seeds for minerals and vitamins, and protein for iron.

•  The fiber from fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes is good for your body and your hair.

•  Water not only hydrates your body, but helps keep your hair silky and shiny. 8 to 10 glasses of water and juice are recommended daily.

•  The fiber from fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes is good for your body and your hair.

•  Soy products contain phytoestrogens -- estrogens from plants help boost your health.

•  Increase protein intake. Many peoples shun protein sources like nuts and cheese because of their high calorie content. As a result they depend on carbohydrates along with fatigue.

A low-fat diet may slow down hair loss. The change of the Japanese diet from a lean and healthy diet to a Westernized diet rich in animal fat appears to have caused a substantial increase of baldness among Japanese men. Low-fat foods may not stop hair loss, but it may very well slow the hair loss process.