Monday, December 22, 2008

Examining Ingredients of Natural Hair Loss Cures

Herbs have been used in traditional folk medicine of many cultures for thousands of years to treat various hair loss conditions. Admittedly, traditional recipes have not always been successful in treating baldness and to this day no ultimate herbal or medicinal cure for genetically-determined hair loss conditions exists. Nonetheless, herbal remedies have experienced a tremendous revival in popularity recently and now account for well over 50% of all hair loss products sold. This revival began with the discovery of the true cause of hereditary baldness, now believed to be dihydrotestosterone (DHT) attacking hair follicles and the arrival of finasteride, which is capable of blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Finasteride is a drug that had been used for some time prior to the discovery of its hair growth-promoting benefits to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called prostate enlargement. Following this discovery, herbalists started looking for possible natural alternatives to finasteride among plants that have been traditionally used to treat urinary problems and more specifically enlarged prostates.

Saw palmetto has been used for decades to treat prostate enlargement and it is one of the few plants used in natural remedies that have been subjected to some sort of scientific research in regards to their potential for treating BPH. Its supporters assume that it works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into prostate and follicle-harming DHT but no study has yet confirmed this assumption. Some studies suggest that saw palmetto works by a different mode of action to finasteride, and does not affect the levels of DHT. However, the most recent research results indicate that saw palmetto might not be effective in treating BPH at all. No clinical research has ever been conducted on saw palmetto's effects on hair loss. All of its potential hair benefits are derived from the assumption that if it is effective in treating BPH, it must be also effective in treating hereditary hair loss. Saw palmetto is widely used by thousands of hair loss sufferers around the world and it is sometimes blamed for causing side effects similar to those attributed to finasteride and thus should not be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women or by children.

Extract from the bark of the evergreen tree pygeum africanum is another popular herbal ingredient found in natural hair loss treatments and many herbalists believe it is more potent in treating hair loss than saw palmetto. Its rise to fame also comes from the general assumption that this plant, thought to be beneficial for treating prostate enlargement, must be also effective in treating hair loss. Pygeum africanum has been less well studied than saw palmetto and nothing is known about the possible mechanism affecting the prostate, let alone about its impact on hair. It has never been used in any clinical hair loss study. Its inclusion in herbal, hair loss products rests on the assumption that it is a natural DHT inhibitor. For those who want to try a natural DHT blocker, pygeum africanum seems to be a safer option than saw palmetto due to its lower health risk profile.

The third most popular herbal ingredient used in natural hair loss cures is nettle root extract. This herbal drug is derived from the root of the stinging nettle, a popular healing plant found in temperate and subtropical zones of the northern hemisphere. Its use in natural hair loss remedies also stems from the fact that it is supposed to help shrink enlarged prostates and is thus believed to inhibit the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Studies have shown that nettle root is far more effective in relieving the symptoms of BPH when used in conjunction with pygeum africanum than when used alone, but its mode of action remains unknown. Nettle has never been used in any clinical hair loss study. Caution is advised to patients using nettle root extract since the whole plant is known to be allergenic to a lot of people. Other than that it seems relatively safe as it has been used for centuries in many parts of the world as a vegetable and has been often compared to spinach in terms of its nutritional benefits.

Other popular herbs frequently found in natural hair loss treatments include ginkgo biloba, eleuthero root, Asian ginseng, gotu kola, green tea, pumpkin seed oil, rosemary, chamomile, horsetail, etc. These herbs are supposed to work by different modes of action, such as by improving the blood circulation in the scalp, fighting fungal infections and inflammation in the scalp or providing vital nutrients to the hair follicles. Although all of these plants possess properties extensively utilized in traditional folk medicine, none of them has ever been clinically tested for treating hair loss. No scientific proof exists that any herb, vitamin, mineral or nutrient contained in the natural remedies promotes new hair growth. Whether you decide to try a commercial herbal remedy or just one or two herbs on their own, keep in mind that besides there being no guarantee of their effectiveness, no daily dosage has been established and side effects might occur despite the general belief that herbal hair loss remedies are safe and free of them.

This article was written by Dody Gasparik, the editor of GreyHairLoss.com, a website dedicated to educating the public on treating hereditary hair loss and premature grey hair. Visit this website to find more information about hair restoration, both its surgical and non-surgical methods and procedures and use Dody's blog http://www.greyhairloss.com/blog/home.html to share your experiences with hair products or therapies you have used by writing a consumer review.

Why Organic Shampoo Hair Care Products For Baby Boomers Means Longer Healthy Lives?

In 2009, baby boomers in the US will be hitting their mid-60. They are searching true organic shampoo and hair care products to maintain vigor and youth. They are trying to prevent hair and scalp problems-after years of chemical abuse and critical sickness that occurs with aging.

The aging baby boomers population will contribute to the surge in organic shampoo and hair care products. According to market research publisher, Packaged Facts, they predicted that the shampoo and hair care would move from $1.3 billion to $1.7 billion by 2010

57 million Americans are using some form of natural personal care or organic shampoo and hair care products. That's 20% of the US population. That's huge.

Consumer who buys organic and natural personal care products are health concise. They are worried about toxic, chemical ingredients seeping into their blood stream, causing havoc as their body aged.

The Americans and Europeans are leading the way. They are seeking safe, 100%; pure organic shampoo and hair care products. And they are more aware of cheating companies with misleading labels.

These misguided products are boldly marked with the word 100% natural or organic, but are products of artificial matters, fertilizers, pesticides and man-modified ingredients. Whoa. Then they challenge you to read the very fine ingredient label on the products.

Labels that even a magnifying glass has can't make clear.

Following are 5 components of 100%; true organic shampoo and hair care products.

  • Biodegradable (broken down into harmless products by air, water and bacteria)
  • No Chemical Residue Left Behind
  • Nontoxic
  • Not Tested on Animals
  • And Vitamin Enriched

In other words, more GREEN keeps you and the environment clean!

Real organic shampoos and personal care products are made from fruits or botanical matters, not cheap preservatives and the like to boost profit.

100%, pure organic shampoo and hair care products cost more than their average counterparts. Natural fruits and plants growing are hard labor and agriculture methods have strict rules. At times, organic agriculture costing can skyrocket, resulting in sharp increase in prices.

Baby Boomers and consumers are willing to pay for organic products that work. They cherish fresh clean fragrances, baby soft feelings; the efficiency of true organic shampoo and hair care products. Not to mention the piece of mind, and the years of good health that benefit their lifestyles.

Coming to you from E. C. Hamilton:

Improve your health and add fruitful years to your life. Buy100% organic shampoo and hair care products. Avoid toxic or chemical ingredients that can kill you in the long run or make you sick in short order. Learn more at: http://organicshampoo-haircareproducts.yrnot.com - Take action now. Reap real health benefits and a happier, longer life.

How to Make Hair Grow Faster Naturally - The Foundation to Getting Results Within 12 Weeks!

Do you need a natural solution to grow hair faster, stop hair loss or stop thinning hair? You can do your own research and find many answers, doubts and even crazy ideas on ways to make your hair grow! If you are trying to stop hair loss like I was; and you're frantic about what to do; I have bad news and good news! The bad news is there aren't any magic formulas on how to make hair grow faster naturally!

In fact, IF YOU WANT to listen to hair care experts, they say you can't stop genetic hairloss, there are no cures and it's all a mystery! THE GOOD NEWS is that faster growing hair is not the complete mystery that experts want you to believe! And genetics shouldn't get all the blame!

I was following in my grandfather's and father's footsteps when I began losing my hair fast! One of my relatives said there's nothing you can do, it's in your genes! I'm glad I didn't listen! Because I stopped losing my hair and I also regrew my hair after a major hospital surgery. I began getting results in less than 12 weeks!

What is the big secret that I used? First of all, it didn't include similar hair drugs like Propecia or Rogaine! They are definitely NOT ways to make your hair grow naturally!

I don't think you want to load your body with all those chemicals if you're looking for natural solutions! Also, if you need to know how to make hair grow faster naturally, you already know the potential side effects to your sexual prowess!

A decline in your romance for healthier hair probably won't be a good trade-off for your spouse!

The Natural Law of Reduplication Works with Hair!

There is a Natural Law of reduplication that states "a thing produces its own kind." For faster growing hair it takes reduplicating the nutritional makeup of the root of your hair. Your body is made of the same essential elements of dirt! Yes, dirt! It's no wonder that the body needs the same minerals that come from the dirt for good nutrition!

The same simple principle holds true for hair! Your hair is made of protein and it must also be fed protein and other essential nutrition for good healthy hair. Healthy hair starts from the inside out with plenty of key vitamins & minerals so that the outside result is the hair you desire.

When I first tried to regrow hair I already had a bald spot in back and a fast receding hairline. Particularly targeted hair nutrients have produced amazing results for me and can help you as well!

What Are the Best Nutrients for Hair?

Whether you're trying to grow hair faster or trying to recover from hairloss; you need the best vitamins, nutrients, amino acids, and protein for the best results. These vitamins and minerals provide the necessary nutrition for the blood cells in your scalp so that hair can absorb nutrients for strong roots and healthy hair.

In addition to stimulating faster hair growth, the right nutrition and supplements can slow down premature graying hair, restore faded hair color, and maintain shiny healthy hair.

Super Foods That Help Hair Grow Faster!

Once you know the best vitamins and minerals for good hair, taking the right supplements and foods that provide the essential ingredients will insure that you have healthy hair for a long time.

Include these foods in your regular diet so that you can enjoy the results of a full head of hair! Vitamin A: this will make for a healthy scalp and smooth skin for hair to grow.

The following are some Vitamin A foods to choose from: milk, eggs, butter, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, oily fish.

Vitamin B & C: this is for hair color and growth. Vitamin C is needed to make the protein in hair, skin, etc.

The following are some vitamin B & C foods to choose from: B- milk, eggs, wheat germs, nuts, fish, poultry, meat. C- citrus fruits, avocados, bananas, leafy green vegetables, artichokes.

Vitamin B12: this plays a role in stopping hairloss and promoting elasticity.

The following are some Vitamin B12 foods to choose from: eggs, liver, nuts, rice.

Vitamin B6: is a major vitamin for growing new hair and maintaining healthy hair. It is essential in metabolizing protein which is necessary for healthy hair.

The following are some Vitamin B6 foods to choose from: almonds, vegetable oils, fish, chicken, beef, wheat germ.

Vitamin D: this plays a role in getting healthy blood to the scalp and hair follicles.

The following are some vitamin D foods to choose from: milk, eggs, fish, sunlight (10 to 15 minutes or sunlight daily)

Vitamin E: this plays a role in healthy and fast hair growth + healthy skin.

The following are some Vitamin E foods to choose from: vegetable oils, peanuts, green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, almonds, hazelnuts

Biotin: a portion of the Vitamin B complex is an important vitamin needed for healthy growing hair. Biotin - milk, whole grains, liver, yeast

Before you make any changes to your diet or nutrition, make sure you check with your doctor. Vitamins should be taken as prescribed on the bottle at recommended dosages.

CONCLUSION:

Taking super foods and supplements should be the foundation of any good hair care plan. It played the biggest role in overcoming my hairloss problems and grew my hair fast on a second occasion after a major operation. Without it, I wouldn't have had a fighting chance. It saved me from going bald at an early age!

The sad thing is that if I had known all this years ago, I wouldn't have had to experience hair loss in the first place - and neither do most of you reading this today!

While this is the foundation for growing hair fast; there are other important hair concerns that you should also consider for faster growing hair or curing hairloss.

For a very complete hair restoration program you need to address three concerns which include; what you put directly on your hair, what you feed your hair (nutrition and dietary habits) and where you put your hair (hair care habits & environmental exposure). When I took care of these three hair concerns, I grew hair faster and even stopped hairloss; though I was told I didn't have a fighting chance against genetic hairloss!

The bottom line is, the foundation to how to make hair grow faster naturally and keep it growing, is getting the best vitamins & nutrients through super foods! It was the foundation for my stopping hairloss in less than 12 weeks!

For info on how tomake hair grow faster naturally for men and women, visit http://www.stoplosingtoday.com/ and also get other hair loss tips and a free report entitled "Surefire Advantage to Stop Hair Loss in Less Than 12 Weeks!"

Stop Balding and Re-Grow Your Hair Fast - Critical Info to Reverse Hair Loss

If you are looking for something that will stop balding and re grow your hair fast, stop wasting time and money on products that give little or no results or may even cause further damages.

Through sheer determination and the dread of looking as old as my dad and granddad, I found a great product that works. I went from being a 21 year old rapidly going bald to now having recovered almost all my hair. I am more at ease among my friends and again feel confident around the ladies.

To help you avoid wasting further time and money, I share these important facts discovered along the way. Being aware of them will help you quicker stop balding and re grow your hair.

*The majority of products will do very little to spur re growth. The most they may achieve is slowing the balding process and many times even that is not done effectively. These junk products will leave you continually frustrated if you are relying on them.

*DHT plays a major role in most hair loss cases. All the better products will target and effectively block DHT and work towards stimulating the scalp and bringing dead follicles back to life even after DHT has already begun to take a foothold. Always be very aware of this fact.

*A combination of proven natural substances like saw palmetto, vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc will provide an attack from several angles and give you a better shot of successfully stopping the balding and starting the re grow process. Look for solutions with these proven natural ingredients.

Fortunately, there are great products that are available which will stop balding and re grow your hair. Use the above information in your search and you will quicker get to a solution that will suit your needs and goals.

Don't wait until it's too far gone. There are products that can immediately stop hair loss and quickly re grow your hair.

Visit Stop Balding and Re-Grow Your Hair Fast and start re growing yours today.

How Can You Prevent Hair Loss?

When you are young, you can revel in your luxuriant hair and think that you will never lose it. In fact, you may be taking it so much for granted that you tie it, color it, perm it, dye it, add things to it, put it in corn rows, push it and pull it, and, in other words, stress it so that you can actually add to your future problems. Before you start messing with your hair (or messing up your hair) you need to know that you will lose it one day, and that you need to take care of it. You can actually prevent hair loss from happening! If you are afraid that you are putting your hair through too much, then you may want to take the following advice into account.

First, you need, in general, to take care of your hair and be gentle with it. Don't dye it too often, don't curl it too often, and don't expose it to direct heat too often. This means that curling irons and very hot hair dryers are a big no-no; and these two can actually lead to hair loss very quickly. Moreover, do not color your hair too often; leave a space of about two or more months before you start adding color again. In fact, when your hair starts turning gray, you may want to let it turn gray naturally first, since adding color immediately can make your hair brittle.

Avoid stretching or pulling your hair. You may be tempted to braid your hair or put it in tight corn rows. This does not only make your hair very brittle, but it adds to the stress on the hair follicles, loosening your hair from your scalp. If you must braid your hair for whatever reason, then you need to make up for the stress by keeping your hair healthy. Get a lot of calcium in your diet: drink a lot of milk, eat a lot of green leafy vegetables, and eat a lot of fresh fruit. You may also need to eat a lot of eggs in order to stimulate keratin production that would make your hair strong.

Stay out of stress! Stress can actually make you lose your hair faster, if not make it weak and allow it to fall out altogether. Sleep early and wake up early. It your meals at regular times. If you feel that you are getting fatigued, take a vacation and start resting. Avoid staying up and avoid straining your eyes. You need to keep your body healthy, and a healthy body leads to a pretty good head of hair.

When you wash your hair, avoid using strong shampoos and conditioners. In fact, don't wash your hair too often. Some shampoo and conditioner chemicals can actually make your hair brittle and dry it out. This is especially true in extremely dry climates, where your follicles are under a lot of stress. Bathing can actually take away the natural oils that keep your skin moist and your hair intact. Some shampoos may even have medications that are good for taking out the dryness in your scalp, but that can damage the hair body. Always talk to your doctor about good shampoos and conditioners that will not take the life out of your hair (or head).

Lastly, lead a healthy lifestyle. Stay away from alcohol and cigarettes, which can thin your hair out and wreak havoc on your body. Drink a lot of vitamins so that you can avoid getting sick, since some medications can also induce hair loss.

Low Jeremy writes regularly on health topics like hair loss & weight issues. If you want to know more about natural hair loss treatments and health insurance articles like unemployed health insurance, then visit http://www.healthinfoguide.org/hair-loss for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy

Three Common Reasons For Hair Loss in Women - And How You Can Find Out the Cause

I'm a girl. My hair isn't supposed to fall out! We all know that some men become bald as they age, its just part of their genetics. But if you're a woman and notice your hair thinning or falling out in clumps its pretty disturbing. Why is this happening? I would like to offer you some clues.

Is It Stress?

Stress can certainly cause hair loss in larger amounts than normal. If you suspect that stress is the cause, look for ways to manage your stress more effectively. Although you can't change the circumstances around you, its possible to alter the way you respond to them, and so modify the stress response of your body. Check that you're having a period of unstructured relaxation time every day, as well as exercise in some form. Walking in nature, on the beach or in the forest, can be a great stress reducer.

Check Your Hormones

Androgen hormones are produced by both males and females in different amounts. Androgens promote the expression of male characteristics like beards, and baldness. Although women have far smaller amounts of circulating androgens than men, some women have more androgens than normal. Oestrogen hormone production during childbearing years helps keep androgen levels under control; but after menopause oestrogen levels drop, making women more susceptible to the effects of androgen. This can include 'androgenic alopecia', where hair follicles become too sensitive to the circulating androgens and bring on steadily thinning hair. Your doctor or naturopath can arrange hormone testing to find out if androgens are what are causing your hair loss.

Is Your Thyroid Gland Underactive?

Check your thyroid gland is functioning properly. Your doctor or naturopath can arrange testing to see if this is causing your hair loss. Women with underactive thyroid glands often notice they have thick, dry skin, and become cold and lethargic.

Is It A Fungus?

If your hair is falling out in patches, you should consult your doctor. You may have a fungal infection on your scalp.

Its Worthwhile Checking Now Rather Than Later

It's always good to check in first with your doctor or naturopath. They can then refer you to a specialist trichologist if necessary. There are also many new 'light treatments' such as IPL widely available that can promote new hair growth in all the right places. The cycle of hair regrowth takes months to years, so don't put off finding out what's causing your hair to fall out.

Olwen Anderson is an accredited naturopath based on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Visit her web site for free health information, subscribe to her monthly Health e-News for up to date natural health information; and read more articles that can help you take control of your health. Visit http://www.olwenanderson.com.au

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

The question of "how to get rid of stretch marks" has been a point of interest for many people for a long time. Stretch marks are basically scarring in the middle layer of your skin, which is renowned for being resilient, as its primary function is to help your skin retain its shape. They are usually associated with when you have a rapid spurt growth of the skin. Some examples of this are; when you're pregnant, when you gain a lot of weight in a short space of time or puberty.

When you first notice stretch marks they will be red or purple lines, however these lines soon fade. The skin that is affected by your stretch marks will feel empty or extremely soft. They can appear anywhere on your body by rule of thumb, however they are most common on your; stomach, breasts and arms. Please do not worry about your stretch marks, as they pose no detrimental risk to your health.

Various treatments are available to help prevent / get rid of stretch marks, many of them will work but like anything else some of them will not do what they claim. By my own experience you need to use a product that contains natural ingredients (such as Revitol Stretch Mark Cream). Creams are often the best way to remove your stretch marks, as other removal techniques such as laser or dermabrasion can be very expensive.

Getting rid of stretch marks is not an over night process. It will take continued application of a product such as Revitol Stretch Mark Cream, so be prepared to take five minutes out of each and everyday to keep to the routine that will eventually rid you of these nasty little surprises.

Taking the time to treat your stretch marks will be worth it, as you will soon feel your confidence come back, once you see a visible improvement.

Can stretch marks go away? absolutely. If your sick of your stretch marks then take action before they get worse. The best option is Revitols stretch mark cream found at Revitols stretch mark Cream If you want more information about Revitol's stretch mark cream or just more information about stretch mark treatment options visit Stretch Mark Treatment.

Common Tips That Allow For More Hair Growth

Hair loss can easily be prevented simply by addressing a few everyday things that you do to care for your hair. Some of the most overlooked ways you care for it can actually lead to hair fall if you aren't careful.

Yes it's true there are a few things that are seemingly beyond your control that affect the growth of your hair, but there are also some things that are within your reach. Simply change the way you handle these situations and you'll see more hair and keep more of it.

One of the most important areas involving haircare revolve around the way you shampoo it. What kinds of shampoo are you currently using? Do you know what's in your shampoo? This itself is very important and can determine whether you grow more hair or continue to lose it.

You may not know it right now, but there is an ingredient in your shampoo that leads to hair loss. In fact over 90% of most commercial shampoo cleansers contain it. It's Sodium Laureth Sulphate and this degreasing agent is even placed in garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers.

You can see why it's so vital that you pay close attention to what you put on your hair and scalp. With continued use of Sodium Laureth Sulphate, expect significant hair fall to progress.

What can you do when so many products contain it? I would suggest you strive for using all-natural shampoo products such as those containing saw palmetto, green tea, and even tea tree oil. All of these ingredients are known to stimulate the growth of your hair.

Here's another useful tip, when you shampoo your hair wash it with warm water and rinse with cold water. This avoids stripping the hair and the brittleness that often results from rinsing with warm water.

What else could you do in order to really see the kinds of results you've been wanting for so long? I encourage you to grab your FREE e-book copy of the Unique Guide to Fighting Hair Loss for more highly informative tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Litmon