Though age is a natural part of life, it doesn’t mean that everyone has to accept it just as it comes. For many people, gray hair is a symbol of aging and can be a source of insecurity.
If you’re curious to know what causes gray hair and how to fight this common sign of aging, you’ve come to the right place.
How to fight gray hair
Our hair color comes from a pigment called melanin. With age, melanin is reduced which is why our hair changes colors. First, it turns gray and then, ultimately, white once there’s no melanin left.
In 2016, researchers in cell and developmental biology at University College London discovered a gene that accounts for 30% of hair graying. The research study involved 6000 people living in five Latin American countries. They looked into these populations because they represent a good mix of backgrounds.
What causes gray hair?
The majority of gray hair is likely due to factors such as age, toxic exposures, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.
How to limit gray hair
These five natural tips will help you reduce the amount of gray hairs and give you the confidence to embrace what nature gave you.
- Avoid smoking: There is a significant association between tobacco use and graying of hair. Therefore, if you currently smoke, focus on quitting.
- Minimize oxidative stress by avoiding pollution and stress: Oxidative stress is a state where our free radicals (from pollution, poor diet, stress) outnumber our antioxidant defenses (from healthy diet). Graying hair may be an indicator of oxidative stress damage.
- Eat a healthy antioxidant rich diet: The following are rich in antioxidants: Goji berries, wild blueberries, dark chocolate, pecans, artichoke, elderberries, kidney beans, cranberries, blackberries, and cilantro.
- Increase vitamin B12 intake: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause hair to become gray. The following are rich in vitamin B12: Shellfish, liver, fish, crab, fortified soy products (tofu, soymilk), fortified cereals, red meat, low fat dairy, cheese and eggs.
- Normalize weight: Obesity and gray hair are linked, although researchers aren’t exactly sure why. However, with obesity and a lack of exercise, other medical conditions may arise and create hormonal imbalances in the body, which will in long-term affect hair health negatively.
With careful attention to what we put into our bodies, we can fight against gray hairs naturally. It’s important to remember though, even with gray hairs, you don’t have to be afraid to embrace getting older gracefully. Feeling anxious about aging? Book an appointment to get appropriate support from a medical professional.
