How to Stimulate Hair Growth with Vitamins
Healthy and fuller hair is important for many men and women. Should you see that your hair is thinning on the scalp, the first treatment option that does not require a physician is vitamin therapy. Vitamins are cheaper than medical options, and in addition to a well-balanced and proper diet, can be an effective way to keep existing hair growing strong.
Certain vitamins and minerals can help slow the process of hair loss and even grow hair faster. Vitamin therapy for hair loss can be taken internally as part of the diet, but there are also shampoos available that have added vitamin treatment for hair stimulation.
Though vitamin therapy for hair loss is good for maintaining hair health and promoting growth in existing hair follicles, they may not be a good treatment to reverse the effects of hair loss.
The Vitamins
What are the most important vitamins you can take to regrow or stimulate hair growth?
Vitamin A – This is an antioxidant and helps in the production of sebum in the scalp. Sebum is an oily matter that helps lubricate the hair follicles and scalp. Good sources of vitamin A can be found in fish, meat, cheese, milk, eggs, broccoli, cabbage, and carrots.
Vitamin C – This victamin is not just for preventing colds. Vitamin C works to maintain good hair health, and it is found in fruits such as citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, pineapple, and cantaloup.
Vitamin E – This helps improve blood circulation on the scalp. Good circulation can result in hair follicles getting the nutrients they need to stay alive and healthy. Sources of vitamin E are vegatable oils, soybeans, seeds, nuts, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables.
Biotin – Biotin helps in the production of keratin, which is the building blocks of hair. Layers of protiens are assembled together within the hair follicle and root and harden, or keratinized, into the hair that protrudes form the scalp. Good sources of Biotin are whole grains, egg yolks, milk, rice, and liver.
Inositol – Inositol is part of the vitamin B complex that strengthens cells in the hair and helps it retain moisture. Found in citrus fruits, whole grains and liver, inositol can be an ingredient in shampoo that helps stimulate hair cells.
Niacin – Also a vitamin B complex known as B3, niacin helps stimulate circulation in the scalp. Wheat germ, fish, chicken and turkey are good sources of niacin.
Vitamin B5, B6 and B12 – The family of Bs helps prevent hair loss and graying of hair as well. The Vitamin Bs are found in grains, cereals, organ meats, chicken, fish, egg yolks, and milk.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) – This is a sulfur compound that occurs naturally in animals. The amino acids in MSM help stimulate hair growth in existing hair follicles. MSM usually can be found processed into a powder or pill supplement.
As mentioned, vitamin supplements can be a good method to prevent hair loss and stimulte growth in existing hair. Though they cannot reverse hair loss or replace lost hair, vitamins can be a first action course when men and women initially notice thinning of hair on the scalp.
