Beauty

Premature graying of hair – Effective and Simple Treatment Methods

Premature graying of hair is a common concern for many people, both women and men alike. In today's society, the age at which hair starts turning gray seems to be getting younger due to various factors such as societal issues, environmental factors, and more.

Administrator

24 February, 2024

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According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, premature graying of hair is a sign of the body’s health. It is believed that “the kidneys store essence, and hair contains essence”, and “the liver stores blood, and hair is more than blood”, so hair can reflect the condition of the liver and kidneys in the human body.

7 reasons for premature graying of hair

In normal cases, after the age of 40 to 50, the essence of the kidneys will gradually decline, and the hair will also gradually turn white. If the hair grays before the age of 40, you need to pay attention to whether there are any health and lifestyle issues.

The common reasons for premature graying of hair in modern people include: “Lack of sleep or staying up late, stress, unbalanced diet, overworking, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.”

Mental stress, lack of sleep, and an imbalanced diet can affect the production of pigments in melanocytes and reduce the ability to produce DNA.

Excessive pressure can lead to a decrease in sleep quality, as well as the digestive and absorption processes, which in the long run will result in poor blood circulation.

The blood circulation of the human body includes blood flowing to the scalp, and the necessary nutrients for hair follicles will be transported by the blood. When blood circulation is poor, the natural hair follicles will be affected and age prematurely.

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According to the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, stress can cause stagnation of liver qi, impeding the circulation of blood from the liver to the head. Staying up late, malnutrition, and overworking can also accelerate the process of depletion of kidney essence and cause aging. The liver and kidneys have mutual influence. These factors can lead to premature graying of hair.

Duong Trung Han, a treating physician at the Traditional Medicine Clinic, said that before the age of 35, the essence of the kidneys is sufficient, and white hair is mainly caused by studying, work pressure, lack of sleep, and irregular eating habits.

Food in the human body needs to be digested by the stomach and distributed by the spleen to provide nutrients to cells throughout the body. When the function of the spleen and stomach is weakened, it will also cause malnutrition.

In addition, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are harmful to your hair. Obesity and smoking can produce a large amount of free radicals in the body, attacking cells in the body; the toxins in cigarettes also harm the hair follicles. The cold nature of alcohol will damage the liver and affect the blood-producing function of the liver; therefore, excessive alcohol consumption will also affect sleep.

Some ways to overcome premature graying of hair

1. Diet according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, nurturing black hair with black foods

Traditional Chinese Medicine treats gray hair, mainly focusing on blood, liver, and kidneys; using herbal medicine and acupuncture to soothe the liver and regulate qi. You can also use dietary therapy to enhance the essence of the kidneys. When the essence of the kidneys is supplemented sufficiently, the hair can become black, long, and shiny.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has a saying that “use black to nourish deficiency”. Consumption of black foods, those of a black or dark color, can nourish the essence of the kidneys and help nourish black hair. Dark-colored foods also contain anthocyanins, which hair needs.

In addition, to promote healthy hair growth, high-quality protein and zinc minerals are needed:

Black foods include: black sesame seeds, black beans, black rice, black mushrooms, black grapes, black fungus.
High-quality protein: mainly animal protein such as eggs, chicken, duck, pork, beef, lamb, and fish.
Zinc: Shellfish such as oysters and shrimp, animal liver, red meat, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and other nuts, dairy products, eggplants, etc.
Seeds: should be the size of a palm to avoid excessive consumption. Black sesame seeds should also be bought unroasted to avoid overheating.

People who are obese or smoke also need to supplement foods that have antioxidant properties. For example, green vegetables such as spinach, or fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C such as guava, papaya, and pear.

In addition to consuming the above ingredients, you can also cook simple and easy-to-make healing foods as follows.

Black sesame and mulberry porridge

Ingredients: 50g uncooked black sesame seeds, 50g mulberries, 35g polished rice, and a little brown sugar.

Procedure: After washing the black sesame seeds and white rice, put 3 bowls of water in an electric cooker and cook until done. Finally, add brown sugar to taste, and add the mulberries.

Traditional Chinese Medicine says “use black to nourish deficiency” by consuming foods of black or dark color to nourish the essence of the kidneys and promote black hair.

This black sesame and mulberry porridge has a sweet and sour taste. Expert doctors have commented that black sesame and mulberries have the effect of nourishing the liver and kidneys, and white rice can nourish the stomach, improve the function of the stomach, and naturally absorb nutrients better. The sugar can be replaced with other types, but it is recommended to use brown sugar for its blood-activating effect.

2. Regularly comb your hair and soak your feet to promote blood circulation in the head.

In addition to diet, the problem of graying hair can be improved by regulating the blood circulation of the head. Dr. Yang Zonghan said that blood circulation will become better and hair follicles can receive sufficient nutrients, thereby nourishing the hair.

Usually, you can massage your head by combing your hair or using a comb to tap acupoints, or you can use the method of massaging and combing the head: comb from front to back 5 to 10 times, and then from back to front 5 to 10 times. Perform once in the morning and once in the evening, while increasing the frequency of massaging when you feel tired.

Sleep can affect the development of hair, so comb your hair before going to bed, and also soak your feet and eyes with water. This will help you relax and enter deeper sleep.

Frequently asked questions

Premature graying of hair can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, stress, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, and smoking. In some cases, it may also be a result of autoimmune diseases or certain medications.

There are several treatments that can be effective in managing and treating premature gray hair. These include dietary and lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, reducing stress, and quitting smoking. In addition, certain supplements like vitamin B12, folic acid, and minerals can help slow down the graying process. Melatonin and herbal treatments like amla oil and henna are also known to be effective.

Yes, natural remedies can be effective in treating and preventing premature gray hair. Amla oil, for example, is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help nourish the hair and promote melanin production. Henna is another natural option that can be used to dye hair and cover gray strands. Additionally, a healthy diet and regular exercise can also contribute to overall hair health.

To prevent premature graying of hair, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a nutritious diet, managing stress levels, and getting enough sleep. Also, protect your hair from excessive sun exposure and avoid smoking. Regular hair care, such as using mild shampoos and conditioning, can also help keep your hair healthy and strong.

A balanced diet rich in nutrients is key to preventing and treating gray hair. Include foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits. Also, ensure sufficient intake of vitamin B12, folic acid, and minerals like iron, zinc, and copper. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts are also beneficial for hair health.