Minerals for strengthening hair

Melanie Ramos 4 min. of reading Personal Care Leave a comment

Healthy hair is a reflection of a healthy body which, to a large extent, is a reflection of a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, diet is the key factor in maintaining healthy hair. Nothing could be simpler.

Causes of hair loss

One of the main causes of hair loss is a nutritional deficiency.

Mineral deficiencies or excesses are most common, typically low levels of iron, calcium, magnesium, chromium and zinc and high levels of copper.

Minerals for hair

The intake of minerals in our diet not only prevents us from diseases, but also has other important factors such as healthy nails, skin and hair.

Specifically, having the recommended levels of minerals in our body controls not only hair loss, but also hair strength, length and shine, which will ensure better hair maintenance.

Men and women lose an average of 80-150 hairs per day as part of the life cycle of hair. Hair growth takes place at an average of 1/2 inch per month.

What are the basic minerals for hair?

Zinc

Brittle nails, white spots, dry, weak hair and flaky skin with acne may be signs of zinc deficiency in the body.

Easily caused bruises and slow healing of wounds may be another sign of low zinc levels.

Low zinc levels are sometimes caused by high copper levels. Zinc is an essential mineral for many enzymatic reactions in the body. These include energy production and protein formation. Zinc also helps to keep the immune system strong.

Copper

Copper is an essential mineral for the formation of a very strong chemical bond in hair and skin called the disulphide bond. Copper is essential in the formation of pigmentation (colour) in hair and skin.

It is closely related to the effectiveness of vitamin C which, among other functions, plays an important role in the structural capacity of the skin. Copper also plays an important role in the formation of haemoglobin.

Calcium

Calcium is an essential mineral for the development of bone structure and is very important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Bone-related problems, muscle contractions and cramps as well as hair loss can be closely related to a calcium deficiency.

Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for energy production and the proper functioning of the nervous system. A deficiency of this mineral can cause muscle contraction, cramps, low energy levels and irritability.

Deficiencies are also linked to hypertension, diabetes, heart attacks and hair loss.

Chromium

Chromium is an important part of the glucose tolerance factor, which helps the body’s cells to respond to insulin. A chromium deficiency is a common occurrence, due to food refining.

A deficiency of this mineral is strongly linked to the development of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar).

The importance of vitamins

Vitamin A is essential for building the structure of the dermis and its deficiency can lead to flaky acne and dry, brittle hair.

Vitamin B complex is essential for staying healthy. A deficiency of any of the B vitamins is something that will be noticeable in the appearance of the skin and hair. The essential group of vitamins that contribute to hair health, strength and prevent hair loss are B5 and H. B6 helps prevent hair loss.

For more information on the importance of vitamins for hair health, click here

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