Can Diet and Lifestyle Prevent Graying Hair?

Graying hair is a matter of concern for many adults, usually when white hair appears prematurely.

Apart from genetic causes, hair discoloration is associated with nutritional and environmental factors. Hair is made of keratin and the synthesis of hair strands depends on several vitamins and minerals. The deficiency of these nutrients may lead to hair discoloration and hair loss.

A factor contributing to graying hair is antioxidant intake. Pollution and stress increase the susceptibility of oxidative damage to hair follicles.

Reducing the impact of free radicals can keep hair black and shiny. Environmental factors like temperature, moisture, pollution, and exposure to certain chemicals also play important roles in hair health.

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What Causes Gray Hair? Factors Causing Graying Hair

Graying hair can be caused by the following reasons:

1) Genetics

Genetic factors can lead to graying of hair at an early age and cannot be prevented or dealt with. People with genetic gray hair usually use hair dyes. It's recommended to use natural and chemical-free products only.

2) Stress

Stress can lead to hair loss. (Image via Unsplash/Elisa Ventur)

Stress has several physiological implications, including:

• sleep problems
• anxiety
• change in appetite
• high blood pressure

Stress can also lead to hair loss and discoloration. A 2013 study found a connection between stress and reduced stem cells in hair follicles. That shows why stressed people have more gray hair than others. Managing stress and fatigue is crucial to prevent graying hair.

3) Autoimmune disease

When the body’s immune system attacks its own hair follicles, it can cause hair discoloration and loss. Alopecia and vitiligo are common examples.

4) Thyroid disorder

Hormonal fluctuations caused by hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may also be responsible for premature graying of hair. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck and regulates metabolism. The Hypothyroidism Diet can help improve thyroid health.

5) Vitamin B-12 deficiency

Premature graying of hair can also indicate vitamin B-12 deficiency. This water-soluble vitamin plays an important role in the body, including energy metabolism and hair health.

6) Smoking

There’s also a link between premature hair graying and smoking. A research group that studied 107 subjects found a strong association between the onset of gray hair before the age of 30 and cigarette smoking.

Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to hair follicles and causes hair loss. Toxins present in tobacco can also cause discoloration of hair strands.

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How to Reverse Gray Hair?

Dietary supplements can stop gray hair. (Image via Unsplash/Ksenia Yakovleva)

Graying hair can be prevented by following a diet rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The best vitamins for hair growth are:

• Vitamin B-12
• Biotin
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A

Minerals that play an important role in the prevention of graying hair include:

• Zinc
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Selenium
• Copper

These nutrients can be obtained from regular diets and supplements. It should be kept in mind, though, that supplements should only be consumed on the advice of a health professional.