Natural Remedies that Boost Hair Growth

Hair loss affects both men & women. While genetics plays a role in your hair loss, there are other factors, including: hormonal imbalances, an underactive thyroid gland, nutrient deficiencies & insufficient scalp circulation. Here are 12 natural remedies that can help you boost hair growth:

Cut back on meat: Hormonal imbalances are a primary culprit in your hair

loss. Japanese researchers also link excessive sebum production in the scalp to high levels of 5-alpha reductase. Their research indicated that your intake of animal fat may increase sebum production.

Add the herb saw palmetto: A study in the Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine reported that saw palmetto (serenoa repens) may increase hair growth in men.  Hair growth improved in men taking 400 mg of a standardized extract of saw palmetto & 100 mg of beta-sitosterol (from saw palmetto) daily. Historically, saw palmetto has been used by herbalists for hair loss in both men & women.

Address a possible underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) which can

cause your thinning hair:  Add sea vegetables like kelp, nori, dulse, kombu & wakame, all of which are rich in iodine may be helpful to balance this condition. Avoid drinking tap water since it typically contains fluorine & chlorine, 2 chemicals that inhibit your iodine absorption. You may also want to supplement with 100 mg or 1 mL of the herb bladderwrack (focus vesiculosus) daily. Work with a qualified holistic health care professional if you suspect a sluggish thyroid gland.

Get enough essential fatty acids: Essential fatty acids from walnuts,

flaxseeds, fish & avocado are also important for your healthy hair.

Boost bioton: Biotin encourages your hair & scalp health. Dietary sources of biotin include: nuts, brown rice & oats.

Boost keratin production with MSM: Methylsulfonylmethane aids in the production of keratin (a protein in your hair) while doing double-duty to strengthen your hair follicles. In one study 100% of people who supplemented with MSM showed reduced hair loss & increased growth in only 6 weeks.

Rejuvenate hair follicles with B-complex vitamins: 100 mg daily of a B-complex supplement that includes biotin & vitamin B6 can reduce your hair thinning by increasing scalp circulation & rejuvenating your hair follicles.

Rev up collagen production with vitamin C: Collagen surrounds your hair

strands, but as we age collagen breaks down, causing hair to be more vulnerable to breaking. The best way to boost your collagen isn’t through some expensive medical procedure, it’s by getting more vitamin C. Foods high in vitamin C include: citrus fruits, strawberries & red peppers.  Supplementing with 250 mg daily can help you boost collagen production which has the added bonus of reducing your wrinkles as well.

Prevent breakage with vitamin E: Vitamin E is required to nourish your damaged hair & to prevent breakage. It aids your body’s ability to manufacture keratin within hair strands to reduce breakage. Supplementing your diet with 400 IU of vitamin E can be helpful to restore your locks.

Eat foods rich in iron: Iron is also essential for your hair growth & can be

found in blackstrap molasses, green leafy vegetables, leeks, cashews, dried fruits, figs & berries. To help your body absorb iron, you’ll need enough vitamin C.

Give your hair a mineral boost: The minerals silica & zinc are also critical for your hair growth. You can take 500 mg of silica 2 times daily & 30 mg of zinc once daily.

Boost scalp circulation with rosemary essential oil: Rosemary essential oil has been traditionally used to increase circulation to your scalp.  Add a few drops per dollop of shampoo or, better yet, add a few drops of rosemary to coconut oil & massage your scalp regularly.

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I found this to be very interesting information as I believe that as we age, our hair gets thinner, dryer (coloring hair our entire adult life hasn’t helped either) & the texture changes as we turn gray. I take MSM daily for arthritis & never knew it was good for my hair as well. We really do learn something new every day! Let me know if this is an issue for you?  I’d love to hear what you do about it by leaving a comment below…