How to choose dietary supplies for hair health: Trichologist tips
Section 1: Understanding the problem of falling out and deterioration of hair quality
Before rushing at the pharmacy behind the first dietary supplement, it is important to understand why your hair began to look worse. Hair loss, brittleness, dullness and slow growth can be caused by many factors, and dietary supplements solve the problem only when it is associated with a deficiency of certain substances. The independent purpose of dietary supplements without preliminary diagnostics can not only be ineffective, but, in some cases, even harm.
1.1 Factors affecting hair health:
- Genetics: The hereditary predisposition plays a key role in the structure and density of the hair. Androgenetic alopecia (aha), for example, is a hereditary disease that leads to thinning of hair in men and women.
- Hormonal background: Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, childbirth, menopause or thyroid disease, can significantly affect hair growth and loss.
- Stress: Chronic stress can lead to heterogeneous effluvia – the temporal loss of hair associated with a violation of the hair growth cycle.
- Inal meals: The deficiency of vitamins, minerals and proteins is one of the most common causes of deterioration in the condition of the hair.
- Scalp diseases: Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections and other diseases of the scalp can lead to loss and deterioration of hair quality.
- Incorrect care: Aggressive styling methods, frequent staining, chemical curls and the use of a hair dryer and an iron at high temperatures can damage the hair and lead to their fragility and loss.
- Taking drugs: Some drugs, such as anticoagulants, antidepressants and drug treatment, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
- External factors: Environmental pollution, ultraviolet radiation and hard water can also negatively affect hair health.
1.2 Types of hair loss:
- Telogen Effluvia: Temporary hair loss caused by stress, illness, pregnancy or medication. Usually passes on its own a few months after eliminating the cause.
- Androgenetic alopecia (yeah): A hereditary disease characterized by progressive thinning of hair. In men, it usually manifests itself in the form of baldness in the front-dark area, in women-in the form of expanding the parting and a general reduction in hair density.
- Focal alopecia (nesting alopecia): Autoimmune disease, in which hair falls out in areas, forming round or oval foci of baldness.
- Rickeeper alopecia: Hair loss associated with the destruction of hair follicles and the formation of cicatricial fabric. It can be caused by infections, injuries or autoimmune diseases.
1.3 when to contact a trichologist:
A trichologist consultation is necessary in the following cases:
- Hair loss occurs suddenly and intensively.
- You noticed the foci of baldness on your head.
- Hair loss is accompanied by itching, redness or peeling of the scalp.
- Hair loss is associated with taking drugs or other diseases.
- You are concerned about your hair and want to get professional advice and recommendations.
The trichologist will conduct diagnostics, determine the cause of hair loss and prescribe the necessary treatment, which may include both drug therapy and the use of dietary supplements.
Section 2: Diagnostics and tests before choosing a dite
Before taking dietary supplements, it is necessary to find out what kind of substances your body lacks. The independent purpose of the dietary supplement “just in case” can be ineffective and even harm, causing an excess of certain vitamins and minerals.
2.1 necessary tests:
- General blood test: Allows you to evaluate the general condition of the body, identify the presence of inflammatory processes and iron deficiency (anemia).
- Biochemical blood test: Shows the level of various vitamins and minerals in the blood, as well as the condition of the liver and kidneys. It is especially important to check the level:
- Iron (ferritin): The low level of ferritin is one of the most common causes of hair loss, especially in women.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with various diseases, including hair loss.
- Zinc: Zinc is necessary for hair growth and the functioning of hair follicles.
- B vitamins (especially B12): B vitamins play an important role in cell metabolism, including cells of hair follicles.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in the regulation of many processes in the body, including hair growth.
- Analysis for thyroid hormones (TTG, T4, T3): Disorders in the thyroid gland can lead to hair loss.
- Analysis for sex hormones (testosterone, DGEA-sulfate): In women, excess male hormones can lead to androgenetic alopecia.
- Trichogram: Microscopic hair examination that allows you to evaluate their condition and determine the type of hair loss.
2.2 Interpretation of test results:
The results of the test should interpret a trichologist or endocrinologist. They will help to determine what kind of substances your body lacks and which dietary supplements can be useful. It is important to remember that normal analyzes can vary depending on the laboratory and the age of the patient.
2.3 Additional diagnostic methods:
- Phototrichogramma: Computer diagnostics that allows you to evaluate the thickness of the hair, the amount of growing and dropping hair, as well as the hair growth rate.
- Spectral hair analysis for trace elements: Allows you to determine the content of various trace elements in the hair, but the results of this analysis are not always reliable and require a careful interpretation.
Section 3: The main components of dietary supplements for hair health
There are many hairs for hair containing various vitamins, minerals, amino acids and plant extracts. It is important to know which components are really effective for strengthening hair and stimulating their growth.
3.1 vitamins:
- Vitamin A (Retinol): It is necessary for the growth and differentiation of cells, including cells of hair follicles. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to dryness, brittleness and hair loss. However, excess vitamin A can also be harmful.
- B vitamins B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12): They play an important role in cell metabolism, including cells of hair follicles.
- Biotin (B7): One of the most popular hair vitamins. Participates in the synthesis of keratin, the main building material of the hair. Biotin deficiency is rare, but can lead to loss and thinning of the hair.
- Niacin (B3): Improves blood circulation in the scalp, which promotes hair growth.
- Pantotenic acid (B5): Participates in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates necessary for the health of the hair.
- Folic acid (B9): It is necessary for dividing cells and hair growth.
- CianoCobalamine (B12): Participates in the formation of red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to hair follicles.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Antioxidant, protects the hair from damage with free radicals. It is necessary for the synthesis of collagen that strengthens the hair.
- Vitamin D: Regulates the growth and differentiation of cells of hair follicles. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with hair loss.
- Vitamin E (Tokoferol): Antioxidant improves blood circulation in the scalp and protects the hair from damage.
3.2 minerals:
- Iron: It is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, which transfers oxygen to hair follicles. Iron deficiency (anemia) is one of the most common causes of hair loss, especially in women.
- Zinc: Participates in the synthesis of keratin, regulation of the sebaceous glands and protecting the hair from damage. Zinc deficiency can lead to loss and brittle hair.
- Selenium: Antioxidant, protects the hair from damage with free radicals. It is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Magnesium: Participates in the regulation of many processes in the body, including hair growth.
- Calcium: It is necessary for the health of bones and hair.
3.3 amino acids:
- L-Cistein: The main amino acid, which is part of keratin. It is necessary to strengthen hair and improve their structure.
- L-Lisin: Participates in the synthesis of collagen, which strengthens the hair.
- L-metionine: Antioxidant, protects the hair from damage.
3.4 Plant extracts:
- SAW Palmetto palm extract: Blocks the action of digidrotestosterone (DGT), a hormone that causes an androgenetic alopecia.
- Field horsetail extract (Equisetum arvest): Contains silicon, which strengthens the hair and improves their structure.
- Urtica dioica Extract): Improves blood circulation in the scalp and promotes hair growth.
- Green tea extract (Camellia Sinensis): Antioxidant, protects the hair from damage with free radicals.
3.5 other components:
- Collagen: Structural protein that strengthens hair and improves its elasticity.
- Keratin: The main building material of the hair.
- Hyaluronic acid: Moisturizes the hair and scalp.
Section 4: How to choose dietary supplement: criteria and recommendations
After you have determined what kind of substances your body is missing, you can proceed to the choice of dietary supplements. It is important to consider several criteria to choose an effective and safe product.
4.1 Bad composition:
- Compliance with deficits: The dietary supplement must contain those vitamins and minerals that you lack.
- Dosage: The dosage of the components should be adequate and meet your needs. Do not choose dietary supplements with too high dosages, as this can lead to an excess of certain substances.
- Synergy of components: Some components are better absorbed and act in combination with each other. For example, vitamin C improves iron absorption.
- Output form: Vitamins and minerals can be in different forms (for example, citrate, chelate, oxide). Some forms are better absorbed by the body.
- Lack of harmful additives: Bad should not contain artificial dyes, flavors, preservatives and other harmful additives.
4.2 Manufacturer and certification:
- Reputation manufacturer: Choose dietary supplements from well -known and trusted manufacturers who have a good reputation on the market.
- Certification: Make sure that the dietary supplement is certified and complies with quality standards. The packaging should indicate signs of conformity (for example, GMP, HACCP).
- Reviews: Read reviews about the dietary supplement on the Internet, but remember that reviews are not always objective.
4.3 Form of release:
- Capsules: Convenient release form, easily swallow.
- Tablets: A cheaper form of release, but it can be more difficult to swallow.
- Liquid: It is well absorbed, but can have an unpleasant taste.
- Powder: You can add to drinks or food.
4.4 Price:
The price of dietary supplements is not always an indicator of its quality. Dear dietary supplements can contain additional components or have a more convenient form of release, but this does not always mean that they will be more effective. Compare prices for different dietary supplements and choose the one that corresponds to your budget.
4.5 Individual features:
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to any products or substances, carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement.
- Diseases: If you have any diseases, consult a doctor before starting a dietary supplement.
- Taking drugs: Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs. Consult a doctor if you take any medicine.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is not recommended to take dietary supplements without consulting a doctor.
4.6 examples of dietary supplements:
As examples, you can cite dietary supplements that trichologists often recommend, however, remember that this is not advertising and the choice of dietary supplements should be individual and based on the results of the analyzes and the doctor’s recommendations:
- Solgar skin, hair, nails: Contains zinc, copper, MSM and vitamin C.
- Perfectil: A complex of vitamins and minerals designed to improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
- Prioress extra: Contains a millet extract, L-cysteine and vitamin B5.
- Viviscal: Contains the Aminomar C complex, which stimulates hair growth.
- Nutrafol: Contains plant extracts, vitamins and minerals.
Section 5: How to take hair dietary supplements correctly
The correct reception of dietary supplements is the key to their effectiveness and safety. It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and the packaging instructions.
5.1 Dosage and duration of the reception:
- Follow the doctor’s recommendations: The dosage and duration of dietary supplement should be determined by the doctor on the basis of the results of the tests and your health state.
- Follow the instructions on the packaging: If the doctor has not given any specific recommendations, follow the instructions on the package.
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage: An excess of vitamins and minerals can be harmful to health.
- Do not take dietary supplements constantly: It is recommended to take breaks between dietary supplement courses.
5.2 Reception time:
- Depending on the components: Some vitamins and minerals are better absorbed with food, others – on an empty stomach. For example, iron is better absorbed with vitamin C.
- Follow the packaging instructions: The packaging instructions usually indicate when it is better to take dietary supplements.
5.3 combination with other drugs:
- Consult a doctor: Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs. Consult a doctor if you take any medicine.
- Divide the intake of dietary supplements and medicines: If you take several dietary supplements or dietary supplements and medicine, divide their time in time to avoid interaction.
5.4 side effects:
- Possible side effects: Bades can cause side effects, such as stomach disorder, nausea, allergic reactions.
- Discontinue Bada Reception: If you notice any side effects, stop taking the dietary supplement and consult your doctor.
5.5 Evaluation of effectiveness:
- Evaluation of the results: Evaluate the results of a dietary supplement in a few months. Pay attention to the thickness of the hair, growth rate, brittleness and general condition of the hair.
- Consult a doctor: If you have not noticed any improvements, consult your doctor. Perhaps you need to change the dosage or choose another dietary supplement.
Section 6: Additional measures for hair health
Bades are only one of the components of an integrated approach to hair health. It is also important to observe proper nutrition, take care of your hair and avoid stress.
6.1 Proper nutrition:
- Balanced nutrition: Your food should be balanced and contain all the necessary vitamins, minerals and proteins.
- Hair useful products: Include in your diet products rich in iron (red meat, liver, legumes), zinc (seafood, nuts, seeds), vitamin D (fish, eggs), group B vitamins (whole grain products, vegetables, fruits), protein (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products).
- Sufficient amount of water: Drink enough water to maintain hydration of the body and hair.
6.2 Correct hair care:
- Soft shampoo: Use soft shampoo without aggressive sulfates.
- Air conditioner: Use air conditioning after each hair washing to moisturize and smooth your hair.
- Hair masks: Make hair masks regularly to feed and strengthen your hair.
- Limit the use of a hair dryer and ironing: Use a hairdryer and an iron as little as possible not to damage your hair.
- Protect the hair from the sun: Wear a headdress in sunny weather to protect your hair from ultraviolet radiation.
- Avoid tight hairstyles: Tight hairstyles can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
6.3 Stress management:
- Avoid stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect hair health.
- Find the methods of relaxation: Do yoga, meditation, walk in the fresh air to reduce stress.
- Rest enough: Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
6.4 head massage:
- Improving blood circulation: The head massage improves blood circulation in the scalp, which promotes hair growth.
- Regular massage: Massage the head regularly to stimulate hair growth.
6.5 Consultations with specialists:
- Trichologist: Regularly visit a trichologist for preventive examinations and consultations.
- Endocrinologist: Consult an endocrinologist if you have hormonal problems.
- Dermatologist: Consult a dermatologist if you have diseases of the scalp.
Following these recommendations, you can choose the right dietary supplement for hair health and achieve the desired results. Remember that the beauty and health of hair is the result of an integrated approach, including proper nutrition, hair care, stress management and regular consultations with specialists.