Hair has been a source of pride for humans for eons. Remember Sampson and Delilah? Women want luxuriously rich, thick hair (usually long). Men want thick, rich hair as well.
We are always searching for ways to make hair more full and vibrant, and with less breakage. Marcia Brady brushed her hair 100 times each night to ensure long, luscious hair, but do you have to go that far?
Vitamins for hair growth are essential, as they are for the health of the rest of the body. While ingesting your one a day vitamin, you’re not only doing your bones, skin and blood a favor, but youre doing your mane a favor as well.
Vitamin A : This essential vitamin is found in eggs, cheese, milk, dark green vegetables, and the peach-colored fruits, apricots and peaches. Vitamin A is an antioxidant and helps the scalp produce healthy sebum (a type of oil necessary for the shine of your hair). Everything in moderation, the body needs only 5000 International Units (IU), anything in excess of 25,000 IUs in a day can be seriously harmful to your health.
Biotin : Found in whole grains, liver, rice, milk and egg yolks. May be responsible for preventing hair loss and graying.
Vitamin B5 : Another of the vitamins for hair growth, this vitamin is also known as Pantothenic Acid. Found in organ meats, egg yolks, brewers yeast, and whole grain cereals.
Niacin : Also known as Vitamin B3, this encourages scalp circulation. A healthy scalp means healthy hair. Food sources are chicken, turkey, fish, and wheat germ. It is warned that taking in excess of 25 mg of niacin a day can lead to a heat sensation known as a Niacin Flush.
Vitamin B12 : Found in chicken, eggs, fish and milk, this vitamin prevents hair loss and the daily dosage is just 2 mg.
Inositol : This vitamin can be taken in doses of up to 600 mg per day. It keeps follicles healthy, deep down at a cell level. Liver, citrus fruits, whole grains are all sources for Inositol.
Vitamin E : This, one of the most essential vitamins for hair growth, is an antioxidant. It improves scalp circulation and is found in food sources such as vegetable oils (cold-pressed), raw seeds, dried beans, nuts and green vegetables. The recommended daily dose for Vitamin E is 400 IU. Vitamin E can cause an increase in blood pressure, so those on heart medication, especially those being treated for hypertension, should regulate their Vitamin E consumption carefully.
Vitamin C : Another antioxidant, this vitamin helps maintain the health of both skin and hair. The food sources are not only citrus fruits and many other fruits like strawberries and kiwi, but also green peppers and potatoes.
If you are about ready to start a new diet and vitamin regimen with the goal of improving your hairs health and appearance, keep in mind that it takes a good two to three months before any improvements are seen. And as always, its best to stay in close touch with your physician so he can discuss any possible side-effects associated with your vitamin intake.
