Trace Mineral Silica For Hair Growth and a Healthy Body

Silica is the second most abundant trace mineral found in nature. This element is vital for the human body to reach optimal levels of health.

Not only does this mineral improve the health of bones and joints, but it has also been found to enhance the beauty of the skin and helps hasten hair growth. More than that, when you include silicon in your diet, you will also improve the absorbency of other vitamins and minerals which are needed for hair growth and healthy body in general.

What Is Silica?

According to Wikipedia.com, silica is referred as the chemical compound silicon dioxide. The name silica is taken from the Latin word silex, which means ‘hard stone’ or ‘flint’. This mineral has been identified for its hardness since ancient times. It is commonly found in nature as sand or quartz, as well as in the cell walls of diatoms.

Silica is a water-retaining substance that carries collagen. In addition, it also contains water-retaining amino sugars known as GAG (glutamic acid or glutamine) and MPS (muscle protein synthesis). These two elements help in hair growth.

Silica can be found anywhere in the human body. It is linked to the development of cartilage, blood, nails and hair. In truth, the human body contains about seven grams of silica.

Benefits of Silica

The trace mineral silica is vital for the many formative functions in the human body which includethe following:

absorption of other minerals and proteins;

cell growth and metabolism;

elasticity of blood vessels;

formation of strong and healthy connective tissues;

healthy skin and nails;

hair regrowth;

immune system booster; and

re-mineralization of the bones.

Silica Deficiency

Deficiency of silica may cause the following: pain and swelling around the joints, wrinkles, stiffness, dry skin and lack of skin elasticity, unhealthy hair and hair loss, and weakened immunity.

In addition, the lack of silica in the body may sometimes trigger skeletal deformities and psychological disorders like depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

Sources of Silica

Though silica is already found in the body, it can still be obtained through certain foods like asparagus, bean sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, onion, parsnips, strawberry, Swiss chard and sunflower seeds. It can also be found in the outer coverings of potatoes, green and red pepper and cucumbers.

In the homeopathic community, this mineral supplement has long been touted as a treatment for ailments and conditions including hair loss.

You can get silicon from plant extracts in either cream or oral form. At times, it is sold in a bottle as a solution that you can either consume or massage into your hair. Most plant extract supplements are a little hard to digest; hence, it is recommended to take plant enzymes that help digest this mineral in order to accelerate the hair growth process.

Moreover, you can also make use of silica gel to enhance the hair’s shine and texture. However, to be on the safe side, an intake of silica is better than having it as a topical application. If you do not like the way it tastes or dislike its texture, then you can add this to your favourite drink.

Word of Caution

Using silica in high doses and for long durations may lead to irreversible kidney damage, particularly in individuals who have kidney conditi

ons. Moreover, pregnant women and children are not allowed to take silica supplements.

Recommendation

Before taking a silica supplement for hair loss, make sure to talk to your doctor or dietitian for the type of supplement which is suitable for you. Keep in mind that some tablet forms of this mineral may not be as easily absorbed by the body; hence, it is recommended to seek a doctor’s help. Always avoid self-diagnosis to avoid complications.

Top 4 Natural DHT Blockers

Hair loss is a bane for anyone even for those who do not seem to be particular about how they look. The main cause of hair loss (in most cases) is dihydrotestosterone (DHT) together with the hair follicles’ sensitivity to DHT. The only way to reverse hair loss is to get rid of the main cause. There are several known treatments for this condition. But if conventional methods should be inaccessible or less affordable, there are herbal counterparts.

1. Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a plum plant that produces dark red berries. For several years, it has been used to remedy urinary problems and benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). It is also the herbal counterpart of finasteride, a hair loss drug. Through its liposerolic extracts, it is believed to prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT is the hormone responsible for the miniaturization of the hair follicles through which hair loss occurs.

Saw palmetto rarely has any potential side effects. Although in a few cases, patients reported mild abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, and constipation. Because it does not interfere with the testosterone production, saw palmetto does not produce any sexual dysfunction. Saw palmetto should not be taken together with synthetic drugs such as finasteride because doing so can have a negative effect on the hormone levels in the body. Pregnant women should also avoid taking saw palmetto to avoid unknown risks.

2. Stinging Nettle

Nettles are dwarf plants which possess stinging hairs. Their leaves and roots are utilized in several cures such as for BPH and hair loss. While there are no enough evidence to prove the assumption, nettles prevent the enzyme 5-AR from converting testosterone into DHT (a property similar to saw palmetto’s). In addition to preventing hair loss, it adds shine and softness to the hair.

Side effects of nettles include rash, irritation, digestion problems, urinary problems, and menstrual disturbance. Pregnant women should avoid using this herb.

3. He Shou Wu or Fo-Ti

He Shou Wu is one of the popular Eastern alternatives that address hair loss symptoms. He Shou Wu is an herbaceous climbing vine which abounds in China. Like many other herbs, it has several benefits. It strengthens weak bones, decrease high blood pressure, and treat constipation. This Chinese herb prevents DHT from binding with the androgen receptors in the hair follicles. In terms of hair loss, it helps in hair growth and induces the replacement of vellus hairs into terminal hairs. Aside from that, he shou wu is excellent on a thinning and graying hair. Yet despite all that, should he shou wu be consumed for a long period, it can cause headaches and diarrhea.

4. Pygeum Africanum

Pygeum africanum is a huge evergreen tree which is found in the central and southern parts of Africa. Like saw palmetto and nettles, the pygeum bark can also treat prostate problems. In terms of treating hair loss, it disables the enzyme 5-AR from converting testosterone into DHT. 

There’s No Such Thing as a Hair Loss Miracle Cure!

When it comes to hair loss treatment scams, the list of preposterous words and phrases goes on and on!

Pseudo-medicine is a term for treatments known to be ineffective, regardless of whether their promoters themselves believe in their genuine effectiveness. Yes, these treatments are unproven, usually fruitless, and sometimes unsafe which have been marketed throughout human history for the sole purpose of procuring money from prospective victims.

There are literally thousands of lotions, concoctions and potions that have been manufactured and sold for decades to cure hair loss. However, if truth be told, there is no such thing as a ‘hair loss cure’. However, oftentimes we wonder why we stumble upon products that claim that they are, in fact, miracle cures.

Miracle cures for hair loss date back centuries ago in the Old West, where tradesmen sell snake oils. During the nineteenth century, snake-oil salesman deceive prospective victims by their claims of ‘secret knowledge for hair growth’ passed along by an ancient medicine men. Today, however, miracle cures for hair loss more likely mislead consumers by using words taken out of the context of a medical or scientific research. These claims on miracle cures for hair loss are plain and obvious—scams.

There are many types of hair loss scams. Some use misleading marketing, phony photos and false testimonials. So, how can you tell a legitimate business from a scam? Here is what to look for in order to recognize a scam among the myriad of treatments available in the market.

Misleading Marketing

Some hair loss product scams lead consumers to believe that they can stop hair loss by making vague claims using misleading words like ‘miracle cure’, ‘instant hair growth’, or ‘easy and fast cure’. Take note of these words and always remember that there is no such thing as a miracle cure for hair loss.

False Testimonials

With modern technology, hair loss product scams can easily make anonymous posts in the internet to mislead consumers. They can hire people to pose as users who will provide false testimonials and positive reviews of their products in order to deceive other people into buying the said product. Since there is no real regulation and restriction regarding online postings, consumers are advised to take testimonials with skepticism.

Remember, valid testimonials are found on credible websites and established forums for hair loss treatments and not merely found on blogs or online communities which have questionable reputation.

Phony Photos

Most hair loss scams that claim to produce dramatic results will show a photo of a balding person with thin hair next to a photo of the same person with thicker hair. You can differentiate scam photos from real authentic ones, when the hair loss treatment website can provide you with dozens of photos of before-and-after pictures of the said person in different views and angles.

In the end, you need to remember this vital thing when it comes to hair loss treatment products: think before you buy. Look for any product guarantees and make sure to read any claims that the product manufacturers make. Take a good look at the claims, and don’t make any impulse buys—impulse buys are what keep the hair loss scammers in business and making tidy profits.

The Ultimate Hair Loss Treatment Advice

Finding the right hair loss treatment is a key factor for the overall restoration of your hair. A good hair loss remedy can produce excellent results while a wrong hair loss remedy may trigger adverse side effects or worse it can stimulate further hair loss.

That said, it is very important to choose a hair loss treatment carefully and wisely to avoid any negative occurrences that my trigger your hair loss condition. The first thing you need to do would be to educate yourself. You need to conduct a fact finding research through the internet to help you find a good quality hair treatment product. The following are some hair loss guidelines to help you in your search for the right hair loss solution.

Target the root cause of your hair loss.

Usually people use the general and most popular treatment to stop their hair loss problem. However, put in mind that not all treatments work all the time because the nature of the hair loss varies from person to person. People suffer from hair loss due to several reasons; take for instance it might be genetic or probably caused by medication, stress, high pollution levels, anxiety, improper diet and many more. Targeting the root cause of hair loss is a key in finding the suitable treatment that will work accordingly.

Take note of the ingredients.

The ingredients of the hair growth products form the core of any good hair loss remedy. These days, markets are flooded with a number of hair growth products wherein the authenticity and effectiveness is a huge question mark. In choosing a hair loss product, always looks for mild and natural ingredients. You also need to choose a thinning hair product that is certified, proven and tested by hair experts.

Go for a product with a proven track record.

Make sure that the hair loss prevention product has a proven track record. Look out for testimonials and comments regarding the hair loss prevention products you’re thinking of buying.

Ask a skilled hair specialist for some advice.

Make sure that you choose a hair specialist that has experience in your hair loss needs.  A skilled hair specialist can effectively locate the root cause of your hair loss and shall provide you a hair loss treatment which he or she believes can give you positive result.

Make inquiries regarding the company and products of your prospective choice.

Before buying anything, give the company a visit or a call or send them an e-mail asking questions about their products or services. Always remember that the longer the hair loss prevention product has been on the market, the higher the probability that it’s a product or service worth spending money on. If it was a useless product, it wouldn’t last long in the market place.

The above mentioned tips can help you choose the right hair loss treatment that is suitable for you. Remember, never make a spur of the moment decision, weigh things and never forget these golden rules so that you will be one step away into regaining back your former crowning glory.

Prevent Further Hair Loss through the Wonders of Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto extracts have been quite popular for hundreds of years as a remedy for bladder and prostate problems. These extracts are derived from the berries of saw palmetto plants which are endemic in the southeastern parts of the United States.

If you are wary about synthetic chemicals going into your system and prefer an herbal alternative instead, then saw palmetto is just right for you. Below are just some of the points on using saw palmetto as a hair loss treatment:

Saw Palmetto and Hair Loss

Because of its ability to relieve prostate distress, saw palmetto is widely used for treating dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-triggered hair loss or androgenetic alopecia. DHT is the chemical by-product of the interaction between the enzyme 5-alpha reductase and testosterone. It binds with the androgen receptor sites in the hair follicles, thereby blocking the blood supply to the follicles. This slowly destroys the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.

Saw palmetto is the herbal counterpart of finasteride, a synthetic drug that works at a molecular level to prevent the enzyme 5-AR from converting testosterone into DHT. The liposterolic extracts present in saw palmetto are said to work the same way although they do not interfere with the testosterone levels, unlike finasteride.

How to Use Saw Palmetto

There is no standard time of the day that makes saw palmetto more or less effective, unlike some supplements. But it is usually advised after breakfast and dinner since some oils in foods assist in the absorption of the fatty substances in saw palmetto.

The Nutritional Supplements Health Guide recommends taking 200 mg of saw palmetto, two times a day. Some experts would advise dividing this daily dosage into two.

Should you decide to increase your dosage, be sure to seek advise from an expert as a precautionary measure.

Since saw palmetto is a DHT blocker, it can be used in conjunction with growth stimulators such as Low Level Laser Therapy or minoxidil.

Available Forms

Saw palmetto extracts can be processed into powders, liquid extracts, such as concentrates, standardized extracts and tinctures.

With tinctures, take a dropperful or two twice a day, unless otherwise instructed on the product label. With liquid extracts, only take what is adequately necessary. Powders and the standardized extracts are the best available forms as they are processed in either tablets or capsules.

Side Benefits

Users of saw palmetto can bring benefits to the urinary tract and bladder. It has also been known to be useful in relieving inflammation and respiratory symptoms. Additionally, it has been known to be an effective mild sedative.

Cautions and Potential Side Effects

Refrain from using saw palmetto if you are under hormone medications such as Propecia and blood thinners. The combination can bring about adverse effects. Pregnant or nursing women should also avoid taking saw palmetto.

Side effects of saw palmetto include bowel movement irregularities, nausea, stomach pain and/or bad breath.

Natural Hair Care Is Still the Best Hair Loss Treatment

The news flash said ‘Baldness remains incurable.’ But as devastating as that sounds, hair loss cannot be such a persistent or perpetual problem because another news flash should say that ‘there are ways to cope with it’.

So before you start fretting or worse lose hope, there are treatments that can assist you in your plight. In fact, when commercial treatments are not easily accessible, let alone affordable, you can opt for natural means by which you can bring your hair back to life.

Proper Diet

Eat Like A KingWhen you eat, you are feeding your most vital organs first before the less important ones, that is, if there are any leftovers at all. Your hair belongs to the latter so when it’s malnourished, you will most probably lose your hair for an indefinite period. Thus, do not let your hair follicles starve while the rest of your body eats its fill.

Certain vitamins and minerals especially those which are naturally-occurring in the hair are very important, so without them, the hair will most probably refuse to grow. Be sure to take natural sources of vitamins B5, B6, B12, and biotin; and minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, and iodine.

Herbal Medicine

herbs for lifeWhile your doctor would most probably recommend against using essential oils, it’s been observed time and again that essential oil therapy demonstrates efficacy on hair loss, at least by serving a complementary purpose. Lavender and rosemary are popular sources of hair growth essential oils. Other essential oils may be found in your garden such as arnica, sweet basil, cedarwood, and clary sage. Each of these plants can have a totally different benefit to the scalp and hair; when they are mixed together, there is nothing but optimum benefit.

Essential oils are usually mixed and massaged onto the scalp to get the benefit. Not only do they treat a dry, flaky scalp and provide the best hair conditioning, they also especially stimulate the hair follicles and hair growth.

Water

Actually your hair is composed of one-fourth water. So when it is dehydrated because you did not drink the sufficient amount of water, it may lose its moisture and dry out. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. Not only will you be hydrating your hair, but your body as well.

Hot Tip

Be gentle with your hair. Brush it regularly but do not overdo it; it may only increase the damage. When it is still wet, only use a wide-tooth comb to remove the tangles.  Steer clear from chemicals, perms, straighteners, and curling irons. They can only accelerate hair loss.

Hair Regrowth Laser Therapy A Substantial Solution for Pattern Baldness

Both men and women experience hair loss and hair thinning conditions due to various causes like infections and autoimmune, metabolic, or genetic disorders.

Today, experts who focus in the treatment of hair loss agree that hair regrowth laser therapy should be considered as the main option to prevent the onslaught of androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male and female pattern baldness.

How Does Hair Regrowth Laser Therapy Work?

Hair restoration doctors who make use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia found out that LLLT is most helpful in people with nominal to moderate hair fall and hair thinning conditions, but is less efficient with major hair loss problems like alopecia areata. Most of the time, the responses to LLLT are erratic, resulting to varied results from patient to patient.

LLLT or laser phototherapy is a method through which light from a low-intensity laser is applied to the tissues in order to influence the cell functions. The laser being used does not cause harm or damage to the scalp and the hair follicles; in fact, its function is similar to that of the effects of light on plants. These low lever lasers used are normally called therapeutic lasers because they help heal wounds, increase blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.

However, hair laser therapy done in hair clinics, at home, in the office or anywhere else may require regular therapy sessions over a period of months. In the case of androgenetic alopecia, hair laser therapy using LLLT is not a one-time healing process. The treatment should be done at regular intervals to achieve best results. More than that, the treatment should be maintained in order to retain thicker, fuller and healthier hair growth.

Bottom Line

People considering hair regrowth laser therapy for the treatment and prevention of hair loss should consult an expert medical practitioner who can correctly diagnose the reason behind the condition. This is essential in order to establish the right kind of treatment that could end the patient’s hair loss and hair thinning problem.