Essential Fatty Acids for Reversing Hair Loss
A fundamental principal in natural hair loss treatment is that the same foods that are good for your health are good for your hair.
A lack of the essential fatty acids (EFAs), needed for healthy cell membranes, can contribute to hair loss.
Essential fatty acids are a key component to healthy skin, hair and nails. They have been shown to inhibit 5-alpha reductase in rats and thus reduce DHT levels. Many herbal remedies such as saw palmetto or pumpkin seeds derive their hair claims among other things from the fact that they are rich in essential fatty acids.
Many people may have a sub-clinical lack of omega 3 fatty acids — these are ‘good’ fats, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may actually play a role in healthy hair, says Samantha Heller, MS, RD, a nutritionist at NYU Medical Center.
Two kinds of essential fatty acids are vital for healthy hair growth
1. Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega 3 is called alpha-linolenic acid and is one of the most important essential fatty acids for the body. These essential fats are crucial elements for building healthy cell membranes and certain hormones called prostaglandins. Unfortunately, for people following the western diet where there is usually more red meat and dairy products on the table, there is a substantial deficiency of omega 3 levels in the body. As such, omega 3 fish oil capsules become a handy source of supplementation.
What are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids?
1. Fish oils
Fish oils are the most common dietary sources of EFAs and can help to keep the hair in good condition.
Research shows that fish oil is one of the natural and best ways to stop falling hair and gives you healthy and smooth hair.
How is fish oil beneficial for hair loss?
There is no conclusive evidence of how Omega 3 could help hair growth or re-growth. As a matter of fact, there wasn’t much research in the area at all. Despite that, there seems a quiet acknowledgment or consensus in the industry that this good oil helps to improve hair healthiness, improve the luster and sheen in similar ways as it helps the skin look finer, less dry, and the nails smoother and stronger.
Researchers believe androgenic alopecia is caused by hormones, particularly an androgen called dihydrotestosterone. It’s also believed there may be a genetic component to androgenic alopecia, however it’s unclear exactly how this mechanism occurs. Another possible factor involved in androgenic alopecia is inflammation of the hair follicle.
Research shows that the fatty acids in fish oils can offer an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. If this is the case, you might be able to cure hair loss or baldness with fish oils if the cause is due to an inflammation of the hair shaft or scalp.
Omega 3 fatty acids with combination of vitamin A provides rich source to human body and promote those hormones that result in increase of hair loss. Fish oil makes up the deficiency of hormones by providing omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin A to your body. Fish oil is the pure natural way to stop your hair loss.
EPA and DHA, the two components of omega-3 fatty acids are essential for hair growth. Nutrients are better absorbed by the cells with the use of omega-3 fatty acids. The cells, thus strengthened, can work better to achieve a good hair growth. This is not just restricted to hair on the scalp, but it also prevents hair fall from eyebrows and eyelashes.
Studies have shown that it’s the DHA fatty acids that are so important and help to restore the hair and keep the follicles healthy. The strong anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties can significantly help to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails too.
With over 90% of the population being deficient in these essential oils, it’s no wonder hair loss is on the increase with over 80 million men and women in the US alone experiencing it.
The lack of Omega 3 fatty acids leads toward slow growth of hormones that helps in hair growth. Fish oil is good to make up this deficiency.
Caution: Fish oil supplements should be used only on prescription of doctors because the excess usage of this can cause severe health problems. Exceeding with the dosage of doctor can lead to dangerous consequences. You must check ingredients of fish oil before using it so that you can get to know which the best brand is and how much fatty acids and vitamin A is present in each bottle. This is the safest treatment for hair loss as there is nothing wrong with this fish oil if properly used. It is good if you read the product reviews and customer satisfaction reports before using any product of your own to get a fair idea about the product.
2. Flax seeds
As a valuable resource of Omega-3 fatty acids, flax seed oil plays a vital role in maintaining hair health. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., Omega-3 fatty acids found in flax seeds and flax seed oil may prevent further hair loss and encourage re-growth.
According to an unpublished study, 9 out of 10 men suffering from hair loss saw an improvement in their condition after taking a flax lignan supplement with 50 mg of lignans.
Click here to read more on the benefits of flaxseeds for reversing hair loss »
2. Omega-6 fatty acids
Omega-6 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are necessary for human health but the body can’t make them — you have to get them through food. Along with omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), they help stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism, and maintain the reproductive system.
GLA can be gotten from several plant-based oils including evening primrose oil (EPO), borage oil, and black currant seed oil.
Practical advice:
Whatever the cause of your hair loss, you may be able to prevent further loss and encourage re-growth by including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to your diet.
Try to eat salmon, sardines, herring or mackerel two or three times a week or sprinkle two tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds per day on your cereal or salads.
Buy whole flax seeds, keep them in the refrigerator, and grind enough for a week at a time in a coffee grinder or blender. In addition, supplement your diet with the essential omega-6 fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in the form of black currant oil or evening primrose oil, available in capsules or soft gels at health food stores. Take 500 mg of either twice a day. Be patient with this one, results can take anywhere from six to eight weeks.
