Tag Archives: Hair Loss

Vitamin “H” for Haar and Haut

European spa’s know it and sell it at their Benessere Resorts (well-being)!  The style toted by european women is practiced weekly as they go to local salons and focus on their natural beauty. When referencing the body it’s as simple as name dropping, just say the German words “Haar and Haut” and you have “Hair and Skin”.

Vitamin H derives its name from Haar and Haut (also known as  Biotin/B7) therefore, this vitamin  is critical in the making of:  skin, hair cells, breaking down fats and producing fats metabolized from protein/amino acids as it assists key enzymes (carboxylase) to produce what is necessary for life.

Carefully understanding the word metabolism allows for easier comprehension on how and why we can better do better in improving or maintaining a lean machine.   Metabolize comes from the Greek word Metabole meaning Change.

We count on our metabolism, to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller units; those units are reorganized as tissue building blocks (or as energy sources) and then waste products are eliminated and removed based on what our body cannot use.  In order for a body’s enzyme’s or hormone’s to do all this work, it needs an assistant  (referred to as co-enzymes) like biotin so that principle enzymes can participate in the production and building of healthy bodies.

Foods rich in Biotin

Improving  daily intake of vitamin H  is easy to do by choosing one of the following foods and including it into a well rounded diet.  Best foods for Biotin/Vitamin H/B7  are:  cooked egg yolks and whites, liver, fish, peanuts, peas, cauliflower, corn and grains. Biotin is produced in the intestines through bacteria as well. Vitamin B7 is also found in synthetic form.
Interference of proper uptake of vitamin B7 can happen through consumption of alcohol, which limits or prohibits the co-enzyme to function, as well as eating of raw eggs.  Research shows  that the raw egg white holds the  protein Avidin which can  interfere with Biotin which is found in the egg yolk.  Therefore, it’s advised that if biotin deficiency is determined in an individual, that one should cook the egg so that avidin is denatured upon cooking, while biotin remains intact.  Those who are pregnant, lactating, or athletic may need extra vitamin B7 and should consult their doctors to have their levels of biotin checked.
Biotin/B7 deficiency can be noted by causes of skin rashes (dermatitis), nail and hair (alopecia) loss, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and tingling in extremities.  It may also result in weakness, depression, hallucination, numbness, fatigue, irritation, rashes, loss of appetite.
We can still enjoy the care of “Haar and Haut” at our local hair salons for cuts, pedicures and manicures! However, with accurate dietary information in hand, knowledge and proper care of oneself  can improve lifestyle and attention to what will bring about physical success.
By:  Kim Crocker-Scardicchio
References

Florence Italy’s Peposo

A very simple Italian recipe that anyone can make!  Place ingredients into a pot and allow the savory flavors come together. This recipe has been handed down through the generations from a small town of Impruneta on south side of Florence.  Many Florentines will gladly tell a story of their family’s recipe, or  how it was linked to the construction of the beautiful Basilica in the center of Florence, or how it was tied to the Medici family, when they where amongst the few that could afford the spices to make the dish during the years of 1300-1700.  Either way, you can learn how to bring a piece of Florence, Italy to your table and enjoy this delightful stew.
May be served with roast potato’s, rice or pasta!
Preparation 5 minutes. Cooking time 3 1/2 hours.
Serves 8.
  • 4 1/2 pounds (or 2 kilo’s) cubed roast beef, roast pork, or roast wild boar
  • 1 onion minced
  • Three cloves of Garlic, peeled and left whole
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup olives
  • 1/4 cup capers
  • 4-6 whole Cloves
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) or more, to taste, freshly ground pepper
  • 1 quart (1 liter)  of stewed or peeled Roma tomatoes
  • Coarse sea salt to taste
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) Chianti or similar dry red wine

Place meat and onions and garlic into a pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow to brown for about 10 minutes. Add wine and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Add olives, capers, peppercorns, cloves and stewed tomatoes into cooking pot. Place cover and REDUCE temperature to low heat. Allow to simmer for another 3 1/5 hours. Peposo is finished when the meat is fork tender.

Which Magic Mineral Helps to Heal your Body?

….. did you know that without certain minerals in your diet that you can gain weight, prematurely gray and produce wrinkles?

A word on the importance of MINERALS:  Vitamins cannot effectively work in our bodies without the correct balance of minerals. We grew up hearing that we must get our vitamins and to “eat our greens” But did you know without certain minerals consumed in our diet that blood production, bone growth, organ function, and vessel stability would be altered?  In other words a well balanced diet must be eaten.  For example; calcium is needed for vitamin “C” utilization, zinc for vitamin “A”, magnesium for “B” complex vitamins, selenium for vitamin “E” absorption, etc.

While only 5% of the human body is made up of mineral matter, they are critical to keeping the blood and tissue fluids from either becoming too acid or too alkaline.  By doing so, they allow other nutrients to pass into the bloodstream, aiding in transportation of nutrients to the cells and also drawing chemicals in & out of the cells.  It’s a big job for such a small object whose sole job is to make sure, that any slight change in the blood concentration of any mineral can quickly endanger life.

Please review the list below of vitamins and a short list on how they benefit of us. Additionally, various nutritional minerals are also listed with their functions and important roles in maintaining the human body’s homeostasis.

Vitamin K.  Promotes blood clotting, regulates blood levels, and activates 3 proteins for bone growth and health (gamma-carboxylase: BGP, MGP, Proteins S.

Vitamin A  helps vision and promotes bone growth, tooth development, and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes.  Deficiencies:  Dry skin, blindness, poor bone growth, and weak tooth enamel. To heal

Acne, Healing Foods for nutritional therapy will benefit you.

Vitamins C and Vitamin E are antioxidants that effectively work against free radicals in order to protect the body’s cells.

Vitamin B’s releases energy from Carbs.

  • Vitamin B1 Thiamine:  ENERGY, controls fxn of heart, muscle, nervous system. 
  • Vitamin B2 Riboflavin: Growth, reproduction, produces RBC. 
  • Vitamin. B3 Niacin Digestive system, skin and nerves.
  • Vitamin. B5 pantothenic acid:  Metabolism Food, and formation of hormones.
  • Vitamin B6 Pryidoxine: Immune system, nerve fxn, RBC. Too little B6 in the diet can cause dizziness, nausea, confusion, irritability and convulsions. Critical for protein rxn’s. 
  • Vitamin B9 folate/folic acid:  RBC, nervous system, creates and forms DNA, brain fxn, spinal fluid. cell growth, developing baby growth in utero. 
  • Vitamin  B12:  RBC, maintains central nervous system.

 LIST OF MINERAL FUNCTIONS AND DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

As outlined by Dr. Joel Wallach in his booklet “A DIRE WARNING”

Bismuth   Ulcers result from lack of bismuth & a bacteria Heliobacter pylori

Boron    Aids efficient calcium and magnesium use, Essential for bone metabolism, Proper endocrine function, Reduces calcium loss from bones (Osteoporosis)

Calcium Is a Magic Mineral High protein diets increases demands for calcium, Deficiency Produces: Arthritis, Back pains (sciatica, disc problems), Bell’s Palsy, Bone spurs, Brittle fingernails, Calcium deposits, Cognitive impairment, Delusions, Depression, Eczema, High Blood Pressure, Hyperactivity, Hypertension, Insomnia, Irritability, Kidney stones, Limb numbness, Muscle cramps/spasms/twitches, Nervousness, Neuromuscular excitability, Osteomalacia (failure to mineralize the protein bone matrix), Osteoporosis (& Dowagers Hump, spontaneous fractures, kyphosis), Panic attacks,  Periodontal disease – receding gums (osteoporosis of facial bones & jaw bones),  PMS, Pica (eating lead paint),  Rickets, Retarded growth,  Tetany,  Tooth decay

 Cesium is a Cancer Aid; Cesium enters cancer cell and produces alkaline condition

Chromium

Deficiency Produces:  ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Anortic cholesterol plaque, Coronary blood vessel disease, Depression/Manic depression, Diabetes (Vanadium also), Dr. Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde rages, Elevated blood cholesterol, Elevated blood triglycerides, Fatigue, Hyperactivity, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar (vanadium & copper also), Infertility and decreased sperm count, Learning disabilities, Negative nitrogen balance (body lean mass/protein loss), Prediabetes (vanadium also), Peripheral neuropathy,  Retarded growth, Shortened life span

Cobalt   Deficiency Produces: Anemia, Anorexia, Emaciation, listless, starved look, pale mucus membranes, Essential part of Vitamin B 12 (Growth and nerve system function)

Copper is critical part of your diet to avoid deficienies produce:  Alopecia (hair loss) and premature graying, Anemia (common in vegans & high milk users), Aneurysms (on wall bulges), Aneurysm / cerebral hemorrhage, Arthritis (especially where growth plates are involved), Cerebral palsy & hypoplasia (failure to form) of the cerebellum, Criminal or violent behavior, blind rage, explosive outbursts, Depression, Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dry brittle hair, Fatigue, Fragile bones, Hernias, High blood cholesterol, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypo or Hyper thyroid, Ptosis (sagging tissue – eye lids, skin, breasts, stomach, etc.), Kawasaki Disease, Learning disabilities, Liver cirrhosis (number 9 killer in the U.S., Ruptured vertebral discs problems,  Reduced glucose tolerance (low blood sugar), Respiratory disease, Swachman’s Syndrome, Varicose veins, Weak and fatigue, Memory loss, sore tongue. Hemoglobin (carries oxygen in red blood cells)

Europium Doubles the life span of laboratory animals

Fluoride In plant based colloidal form will aid bone strength & no toxicity

Germanium is a must and will Enhances Immune System Function (killer cells, interferon, macro phages and T-suppressor cells), Highly efficient electrical impulse initiator, Aids in oxygen utilization. Deficiency: Arthritis, Cancer, Low energy, Osteoporosis

 Gold Reduces active joint inflammation

 Iodine works with Copper in order to properly utilize Iodine, Needed by body for thyroid function (Thyroxin is thyroid hormone), Deficiency Produces: Hypothyroidism, increased appetite, Weight gains Weight loss, Cold intolerance, Brittle nails, Bulging eyes, Constipation, Depression, Dry skin & hair, Elevated blood cholesterol, Excessive sweating, Fatigue, Frequent bowel movements, Goiter (throat swelling), Hair loss, Hand tremors, Heat intolerance, Heavy periods or less than 28 day cycles,  Irritability, Inability to concentrate, Insomnia, Light periods or longer than 28 day cycles, Low basal body temperature, Low sex drive, Muscle aches and pains, Muscle cramps, Muscle weakness, Nervousness, Over-active Thyroid, Poor memory Puffy face, Rapid pulse, Under-active Thyroid,

Lanthanum   Deficiency may be involved in chronic fatigue diseases

Lithium to overcome Depression and Infertility Deficiency: ADD, Depression, Infertility, Lithium deficiency aggravated by high sugar consumption, Manic depression, Rages & fits, Reduced growth rate, Reproductive failure, Shortened life span

 Magnesiummagnificently combats and helps maintain homeostasis.  However a Deficiency Produces:, Anxiety, Asthma, Anorexia, Birth Defects, Calcification of small arteries, Confusion, Depression, Growth failures, Hyperactivity/synophobia, Hypotension, Hypothermia, Insomnia, Irritability, Malignant calcification of soft tissue, Menstrual, Migraines, Muscle pains/tremors/ weakness, Nervousness/Neuromuscular irritability, Neuromuscular problems, Restlessness, Seizures, SIDS, Tachycardia/palpitations, Tetany – Convulsions, Tremors, Vertigo

Manganese

  Deficiency:, Asthma, Ataxia, Atherosclerosis, Chondrornalacia, Chondrodystrophy, Convulsions, Dizziness, Hearing Loss, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypoglycemia, Infertility (failure to ovulate or testicle atrophy), Loss of sex drive, Pancreatic atrophy, Poor cartilage formation problems, Repetitive Motion Syndromes (like TMJ, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), Retarded growth rates, Shortened long bone, Still births or spontaneous miscarriages, Tinnitus

Molybdenum

Essential as a metalloenzyme of several enzyme systems

Nickel

  Deficiency: Anemia (low hematocrit), Delayed puberty, Depressed oxidative ability of the liver, Dermatitis, High newborn mortality, Poor growth, Poor zinc absorption, Rough/dry hair coat in animals

Phosphorus

Deficiency:  Anorexia, Anxiety, Apprehension, Bone pain, Dyspnea, Fatigue, Irritability, Numbness, Paresthesias, Pica, Tremulousness, Weakness, Weight loss

Potassium

   Deficiency:  Acne, Arrhythmia, Cognitive impairment, Constipation, Depression, ECG changes, Edema, Fatigue, Glucose intolerance, Growth retardation, Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperretlexia, Hypotension, Insomnia, Mental apathy, Muscular weakness, Nervousness, Palpitations, Plydipsia, Proteinuria, Respiratory distress, “Salt” retention, Tachycardia (rapid heart rate), XerosisPraseodymium Doubles life span in laboratory animals, Enhances normal cell growth

Samarium

Doubles life span in laboratory animals, Enhances normal cell growth, Animal studies show deficiencies cause:  Cancer prevention properties, Hearing loss, Male pattern baldness, Poor growth & Poor feeding

Selenium

Effective anti-oxidant Deficiency:  Age spots or liver spots, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Alzheimer’s Disease (associated high vegetable oil consumption), Anemia (red blood cell fragility), Cardiomyopathy, Cataracts, Cancer Risk, Cystic fibrosis, Cancer (associated with high vegetable oil intake) (Number 2 killer), Fatigue, Growth Retardation, Heart palpitations (irregular heart beat), High infant mortality, HIV (AIDS), Impaired immunity, Infertility, Keshena Disease (myocardial fibrosis), Liver cirrhosis, Low birth weight, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular dystrophy, Myalgia, Pancreatitis, Pancreatic atrophy & fibrosis, Parkinson’s Disease (associated lead poisoning), Scoliosis, Sterility in males, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Sickle cell anemia

Silica Increases collagen in growing bone by 100% Deficiency:  Brittle fingernails, Dry brittle hair, Poor calcium utilization arterial wall strength problems, Poor skin quality,

 

Silica Benefits:  Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-viral, Kills over 650 diseases causing organisms, Systemic disinfectant & immune support, Subdues inflammation & promotes healing

Strontium Essential trace element, Strontium can replace calcium in many organisms including man

Sulfur   Important mineral used in several amino acids within the body, Involved in functions of hemoglobin, insulin hormone, adrenal hormones, enzymes, and antibodies Deficiency:  Degeneration of cartilage, ligaments and tendons, Lupus, Several collagen diseases, Sickle cell anemia

Thulium Doubles the life span of laboratory animals, Enhances growth of normal cells

Vanadium Aids in glucose (blood sugar) oxidation and transport, Anti-Cancer properties, Decreases cholesterol production, Enhances insulin effectiveness (aids with blood sugar problems), Increases effectiveness of heart muscle contraction Deficiency:  Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, Elevated cholesterol & triglycerides, Hypoglycemia, Increased infant mortality, Infertility, Obesity, Slow growth

Ytrium Doubles life span of laboratory animals, Enhances nominal cell growth

Zinc  Deficiency associated congenital birth defects:  Cleft lip & Cleft palate, Clubbed limbs, Down’s syndrome, Heart & lung defects, Hiatus hernia& umbilical hernia, Small or absent eyes, Spinal bifida, Webbed toes or fingers, Urogenitat defects Deficiency:  Acne, Acrodermatitis enteropathica, Alopecia (hair loss), Anemia, Anorexia and/or Bulimia, Apathy, Birth defects (see above), Bad body odors (“smelly tennis shoe” syndrome), Brittle nails, Depression, Diarrhea Enlarged prostate, Eczema, Fatigue, “Frizzy” hair, High infant mortality, Hypercholesterolemia, loss of sense of taste, Infertility, Impaired wound healing, Impotence, Irritability, Lethargy, Loss of sense of smell, Malabsorption, Memory loss, Paranoia, Pica (eating hair, wool, etc.), Poor growth (short stature), Sexual immaturity (remain in pre- puberty state), Small and/or poor ovary and testes function, Sterility, Weaken immune function, White spots on nails

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Women and Hair Loss

For more great articles visit: www.cincychic.com 

Cartoon images of a mother at mid-day with her hair frazzled or falling all around her is closer to reality than most moms would like to admit. Although little is known about nutritional factors and hair-loss, studies have revealed “hair shedding” is commonly linked to women and is associated with: protein-energy malnutrition, hypothyroidism, starvation, eating disorders, stress, or a form of Alopecia (balding, that needs to be under a physicians care).

Hair shedding in women is generally a reflection of the individuals nutrition status. Several studies have examined the relationship between iron deficiency and hair loss. As noted by The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, “We believe that treatment for hair loss is enhanced when iron deficiency, with or without anemia, is treated. Iron deficiency anemia should be treated. Treating iron deficiency without anemia is controversial. Treatment of nutritional iron deficiency anemia includes adequate dietary intake and oral iron supplementation. Excessive iron supplementation can cause iron overload and should be avoided. ” 1 (J Am Acad Dermatol.)

Researchers as recently as 40 years ago, demonstrated the importance of iron supplements in nonanaemic, iron-deficient women with hair loss. Additionally, serum ferritin concentrations provide a good assessment of an individual’s iron status and seem to be a factor in female hair loss. Furthermore, the role of the essential amino acid, l-lysine (protein) in hair loss also appears to be important. Double-blind data confirmed the findings of an open study in women with increased hair shedding, where a significant proportion of women responded to “l-lysine and iron therapy”.  2 (Clin Exp Dermatol.) One should be warned that excessive intakes of nutritional supplements may actually cause hair loss and are not recommended in the absence of a proven deficiency.

The most effective way to get healthy hair is to have a healthy diet. Components of the hair follicle, shaft and scalp require certain foods that make your hair healthy and strong. Studies show that by incorporating foods in your day-to-day diet from the following groups you could notice a difference in your hair within a few weeks.

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is important for healthy hair.

Water: One-fourth of the weight, of a strand of hair, is made up of water. Water makes your hair supple and soft therefore you should have enough water. Do not wait till you are thirsty keep drinking water. If you thirsty it means that you have lost water and your body is asking you to replenish the loss. Water keeps your hair silky and shiny as well.
Protein: A diet for healthy hair should be rich in protein as hair consists of primarily protein. Proteins will give your hair more strength and will prevent it from breaking and splitting. Eat protein rich foods like eggs (The Egg! A complete Protein!), fish, meat, milk, cheese and cereals. For additional Protein Tips go to: Depressed? Food for Thought: Natural Mood Enhancers
Minerals: A variety of minerals are important for healthy hair. Iron carries oxygen to the hair. Insufficient iron will starve the hair follicles of oxygen. Include red meat and dark green vegetable in your diet, as well as, fresh vegetables, nuts and seeds.
Vitamins: Vitamin A makes your scalp healthy and is good for your skin as well. Is associated with orange fruits and vegetables. Vitamin B and C for hair growth. Include these vitamins in your diet to avoid hair from splitting.
Exercise: Along with a healthy diet it is important that you exercise so that proper blood flow to your scalp and will help in the growth of hair.

Protein: Is found in meat, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, sunflower seeds etc.
Vitamin A: Is found in eggs, milk, carrots, tomatoes, oily fish, dark green leafy vegetables, apricots etc.
Vitamin B: Found in milk, eggs, wholegrain cereals, bread, wheat germs, nuts, soy beans, poultry, fish, meat etc.
Vitamin D: Sunlight, fish liver oils, oily fish, milk and eggs etc.
Vitamin C: Found in bright colored fruits and vegetables: blackcurrant, green peppers, citrus fruits, bananas, avocados, artichokes, leafy green vegetables etc.
Vitamin E: Found wheat germ, peanuts, vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables etc.
Iron: Found spinach, liver, lentils, beans, peas, dried fruit etc.

Calcium: Found cheese, nuts, eggs, milk, yogurt, sardines, root vegetables etc.
Iodine: Found in seafood, iodized salt etc.
Sulphur: Found eggs, meat, cheese, dairy products etc.

A mother with frazzled hair shown in a cartoon image will continue to get laughs, but with a bit of knowledge and a well balanced diet we can avoid the embarrassment of hair-loss and begin to enjoy the laughter around us.

By: Kimberly Crocker

References
1. Trost LB, Bergfeld WF, Calogeras E. The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006 May;54(5):903-6.
2. Rushton DH School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK. rushton@btinternet.com PMID: 12190640 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE] Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):396-404..