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My daughter is nine and son is five, both have premature graying hair condition. Their diet looks healthy in every way. What should be done?


(29 Sep 2008)

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Human hair is nothing but outgrowths of protein from hair follicles in the skin surface. Its chief component is keratin, and hair is known to lose color with increase in one's age. It is therefore very normal for hair to turn grey as one grows older.


Premature graying is an unsightly disorder, which makes the sufferer look older than he or she really is. The situation can be distressing especially for females, as hair is seen to be a symbol of social status and beauty. These days premature graying is on the rise given the hectic and stressful lifestyles that most youngsters are subjected to.


In this case however, stress is unlikely to be a factor, especially for your son.

Premature graying cannot always be controlled, but there are some factors such as nutrition that we can control. The source of the hair's nutrition is the sebum which is secreted by the sebaceous glands in the scalp of the head. Nutrients like Vitamin B Complex, Copper, Iron and iodine are essential for the adequate nutrition in one's hair. Contrary to popular belief, hair cannot be supplied nutrition externally. That is why one's diet is of utmost importance when it comes to nourishing hair. Faulty diet is the single biggest factor responsible for the premature graying of hair. In today's day and age, diets may seem balanced or may be advertised as balanced, but proper care must be taken to involve Vitamin B-Complex, Vitamin E and foodstuffs rich in copper, Iron and Iodine. As a thumb rule, one must eat lots of leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and pulses. Consuming Vitamin B-Complex and Vitamin E supplements in the form of tablets, under the guidance of a qualified physician will surely help.

Regular and frequent consumption of curry leaves is also thought to arrest early graying. Also, Indian gooseberries, if eaten daily after meals, give very good results. Hygiene can also be a causative factor, as the accumulation of dirt in the pores of the scalp, considerably weaken the hair roots. Another very important reason albeit very rare, is the hereditary factor. In this case, you'll have to take expert medical opinion. Finally, it all boils down mainly to hygiene and diet. Whatever remedy you choose, you must be consistent in its application, if you want to see results. If in spite of this, the problem persists or any side-effects are observed, you should see a doctor immediately.

answered by S C on 29 Sep 2008, 8:10:45

 

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