Stopping Hair Loss

Improving You by Stopping Hair Loss and Regrowing your Hair

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Does Smoking Contribute to Hair Loss?

It is no secret that smoking can have a devastating effect on our health. What about hair loss? The hair follicle is fed by a network of tiny
blood vessels which provide the needed oxygen and nutrients necessary for hair growth. Healthy scalp and hair follicles are dependent on a
rich supply of oxygenated blood which can deliver all the proteins and nutrients needed for hair growth. Anything that impedes this process will
have a negative effect. Nicotine causes an increase in adrenaline which in turn increases blood pressure and suddenly makes the heart beat faster. Nicotine also causes the blood vessels to constrict which in turn makes it harder for the heart to pump blood through the arteries which in
turn impacts the blood circulatory system.

Smoking also produces carbon monoxide which inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen. Keep in mind that everyone is different and
every individual will respond in a different way to drugs,substances foods and medications. These are just a few ways in which smoking can
have a negative impact on hair loss and thining hair.

A study conducted at the Department of Health Sciences,University of Genoa Italy showed a connection between smoking and hair loss
with tests carried out on mice. After 3 months of exposure to cigarette smoke, most of the mice developed areas of alopecia and grey hair.
The report stated: "Smoke-exposed mice had extensive atrophy of the epidermis,reduced thickness of the subcutaneous tissue,and
scarcity of hair follicles.

If you are a smoker and you are starting to worry about thining hair and hair loss, you should stop smoking asap. Also keep in mind that
combating hair loss involves a number of other factors like diet,nutrition,exercise and proper breathing etc.

Scientists in Taiwan recently completed a study involving 740 men who were suffering from premature hair loss or alopecia. Both smokers and non-smokers were enrolled in the study and the findings point to a significant correlation between moderate smoking and hair loss.

According to recent findings, men who smoke 20 or more cigarettes per day have a greater chance of developing baldness. These findings were determined after taking into consideration family history of baldness, general health, age, and other habits

Although an exact relationship between cigarette smoking and hair loss is yet to be found evidence points to a disruption in circulation as a potential cause. For the hair follicle to function at optimal levels and produce hair growth at the normal rate the cells must receive adequate amounts of oxygen, nutrients, and minerals. Cigarette smoking has been shown to cause poor total body circulation, which can affect the amount of blood flow available to the hair follicles of the scalp. More specifically, scientists believe that smoking may actually disrupt or damage the circulation system that is responsible for delivering blood to the actual cells of the hair follicle.

Another theory as to why smoking may increase the occurrence of hair loss is based on general health concerns. Smoking causes many illnesses and diseases, which can impair the functioning of other body systems. When the body is not healthy the organs do not function properly. Without properly functioning internal organs poisons, infections, bacteria, and other disease-causing substances are free to circulate throughout the body. These unwanted substances could further inhibit the hair follicle's ability to maintain the normal hair growth pattern.
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