Vitamins play an essential role in your diet. They improve vision, cell division and reproduction, and they help regulate the immune system and assist in the growth and development of hair, skin, nails and bones. Vitamins are broken down into fat-soluble and water-soluble compounds. According to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), vitamins should be included in the diet through liquid or pill form, as well as from a variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, legumes and lean meats. Boosting your hair growth is as easy as supplementing with a chewable multivitamin.
B Vitamins: Length and Luster
Although there are several B vitamins that contribute to a healthy body, the four crucial vitamins to promote hair growth are B6, B12, folic acid and biotin. These four vitamins help maintain proper hemoglobin levels in the bloodstream. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. A diet deficient in vitamin B will cause dry skin and hair loss. Vitamin B is found in lean, protein-rich foods such as liver, chicken, fish, pork, kidney, poultry, eggs, soybeans and other dairy products, as well as whole grains, nuts, green leafy vegetables, orange juice and wheat germ. Vitamin B specifically functions in the formation of red blood cells and maintenance of the nervous system, essentially providing extra blood and oxygen to hair follicles to boost length and luster.
Vitamin C: Protector and Enhancer
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that also is responsible for developing and maintaining the collagen between the body's tissues. Vitamin C stimulates specific enzymes that contribute to hair growth while protecting and detoxifying the body of oxidative free radicals which inhibit hair growth. A lack of vitamin C can cause dry, brittle hair and nails. Since vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, it is harder to obtain a toxic level in the body. Supplementing the diet with citrus fruits, melons, berries, potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, fresh peppers and tomatoes will increase your intake of vitamin C.
Vitamin E: Defender and Stimulator
Vitamin E is crucial in the formation of red blood cells, an essential component of the body's tissues and organs, in addition to improving circulation. Vitamin E also plays a role as an antioxidant--protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin E can be found in the healthy fats of vegetable oils and nuts, as well as green leafy vegetables and grains. This fat-soluble vitamin acts as a cell membrane stabilizer, which prevents damage to the hair while stimulating growth.
Member Comments