Smoking causes several health-related problems such as heart disease, lung disease and cancer, and has been found to worsen facial complexion, lung capacity and blood circulation. Smoking and nicotine are also linked to hair loss and eventual balding, though there isn't a direct relationship. A disruption in circulation is a potential cause.
Significance
The amount of nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes has been found to restrict blood flow and causes withdrawal from eating. Hemoglobin in the blood carry oxygen throughout several parts of the body. Whyquit.com says that each time a new amount of nicotine arrives in our brain it causes the body to activate its stress defenses, which causes the immediate release of stored fats into the bloodstream. For hair follicles to function at optimal levels and produce hair growth at the normal rate, cells must get adequate amounts of oxygen, nutrients and minerals.
Function
Smoking has been found to increase the levels of hormones responsible for hair loss in men. A Harvard University study investigated 1,241 middle-age men and compared smokers with non-smokers. The findings showed a 13 percent increase of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, and a 9 percent increase of testosterone in smokers. The male hormone DHT causes androgenetic alopecia, common baldness in men, by shortening the growth, or anagen, phase of the hair cycle on genetically susceptible scalp hair follicles.
Theories/Speculation
Although there is no exact relationship between smoking and baldness, a disruption in circulation may be a cause. Whyquit.com says scientists believe smoking may disrupt or damage the circulation system that's responsible for delivering blood to the actual cells of the hair follicle. More speculation is the amount of illnesses and diseases linked to smoking. When the body can't function properly it can't fight illness without support of organs such as the liver. All blood that passes through the liver is detoxified of unknown substances that enter our bodies. Smoking has also been shown to accelerate aging. Professor William MacNee from the University of Edinburgh says cigarette smoke and other pollutants may accelerate aging by making inflammation in the lungs worse and impairing healing.
Warning
Smoking causes a withdrawal in the consumption of food, which causes the body to lose nutrients, vitamins and minerals it needs to perform everyday bodily functions. In addition, smokers may find themselves consuming large meals full of fats. According to Whyquit.com, smokers experience blood sugar swings with each new puff of nicotine, which is why some smokers are able to skip meals. The nicotine inside blood vessels are somehow able to cause the growth of new blood vessels while providing a rich supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fats and plaques stuck to damaged vessel walls. This process accelerates with the hardening, clogging and narrowing of arteries and veins.
Prevention/Solution
One way to reduce the risk of hair loss is to not smoke, or quit smoking, and engage in cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise boosts blood circulation, lung capacity and your overall heart rate. Strive to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Consult your doctor for further information about methods or programs on quitting smoking.
