Has a recent pregnancy and/or giving birth wreaked havoc on your hair?

Has a recent pregnancy and/or giving birth that wreaks such havoc on hair?  Here are a couple leading reasons why, followed with some tips for newly pregnant mama's and current busy mama's alike!!  

Is your hair shine-LESS after having a baby?

Most women find their hair looks thicker and shinier during pregnancy but hormonal changes come "full-on" after having a baby.

The three phases of hair; growth, resting and shedding.

Hair grows at the same rate that it falls out. Although, when you are pregnant your "pregnancy hormones"  extend the growth period, particularly during the second and third trimester, which is why women often notice hair becoming thicker as

their pregnancy goes on. Usually, losing your hair after birth is just your hair going back to normal.  This is variable for all women.  Some determining factors may be nutrition, stress, weight gain-sudden loss, etc.

Hair gone dry?

Most believe the sebaceous glands are vastly producing oil during pregnancy, but the opposite can also occur;  the hormones can reduce the amount of oil your sebaceous glands produce.

Hormones should return to normal, and the dry fly-aways should subside. In the meantime, use Kasia Off the Fritz and Outshine Serum to build moisture back into the hair, protect and to create a finished look.  Even the finest hair can benefit from a our Outshine Hair Serum.

Good nutrition for recovery is key.

Of course nutrition is the foundation to all of the series of nuances mentioned in this article!  One are women often fall short of is high quality protein in it's completest form......MEAT!  Organic chicken and turkey are a great source.  Stay away from fish due to the metal's probability they carry.   Hair needs protein!

“Your body considers your hair to be non-essential tissue, so it’s the last to benefit from good nutrition.”

How can I give thin hair more "oomph"?

At Kasia Organic Salon, we love adding a few extensions to fill holes where the hair is thin, or to simply add a little length.  Another tactic is to use our

Hydra-Boost Volume and Texturizing Spray to create body and texture!

I'm a new mom, should I  dye my hair?

Dont worry, Kasia Organic Salon offers hair color that will provide brilliant shine, tone, and longevity for every pregnant or new momma - toxin-free!  No Ammonia - No PPD - No Recorcinol

Hair Loss Prevention and the Key Role of Amino Acids

Hair Loss and Prevention

Each day we shed around a hundred hairs. This is normal and part of the natural renewal process. With around 100,000 active hair follicles, losing such a small number daily doesn’t present any visible changes in hair density or coverage. However, advanced hair thinning and hair loss affects millions of people throughout the UK. Although often associated with older men, hair loss and hair thinning can occur at any age and impact both men and women.

Various Forms of Hair Loss & Triggers

As we age, our hair density naturally declines. However, there are also a wide range of factors that can trigger accelerated hair thinning.

Hereditary thinning or baldness (androgenic alopecia)

Approximately 95% of accelerated hair loss cases in both men and women are caused by androgenic alopecia. A genetic predisposition to hair loss can trigger a group of hormones called androgens which cause hair follicles to shrink and thus unable to support hair growth. The pattern of hair thinning often differs for men and women. Men typically develop bald patches around the forehead or on top of the scalp, while women find that their hair significantly thins across the top of the scalp. By the time men and women reach 50 years of age, 50 percent will have visible hair loss as a result of androgenic alopecia.

Medical conditions

Sometimes hair loss and hair thinning is an indicator of an underlying health issue. Certain diseases, such as thyroid dysfunction and anaemia, can trigger hair loss. Even a short-term illness can result in hair thinning, such as a high fever, flu and untreated ringworm infections.

Significant hair thinning and patchiness can also occur as a result of an unusual impulsive disorder called trichotillomania. Patients with this medical condition are unable to stop pulling and twisting their hair. Women are most susceptible to this disorder and it’s believed to affect around four percent of the population¹.

Hormonal changes

Following childbirth and during menopause, it’s not unusual for women to experience excessive hair loss. Fluctuations in hormones will trigger hair thinning. In most cases this is temporary, although after 40 years of age it isn’t unusual for women to have lower hair density compared with when they were younger.

Stress

Physical and emotional stress can trigger hair loss. Following surgical procedures it’s not unusual to experience hair loss as the body responds to the shock. The loss of a loved one, financial strain, relationship breakdowns and other stressful situations can also cause excessive hair thinning. Similar to hormonal changes, stress related hair loss is often temporary.

Medication

There are a wide range of medications that can cause hair thinning including birth control pills, anabolic steroids, blood thinners and excessive concentration of vitamin A. Hair loss can also be a side effect of various prescribed drugs used to treat depression, blood pressure, heart problems, cancer and arthritis.

Other hair loss triggers

Poor nutrition and unhealthy lifestyle choice can contribute to hair loss. Also, certain hairstyles, frequent heat treatments, colour applications and other hair maintenance practices can result in damage to the hair shaft and root, resulting in hair thinning.

Basic Hair Anatomy

Preventative treatments for hair loss are based on our understanding of hair anatomy and how to stimulate new hair growth.

Hair is characterised by a root embedding into the epidermis and the shaft extending from the root. A follicle surrounds the root and this is intercepted by nerve fibres and capillaries that provide nourishment. The hair shaft develops as new cells form around the follicle, push up and die.

There are three distinctive layers within a hair shaft; these are the medulla, cortex and cuticle. The innermost layer is medulla and its purpose is not well understood. The middle layer is the cortex and this controls the strength and thickness of the hair. The outer layer is the transparent cuticle, designed to protect the other layers of the hair shaft.

Structural proteins called keratin makeup the bulk of the hair shaft. This is the same protein that’s present in our skin and nails. It’s fibrous and aligns parallel to form sheet that are held together by hydrogen. Also present in hair is another structural protein called collagen which is important for hair health, strength and growth.

The Natural Hair Cycle

the five stages of hair growth explained

The growth cycle of hair goes through three different phases. Anagen is the first phase and this is the most active, lasting from between two and six years. Catagen is the second phase and this is when hair is turned in keratin. Telogen is the final stage of the cycle. This is when the hair sheds and the anagen phase recommences. When the follicles fail to re-enter the anagen phase, hair loss occurs. This leaves the follicles inactive and over time this leads to thinning and noticeable hair loss.

The Role of Amino Acids & Preventing Hair Loss

Clearly healthy hair requires plenty of keratin, and to a lesser extent, collagen. For the body to produce these structural proteins it must have sufficient access to certain amino acids. There are four key amino acids necessary to produce keratin: cysteine, lysine, arginine and methionine.  Collagen production relies on access to the amino acids lysine, methionine, glycine and proline.

Of these amino acids, methionine and lysine are classed as essential, meaning that they must be sourced from our diet. The other important amino acids for healthy hair growth can be synthesised by the body, although they may be in low concentrations if nutrition is poor.

Through boosting the availability of key amino acids involved in the production of keratin and collagen, it’s possible to combat hair loss and stimulate new hair growth.

A Closer Look At These Key Amino Acids

Arginine

In addition to helping to produce keratin, this is a very important amino acid for enhancing immune function, helping to minimize disease-related hair loss. Research has also shown that this amino acid can help to shield the hair from the damaging effects of hair colouring and bleaching². Arginine is also essential for the production of nitric oxide (NO). This compound is vital for improving blood circulation and nutrient supply to the hair follicles, facilitating healthy hair growth.

Although not an essential amino acid, there are times when arginine becomes conditionally essential. When the body is stressed, such as recovering from an illness or insufficient nutrition, the demands for arginine increase and the body can’t produce enough. Elevating arginine concentrations through diet can help to treat hair loss, especially if it’s a symptom of an underlying health issue.

Good food sources for arginine include dairy, fish, beef, poultry, oatmeal, sesame seeds, chick peas, soybeans, granola, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and nuts.

Cysteine

Approximately a quarter of keratin is made from this amino acid. Several studies have confirmed that cysteine supplementation can reduce the symptoms of androgenic alopecia³. This is also a vital amino acid in the production of the powerful antioxidant glutathione. Thus, cysteine indirectly assists with the protection of hair follicles from oxidative stress.

Similar to arginine, the body manufactures its own cysteine. However, including cysteine rich foods in your diet will ensure that there’s no deficiency in this important amino acid. Ideal food sources include poultry, pork, dairy, legumes, broccoli and whole grains.

Methionine

The second major component of keratin is methionine. This amino acid is also vital for the synthesis of the precursor to collagen called procollagen. As antioxidant, methionine also helps to protect the hair follicles from oxidative stress. Research has shown that low concentrations of methionine cause a decline in hair health and growth diminishes⁴. Other studies suggest that this amino acid could also have an important role in slowing the greying of hair, as well as hair thinning⁵.

Since the body is unable to produce this essential amino acid, you must include food rich in methionine in your diet. Good food choices for methionine include fish, eggs, seeds, leafy greens, broccoli, zucchini, squash and nuts.

Lysine

This essential amino acid helps to stimulate collagen and is important for repairing damaged hair. Hair follicles also require lysine to properly function. Research has shown that hair loss can be reduced with lysine supplementation⁶

Ideal food sources for lysine include fish (especially salmon, sardines and cod), dairy products, poultry, red meat, pork, legumes, nuts, spirulina and pulses.

Glycine

One of the smallest and commonest amino acids, glycine is very important for the digestive and central nervous systems. It also helps to produce collagen. The body can manufacture this amino acid and it can also be sourced from protein-rich foods such as fish, meat, dairy, soybeans, spinach, cabbage, beans, kale, banana and kiwi fruit.

Proline

This non-essential amino acid helps to produce collagen and cartilage, as well as maintaining muscle tissues. The best food sources for proline include meat, dairy, eggs, asparagus, avocado, beans, broccoli, spinach, legume and soy beans.

Other Important Nutrients for Healthy Hair

In addition to the amino acids mentioned, there are also a range of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and other natural compounds that are important for preventing hair loss. Vitamins E, B6, B12 and folic acid are needed to support healthy hair follicles by promoting good blood circulation and the delivery of vital nourishment. Vitamin A is necessary to support the production of sebum, the oily substance that lubricates the hair follicles. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and maintaining strong hair. Iron, silica and zinc are also required for hair growth and protection.

Essential fatty acids are important for many aspects of our health, including safeguarding against hair loss. They help to increase hair follicle nutrient absorption, enhance immune function and reduce oxidative stress. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for cell growth and blood circulation, supporting healthy hair follicles.  Insufficient fatty acids can result in dry and brittle hair, dandruff and other skin aliments of the scalp. Studies have confirmed that deficiencies in essential fatty acids lead to hair loss.

Conclusion

Hair thinning and baldness are common conditions and although more prevalent in older generations, hair loss can be triggered at anytime throughout our life. Genetics has a major role in our susceptibility to hair loss. Oxidative stress is also problematic, causing cellular damage that can trigger hair loss. Hormone fluctuations can increase androgens, further contributing to hair loss. Despite these factors and other common hair loss triggers, there are steps we can take to slow down the process and retain good hair coverage.

Elevating the concentration of important amino acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and other compounds that are necessary to support hair growth, maintenance and protection will help to minimize hair loss. Diets rich methionine, cysteine and arginine can minimize oxidative stress, help to balance hormones, and slow the aging process.

By maintaining a well-balanced diet and eating protein-rich foods, hair thinning and hair loss can be reduced. If you’re concerned that your diet is lacking, consider taking a high quality dietary supplement. This will not only promote healthy hair, it will also support overall health and well-being.

References

1. “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002485” ↩
2. “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15645092” ↩
3. “http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1610-0379.2011.07802.x/full” ↩
4. “http://jcs.biologists.org/content/119/3/391.short” ↩
5. “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929555/” ↩
6. “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18498491” ↩

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Digestive Enzymes for Beautiful Health

Enzymes are the key components of your body's worker bees within your cells .   Chemical reactions are created to allow them to break down existing materials or create new ones. They also serve as the catalyst for cell growth,  renewal, and slowed down aging!

 

Enzymes and Beauty

Along with helping to clean the toxic sludge in your system that can dull your complexion, remove pigment from or thin your hair, contribute to acne, and lead to premature lines and wrinkles, enzymes also control the release rate of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides energy to every cell in your body. Since your body utilizes this energy for cell repair to keep your skin glowing, your hair growing, and your cells regenerated, the absence of enzymes can disrupt delivery of this all-important, life-sustaining energy.

What Are Enzymes?

Made from amino acids put together in very specific structures, enzymes are proteins that serve as catalysts to quickly bring about specific chemical reactions in your body's cells. Enzymes serve to cause certain cell actions, and to speed up others.

There are more than 3,000 types of enzymes in the human body, playing key roles in more than 4,000 biochemical reactions. Enzymes are important for digestion, metabolism, respiration, nutrient absorption and transportation, detoxification and purification, muscle movement, hormone production, cell repair, cell division, and many other bodily processes. Once an enzyme does its job in the body, it is destroyed and must be replaced by new enzymes in order to maintain the body's processes.

 Enzyme deficiencies can contribute to:

• Indigestion, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation

• Arthritis and inflammatory disorders

• Fatigue and muscle aches

• Brain fog/ dementia

• Heart attacks

Proper nutrition is important for all your body's functions. The ability to properly digest your food is critical for proper nutrition and to avoid getting toxic.

Why are enzymes important for your beauty?

What goes on in real life is that most of the enzymes we need to digest the food we eat are naturally present in the food. This occurs because enzymes are what a fruit or vegetable uses to ripen. As the ripening process continues, the food digests to where we consider it to be rotten. From the perspective of an apple or grain, for example, this is a perfect stage for the seed to use its food source so it can grow into an adult plant. These same plant enzymes also work in the acid environment of your stomach (where approximately 40 percent of digestion can take place) while animal enzymes can’t work until after they get past the stomach.

Many decades ago, food processor companies realized that they could prolong the shelf life of food from days to years by destroying the enzymes present in the food. They also discovered that using salicylates (the active component of aspirin) is a very effective way to destroy enzymes.

Because of this, most of the enzymes present in processed foods have been eliminated over the last 30 plus years. This corresponds to the period of time in which we have seen a dramatic increase in degenerative diseases and indigestion. Meanwhile, your poor pancreas has had to pick up the slack and make almost all the enzymes needed for digestion. Many people realized however that if they juiced or ate a raw food diet (cooking can also destroy enzymes) they felt dramatically better.

Food processing companies are learning new tricks. By gassing fresh fruits and vegetables, they can destroy the enzymes present even in these fresh foods. This way they can look appealing on the grocery shelf for weeks instead of developing those little brown spots that we don't like to see. Unfortunately, although the food looks good, it has lost much of its nutritional value.

What happens when I don't have enough enzymes? When you don't have enough enzymes to adequately digest your food, several things happen:

1. You become deficient in proteins, carbohydrates, and /or fats depending on which enzymes you are missing

2. You then crave the missing nutrient

3. By eating excessive amounts of the nutrient you can’t digest, it can build up in your colon and become toxic.

4. You absorb large chunks of proteins (instead of breaking them down to their component amino acids). Your immune system then has to treat them as outside invaders and use up its energy digesting those foods that make it into your bloodstream. This can exhaust your immune system while contributing to food sensitivities. If you check you may find that your temperature goes up around 40 minutes after eating as your immune system has to make up for a weak digestive system

5. Your body works poorly because of the nutritional deficiencies. You feel poorly and have digestive disturbances.

All in all, you feel lousy, the stomach hurts, and you may have specific food cravings. Sound familiar?

Does it matter which enzymes I use?  YES!

Top Pick:  Premier Research Labs sells the BEST Enzymes around.  Here at Kasia Organic Salon, we highly suggest Premier Digest and HCL for all of our clients.  Not only does it reach to those that struggle with "gastro" complications, gluten sensitivities, etc.....but it enhances your stomachs detoxification which brings you a more 'beautiful self.'    -Kassie, Owner

It benefits your health and beauty to maximize your enzyme intake. By doing so, you will discover you have more energy, digest your foods much more easily, and look and feel better than you have in years.

Reference: Dr Jacob Teitelbaum MD