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We have all heard the infamous saying, “Your hair is your crown”, now medical experts have highlighted that the state of our crowns can reveal a lot of unknown things about the current state of our health.
Many of us spend several minutes a day trying multiple products and treatments to ensure that our hairstyles suit the look we wish to go with for the day, however, the health information hub Everyday Health explains that oftentimes we fail to identify the recognisable clues that could be an indication of the current state of our health.
“Research shows that changes in your hair’s look, texture, or thickness can be signs of underlying health conditions,” explains the above-mentioned publication.
By paying close attention to these symptoms, you might be able to determine whether they are linked to health problems, genetics, stress, or a nutritional deficiency.
Grey hair
While most people often grow grey hair as they naturally mature in age, there are a large number of people who are now becoming grey while being relatively young in age.
According to Everyday Health, the reason for this is often linked to one of two things, stress and genetics. “One study suggested that chronic stress may indeed contribute to greying hair by causing DNA damage and reducing the supply of pigment-producing cells in hair follicles,” highlights the above-mentioned publication.
Meanwhile, Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a dermatologist with The Permanente Medical Group in Vallejo, California says that stress is not always the case. In many instances, family genetics is likely to influence how early one starts seeing silver hair, which is why it is wise to ask family members at what age they developed grey hair.
Brittle hair
Similarly, brittle hair is also linked to stress. According to Baptist Health, brittle hair is one of the symptoms of a condition called Cushing’s syndrome.
“It’s a rare condition caused by too much of a stress hormone called cortisol. Cushing’s syndrome has other symptoms, including back pain, fatigue, and high blood pressure, but a significant change in hair softness and flexibility is something you should discuss with your doctor,” explains the above-mentioned source.
Thinning of hair
According to Baylor Scott and White Health, the thinning of hair may be influenced by several factors, some of which include hormonal imbalances, anaemia or vitamin deficiencies. The above-mentioned source says that if you change your diet, lose weight and have dietary restrictions, this might impact both your hair and weight. It is therefore an indication that your body lacks protein and other calorie requirements that promote hair growth. It is therefore important to have a balanced diet by including things like fruit, egg yolk, liver and other foods to promote hair growth.
For more information regarding this, it is best to seek medical advice.
