We all know how losing some hair is normal, when you take shower, brush it and other everyday activities. It’s natural - you can lose up to 100 hair strands each day!
However, if your hair is falling out in large amounts, is thinning significantly and you are seeing irregular bald patches then you know it’s a symptom of a much bigger problem.
There are so many reasons for hair loss; stress, environmental, hereditary? (we’ll talk about this in a later article). Often, it’s a dietary deficiency, which fortunately for those concerned, can be easily treated. For a proper diagnosis, you should visit your health care professional.
It’s so important to identify the underlying causes of your hair loss so that you can treat it effectively. When it comes to the nutrients your body needs to grow healthy hair, Biotin sits firmly at the top of the list.
It’s the vitamin, that makes your hair healthy, strong and keeps it looking good. Clinical studies have proven maintaining a good level of Biotin in your body is as essential as maintaining other vitamins and minerals. Plus it’s essential for your overall health.
If you suffer with heartburn or acid re-flux, you risk absorbing less Biotin if you take antacids and other medicines.
Why? Because these medicines slow down or even prevent absorption of Biotin, which can lead to hair problems - even excessive loss and severe thinning.
Here are 6 signs that you could be in Biotin deficiency:
1) Excessive hair loss
2) Taking anti-acid medicine
3) Dry skin
4) Scaly rash around the mouth or eyes
5) Fatigue
6) Depression
Now, don't be alarmed - not everyone with these symptoms will be lacking in Biotin. However, because of the severity of some of these symptoms it's very important to see your GP if you are suffering from any of these.
What else does Biotin do for your body?
Biotin is a member of Vitamin B complex family, sometimes known as Vitamin H or Vitamin B7. It’s water soluble, which means, if your body will have higher level of Vitamin H on certain days or times, it’ll pass out through urine.
It’s produced in the intestine with the help of bacteria. It aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, which helps in maintaining steady blood sugar levels. It’s very good for people suffering with Diabetes.
Sources of Biotin
Foods like eggs and liver contains a lot of Biotin. Consuming these as well as other foods like green peas, oats, soybeans, walnuts, sunflower seeds and brown rice will help your body in maintaining a good level of Biotin.
Here is a great article outlining foods rich in Biotin: http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/vitamins-minerals/8-foods-rich-in-biotin.html
Biotin is essential for your metabolic process. Along with the other B-complex vitamins it plays a major role in your blood glucose production, which helps your body process energy. It also carries carbon dioxide through your body. Your sweat glands, nerve tissue and bone marrow also function at their best when you have proper levels of Biotin in your system. All of these things combined help ensure that your hair is strong, thick and healthy.
Other symptoms of biotin deficiency to look out for (besides hair loss) are dry skin, a scaly rash around the eyes or mouth, dry eyes, fatigue, and depression.
If you think your body is lacking biotin then It’s a good idea to start adding more biotin rich foods to your diet and be sure to check with your GP for an accurate diagnosis before you begin taking any supplements.
Many hair loss products now contain Biotin as a matter of course, because when Biotin is absorbed directly in to the afflicted area (the scalp), it has the very powerful effect of strengthening hair follicles meaning that hair is less prone to breakage, dying or falling out.
Be sure to only use shampoos and other hair products that do not contain any harsh chemicals or you will compromise or even negate the good effects of the action of Biotin and other active ingredients.
Need any advice? I'd love to hear from you.
Guy.
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