White hair, the first signs of aging. But not only. Although we commonly tend to associate them with old age or the passing years, white hair is very important indicators for our health and could be one of the first "symptoms" of some health problems.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousHair Bianchi, the first signs of time. But not only. Although we commonly tend to associate them with the old age or with the passing years, white hair is indicators very important to ours health and they could be one of the first "symptoms" of some health problems.
Each follicle hair contains the pigment which gives the hair their color. When we get older, we produce less pigments, this is where white hair is born, which can arrive prematurely or late.
In some cases, they may indicate something different than ours biological age.
Here are the health problems that have a close relationship with white hair:
Index
Heart disease in men
According to a recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology, white hair is related to a increased risk of heart disease in men. Scientists have assumed that atherosclerosis and gray hair could follow similar biological paths, linked to the general impairment of the ability to repair DNA, hormonal changes and cell aging.
In the study, 545 men were divided into groups based on whether or not they had coronary heart disease and gray or white hair. For scientists, the correlation between the high presence of white hair and greater coronary calcification is evident.
To learn more: DO YOU HAVE GRIZZLY HAIR? ATTENTION TO HEART HEALTH!
Vitamin deficiency
Each hair follicle contains a pigment, the melanin, which gives our hair their color. As we age, we produce less pigments. Dermatologists usually use the 50-50-50 rule according to which typically by age 50, 50 percent of the population has at least 50 percent gray hair. However, some people are ahead of their time.
"Typically, whites start turning gray around age 35, Asians just before 40, and African Americans around age 45," however explains dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy, director of the Dermatology Center's Cosmetic Clinic at Montefiore Medical Center in New York that even low levels of Vitamin B12 and others could cause the loss of hair pigment.
To confirm it also one study of 2013 which found low levels of vitamin D3, serum calcium, and ferritin in the blood of people whose hair turned gray prematurely.
To learn more: VITAMIN B12: WHAT IT IS FOR AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF A DEFICIENCY
The follicles can suffer from oxidative stress
The hair follicles produce small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, a chemical used for decades as an inexpensive way to whiten hair. However, if a buildup of hydrogen peroxide occurs, the hair color may begin to fade.
The smoke
A 2013 study published in Dermatology Online found that smokers are two and a half times more likely to have gray hair prematurely than non-smokers. Furthermore, smoking can also cause the baldness or anticipate its appearance.
To dye gray hair naturally, read also:
- 10 DYEING HERBS TO COLOR OR REFLECT OUR HAIR
- WHITE HAIR: HOW TO COVER IT WITH NATURAL MAKEUP AND REMEDIES
Gray is in the genes
Uno study of 2016 found the exact gene responsible for graying hair. In this case there is no link with health or the presence of disease, but it is only a "gift" from the family.
Francesca Mancuso
