Some people believe their gray hairs multiply after plucking because reduced melanin in the body causes the same follicle to regrow gray hair. Simultaneously, new hair from other follicles may also appear white, creating the illusion of increased graying. Randomly plucking gray hairs is not recommended, as it may damage the hair root.
Hair grows from follicles, and its color is determined by melanin secreted by melanocytes within these follicles. A higher number and density of melanin granules result in black hair, while fewer granules lead to lighter shades.
Numerous factors influence melanin production. After age 40, melanocytes gradually produce less pigment. Genetic predisposition, malnutrition, high stress levels, insufficient sleep, and poor digestion also affect melanin secretion.
Premature graying occurs in two main types: congenital cases with family history, and acquired cases caused by malnutrition, protein deficiency, or vitamin deficiencies.
Additionally, excessive mental strain and anxiety can cause premature graying in children. This type of graying is "reversible." When children ensure adequate sleep, reduce stress, supplement with vitamins and trace elements, and incorporate scalp massage, the number of gray hairs will gradually decrease and eventually disappear.
It is recommended to analyze the cause of gray hair based on individual circumstances and make corresponding adjustments. Incorporating foods like black beans, sesame seeds, walnuts, mulberries, and goji berries into your daily diet can help slow the rate of gray hair growth.
Middle-aged individuals may benefit from consuming more red dates, red beans, and Chinese yam. For the elderly, who often experience liver and kidney deficiency, mulberries and goji berries are excellent kidney-tonifying foods.
As each person's situation varies, it's advisable to seek personalized treatment based on a doctor's guidance.
What foods can prevent hair from turning gray?
Middle-aged and elderly individuals should regularly consume staple foods like purple rice, black beans, red beans, green beans, red water chestnuts, black sesame seeds, and walnuts. They should also increase intake of meats such as black-boned chicken, beef, lamb, pork liver, soft-shelled turtle, dark-fleshed fish, and sea cucumber.Additionally, they should regularly consume carrots, spinach, purple radishes, purple cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and black fungus. 1. Shepherd's Purse Some individuals develop significant amounts of gray hair before middle age. Beyond genetic factors, this is largely due to nutritional deficiencies affecting hair health.Shepherd's purse is rich in protein, carotene, dietary fiber, vitamins, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Consuming it helps prevent premature graying.
2. Black Sesame Seeds
Dry hair prone to breakage, split ends, and graying can be improved by eating black sesame seeds.Black sesame seeds contain abundant oleic acid, folic acid, protein, palmitic acid, vitamin E, calcium, and other nutrients essential for hair health.
3. Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion's Mane Mushroom stands out as an excellent choice for hair care and beauty. Regular consumption promotes hair growth.It boasts high protein content while providing abundant vitamins and minerals for hair maintenance.
4. Carp
Carp is readily available and consuming it can make hair dark and lustrous, preventing dryness and yellowing.