"The process of oxidation happens as our bodies metabolize (or process) the oxygen we breathe and our cells produce energy from it. This process also produces free radicals –which interact with the molecules within our cells resulting in damage (or stress) to nearby cells." (Dr Doni, 2014)
It's an imbalance between free radicals and the body's ability to detoxify its harmful effects. Basically the free radicals overwhelm the repair process which causes stress.
What are free radicals?
An oxygen containing molecule that has one or more unpaired electrons, making it highly reactive with other molecules. It steals electrons from DNA, protein, and lipids to become stabilized triggering a large chain of free radicals. Although free radicals are necessary and help stimulate repair, too many causes the body to go through oxidative stress.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules present in cells that prevent these reactions by donating an electron to the free radicals without becoming destabilized themselves. An imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants is the underlying basis of oxidative stress.
Damage caused by oxidative stress.
" Oxidative stress leads to many pathophysiological conditions in the body. Some of these include neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, gene mutations and cancers, chronic fatigue syndrome, fragile X syndrome, heart and blood vessel disorders, atherosclerosis, heart failure, heart attack and inflammatory diseases." (Mandal, 2017)
What does this have to do with your hair?
Oxidative stress can cause you to gray early and onset androgenic alopecia which is hair loss on the scalp. Remember the cells carry oxygen to the hair follicle through blood circulation which stimulates hair growth.
Oxidation increases when we are physically and/or emotionally stressed. Have you noticed when you are stressed, depressed, etc. your hair starts to fall out? When stressed, the body does not produce enough antioxidants to help the free radicals with the repair process by donating electrons. The body becomes overwhelmed and oxygen cannot get to the hair follicle. This whole process effects our DNA, protein, and lipids. Our hair consists of all three components.
In my opinion, if we can change our emotional thinking about our hair, it can significantly reduce hair loss.
Why does oxidation happen?
emotional stress
cells use glucose to make energy
our bodies detoxify pullutants, pesticides, and cigarette smoke
the immune system fights off bacteria
Signs of oxidative stress:
fatigue
blurry vision
memory loss
grey hair
Tips to help reduce oxidative stress:
eat food that contain antioxidants (berries, dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, fish, green tea, etc.)
moderate exercise
meditate
use caution with chemicals
get plenty of sleep (if you can)
"Change your mind to transform your hair." (Essence, 2018)
This is a brief article introducing biological hair problems. Age does play a part in this process as well.
Thanks for reading!
Mandal, A. (2017, August 03). What is Oxidative Stress? Retrieved June 20, 2018, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Oxidative-Stress.aspx
Doni, DR. (2014, February 10). 5 Signs of Oxidative Stress and 7 Ways You Can Stop It. Retrieved June 20, 2018, from https://doctordoni.com/2014/10/5-signs-of-oxidative-stress/
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