‘The
Power and Significance of Hair’
Dr.
Birooreet B. Israel
Many people think of hair as just something
to enhance one's physical appearance. However, hair is very significant
on many levels. Not only is it a barometer for one's level of
health, but it is crucial on both a physical and spiritual level.
Today, I will provide information on the importance of hair, how
to have healthy hair, and on male pattern baldness.
Hair is an outgrowth of the skin found only
in mammals. It is an organ of the body (1). The hair follicle
is the only organ of the body that undergoes a continuous cycle
of growth (2). The phases are as follows:
1. anagen: the growing phase, lasting 2 to 10 years; the length
of the hair is determined by how long this cycle lasts.
2. catagen: a transition between the growing and resting cycle
3. telogen: the rest cycle; no hair growth; hair is just waiting
to fall out.
The human scalp is covered with approximately 100,000 hair follicles.
On average, we loose 50 to 100 hairs per day. Nevertheless, we
do not notice it, since we randomly loose these hairs. The average
rate of hair growth is about 6 to 7 inches per year- on the top
of your head. The rate is much slower for the hairs on other body
parts (1).
Hair serves a number of different functions.
It provides insulation both from the cold and from the heat. It
can also provide protection for the skin against abrasions and
cuts. Moreover, the hair on your head can buffer impacts to the
skull and can protect against ultraviolet rays
(1). Additionally, hair helps to supply the pituitary gland with
phosphorus (the mineral associated with intellect and brain functioning).
Eyelashes and eyebrows are protective to the eyes. Furthermore,
the hair in the ear canal and nasal passages can help to filter
out particles and pathogens thus protecting our internal organs
(2). Also, hair helps to produce vitamin D for the body. The hair
on your head, coupled with the oil in it, interacts with the sun
to produce vitamin D. Your hair acts like an antenna. It has been
shown that hair tied in a 'knot' on top of the head is capable
of attracting the maximum amount of heat energy from the sun -like
unto an antenna
(3). Recall, when one gains static electricity,
his or her hair stands on end. Hair also receives 'energy' for
the brain from the sun. So, it is conceivable that hair plays
a vital role in ones' intellectual capacity
• The hair in the ear canal and nasal
passages can help to filter out particles and pathogens thus protecting
our internal organs.
• Also, hair helps to produce vitamin
D for the body. Vitamin D protects from fatal diseases like tuberculosis.
Significant research has revealed that the longer the hair, the
more will be the production of vitamin D.
• To some extent, genetics plays a role
in hair growth potential, but diet is key. Omega 3 fatty acids-
found in flax seeds promotes hair growth and prevents baldness.
Also, vitamin B-12 and folic acid are key in the cell renewal
required to grow hair.
• Malnourishment of the hair follicles
is primarily caused by the clogging of the fine capillaries with
mucous forming foods- especially dairy, cooked grains, and meat.
Hair follicles are organs. Like other organs
of the body, they require proper nourishment. Malnourishment of
the hair follicles is primarily caused by the clogging of the
fine capillaries with mucous forming foods- especially dairy,
cooked grains, and meat. Consuming foods such as aloe vera (internally
and externally), wheat grass (internally and externally, it can
be applied to the scalp), MSM, and hemp seeds will stimulate hair
growth and prevent hair loss). These are all mineral-rich foods.
Premature graying is also caused by a deficiency in B complex
vitamins and trace minerals- especially copper deficiencies. Rejuvelac
and wheatgrass have been show to restore color to gray hair- over
time if ingested consistently.
Also, keep in mind that commercial shampoos and conditioners contain
highly toxic chemicals that damage scalp/hair over time. So, strive
to use organic plant-based shampoos that do not contain additives
such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). One can even wash the hair
with a dilute solution of pure lemon or pure orange juice and
can condition the hair with aloe gel (5). Also, perms and synthetic
dyes have been shown to cause cancer and other diseases.
Our hair is very important- more than just for aesthetic reasons.
Thus, we should not damage nor abuse it. Also, we should make
an effort to prevent hair loss and to promote hair growth. This
can primarily be done through diet.