02 May 2022

Why does our hair thin as we get older?

Why Does Our Hair Thin As We Get Older Blog Image

No, unfortunately you’re not imagining it, as we age our hair becomes thinner. This affects both men and women and there are a number of reasons for this change.

Loss of appetite

As we age, we lose muscle tissue, unless we’re making a concerted effort to build it up. Understandably, less muscle mass means less energy is required to power these muscles, which in turn affects our appetite. Poor appetite is one of the leading causes in hair loss and thinning, bone fractures and muscle deterioration. This is because we’re not consuming enough of the macro and micronutrients we need for good hair health. So, it’s important to get the right balance and a good supplement could be useful.

Poor gut efficiency

Our gut becomes less efficient at absorbing nutrients through our diet as we age. Lower levels of stomach acid can affect the absorption of key nutrients. This includes those required for good hair health.

Hormone fluctuations

The perimenopause (the years before the menopause) can be a time of immense hormonal fluctuations, which directly affects your hair, skin and nails. Excessive, prolonged or under secretion of hormones can directly affect the health of the dermis: the site of dermal papilla where blood vessels nourish your hair follicle. So, try to eat nutritious foods to ensure your body has everything it needs to regulate itself properly. This can help us combat hair thinning as we get older. 

Low hydration levels

Did you know, water plays a key role in your hair’s health? Water not only makes up approximately 55% of your total blood volume, the key fluid for nourished hair; it is also required for your hair follicles to grow optimally - new proteins can only occur in the presence of well-hydrated cells. So, to stay well-hydrated aim to drink at least two litres of water daily. It will help fight hair thinning and loss. 

Too much caffeine

If you’re a tea or coffee lover, keep a check on exactly how much you’re drinking. Drinking too much isn’t a good thing. Both tea and coffee act as a diuretic and drinking more than three cups a day could be more dehydrating than hydrating. So, if a hot beverage is your weakness, try switching up your caffeinated cups for herbal teas and non-caffeinated brews.

 

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