We all want our hair to be healthy, shiny and full. But the reality is often different. So what happens when your hair is suddenly dry and brittle, or when it even starts to fall out? Many people use nutritional supplements. Zinc, in particular, promises to work wonders. In this article, we look at zinc for hair loss. We explain the causes of hair loss and how to recognise zinc deficiency.

What is zinc

Zinc is one of the most important minerals for healthy hair. It plays a crucial role in the metabolic processes needed to grow and maintain strong hair. Zinc is also essential for the building and structuring of our hair, so it’s no surprise that zinc deficiency can be the cause of hair loss. Fortunately, zinc supplementation can be an effective treatment for hair loss. It helps to rebalance the body and promote a healthy scalp.  The human body contains a very small amount of zinc, about 2-3 grams. Because the body cannot produce and only stores small amounts of zinc, it must be obtained from food.

Why does your hair need zinc and how does it work for you?

Hair has a considerable need for zinc. Without zinc, cell division cannot occur and hair cannot grow. Zinc is mainly involved in the formation of collagen, which helps to anchor the hair to the skin. It also plays an important role in the overall structure of the hair.

• Zinc is involved in the formation of keratin: Keratin is the most important component of hair. It is this protein that makes the hair elastic and gives it strength.
• Zinc promotes healthy growth of the hair: Energy metabolism is activated. This keeps the scalp healthy and hair growing faster by improving the supply of nutrients to the hair root cells.
• Zinc is involved in the metabolism of the amino acid cystine: Cystine is an important building block for hair and its structural strength.
• Zinc protects against inflammation at the root of the hair: it neutralises free radicals and calms overreacting immune systems.
• Zinc regulates the sebaceous glands: it prevents excessive sebum production, which is responsible for pimples, acne and inflammation.

A regular supply of zinc is essential for healthy hair. This can be done through zinc-containing foods or dietary supplements. A hair analysis will show if there is enough zinc in the hair structure.

If there is a deficiency, it should be corrected as soon as possible. Timely action can prevent greying and hair loss. Only if the hair is supplied with all the necessary substances can it remain strong and healthy for as long as possible.

What are the signs of zinc deficiency?

Because zinc has many functions in the body, a zinc deficiency can manifest itself through many different symptoms. It is very important for metabolic processes that we get enough vitamins, trace elements and minerals.

The symptoms can be divided into physical and mental symptoms.

The following physical symptoms are indicative of zinc deficiency:

• Dull and brittle hair.
• Dry and itchy scalp
• Increased dandruff
• Hair loss
• Early greying
• Weakened immune system

The main mental and emotional symptoms of zinc deficiency are:

• Feeling tired
• Listlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low motivation
• Zinc deficiency can also trigger depression and worsen an existing depression.

You can find out if you have a zinc deficiency by having a blood test done by your doctor. On the other hand, you can take a zinc supplement and see for yourself how your symptoms develop. After four weeks, symptoms usually improve.

An unhealthy diet and eating junk food can lead to zinc deficiency. However, there are also some foods that can adversely affect zinc absorption. These include soft drinks, coffee and cola. The calcium in milk also inhibits the absorption of zinc.

If you take iron tablets, these can also cause zinc deficiency. In this case, you should see a doctor.

As you can see, zinc is very important for your body. Make sure that you are getting enough of it.

Which zinc is best for immune system?

The best form of zinc for the immune system is the one that is easily absorbed and utilised by the body. The most commonly recommended forms of zinc for immune support include zinc gluconate, zinc acetate and zinc citrate. It is also important to note that too much zinc can be harmful.

What types of hair loss can be helped by taking zinc?

Zinc supplementation can be helpful in the treatment of certain types of hair loss. If too many hairs get caught in the brush when you comb your hair in the morning, this is a sign that you have a zinc deficiency. This is called diffuse alopecia, and the hair loss is evenly distributed over the entire head.

A link between zinc deficiency and hair loss has been confirmed for circular hair loss in particular. This is an autoimmune disease in which round, bald patches appear on the head or in the beard. The bald patches become larger and more pronounced the greater the zinc deficiency. Zinc soothes the scalp and protects the hair root from inflammation caused by the immune system. Some researchers believe that zinc tablets can help with circular hair loss.

Conclusion

Taking zinc can help with hair loss caused by zinc deficiency. It depends on the right dose and how long you take it. Many studies have also shown that zinc is effective for circular hair loss. It supports the production of collagen and keratin. It also protects the hair root from inflammation, which can lead to hair loss.

Zinc Hydrolizine is particularly effective due to its high bioavailability. It promotes nutrient delivery to hair root cells and can fight harmful free radicals. Zinc, combined with a balanced diet, proper hair care and stress reduction, can stop hair loss and promote hair growth. You can also read our other article about hair loss after pregnancy.

After pregnancy, your hair falls out? This can be very worrying. But the good news is: the problem of hair loss will pass. Hair loss after pregnancy is normal. In this article, you will learn what hair loss after pregnancy is all about and what you can do about it.

Is hair loss after pregnancy normal?

Yes, it is absolutely normal. As with so many changes in the female body, sex hormones play a big role in hair loss. In the period between fertilisation and birth, oestrogen levels rise sharply. It gives most women, among other things, a particularly clear, beautiful complexion, strong nails and shiny, full hair. This is because oestrogen slows down the natural process of hair growth and loss, the hair cycle. More precisely, the hair stays longer in the growth phase.

Does hair loss after pregnancy grow back?

Pregnancy can cause many changes in a woman’s body, including hair loss. For some women, pregnancy-related hair loss can be temporary and the hair will grow back after the baby is born. For others, however, it may take longer for the hair to grow back. Fortunately, there are several ways to speed up healthy hair growth after pregnancy. These include eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, using special shampoos and taking supplements if necessary. With these tips, many women can look forward to regaining their pre-pregnancy hair volume in no time.

How long does hair loss last after pregnancy?

In most cases, hormone levels normalise after three to six months, and the hair life cycle returns to normal. In some cases, it can take up to a year for hair loss to disappear after pregnancy and hormone changes.

What to do against hair loss after pregnancy?

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about hair loss. After pregnancy and birth, your body needs rest and time to regenerate. The exertions of childbirth, lack of sleep, stress and malnutrition can increase hair loss. Therefore, take the following advice to heart:

• Allow your body to rest.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Use gentle shampoos to protect your hair and scalp.
• If you have longer hair, wear it loose. A plait or ponytail increases mechanical irritation and makes it easier to fall out.
• A scalp massage stimulates the blood circulation in the scalp.
• Avoid stress and situations that make you feel uncomfortable. 
• Use good combs and brushes that do not roughen the horny layer.
• Avoid hairstyles that are tied too tightly and pull on the scalp. They can increase hair loss or cause inflammation of the hair follicles, which can cause hair loss.

In medical terminology, two terms are used for bad breath: “Foeter ex ore” and “Halitosis”. They are often used synonymously. Bad breath is a big problem for many people and in many ways an uncomfortable taboo subject. Although bad breath rarely indicates a serious health problem, it is extremely unpleasant for those affected. For many of those affected, this is initially incomprehensible, as they often do not even notice the bad smell. Bad breath is usually caused by insufficient oral hygiene. Then the bacteria responsible for the bad breath multiply. Read here how to get rid of it.

Causes of bad breath

Bad breath usually comes directly from the mouth or throat. Only rarely can the stomach or oesophagus be the cause of bad breath. The most common cause is irregular brushing of the teeth. An unpleasant-smelling, shameful plaque forms. Dozens of bacteria from food residues, dead cells and blood accumulate in the mouth, which is unhealthy for dental hygiene. They adhere to teeth, gum pockets and defective fillings. Bacteria also settle on our tongue. Among other things, these microorganisms excrete sulphur compounds in our mouths that are unpleasant to the human nose. Bad breath can also be caused by low saliva flow. This happens, for example, when we sleep or talk too much, smoke or drink very little. Generally, unpleasant odours coming from the mouth occur after eating. The main causes are also: smoking, alcohol, garlic or onions.
However, if the bad breath lasts longer, you should see a doctor, because then there may be invisible diseases or inflammations. This could be caries or tonsillitis, for example. But the sinuses can also be affected. Diabetes, kidney failure and stress can also be the result of bad breath. However, this is a rather rare case. However, you must seek treatment immediately.
You can use a cotton swab to test if you have bad breath. Hold the cotton swab near your throat, scrape off some of the tongue coatings and take a sample of the smell. However, as you are already used to your breath, you may not notice the unpleasant smell. If you are concerned, you should ask someone you trust about your bad breath.

How to get rid of it

• Tip 1: Regular brushing is of course the most important prerequisite for fresh breath. Electric toothbrushes achieve better results than normal toothbrushes. You should also floss your interdental spaces once a day. Mouthwashes can also help.
• Tip 2: Not only your teeth but also your tongue should be cleaned regularly. Some toothbrushes have rubber elevations at the back of the brush head that makes it easier to clean the tongue. There are also special tongue brushes. Don’t be afraid to use toothpaste to clean your tongue.
• Tip 3: Drinking plenty of fluids is very important. Water or tea is best, especially black tea. This promotes fresh breath. The polyphenols in tea can inhibit the growth of specific bacteria that cause bad breath.

How to get rid of it with naturally

• Tip 1: Herbs are an old household trick against bad breath. The essential oils of parsley suppress annoying odours for a short time. If you chew on parsley, peppermint or sage for about ten minutes, your breath will become fresh again relatively quickly.
• Tip 2: Chewing ginger, fennel seeds, coffee beans, cloves or juniper berries also inhibits bad-smelling breath. That’s why peppermint and fennel tea are also good for bad breath.
• Tip 3: Chlorophyll binds bad odours and is available as lozenges in pharmacies.
• Tip 4: Natural yoghurt is said to dispel unpleasant odours. The yoghurt should not contain sugar and should not be sweetened.

Cucumber is not only a super beauty weapon for a natural glow and fresh skin: the versatile vegetable can also help you lose weight. Cucumbers are the lowest calorie food and are healthy for the pancreas, support digestion. They are also rich in minerals, vitamins, enzymes and trace elements. In this article, we reveal how the cucumber diet works.

Is the cucumber diet healthy?

In addition to helping to lose weight, cucumber also helps many ailments such as joint pain and rheumatism. Due to its high water content, cucumber also fights constipation, calms the heart and strengthens connective tissue. 100 g of cucumber is only 14 cal in total. Therefore, the cucumber is a real slimming aid and can be eaten in large quantities during diets without a guilty conscience.

Cucumbers are good for our health and are especially refreshing in summer. Their high water content keeps the body hydrated. Cucumbers are rich in good nutrients and antioxidants that can help treat and even prevent some diseases. For all these reasons, we can conclude that the cucumber diet is healthy.

What makes the cucumber so valuable?

But why is the cucumber considered such a wonder weapon? There are several reasons:

• It contains a lot of bitter substances. These stimulate fat burning and the liver and curb the desire for sweets.
• Thanks to the tartaric acid contained in the cucumber, the body cannot store carbohydrates as fat but can convert them directly into energy.
• The enzymes contained in the cucumber kill bad bacteria in your intestines.
• Potassium and magnesium as alkaline minerals balance out, and the body now no longer has to store excess acids in the fat cells.
  The cucumber consists of 95 percent water. This means that many active ingredients are supplied to the body in an optimally diluted form.
• The cucumber has only 14 kcal per 100 g.
  Thanks to the fiber, digestion is promoted and the metabolism is relieved.
• As you can see, this vegetable can do a lot! However, you should not rely exclusively on cucumbers – because so-called mono-diets can lead to dangerous deficiency symptoms and health risks!

How the cucumber diet works

Unlike many other diets that quickly become monotonous, the cucumber diet has several variants to choose from. It is advisable to combine them. This provides variety on the table and helps to persevere with the weight loss variant. Cucumbers contain many valuable ingredients – so it’s worth integrating them into your daily diet! However, a mono diet in which only cucumbers are eaten is less advisable. If you return to your old eating habits afterwards, you will quickly put on the unloved kilos again.

Method 1: Incorporate as much cucumber as possible into your meals. Alternatively, you can replace one meal a day with a recipe that includes cucumber.

Method 2: Have a piece of cucumber before each normal meal, this will fill your stomach and make you feel fuller faster.

Method 3: Squeeze the cucumber and drink it as cucumber juice every morning. At lunch and dinner, combine the cucumber juice with cucumber salad (with little oil or yoghurt). Combine it as a side dish with all kinds of food, you will feel full faster and eat less.

Methods can be combined

Just try out which method suits you best to integrate cucumbers into your diet. You can also combine the different variants or change them daily. The only important thing is that you don’t just eat cucumbers. Even though vegetable contains many important nutrients, a diet that is too one-sided always carries the risk of deficiency symptoms.

However, the cucumber diet is a healthy weight-loss method that does not make you hungry and keeps you full.

Black cumin oil is a real secret tip from naturopathy and can have many positive effects on your health. As part of a healthy, balanced diet, it can have anti-inflammatory and blood pressure-lowering effects. In this article, learn how black cumin oil strengthens the immune system and your health and how you can use it.

What is black cumin oil?

As the name suggests, black cumin oil is extracted from the seeds of the black cumin plant, botanically called “Nigella sativa”. Black cumin has been cultivated for thousands of years in the West Asian region (Turkey, Iraq) and is valued as a spice and medicinal plant. Found Papyrus Scrolls prove that even the ancient Egyptians called black cumin oil “the gold of the pharaohs”. A bottle of it was even found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

How to make black cumin oil

Two different types of oil can be obtained from black cumin: a normal edible oil and essential oil. To produce the edible oil, the seeds of the black cumin plant are first dried and then cold-pressed. This preserves the ingredients better. The essential oil is extracted through a special evaporation process. Up to 60 kilograms of black cumin seeds are needed for one litre.

Theoretically, you could also make the whole thing yourself: To do this, put about 500 grams of black cumin seeds together with one litre of olive oil in a preserving jar and leave the whole thing in a warm place for about three weeks. Then filter out the seeds again. However, the ingredients of the self-made variant cannot be compared with those of mechanically cold-pressed oil.

Black cumin oil contains important nutrients

Black cumin oil consists of 60 percent polyunsaturated fatty acids, followed by 20 to 25 percent monounsaturated fatty acids. The highest proportion is oleic acid, linoleic acid and saponins (they belong to the secondary plant substances). It also contains essential oils and essential amino acids such as L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine. These in turn are basic building blocks of the messenger substances adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine. In addition to the minerals biotin, selenium and magnesium, black cumin oil also contains various vitamins – such as provitamin A, various B vitamins, as well as vitamin C and vitamin E.

What is black cumin oil good for?

Black cumin oil is said to have innumerable health effects in the most diverse areas. In naturopathy it is used in particular for the following complaints:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Digestive problems
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Alleviation of the side effects of chemotherapy
• Skin diseases such as acne or neurodermatitis

Black cumin is also said to strengthen the immune system and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Intake, use and dosage

The uses of black cumin oil are manifold. It can be used both internally and externally. Since the oil tastes and smells very intense, it is rather difficult to integrate it into daily nutrition. Therefore, it is usually taken as a supplement and is also available in capsule form. Regarding dosage, it also recommends: “Studies have applied up to five milliliters of oil (equivalent to half a tablespoon to a tablespoon) or three grams of seeds.” However, experts say that the additional calories taken should not be ignored. For external use, for example against acne, the oil can be applied undiluted to the affected skin areas. However, if you suffer from neurodermatitis, you should dilute it with carrier oil. Argan oil, for example, is suitable for this.

Can side effects occur?

In principle, side effects rarely occur when using or taking black cumin oil. Studies have reported that occasionally itching or nausea may occur. Another study also mentions a slight drop in blood sugar levels. Only rarely have allergic skin reactions occurred. According to experts, a contact allergy cannot be ruled out in the case of local application. They also advise against taking black seed oil on an empty stomach, as it can irritate the stomach lining. Another reported side effect is increased belching.

In general, experts recommend stopping treatment with black seed oil immediately if there are signs of side effects. Pregnant women should also refrain from taking it in concentrated form to be on the safe side, as a labour-inducing effect cannot be ruled out.

You can check out our other useful articles about health here.

It is undeniable that aloe vera has a wonderfully cooling and truly refreshing effect on the skin. But why should you use the plant’s gel only for external application? Treat yourself to a glass of tangy, fruity aloe vera juice and get your digestion and immune system going. What freshly squeezed aloe vera juice is all about and what health effects the juice can have, we reveal in this article.

How to make the aloe vera juice

The gel of aloe vera works wonders when applied to the skin. The cooling effect and the anti-inflammatory effect have already made many sunburns heal faster. But it’s no secret that our skin is generally happy about the rich vitamins and nutrients contained in the gel. But aloe vera is not only suitable for applying to irritated skin, you can also drink juice from the fresh gel.

Meanwhile, many manufacturers sell freshly squeezed aloe vera juice even in conventional supermarkets. For the production, the leaves of aloe vera are thoroughly peeled. The greenish-yellow layer under the bark is also removed to get rid of unhealthy leaf substances. The gel is then cold pressed in mechanical processes and bottled – ready is the pure juice. However, the juices are also available as mixed juices, where aloe vera is blended with others, usually citrus juices. Aloe vera juice is rich in important nutrients, such as:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Iron
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Sodium

These health effects can have aloe vera juice

May stimulate digestion

When cold-pressing aloe vera juice from the fruit gel, it is impossible to avoid the transfer of some components from the marginal layers between the pulp and the leaf bark into the juice. Why is this important? There are many anthraquinones in the leaf rinds and the juice between the gel and the rind. These natural plant compounds have a laxative effect. Components of aloe vera have already been successfully used in preparations against constipation. But don’t worry, although some anthraquinones pass into the juice during juice production, it does not have a laxative effect. Rather, the juice is said to have a digestive effect. Sometimes the small amounts of anthraquinones seem to stimulate digestion.

It can help plump up the skin

The gel of the aloe vera plant, which is so wonderfully cooling, can soothe irritation and have an anti-inflammatory effect when applied to the skin. But can the skin also benefit when we drink tart, fruity juice? According to some small studies, yes! Researchers found in a 2020 study that skin’s protective function, elasticity and moisture content improved in volunteers and subjects who consumed 40 micrograms of aloe sterols daily over 12 weeks. Sterols belong to the group of membrane lipids. In other words, they are vegetable fats that are used to build cells. Taken orally, the sterols from aloe vera juice appear to have a positive effect on the collagen content of the skin.

Protection through antioxidants

Antioxidants are natural substances that can inhibit the harmful effects of free radicals. With the help of antioxidants, which also include vitamins, highly reactive and aggressive free oxygen compounds, which are formed as by-products of metabolic processes in our body, can be rendered harmless. Free radicals cause cell damage through oxidation. The good news is that aloe vera juice is enormously rich in antioxidant substances. First and foremost, the super substance vitamin C, which strengthens our immune system and can protect the cells of our body from oxidation. In addition, aloe vera juice also contains cell-protecting vitamin E and vitamin A. The latter is enormously important for the health of our skin cells and hair. By the way, many studies have proven that aloe vera is very effective as an anti-inflammatory agent and supports the fat metabolism of the body.

Can soothe the gums

Those who frequently suffer from gingivitis, aphthae or other inflammations of the oral mucosa can sometimes accelerate healing with aloe vera juice. The anti-inflammatory components of the fresh and cooling juice support the regeneration of the mucous membranes. The mild antibacterial effect also prevents the proliferation of bacteria that irritate weakened gums and oral mucosa. So the next time you have discomfort, feel free to take a few sips of the refreshingly tart juice.

You can check out our other useful articles about health here.