If you are just beginning a rigorous fitness routine, there are a few things you need to be aware of. Exercise is the ideal way to enhance your body’s overall health. Cardiovascular activities can:
- Boost the immune system
- Decrease the chance of osteoporosis
- Encourage better sleep patterns
- Improve circulation
- Burn calories
- Lower the risk of heart disease
- And much more
However, not all the side effects of regular exercise are good. If you aren’t careful, excessive exercising can be bad for your hair’s health.
Let’s First Understand Hair Loss
Hair loss is a big, complicated topic. Doctors have spent years researching the truth about hair loss and the various causes. For the most part, hair loss can be categorized two ways – temporary or permanent.
Wile there are still a lot of unanswered questions, it is generally understood that permanent hair loss is a result of a genetic predisposition. On the other hand, temporary hair loss is caused by one or more unhealthy lifestyle choices.
The effects of temporary hair loss are usually easy to reverse. However, you must first identify the cause of the hair loss before you can take action to restore a natural hair growth cycle.
Exercise, Hair Loss and Nutrition
The more you exercise the more calories you will burn. If you have recently shifted from a sedentary lifestyle to a much more active one, you need to be mindful of your calorie consumption. You can’t consume the same limited number of calories as before if you want to remain healthy.
Poor nutrition is the leading cause of temporary hair loss. If you aren’t consuming enough nutrients, your hair will definitely bare witness to that fact.
Your body prioritizes the distribution of nutrients based on each organ’s need. Vital organs – like your heart, brain, etc. – receive their nutrients first. Your hair, skin, and nails are at the very bottom of this priority list – they only receive whatever is left over.
In order for your hair to get the vitamins and minerals it needs, you should be eating plenty of healthy, vitamin-rich foods. Look for foods that are high in:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Protein
- Folate
- Beta carotene
- Zinc
- Biotin
- Iron
- Vitamin B and C
Too Much of a Good Thing
If poor nutrition is the leading cause of temporary hair loss, what is number two? Stress. While exercise is good for your body, excessive exercising is bad.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Make sure your workout schedule is right for your body and your physical capabilities. Don’t push yourself too hard too fast.
Exercising on a regular basis and training intensely can really stress your body. Look for ways to offset the stress. There are lots of stress management techniques. Find one that works for you. Make sure you stretch properly before exercising. Get plenty of rest and allow your body time to recuperate.
Keep your nutritional needs and stress levels in mind while exercising. Make sure the only side effects of your workout are healthy ones.
Guest author Jessica Velasco writes on various health and fitness topics. For example, she recently penned weight loss tips for people over 40.
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Categories: Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: hair loss, nutrition, Physical exercise, Stress management | Permalink