Does Spirulina Speed Up Hair Growth?
Many men and women suffering from thinning hair or baldness are in search of any products or remedies available to aide them in regrowing their lost hair. One such product they have turned to is spirulina. Spirulina is a type of algae, boasting an array of proteins and vitamins, potentially providing many positive health benefits. This algae has, among other attributes, amino acids, essential fatty acids, Vitamin A and beta carotene. It is claimed that spirulina can speed up hair growth and aide in the return of a full head of hair.
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Warnings
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While at this time, no side effects or other harmful risks to one's health have been documented in using spirulina, that doesn't mean there aren't unknown adverse effects. Because the FDA doesn't have a strict set of regulations regarding products sold as vitamins or natural remedies, there may not be enough substantial research to determine if spirulina is completely safe.
Identification
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Spirulina is easily digested when eaten, and is made up of about 70 percent protein along with an amount of healthy fats. It most often comes in a powder form to be combined with water and drunk. It has a unique smell and taste that may repel some people, especially young children, and is similar to that of seaweed. It can be added to recipes or combined with other foods if it can't be taken by itself, but it will lose some of its nutritional benefits.
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Potential
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Spirulina is also used externally to promote hair growth. In addition to consuming spirulina, users apply shampoo and conditioning treatments that contain this algae. These products can be purchased online or in specialty stores, and are used much in the same way as traditional hair care products.
Benefits
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Alopecia is an auto immune disease that causes sufferers to lose their hair at an alarming rate. Alopecia affects both men and women, and is not limited solely to the scalp. Those with the disease lose their hair in clumps and across their body, face and scalp. It can leave the patient with only bald spots, or complete baldness
depending on the case. The hair follicles themselves are attacked and destroyed by the body's immune system, leading to hair loss. Those diagnosed with alopecia often turn to such alternative medicine remedies such as spirulina to deter further loss of hair and give the hope of hair renewal.
Considerations
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Spirulina is just one of the many different hair replenishing products or procedures. It is by far a less invasive approach than hair plug surgeries or other operations, and may be more appealing or less expensive than other topical treatments. While spirulina is attested by many to have helped them, others have found it ineffectual. This may be because everyone will react differently to the same stressors and remedies. Along with a supposed hair restoring effect, spirulina does offer an array of different health benefits that you may find provides you with a different positive result.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of brandi sims
