Premature greying of hair is being reported in youngsters and even very young children these days.
Most youngsters often opt to apply some kind of hair colors and try to hide the greys, but some may
flaunt it as a trendy salt and pepper appearance and carry it on stylishly. While the greying of hair was
seen in people over 45 or 50 years in earlier times, now it starts at a very young age and is no more a
characteristic of ageing.
However, such premature greying cannot be considered physiological.
The black color of our hair is due to small cells called melanocytes which are seen in abundance in Asians
and hence we have dark black hair. If the melanocytes are less, the hair will have a blonde appearance
as seen in several foreign nationals.
The greying of hair occurs when the melanocytes in the hair are destroyed. This happens when the
tissues where the hair is formed get deposition of hydrogen peroxide produced in the body and this in
turn destroys the melanocytes. Hydrogen peroxide is the first line of defense of our immune system
which is produced naturally to destroy the germs entering the body, to remove the dead cells and
genetically transformed cells in the body.
When there is a problem in any part of the body, hydrogen
peroxide is produced and concentrated in the region to destroy the harmful cells. Another enzyme in
the body called catalase then disintegrates the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen continuously.
When the catalase is reduced or when there is increased production of hydrogen peroxide, it gets
deposited in the hair strands and the melanocytes there are destroyed. This results in greying of the
hair.
Premature greying may occur due to the following reasons.
- Hereditary pattern of premature greying in the family is a major reason in addition to the
lifestyle and environmental modifications where people get greys early in their life. - Any kind of autoimmune diseases in our body. The hydrogen peroxide is actually produced for
the destruction of any foreign harmful agents, but in conditions of autoimmune diseases of any
organs of the body such as the thyroid, or in conditions like asthma or arthritis, the immune
system is hyperactive and hydrogen peroxide may be formed in excess amounts. This leads to
destruction of the melanocytes in the hair thereby causing greying of the hair. This is also seen
in cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy. Also, people are seen to have greying of
hair immediately after some kinds of surgeries due to the inflammation that occurs in the region
of surgery. - Other than this, the reduction of the enzyme catalase in genetic conditions and during increased
stress to the tissues in the body, greying of hair may occur. - Some kinds of colors and chemicals that are used on the hair may also lead to premature
greying of the hair. This is because of the hydrogen peroxide used as a bleaching agent in many
hair products. This destroys the melanin in the surrounding hair strands and the hair greys in
larger numbers.
There are a few foods which help to increase the catalase in people who have a tendency to premature
greying. The most important are the fruits and vegetables that supply protein, vitamins and minerals.
Green vegetables containing iron and folic acid, especially leafy vegetables must be consumed
religiously. Amaranth, drumstick leaves, punarnava leaves, peas leaves, coriander leaves, curry leaves,
etc., help to activate the catalase enzyme in our blood. The most important vitamins required are the B
complex vitamins which are seen in grains with bran, in vegetables, fish, and meat. Selenium, copper
and magnesium are the minerals that help improve the catalase enzymes. Selenium also greatly reduces
the inflammations in our body and is found in abundance in brazil nut, mushroom, salt water fishes,
shellfishes, etc. Copper is seen in abundance in honey, liver of animals, etc. Vegetables, fish, meats,
sprouted pulses and grains are rich sources of magnesium.
Almonds, carrot, beetroot, gooseberry, etc. must be included in the diet regularly. A few drops of
gooseberry juice in almond oil makes a good oil to massage into the scalp to prevent deposition of
hydrogen peroxide and protect the hair follicles.
Fishes that have omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna, mackerel, sardines, etc. must be consumed in
abundance. Sprouted wheat, fruits like cherry, apple, avocado, watermelon, etc., are seen to be very
good to improve the melanocytes in the hair follicles. Garlic, broccoli, carrot, sweet potato, etc. improve
the catalase enzyme and give the dark color to the hair.
Children with dry skin tendency, allergic tendency with persistent, sneezing, cold, nasal obstruction, etc.,
are seen to have greying of hair prematurely. This too can be prevented to a large extent by following a
healthy dietary regimen.