"I'm going grey!"
And that's exactly why I sat down and read up on why people go grey in the first place and whether there is a way to possibly inhibit greying or to strengthen hair growth and colour.
From my research I found the following:
Stress as the main cause of gray hair
When faced with mental and physical stress, the body is activated by a stress reaction and the body's functions adapt. Imagine that you get to safety at the last second before a serious accident happens. At the moment of recognition, a so-called "fight-or-flight reflex" takes place in your body. For example, you have:
- heightened senses
- reduced sensitivity to pain
- increased strength and performance
- dilated pupils
- nervousness
Why?
An amino acid (tyrosine) is converted in several conversion steps (body reaction) first to noradrenaline and then to adrenaline. These reactions take place in the adrenal medulla and in certain nerve cells (noradrenergic neurons) of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic nervous system) as well as in various brain cells. The two stress hormones are essential for human survival. That much is certain. But what effect do these reactions have elsewhere?
Research has shown that hair pigment stem cells also receive stress signals. The stress signal that reaches the cells consists of large amounts of the hormone and neurotransmitter noradrenaline. There it strongly stimulates the stem cells that are responsible for melanin production.
The stem cells divide and become adult melanin cells, which are formed and die much faster, so that no stem cells remain that could form new melanin cells. Melanin is the color pigment responsible for the natural color of the hair.
As we age, melanocyte activity slows down and the production of melanin gradually stops. As a result, hair loses its natural color and turns white.
So, on the one hand, too much stress and increasing age can be responsible for the hair that grows back being colorless.
Other symptoms can also occur, for example when adrenaline is activated as a reaction to everyday stress. Sleep disorders when your head is full of thoughts. Fears and worries also stimulate your body to release adrenaline and other stress-related hormones (eg cortisol).
As the body becomes increasingly exhausted under stress, the noradrenaline level may drop to very low levels. This is often observed in burnout syndrome.
What can I do now?
As described above, melanin formation is supported by the enzyme tyrosine. Some nutrients, vitamins, herbs, etc. can provide a valuable service here. Let's take a closer look.
Medicinal mushrooms against gray hair
QIDOSHA Reishi extract
Reishi has shown in studies to have a strong inhibitory effect on tyrosinase and melanin synthesis. The phenolic compounds in Reishi are an active component of tyrosinase inhibitors. Recently, scientific studies have shown that Reishi is the strongest inhibitor of the tyrosinase enzyme compared to other natural substances.
QIDOSHA Hericium extract
According to TCM, the ingredients of Hericium can promote the regeneration of nerve cells and the growth of nerve fibers.According to the teachings of Traditional Chinese Medicine, hedgehog beard can help to reduce the stress and unhealthy lifestyle to bring the disturbed organism back into a natural, healthy balance.
Ayurvedic herbs - anti-aging
QIDOSHA CLEAN with Guduch extract
Guduchi – a plant that is considered in Ayurveda to be tissue-cleansing, strengthening and rejuvenating.
QIDOSHA DEFENSE or QIDOSHA TRIPHALA with Amla
The Amla fruit is considered an insider tip against grey hair.
everyday tips
Of course, all other things that your reduce stress levels. For example
- Pranayama/breathing exercises
- Small Meditations
- Yoga or relaxing exercise such as a walk in the fresh air
- Conversations - "talking something off your chest"
- healthy and balanced diet
- regular exercise
- Reduce alcohol and coffee consumption