Hair is composed of protein. It grows from the hair follicles that lie within the skin's dermis layer. Hair grows up and through the epidermis and beyond, to varying lengths, as both a mark of beauty and for body warmth.
Protein, including hair protein, is composed of linear chains. Amino acids help build new cells and play important roles in metabolism. Cysteine, methionine, cystine, arginine and lysine are the five types of amino acids that have an effect on hair growth. Amino acids are available in supplement form to promote rapid hair growth.
Function
Properly balanced diets include sufficient amounts of protein that promote whole body health. Protein intake is important for healthy organs, muscles, ligaments, glands, nails and hair. Long-term protein intake deficiency causes the body to stop hair growth and it eventually loses its hair. Make dietary proteins, which are composed of hair-promoting amino acids, 1/6 of your daily diet. Grains, seeds, eggs, fish and lean meat are some common protein-rich foods.
Cysteine
L-Cysteine is an amino acid that is known to promote hair growth. It improves hair quality and texture, and it is known to double the length of hair. L-Cysteine also prevents hair from falling out, and it has a detoxifying effect in the body.
L-Cystine
L-Cystine is an amino acid that is an essential element in the formation of both skin and hair. L-Cystine also increases the body's immunity against disease.
L-Methionine
L-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps against premature hair loss. It also improves hair texture, quality and growth.
L-Lysine
Lysine promotes hair growth. It is important in the function of many proteins, and it is an essential amino acid that is necessary for overall growth. Lysine is not produced within the body. As an essential amino acid, lysine must be consumed.
L-Arginine
Arginine is very important for growth, including hair growth. It stimulates growth hormone release and is important for metabolic processes.
Considerations
While amino acids are naturally available in several foods, they can be purchased as supplements. They are available in powders, as well as tablets and capsules. These amino acids are produced from yeast proteins or egg and other animal proteins.
Consult your doctor or health care professional about taking amino acid therapy for hair growth.
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