Is Saw Palmetto For Hair Loss Really Effective?

With baldness becoming such a common problem, more and more people are now turning to natural solutions for it. Of these natural solutions, Saw Palmetto is a prominent one. Let's find out if taking Saw Palmetto for hair loss is really going to help you or not.

To be able to evaluate the effectiveness of Saw Palmetto for hair loss, we first need to understand the root cause behind this loss of hair.

Apart from hormonal surges in some conditions and treatments for severe illnesses, the major cause of hair loss in both men and women is Androgenic Alopecia.

In this condition, the androgen hormone in the body produces a derivative known as Dihydrotestostrone (DHT). This DHT attaches itself to the hair follicles and prevents them from producing thick, healthy hair.

First, the new hairs begin to become a bit thinner than normal. Then the follicle gets completely shrunk and is not able to produce new hair at all. This lack of supply of new hair to replace the old ones, results in thinning hair and baldness on the scalp.

Now, let's see what Saw Palmetto can do in this situation.

This herb has traditionally been used by Native Americans as a tonic. It is also very beneficial in case of urinary infections.

But recent research has shown that this herb is very effective at preventing hair loss too. It prevents the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme from converting the testosterone in the blood into DHT.

The blockade of DHT is just what is needed by the follicles to start producing new hair and reverse the baldness effectively. The added advantage is - as this is a natural ingredient; Saw Palmetto doesn't have any side effects too.

However, just relying on this herb may limit the results you get. If you add other nutrients like Vitamin B complex and minerals such as Zinc and Magnesium to your diet, then the quality and the rate of your hair re-growth will be even better.

You can even consider using the FDA approved ingredient Minoxidil. Similar to the effect of using Saw Palmetto for hair loss, this ingredient also inhibits the DHT in your blood and prevents it from harming the hair follicles in your scalp.

Using Saw Palmetto for hair loss can be a smart move if you want to get a full head of hair back. Just supplement it with other effective ingredients and you will get even faster results.

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4 Facts You Need to Know About Saw Palmetto For Hair Loss

herbs hair saw palmetto

Fact 1: It is a Herb

Saw palmetto for hair loss is actually a herb that naturally grows in Northern America. The use of this herb has many benefits to the human body. Its medical name is Serenoa repens and it is harvested from a small palm tree found in the United States. The herb is actually an extract from the fruits of the tree.

Fact 2: It is used in the Prevention of Prostate Cancer

Its most common use in the medical world is perhaps its use in the treatment of prostate problems. Saw Palmetto supplements are used by men suffering from prostate and urinary tract inflammations. The herb has proven to have the ability to improve urinary flow by inhibiting testosterone from causing prostate enlargements.

Fact 3: It Promotes Hair Growth

I take it that the main reason you are reading this article is to learn more about saw palmetto for hair loss. Besides its amazing ability to prevent prostate enlargements, the herb has the ability to boost hair growth.

Hairloss is primarily caused by DHT, a hormone that prevents hair-follicles from absorbing nutrients via the scalp. DHT is formed when testosterone interacts with an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase. The reason Saw Palmetto prevents balding is because it inhibits the 5 alpha reductase enzyme from interacting with testosterone to form the follicle killing DHT hormone.

Fact 4: Side Effects can be Reduced by Taking Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss with Food

Like many medications, saw palmetto has side effects, however none of them are severe and their effects can be reduced by taking the supplements with food.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3985946