Low impact exercise has many positive health effects, but hair growth isn’t really one of them. Hair growth is a natural three-phase process; growth is not directly enhanced by exercise.
Low Impact Exercise & Hair Growth
However, the hair growth process can be interrupted by physical and metal health issues, resulting in hair loss. Low impact exercise cannot make your hair grow, but regular exercise can enhance your mood and health. Thus, discouraging interruptions in the natural hair cycle. So, while it can’t reverse hair thinning, low impact exercise might reduce some health problems that lead to hair loss.
How Hair Grows
Hair grows in a repeating cycle of three phases. A new hair shaft forms during the first phase — or anagen phase. It’s nourished by blood and grows, which takes from two to eight years.
The next phase, or catagen phase, lasts for two to four weeks. The hair is pushed away from the blood supply and stops growing.
In the final resting — or telogen phase, which lasts two to four months, the hair is no longer nourished but doesn’t fall out.
After the final phase, the hair growth cycle is complete. And, the first phase starts over again, pushing out the old hair shaft and forming a new one. As a natural part of the process, 50 to 100 hairs are lost each day so new hair can grow.
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair is lost temporarily or permanently when the hair growth cycle ends, but a new hair shaft isn’t formed. There are many things that can disrupt the growth cycle and cause hair loss. These include: poor nutrition, medication, stress and illness.
Some people experience hair loss about three months after the start of a stressful period of their lives. If the stress continues, the hair loss continues for about three months more. Sometimes even longer for some people after things calm down. Some medications that treat heart problems, high blood pressure and depression can cause temporary hair loss. Both men and women can experience hair loss caused by hormonal changes related to aging.
Hair Happiness and Health
Decrease your chances of experiencing stress related hair loss by keeping your body and mind in good health. During low impact exercise, you release endorphins and other feel-good hormones. They can make you feel happier and reduce the effects of stress.
For good physical health, at least 150 minutes of low impact exercise is recommended. Or, at least 75 minutes of vigorous cardio exercise, to maintain a healthy heart and veins. This optimizes circulation and reduces inflammation, which can have positive effects on your skin, hair and nails.
Food For Healthy Hair
Low protein and low iron diet can also cause hair loss. Cardio depletes iron supplies, and young female athletes and vegetarians are at the greatest risk of developing anemia.
Iron-rich foods, including red meat, fish, poultry, spinach and beans — can prevent low iron levels caused by exercise.
Avoid hair loss from protein deficiency with a diet that includes a minimum of 46 grams of protein each day for women and 56 grams for men.
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