Hair loss is a common process due to genetic, pollution, and hormonal factors. People feel depressed when they start losing hair, irrespective of the cause of it. Many products are available to control hair loss and promote its growth. But we need to figure out whether they work or not. Hair loss can also be a reason for a deficiency of necessary vitamins in your diet. Vitamin K2 is such a vitamin that can help you fix the hair loss problem. In this article, we will explore vitamin K2 benefits for hair and food sources of vitamin K2
What Causes Acute Hair Loss?
Sometimes, even after taking so much care, hair loss happens. Many people know that several surgery options are available for men and women with good results. However, people do not choose hair transplantation initially and try to control it with remedies and supplements. Even if it is not happening, then people choose hair transplantation. There are two main reasons for hair loss, which most of us are not aware of.
Dominance of DHT
In most cases of hair loss, particularly pattern baldness, the main reason is Dihydrotestosterone or DHT. DHT is an androgen produced from its pre-cursor testosterone with the help of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. When the level of pre-cursor goes high, 5-alpha-reductase becomes dominant in our body and is more effective than testosterone. Studies proved that there is a relationship between androgen therapy and balding. Since then, many researchers have conducted experiments and concluded that high testosterone in our body could cause pattern baldness.
Scalp Calcification
Some hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and prolactin are 3 bad factors for balding. These hormones block the testosterone and lead to scalp calcification. Calcium deposits are formed in the skull because of these hormones. Due to the calcium deposits in our skull, the blood flow will be decreased in the veins that run throughout the scalp. The hair follicles shrink and lead to hair loss due to low blood circulation in the scalp.
Relation Between Vitamin K2 And Hair Loss
As we all know, testosterone and DHT are present in males. Similarly, they are also present in females to some extent, which can cause alopecia. Taking high-nutrient foods rich in vitamin K2 can treat Alopecia. Vitamin K2 is important to control calcium in our body, which causes scalp calcification. Calcium is an essential mineral for our physical system and its functionalities. It needs to be consumed in dietary form. Calcium and other nutrients are also required to maintain the optimal testosterone levels in our body. However, Vitamin K2 helps to stimulate Matrix GLA Protein, which helps to reduce the calcification of the skull efficiently. So, it is important to have Vitamin K2 rich foods and other nutrients to maintain the proper calcium level and counteract skull calcification.
Vitamin K2 For Hair Loss
Vitamins are important components present in our diet. Without vitamins, survival becomes challenging. So, taking the right dosage of vitamins is important to maintain great health. Similarly, Vitamin K is also an essential nutrient for coagulation of blood. Vitamin K1, K2, and K3 are the three forms of Vitamin K. During the discovery, vitamin K2 is ignored as a mainstream vitamin. But, recent studies have found that vitamin K2 is an important and powerful vitamin required for preventing diseases in our body. Vitamin K2 also reverses natural hair loss by regenerating new hair strands.
Role of Vitamin K In The Human Body
The three main functions of vitamin K are mentioned below in detail.
Blood Clotting
With the help of Vitamin K, various proteins can be activated, which are necessary for blood coagulation, especially during wounds.
Bone Health
Vitamin K2 is responsible for producing calcium for bone development. It activates proteins, which help to collect calcium from the blood into the bones.
Healthy Heart
Vitamin K is important for our heart function. Matrix GLA is a protein activated by the action of Vitamin K, which helps maintain the amount of calcium present in blood vessel walls, including the coronary artery.
Food Sources of Vitamin K
Spinach
Spinach is a rich source of iron and vitamins A, C and k. It is important for maintaining bone health and ensures the proper functioning of red blood cells in the body. We recommend eating spinach raw because cooking can sometimes lead to losing essential vitamins and minerals.
Broccoli
Broccoli is filled with high amounts of antioxidants and vitamins. You can stay away from illness if you are having broccoli daily. It helps to destroy free radicals and improves your immunity system to maintain good health. Just blanch or stir fry the broccoli and add this amazing vegetable to your diet to increase the intake of Vitamin K. Ensure that you do not overcook because broccoli is high in nutrient value and flavor, which can be lost.
Kale
Kale is a healthy green leafy vegetable that is also said to be the powerhouse of minerals and nutrients. In addition to being high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, kale meets 50% of the daily need for vitamin K. Even though kale isn’t frequently used in Indian cooking, you can still include it in salads and smoothies or find other simple and healthful ways to include this amazing vegetable.
Lettuce
Lettuce is commonly used in the preparation of salads. It is rich in potassium, vitamin A, and K. You can have lettuce in many ways. When you don’t have any high sources of vitamin K, you can get it with fresh lettuce.
Eggs
Eggs are versatile and considered a complete food. These can be eaten in any form, and preparing them is so simple. Eggs are high in protein, and Vitamin K. Including eggs in your diet is advisable. If you aren’t eating eggs regularly, then it’s time for you to make them. Eggs offer so many benefits apart from just protein.
Conclusion
The best vitamin to take is vitamin K, which promotes strong, long, shiny nails and hair. You can improve your Vitamin K intake by eating more foods high in this nutrient or taking supplements if your diet isn’t providing enough. In addition to its benefits for healthy hair and nails, vitamin K plays a major role in supporting general health, including heart and bone health.
