The main cause of gray hair is the decreased production of melanin by cells, so the saying "the more gray hair you pluck, the more it grows" or "pluck one, ten will grow" is not supported by scientific evidence. However, plucking gray hair can cause scalp inflammation because the same hair follicle can produce multiple hairs. forcefully removing gray hair can affect the growth of other healthy hair and can lead to hair loss. Therefore, it is not recommended to pluck gray hair. If you cannot tolerate the presence of gray hair, you can trim it closely to the scalp.
How to eat to prevent gray hair
As the ancients said, "Hair is the surplus of blood," which means that the growth and nourishment of hair, as well as its moisture and withering, mainly rely on the nourishment of kidney essence and liver blood. In youth, the liver is abundant in blood and energy, so hair grows quickly and has a lustrous appearance. In old age, the liver's blood and energy become weak, and hair turns gray and falls out. The direct cause of this is inadequate nutrition provided by the spleen and stomach.
The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states, "The five grains nourish, the five fruits assist, the five meats enhance, the five vegetables supplement. Take them in combination to nourish essence and enhance energy." These principles of balanced diet are timeless and have scientific reasoning. The five grains refer to rice, millet, sorghum, wheat, and soybeans, which are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and are the staple foods that nourish the body. The five fruits refer to peaches, apricots, plums, chestnuts, and jujubes, which are rich in vitamins, fiber, and sugars and are essential supplementary ingredients in a balanced diet. The five meats refer to beef, dog, lamb, pork, and chicken, which are high in protein, fat, and calories and rich in essential amino acids for the body's physiological metabolism. The five vegetables refer to vegetables such as sunflower, leek, garlic, wormwood, and onion, which contain various trace elements and fiber, making the body's nutrients more comprehensive and abundant. Grains (staple foods) are the foundation of people's survival, while fruits, meats, and vegetables are complementary, beneficial, and supplementary to the staple foods. By having a well-balanced and nutritious diet, the spleen and stomach will function properly, the liver's blood will be sufficient, and the kidney's essence will be vigorous, resulting in naturally dark and beautiful hair.
Here is a recommended dietary therapy: 50g black beans, 100g black rice, 50g black sesame seeds, 10 white lotus leaves, 150g barley, 2 walnuts, 100g rice, a little brown sugar, cooked into porridge. Drink a bowl every day for three consecutive weeks. Following this method can prevent gray hair from recurring and make the skin fair and smooth.
Special Note: Many organs and meridians of the body circulate in the head area. It is not advisable to mechanically associate the location of gray hair with body diseases. Since everyone's constitution is different, there are many reasons for gray hair, and it cannot be used as an absolute diagnosis of a disease.
