Lesley Kenny, founder of Oxford Health Span, explains that the mechanism of gray hair formation is linked to the body's response to stress. When exposed to stress, the body produces the hormone adrenaline, which is converted into hydrogen peroxide. When the antioxidant glutathione is insufficient, this compound is released through the hair follicles, causing them to lighten from within.
Glutathione, which consists of three amino acids, is the body's primary antioxidant, but its levels decline due to poor nutrition, stress, and aging. Kenny explains that decreased levels of this antioxidant are most evident in premature graying.
Hair expert Jill Lee supports this view, noting that people who experience premature graying in their 20s and 30s have higher levels of oxidative stress and lower levels of antioxidants like glutathione.
To boost glutathione levels, experts recommend eating:
•Vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, avocado, and garlic
•Fruits such as watermelon, oranges and grapes
•Proteins such as lean meats, nuts, and eggs
Despite the benefits of glutathione, Lee cautions that boosting antioxidants alone is not enough to offset the negative effects of smoking, alcohol consumption, and excessive consumption of processed foods.
On the other hand, some experts, such as Marta Teixeira, question the effectiveness of glutathione supplements, noting that there is insufficient clinical evidence to prove their ability to prevent or reverse graying, especially since the hair dyeing process is complex and antioxidants alone cannot restore damaged pigment cells.
Ultimately, all experts agree that following a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, avoiding unhealthy habits, and managing stress together constitute the best strategy for maintaining healthy hair, even if it doesn't provide a magic solution to gray hair.
