“Guys, this is it. The month you’re going to take control over your health. You’re going to do it because you want to feel strong and energetic. You want to be around for the people who love you. June is National Men’s Health Month, and it’s time to make a few changes because the little things you do — or don’t do — each day have a big impact on your health and wellbeing…”

From “5 Health Tips for Men’s Health Month” By Ann Pietrangelo

The 1st 4 tips are pretty familiar for everyone at this point: getting more sleep, exercising frequently, eating more plant foods, and de-stressing. But one thing men really still seem to shy away from is checking in with their doctor just to see where they stand in their overall health.

“…5. Schedule a check-up.

How long has it been since you’ve had a physical? Do you know if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol? You may not have symptoms, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Yearly check-ups may detect the early warning signs of trouble so you can head them off at the pass.

Take a little “me” time. Your family will thank you for it.”

That extra step can get you on a better path of wellness, where you have a game plan moving forward. And it’s not just the “major” issues to consider. Sometimes minor health issues, like hair loss, can also be addressed with some well-informed adjustments.

“Shedding is never fun — just ask my vacuum cleaner. It’s even less fun when you realize the golf ball size bits of hair you’re tugging out of the roller came from your own head. Oh, the horror! As we get older (yes ladies, this is for you too) our once glorious crown of healthy hair can become brittle, or even worse, be genetically predisposed to jump ship, leaving our poor, bald heads to fend for themselves.

Below are a few secrets from Mother Nature, some preventative, and some for after the mutiny has begun.

Diet

You are what you eat – and that’s true for your hair as well. A diet containing mostly whole foods, especially the skin of plants such as cucumbers, potatoes, peppers, and even bean sprouts are rich in the mineral silica and contribute to hair strength. Foods like lean meats are high in iron and are essential to the protein-based, building blocks of hair growth.

Ginkgo Biloba – this well-known herb is believed to improve blood circulation to the brain and skin. Herbalists believe that the increased flow of blood to the scalp area promotes hair regrowth by delivering nutrients to the hair follicles.

Green Tea – it has been shown that natural chemicals (catechins) present in green tea inhibit the Type I 5-alpha-reductase enzyme which converts testosterone into the hair-murdering DHT.  And that, in some expert opinions, could block the chain of hormonal activity initiating hair loss. 

Stinging Nettle – Grandma’s secret gets a new life as modern herbalists believe drinking tea made from this plant will reduce hair loss. Much in the way the chemicals in green tea prevent testosterone from turning into DHT, stinging nettle is also said to fight that process and keep hair thick and healthy.

External

Red Pepper – used throughout the ages, this common skin irritant works to attract blood and nutrients to the scalp and also promotes the release of histamines that stimulate cell division and hair growth.

Onion – A study published in the Journal of Dermatology examined the results when onion juice was used in people with alopecia areata. Twenty-three people applied onion juice directly to the scalp twice daily for two months. Participants began to experience hair growth after just two weeks of treatment. At four weeks, hair regrowth was seen in 17 people and at six weeks, hair growth was apparent in 20 people.

From ”Natural Solutions for Hair Loss"  By Veronica Peterson

And don’t forget Shaklee can offer some support in this arena too, with “ProSante Nourishing Scalp Treament”.  It includes 10 powerful vitamins, minerals, and herbs uniquely formulated to create an environment for optimal hair growth and health. Its residue-free formula is clinically proven to strengthen hair and thicken by reducing hair loss during combing. Soothes scalp irritation and protects scalp’s natural, healthful oil/moisture balance for healthier hair growth. Nourishing Scalp Treatment can be used daily on wet or dry hair. Try it here!