Premature Graying – 4 Reasons Why You Go Gray At A Young Age

Melanin is a substance that gives hair its characteristic pigmentation. Gray hair is the one that does not contain melanin and thus turns gray or white. There are many reasons why premature graying may appear .

As the hair loses its pigmentation over time, it is expected to be an old age phenomenon. However, as you will see, this is not always the case.

As a result, young people can also have gray hair, and some are even scared. However, don’t feel that premature graying is weird or that something bad is happening to you. There are factors that can influence the appearance of gray hair, such as stress.

Is premature graying related to any disease?

This is a very common question because, according to the social perception we are used to, gray hair is only associated with old age. But don’t worry, in this article we will explain to you if gray hair is really related to a specific disease or if it is a normal scenario.

According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine NIH , the appearance of gray hair at a young age can occur in people with weakened immune systems. However, there are still few studies that link atopy (the hereditary nature of a person who suffers from high frequency allergic reactions) with gray hair.

Besides, there are also certain pathologies that can trigger and cause the appearance of gray hair at stages where it shouldn’t be common. However, we urge you not to worry.

Most cases of gray hair at a young age are related to heredity. And the truth is that very few people have to deal with the disease. There are treatments that can be performed to achieve normal hair pigmentation, although there is no proven effectiveness either.

4 reasons you may have gray hair at a young age

As we mentioned, there are many reasons that have nothing to do with serious medical conditions why you may have gray hair at a young age. Believe it or not, this is a fairly common phenomenon.

1. Stress most often causes premature graying

Is stress to blame for all the ills? Scientists at Harvard University conducted a study that determined that the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for responding to external threats) is responsible for the discoloration of the hair follicles. It is he who promotes the appearance of gray hair on the scalp.

A situation that causes a lot of stress for us may cause the hair follicles to run out of melanocytes, cells responsible for hair pigmentation. So for starters, if you want to avoid getting gray hair prematurely, you need to calm down this emergency.

2. Deficiency of vitamin B12 and minerals

The diet we eat is a factor that can make a big difference to the appearance of gray hair at a young age. A deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, zinc and vitamin D3 causes depigmentation of the hair.

Therefore, it is recommended that you include products such as:

• Italian nuts.
• Lean meat
• Dark chocolate.
• An avocado.
• Whole grains.
• Fresh fruit.

Make sure you eat a balanced diet and don’t go overboard with any of these foods. The secret is to balance and supplement your diet with an active lifestyle that includes exercise.

3. Genetics

According to research published by Nature Communications, the appearance of gray hair at an early age is related to our DNA. In fact, the same study found the first gene responsible for graying, including premature graying.

The name of this gene is IRF4 and it is involved in the production of melanin. As we have already mentioned, this is the substance responsible for the hair pigment.

That is why you can meet families where generations from their youth are characterized by gray hair. This does not mean that it is a disease. It’s just that they don’t have the genetic ability to make enough melanin.

4. Autoimmune diseases can affect premature graying

In studies like the ones we’ve already mentioned, the caveat was made that autoimmune diseases can cause hair to turn gray at an early age. It happens that our own immune system attacks healthy cells.

Among the pathologies associated with the appearance of gray hair are vitiligo, thyroid disorders, Werner syndrome, and pernicious anemia.

How to prevent gray hair at a young age?

Now that you know the reasons why you suffer from premature graying of your hair, it’s time for you to learn about the habits that prevent your hair from turning gray in early adulthood. Remember that persistence and commitment are essential to success.

Quit smoking cigarettes

The University of Texas’s MD Anderson Cancer Center has determined from research that cigarette smoke affects the hair by reducing its blood circulation and altering the DNA in the hair follicles.

In fact, the consequences of being a heavy smoker include dull hair, discoloration, thinning of the hair fibers and finally premature graying. Did you know about it?

Revise your diet to stop premature graying

Diet is the primary factor in preventing hair graying at an early age. First of all, you should eat vegetables in several portions a day, as well as fruit.

Lean protein must also be present as it provides the body with the vitamins necessary to maintain good health of the hair follicles.

Vitamin B12 and vitamin C in particular are substances that help the body produce melanin. Iron and folic acid must also not be missing as mineral supplements, as their low levels can make your hair dull.

Avoid excesses

We recommend that you avoid any excesses. Junk food, alcohol, high salt intake, fried foods, and pastries can be fatal to healthy hair and promote gray hair in youth.

Therefore, it is most important that you lead a healthy lifestyle in all respects. This will help especially if your gray hair does not have a genetic basis.

Premature graying is not always a concern

You don’t need to worry if you are young and watching the appearance of gray hair. Premature graying is rarely of serious origin. Overall, there are habits like the ones mentioned above that can prevent your hair from turning gray.

However, it’s important to know that if your parents report that they had gray hair at a young age, chances are high that it will happen to you as well.

Moreover, you must not forget that sooner or later we will all go through the same. Fortunately, this does not change the most important part of our being.