Thread by @dr_ericberg

Everyone thinks gray hair is the result of genetics and aging.
It's not.

It's your body breaking down its own tissues to survive stress.

Here's the real culprit (and how to reverse it): 🧵

Aging and genetics play a role in gray hair.

But lifestyle factors can significantly affect how early gray hair appears.

This is where epigenetics comes in.
Your habits influence how your genes express themselves.

There are two primary contributors to premature graying:

1/ Decreased melanin production
2/ Increased oxidative stress within the hair follicle

Let’s examine each one…

Hair color is determined by a pigment known as melanin.

An enzyme called tyrosinase is required to produce melanin.

Tyrosinase depends on an essential trace mineral, copper.

If copper levels are too low, melanin production may decline.

Reduced melanin can contribute to premature graying.

One commonly overlooked factor in copper depletion is chronic stress.

Stress increases the production of cortisol.

Cortisol relies on copper-dependent enzymes.

Prolonged stress may raise the body’s demand for copper, potentially reducing its availability for melanin production.

The second factor in hair graying involves hydrogen peroxide.

As we age, hydrogen peroxide can accumulate within the hair shaft.

This compound has a natural bleaching effect on hair pigment.

The body produces an enzyme called catalase.

Catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Adequate catalase activity may help limit oxidative stress within the hair follicle.

When catalase activity is low, hydrogen peroxide can accumulate.

Here’s what to do…

First, ensure adequate copper intake through food.

The best sources include shellfish, especially oysters, mushrooms, grass-fed beef liver, & spirulina.

If taking supplements, balance copper with zinc.

Copper and zinc work together and should be taken in the appropriate ratio.

To support catalase activity, include the following in your diet:

• Grass-fed beef liver
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Sprouts and microgreens

Add microgreens to salads.
Lightly cook cruciferous vegetables to help preserve nutrients.

Lifestyle is just as important as nutrition.

Prioritize:
• Stress management
• Resistance training
• Quality sleep
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol
• Limiting refined sugars and ultra-processed foods

Some research suggests that higher-fat, nutrient-dense diets may support antioxidant enzyme activity.

A well-formulated ketogenic approach that emphasizes whole foods may offer additional benefits.

Gray hair often reflects changes in nutrients, oxidative stress, and long-term stress exposure.

Addressing these underlying factors may help slow premature graying.

Watch this video to learn more:

A bit about me:

I’m the creator of Healthy Keto® and Intermittent Fasting protocols, helping over 100M people make healthier choices.

Follow me @dr_ericberg for more evidence-based insights to improve your health and longevity.

Most people waste months trying to fix everything at once, when only 1 thing actually needs fixing first. Fix that, and everything else starts to fall into place.

Take my free 2-minute quiz to find the #1 fix specific to you: drbrg.co/4uZ8xFe

What is one key takeaway you gained from this thread? Share it in the comments below.

I read every comment and often use them to create future content that matters to you.

Dr. Eric Berg, DC, not MD; information only.