Introduction
The integumentary system is one of the most important in the human body. This significance is because it contributes to protection from external and internal environmental factors. Moreover, it plays the role of supporting all internal systems of the human body. An article titled “Stress can turn hair gray – and it is reversible, researchers find” by Columbia University Irving Medical Center was chosen for this post. The main topic of this study was the study of the influence of a negative psychological state of a person on the increase in the number of gray hairs.
Discussion
A quantitative study examined the possible effect of stress on the loss of pigmentation in the hair. The basis was the study of the hair and stress diaries of 14 volunteers (Stress can turn hair gray, 2021). This process showed “associations between stress and hair graying were revealed and, in some cases, a reversal of graying with the lifting of stress” (Stress can turn hair gray, 2021, para, 12). One of the main reasons for this process was stress-induced changes in mitochondria. Moreover, the article found that the reverse process is possible for some individuals when the hair regains color. This process is caused by the fact that the follicles can reach a certain threshold, which, under the influence of stress, can cause graying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article “Stress can turn hair gray – and it is reversible, researchers find” explores such an essential part of the integral system as hair. It proves that a stressful state can cause an increase in the amount of gray hair in a person. This is due to the negative effect on the mitochondria in the cells. However, for some individuals, this process can be reversed with reduced stress.
Reference
Stress can turn hair gray — and it’s reversible, researchers find. (2021). Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Web.