Let us see how the wisdom of Donguibogam is illuminated even more clearly through modern science. In Donguibogam, blood (피, 血) goes beyond the fluid in our vessels to represent an integrated function that supplies nutrition and vitality throughout the entire body. This connects deeply with modern medicine's concepts of blood circulation, oxygen and nutrient supply, and the delivery system of various micronutrients essential for hair growth. For instance, iron forms hemoglobin to transport oxygen, zinc is essential for hair follicle cell division and protein synthesis, and vitamin B complex and vitamin D play vital roles in regulating the hair growth cycle. All these nutrients must be delivered smoothly to the hair follicles through the blood for healthy hair to grow.
Furthermore, kidney essence (신정, 腎精) can be viewed as modern medicine's equivalent to adrenal gland function, hormonal balance, and the overall metabolism and stress response systems. When stress is severe, the adrenal glands over-secrete cortisol, which disrupts the hair growth cycle and can cause telogen effluvium. Thyroid hormone or sex hormone imbalances are also major causes of hair weakening and alopecia. In this way, weakening of kidney essence can be interpreted as a disruption in the balance of the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system, leaving the body vulnerable to external stress.
How, then, does the food we consume every day affect our hair? A Westernized diet full of refined carbohydrates, sugar, processed foods, and trans fats induces chronic inflammation and increases oxidative stress in our bodies. This impairs blood circulation around the hair follicles and causes DNA damage in hair follicle cells, impeding hair growth and inducing premature shedding. In particular, a diet that frequently causes blood sugar spikes raises insulin resistance, weakening hair and influencing male hormone imbalance to worsen androgenetic alopecia.
In addition, the connection between gut health and hair health cannot be overlooked. Gut dysbiosis interferes with nutrient absorption and promotes inflammatory responses, indirectly exerting an adverse effect on hair health. What Donguibogam describes as greasy and irritating foods that harm the body corresponds directly with what modern medicine terms processed foods and high-fat, high-sugar diets. A balanced diet goes beyond simply losing weight; it is the most effective way to keep our foundational systems healthy and supply all the nutrients and energy needed for hair. Hair is like a mirror reflecting our internal health beyond mere appearance, so let us nourish our bodies with what is truly beneficial.
