Redheads: The Counter-Curse

Since the discovery of the red hair gene by the Department of Dermatology at Edinburgh University in 1995, various health studies have been conducted about redheads and the MC1 receptor gene (MC1R). MC1R is not only responsible for regulating skin and hair pigmentation, but it also plays a role in inflammatory and immune response. Since MC1R essentially does not function in redheads (the cause of red hair), there are possible health consequences for a redhead. In addition, Dr. John Gray at the Oxford Hair Foundation has speculated whether redheads face extinction by the year 2100.

As a redhead who has faced and overcome health challenges and who studied nutrition at Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts, I feel it is important for me to start this blog entitled, Blessed with Red: The Redhead’s Guide to Thrive. Why call it Blessed with Red? Well, since childhood, I always felt that my red hair was a curse, and Dr. John Gray's impending prediction of doom certainly does not help matters. So I consider this blog to be my counter-curse! In spite of our dwindling numbers (approximately 2% of the world’s population) and possible health issues, I see no reason why redheadkind can’t survive and thrive for centuries to come. I mean, let’s face it. Someone always wants to have sex with us, which passes the gene onto future generations, and a little self-love and self-nurturing go a long way!

The goal of this blog is to:

• Connect with other redheads and share health experiences
• Share redhead health research (published studies and anecdotal observations)
• Suggest possible dietary and lifestyle solutions to better manage redhead health throughout the years

In my research of published studies and anecdotal observations, the following health issues have been most commonly associated with red hair and/or MC1R. Please feel free to share your experiences about any of the following health topics (and if there is something that I’m missing, please feel free to share that too!):

• Skin issues: cancer, eczema, dermatitis, rashes, hives, skin infections, etc.
• Allergies or sensitivities: inhalant, food, chemical
• Digestive issues: Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc.
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Low pain tolerance
• Sensitivity to temperature
• Frequent bruising
• Post partum hemorrhage
• Endometriosis
  
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Drug or alcohol addictions
• Pigmentary Glaucoma
  

I look forward to hearing your stories!