Natural Solutions for Alopecia

Paula Gallagher on
Hair loss, or alopecia, can be addressed naturally in some instances.

Hair is considered by many to be their crowning glory and hair loss can be hard on self-esteem. Hair loss, also known as alopecia, affects over 50% of adults, both men and women. Reasons for hair loss include genetics, hormones, medications, and even everyday styling treatments can thin hair. For some, alopecia is temporary and there are some solutions that can help.


Reasons for Hair Loss

Hormones

For men (and women later in life) the major factor in hair loss is high dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. DHT is a sex hormone made from testosterone and by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Elevated DHT in the scalp minimizes hair follicles, leading to male pattern baldness (hairline receding in an M-shaped pattern). Many conventional treatments targeting male pattern baldness try to block 5-alpha reductase, decreasing DHT uptake by the hair follicles. One study showed that supplements containing saw palmetto may increase hair counts.

Falling estrogen levels can also affect hair loss, or hair shedding. This is particularly common postpartum.

Underlying Conditions

Autoimmune diseases can have an impact on hair. Managing the autoimmunity (and inflammation) is the best treatment. This may be done through medication as well as with more natural approaches.

Other disorders such as hypothyroidism and anemia may also cause hair thinning. Examine your overall wellness, both for your hair and, of course, your health. If you have thinning hair, it may be a good idea to have blood work done – such as our Women's Wellness Panel or Men's Wellness Panel – to rule out nutritional deficiencies.

Nutritional deficiencies, including fats, can also play a role in hair loss. Cholesterol is essential for making hormones needed for healthy hair, while other fats help keep hair implanted in your skin. Deficiencies in fats can decrease hair hydration and skin’s oil secretion. Oil is needed for a protective coat of the epidermis, which helps keep your roots rooted. Healthy fats include oily fish, avocado, coconut and flaxseed.

Damaging Hair Care

Bleaching and using heated styling tools and harsh products all cause hair trauma. The same goes for habits that cause friction, such as overbrushing and hair pulling or twirling. Massaging beneficial oils into the scalp has been shown to help rejuvenate hair growth.

Supplements to Support Healthy Hair Growth

Remember, always check with your health care practitioner before taking a new supplement, to make sure it’s right for you.

For some, embracing the hair loss and trying a completely new hair style, like a buzz cut, is one solution. But for many, hair can really affect how we feel about ourselves and for that reason, there are some supplements that have shown some promise in helping with hair regrowth.

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Collagen Peptides - My Village Green
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Collagen Peptides Powder - Supports Connective Tissue HealthCollagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and is the main component of connective tissue. It helps preserve the elastin in skin, which helps skin stay toned and supple. Collagen also gives tendons and ligaments their toughness. As we age, our body begins to produce less collagen. Collagen Peptides Powder is rich in the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and alanine which help support collagen synthesis in our body, helping to strengthen and preserve joints and skin.
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Important Bone Building Vitamin Vitamin D plays a key role in helping to maintain bone density and bone strength. It also supports cardiovascular health, mental health, skin health, as well as immune system health. Even though the human body can manufacture Vitamin D under ideal circumstances, much of the American population suffers from a Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D-3 is the more bioactive form of Vitamin D.Suggested Use: 1 drop daily (2000 iu per 1 drop)

Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and as we age we have less and less of it. Hair is mostly made up of protein. It has been found to be most useful for dry, damaged, color-treated, or thinning hair. Read more about collagen here.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is needed for normal hair cycling and integrity. Studies reveal low serum vitamin D in alopecia patients.

Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium & Biotin

Deficiencies of vitamin C, zinc, selenium and biotin can lead to hair loss.

Saw Palmetto

Studies on oral and topical treatments containing the plant saw palmetto show that it may increase hair counts.

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