Things To Consider If You’re Dealing With Hair loss

Hair loss is a commonly experienced issue and often signals something deeper is going on in the body. There are many different types of hair loss, and there are also many various drivers of hair loss, including hormonal imbalance, metabolic dysfunction, or even autoimmune disease. This is why it's essential to look at gut and metabolic health, nutrient status, and much more to find the root cause of hair loss. 

There can be several reasons why you are experiencing hair loss. More often than not, your thyroid, gut health, nutrient status, toxic burden, and stress play a big role.

1. Stress - Chronic stress can deplete us of mineral stores, which are necessary for healthy hair.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies - We need a balance of micro and macronutrients to support adequate hair growth. Iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamins A, E, D, and B vitamins are essential. 

3. Thyroid Imbalances - The thyroid regulates all metabolic functions, including how efficiently cells convert nutrients into energy. An underactive thyroid can result in loss of hair growth.

4. Heavy Metals - Toxins can interfere with the protein formation in hair. Heavy metals also disrupt thyroid function. 

5. Gut Health - Dysbiosis can disrupt nutrient absorption and synthesis, which impacts the ability to grow and support hair health. 

7. PCOS- Hair loss in PCOS is often the result of high androgen levels, like testosterone. If you have insulin resistance, this is likely causing your high androgen levels. Other contributing factors include nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, stress, and gut dysbiosis.

8. Insulin Resistance- Insulin is a hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar levels. When your cells become resistant to insulin, your body releases even more insulin, and blood sugar levels remain abnormally elevated, which can lead to hair loss. Balancing blood sugar is key.

That being said, here are a few nutrients to make sure you are consuming: 

1. Protein

Without enough protein, we can’t make enough keratin to keep our hair strong and healthy—especially cysteine-rich foods like meat, beans, eggs, and sunflower seeds.

2️. Omega 3s

Consuming omega 3s helps keep your skin and scalp from getting too dry and itchy - the scratching and flaking can contribute to hair follicles breaking. Aim for at least 2 grams of omega 3s per day if supplementing.

3. Zinc

Zinc can act as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor which blocks the creation of DHT. DHT can contribute to baldness. What causes high 5-alpha-reductase? Inflammation, high insulin, PCOS, obesity, and even genetics. If supplementing, aim for 15-30 mg per day.

4️. Iron

Iron helps produce hemoglobin which carries oxygen for the growth and repair of cells, including those that stimulate hair growth. Always have your iron and ferritin levels checked before supplementing.

5. B Vitamins ( Biotin, B6, B12, Folate)

B vitamins are needed to create red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. I recommend taking a B complex if supplementing versus mega dosing biotin only.

6. Vitamin C

Vitamin C aids in iron absorption and the creation of our of collagen. When supplementing with Vitamin C, aim for 1,000 mg 2-3x a day as tolerated.

Takeaways

• Balance Blood Sugar

• Replace vital nutrients

• Manage Stress and Heal Adrenals

• Repair gut health if needed to reduce inflammation 

• Rule out Thyroid Disorders

Written and edited by: Cameron Gildea INHC, Katie Morra MS, and Dr. Hyamn MD.

The information and supplements provided is not medical advice and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement or health routine.