Natural Remedies for Thinning Hair
Male Pattern Baldness Treatment is Needed by Women Too
Hair loss that occurs in patches is called alopecial areata. It is usually a temporary condition that seldom results in total baldness. Hormonal changes during midlife cause androgenetic alopecia, AGA, or male pattern baldness, and men aren't the only ones affected. Post menopausal women also contend with the same type of hair loss although it is usually less severe. Other causes of hair loss include mites, illnesses such as diabetes, lupus, and thyroid disease, malnutrition, poor circulation, fungal infections and chemicals such as bleaches or hair dyes.
Living with Mites
Demodex follicularium, a generally harmless species of tiny mites that inhabit human hair follicles, have been implicated in processes that contribute to balding. The problem occurs if the body has an inflammatory reaction to the mites. If the scalp closes down hair follicles to kill the mites it also kills the hair. Reducing inflammation may prevent hair thinning due to mites. Methylsulfonomethane (MSM), is an organic form of sulfur that helps to nourish the hair, skin, and nails and stop inflammation. It has a slight blood thinning effect; consult a physician before combining with other blood thinners.
Increasing the amount of dark green leafy vegetables in the diet will make use of the anti-inflammatory properties of spinach, romaine lettuce, parsley, kale, wheatgrass, and blue-green algae. The most efficient way to get enough greens to make a difference is to juice them or add them to smoothies in addition to eating daily salads. A diet high in vegetables and fruits and low in cooked starches may help to slow down the process of hair loss. Fruits and vegetables contain flavonoids, potent antioxidants that may protect hair follicles and encourage hair growth.
Herbal Home Hair Loss Remedies
Rinsing hair in sage tea and apple cider vinegar may help hair grow. Using shampoos that contain biotin and tea tree oil combats bacteria and mites. Horsetail is rich in silica, needed for strong, shiny hair. Ginko biloba improves circulation in the scalp. Green tea may reduce hair loss.
Saw palmetto and pygeum inhibit dihydrotestosterone production, which is why they are used to treat prostate enlargement in men. For post-menopausal women these herbs prevent baldness from androgenetic alopecia. Soy foods have also been found to inhibit the production of hormones implicated in this type of hair loss.
Healthy Fats for Healthy Hair
Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) prevent dry, brittle hair and improve the texture of tresses. Good sources are wildcaught coldwater fish such as salmon, walnuts, flaxseed and hempseed. When purchasing fish oil supplements make sure the label states the product is free of pollutants.
Get Upside Down to Improve Circulation
Lying on a slantboard for 15 minutes a day improves circulation to the scalp. Downward facing dog and other inverted yoga postures are perfect for improving blood flow to the head. Raising the foot of the bed allows better circulation while asleep. Gentle scalp massage on a daily basis also stimulates the scalp and it feels great.
Use the Right Hair Care Products
Allergic reactions to chemicals can exacerbate thinning hair. Rotate products, and use those that are pH balanced formulas and have all natural ingredients. Check the beauty aisle at health food stores to find appropriate items.
Avoid hair extensions or tightly pulled styles as tension is harmful for troubled hair. Allow hair to dry naturally, pat and squeeze but don't rub with a towel, and protect hair from bright sunlight.
When to See a Doctor
The loss of 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. If hair loss is excessive, consult a physician to rule out hypothyroidism, lupus, or the possibility that thinning hair is causes by prescribed medications. Information and support is available for alopecia areata sufferers.
Improvements in diet, herbal remedies, improved circulation and careful attention to the way hair is cared for can make a big difference in hair thinning treatment. While there may not yet be a cure for baldness, there are ways to slow hair loss in menopause and to prevent baldness from some common causes.
References:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Phyllis Balch, CNC, Avery, 2005
National Alopecia Areata Foundation,
http://www.alopeciaareata.com/requestinfo/faq.asp
Menopause Metamorphosis, Susun Weed and Ash Tree Publications,
http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Excerpt-108-hairy_problems.htm
Herbs Prevent Baldness in Women
|
What do you think about this article?
Comments
More in Health & Wellness
Latest Articles