Help for Hair Loss
Nicole Gould, RD, LD • July 30, 2018
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Hair loss and hair thinning is a very common concern for many. While there are an array of hair growth supplements on the market, I always find it more effective to try and figure out why the hair is falling out to begin with. Nutrition deficiencies like protein, biotin and iron can certainly contribute to hair loss, but there are a few different types of hormones that can also influence hair loss.
You mentioned hormones - do you happen to know which hormones are causing the issue? If not, here is some information on the major culprits.
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a form of testosterone and the primary hormone responsible for hereditary hair thinning and loss in both men and women. Research shows that as we age DHT builds up in the scalp and damages the hair producing follicles, eventually causing the hair to fall out. Herbs like Saw Palmetto, He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) and pumpkin seed oil can be helpful modulators of DHT. The brand Shen Min, makes a product called DHT Blocker
that utilizes those herbs as well as supportive nutrients like biotin and collagen. It takes time, but we've had great feedback on the product.
Thyroid hormones - Both hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroid (under active thyroid) can be the root cause of hair loss. Even if lab tests show "normal" levels of the hormone TSH, thyroid can still be imbalanced so it is important to evaluate all of your symptoms. If you are also experiencing issues with weight, temperature control (too hot or too cold), anxiety or mood and sleep issues then thyroid could be to blame. Regrowth of the hair usually happens once thyroid hormones are balanced with medications or a natural supplement. One of my favorites (for under active thyroid) is Megafood's Thyroid Strength, using vitamins, minerals and herbs to not only help thyroid hormone levels, but also nourish and support the function of the thyroid itself.
Adrenal hormones - The adrenal glands put out hormones (like cortisol and DHEA) that are greatly altered in times of stress. Those that are under significant stress can experience hair loss as a result. Supporting the body's response to stress through proper diet and lifestyle (exercise, meditation, deep breathing etc) can significantly decrease hair thinning.
Supplements can support the adrenals as well. Herbs like ashwagandha and holy basil are excellent at balancing cortisol and DHEA. I often suggest (and personally use) Megafood's Adrenal Strength. Within a couple weeks of taking it, I not only felt less stressed, but saw a decrease in hair loss followed by regrowth.
If you aren't sure what the culprit of your hair loss is, a products like Shen Min Advanced Formula, combines a powerful mixture of standardized herbs such as He Shou Wu and Horse Chestnut Extract, with vital hair energizing co-factor nutrients targeted to women or men to support hair growth and reduce loss.
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please don't hesitate to email or stop in!
This information is not intended as personal medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Have you ever eaten a meal with garlic or onions, and almost instantly had stomach upset? Does it seem like just about everything you eat causes gas, bloating or indigestion? If this sounds like you, or if you’ve been told to try a FODMAP diet, today’s article could be the missing piece to a very frustrating puzzle. I know it was for me. Most people have heard of lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity, but far fewer are familiar with fructan sensitivity. Fructans are naturally occurring carboyhydrates found in a wide variety of foods but in especially high concentrations in everything from garlic and onions, to asparagus, wheat and even watermelon. For people who have difficulty digesting fructans, these foods can cause gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and sometimes diarrhea. The frustrating part is that fructans are found in so many seemingly unrelated foods that it can feel like almost everything you eat is causing a problem. That was my experience for years. Over the years, I tried a number of digestive enzymes. While many of them helped, none of them were a perfect match for the garlic, onion and pasta found in some of my favorite Italian meals. Then I stumbled across a product called FODZYME. FODZYME contains three digestive enzymes, including fructan hydrolase, an enzyme specifically designed to help break down fructans. FODZYME is a tasteless powder that you sprinkle directly on your food just before eating. The enzymes mix with the food and begin breaking down the fructans as you chew, before they cause problems further down the digestive tract. For me, the difference has been night and day. I am finally able to enjoy foods I have avoided for years. It’s important to note, there is still some trial and error involved regarding dosage. Because the amount of fructans varies from meal to meal, I find I need to adjust how much I use. Sometimes, one scoop is plenty, other times, I’ll use two. But if garlic, onions, wheat, or other high-fructan foods consistently leave you feeling miserable, FODZYME may be just what you need to start enjoying the foods you love. To learn more, or to try FODZYME, please stop in today. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com . This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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