Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, and there are many different forms of this condition that range from minor to serious. In some cases, hair will re-grow, while in others it will not. Alopecia can occur at any age and affect both men and women, with stress being one of the most common causes. If you or someone you know suffers from alopecia, finding a naturopathic treatment can help get your hair back on track in no time! Read on to learn more about how you can stop alopecia dead in its tracks by following these simple steps.
Understanding What Causes Hair Loss
Hair loss can be caused by several different factors. In some cases, hair loss is genetic or hormonal, but other causes include diet, stress and lifestyle choices. For example, something as simple as sun exposure can lead to hair loss.
To understand what causes hair loss in your specific case, it’s important to consider your current diet and environment. If you’re feeling stressed or you have too much on your plate (both physically and mentally), then stress may be playing a role in your alopecia.
And if you’re not eating right – which is common among people who are stressed – then poor nutrition may also be to blame for thinning hair. Hair loss occurs when hair follicles become damaged or die off completely. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including genetics, age and environmental factors like smoking or excessive heat styling.
Fortunately, hair loss isn’t permanent—it just takes time to grow back. A holistic approach: Treating alopecia naturally involves addressing all possible underlying causes rather than focusing solely on symptoms.
Diet and Nutrition
Alopecia can be an autoimmune disease which causes your immune system to attack hair follicles. For many, diet and nutrition play a role in preventing or slowing down alopecia progression. Your gut health is essential for optimal health and is heavily associated with autoimmune disorders including alopecia areata.
To assist with managing your hair loss naturally, a naturopath might recommend eliminating all processed foods from your diet as well as limiting gluten, dairy, soy and refined sugars. The right food is as important as taking natural vitamins in keeping you healthy and more likely to regrow healthy hair over time.
As a result of poor eating habits and lack of nutrients needed for hair growth, many nutrients play an important role in hair production such as B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3), Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), Vitamin C and Zinc.
When addressing hair thinning it is imperative to focus on improving overall nutrient intake while removing potential toxins such as heavy metals through detoxification techniques like infrared sauna sessions.
Vitamin, Mineral, and Herbal Supplements for Hair Growth
If you suffer from hair loss, supplementing your diet with a daily vitamin regimen can help stave off hair thinning. While vitamins alone won’t make your hair grow faster, they can help support healthy hair and nail growth as part of a holistic approach to treatment.
The following supplements have been proven effective in growing healthier and thicker hair: Vitamin A (e.g., retinol) improves scalp health and promotes keratinocyte production; biotin supports nail growth; copper helps deliver oxygen to skin cells; potassium prevents muscle weakness that may affect scalp-hair follicles; iron helps produce red blood cells that provide oxygen to your body’s organs—including your scalp.
Biotin, for example, is an essential B vitamin known for its ability to stimulate hair growth. Biotin is found naturally in many foods such as eggs, fish, nuts and vegetables. It is also available in dietary supplements like tablets or capsules. Although no studies are showing how much biotin is needed to improve hair quality or quantity, experts recommend taking between 300–1,000 micrograms of biotin each day if you want stronger hair and nails.
Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, and Supplements for Hair Loss in Women
In addition to addressing a dietary deficiency, there are also a variety of vitamins, minerals, herbs and supplements that naturopaths can prescribe for female pattern hair loss. These treatments include zinc, vitamin B12, borage oil (omega-6 fatty acid), flaxseed oil (omega-3 fatty acid), DHEA (hormone) and more.
Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, and Supplements for Hair Loss in Men
Mens bodies need vitamins and minerals to perform essential functions, including hair growth. Zinc, iron and B vitamins are important for men’s hair health. If you have noticed hair loss or thinning of your hair in men, adding these nutrients back into your diet may improve your situation. For those who suffer from alopecia areata, some herbs can help restore bald patches of the scalp and prevent further thinning or loss of hair.
Final Thoughts on Treating Hair Loss Naturally
If you’re looking for a natural approach to treating alopecia, then remember that diet and exercise is your friend. Start eating more of those superfoods we talked about earlier and start exercising regularly. To help strengthen hair follicles and encourage new hair growth, look for naturopathic treatments with active ingredients like biotin, inositol, and vitamin B5. Use these methods consistently and soon enough you’ll start to see results. The best part is that it won’t cost you an arm or a leg either!
Brought to You By:
Annex Naturopathic Clinic
800 Bathurst St Suite 301, Toronto, ON M5R 3M8, Canada
+1 647-624-5800
