I see a number of patients who are worried about maintaining their hair health as they age. They are losing hair, or it is thinning. They may think it is a phase, so they wait to see what happens and may even get concerned enough to try a few things on their own. By the time they come into my office for care, they are really concerned.

Sometimes, patients bring a bag of hair into the office that they show me or a bag full of supplements they have tried. Not only do we want to understand why hair loss started, but we also want to rule out any contributing medical conditions and provide nutrients for building hair health.

Types of Hair Loss

There are several types of hair loss.
Non-Scarring Hair Loss Types include:
Alopecia areata
Androgenetic hair loss
Telogen effluvium
Anagen effluvium

Scarring Hair Loss Types include:
Lupus- the discoid variant
Lichen planopilaris
Central centrifugal cicatricial Alopecia
Radiation-related hair loss
Mixed Hair Loss includes:
Trichotillomania
Traction alopecia

Vitamins and Proteins for Hair Health

Hair is constantly replacing itself. At any given time, 2% of hair is falling out and being replaced. Active growth lasts 2-6 years. This is why most hair health treatments take a while to implement. Many women and men are trying to figure out ways to get that thick hair back or fill in bald spots. There are some basic tips for your hair that all of us can do.

A diet rich in plant-based foods helps with healthy hair growth as well as adequate protein. Oral hydration is often forgotten. Adequate sleep drives the circadian rhythm, sex hormones, and inflammation, which all play a part in driving healthy hair growth. On top of these basics, we like to check basic labs to be sure everything is optimal. Thyroid and iron levels are important since both hypothyroid and anemias can cause hair loss.

• Biotin can strengthen what you have in your hair and nails but doesn’t really help with new growth. We don’t want to take more than necessary because it can affect our thyroid or heart medication efficacy; 2.5-5 mg is plenty. More than 10 mg is not needed. You may have to take it for 6 months before it gets integrated in.
• Vitamin D, on the other hand, appears to stimulate dormant hair follicles. Testing Vitamin D levels is discouraged nowadays in doctor’s offices but is a good idea when we are taking it as a supplement.
• Vitamin A is tricky because too much preformed Vitamin A can prevent hair growth so no more than 25,000 IU daily but in general, there should be a purpose that you are on Vitamin A for more than a month.
• Zinc can influence cell differentiation. Patients with hair loss generally have lower zinc as well.
• Silicon, particularly cs-OSA can influence hair growth after 9 months or so but the absorption is highly dependent on digestion.
• Selenium can be particularly helpful if the thyroid is involved.

Other options for hair health, depending on the individual, are DIM, Maca, or topical minoxidil in either liquid or foam used before bed. Low level laser light therapy (LLLT) or red and near infrared light aimed at the scalp have been shown to be helpful with 26-week minimum use. There are several FDA-approved devices. Platelet Rich Plasma has also been helpful for bald spots but also genetic hair loss.

Often, patients see results after three treatments even though the goal is six treatments. Annual maintenance is needed to maintain the results, but patients seem to be quite satisfied with them. Cosmetic tools or camouflage are other things that can be used along the way. Scalp coloring with pens, pencils, sprays, or powders to make thinning or balding less obvious. Hair pieces can be helpful, too, but the cap fit is the most important element. Extensions and weaves are yet another option.

If you are looking for natural options for hair loss or the best ways to stop hair loss or prevent hair loss and maintain hair health, please reach out.  We specialize in this kind of thing, so it’s not a new idea for us. Getting the right care tailored for you and your situation is key to success in your health. At Journey of Health Naturopathic Clinic, we are dedicated to finding the right integrative solutions for each patient. We proudly serve the San Diego area, providing some of the best services in naturopathic medicine.

If you wish to further your own journey of health with naturopathic solutions and alternative medicine, give us a call at (619) 772-1164.  We offer free 10 minute consults so you can see if we are the right fit for you and you family. Reach out and learn more about your holistic medicine options today!

This post was originally published on October 14, 2019.

Our goal is aging gracefully. We want to be as youthful as possible both inside and outside. Using our knowledge of normal physiology and what know about our tools can help us shape some key points.

The Basics of Aging Gracefully

Eating right for you. Veggies are always a good idea- as many servings and colors as you can get in. Fruits are important too. Beans are a common denominator among the oldest living populations in the world and likely that is related to feeding the diverse microbiotic world of the gut. Protein sources and healthy fats are important. Avoid those foods you know don’t agree. They just aren’t worth the trouble.

Exercise should include balance exercises and for those at risk for osteoporosis- weight bearing exercises. Moving is key to vitality and feeling strong.

Antioxidants are imperative to aging well. The sooner we incorporate them in our routine, the sooner they can protect your tissues from oxidation or aging. It is never too late to start. Work with your naturopathic doctor who is especially trained in antioxidant ratios and can pick out the multivitamin that you will see results on.  Lutein/Zeanthinin are protective for the eyes while we are seeing an increase in macular degeneration and retinal detachment.  Curcumin is anti-inflammatory helping health lipid protection and joints.  The right B’s are important for methylation challenges especially in MTHFR.

Mental workouts are important to keep that brain working. Whether you are taking a cooking class or doing puzzles or learning a new language; new learning helps to keep the brain active.

Be Aware of YOUR Particular Health Problems

Knowing your risk factors gives you the power to prevent worse damage. This is where your naturopathic doctor is especially important. They are looking out for ways to prevent and to make your susceptible areas stronger. It is a completely different way of looking at healthcare but patients are refreshed to feel they can be empowered and do something about their health risks instead of waiting for things to happen.

Whether your risk factors include dementia or arthritis, both of which impact your life and your loved ones, you can nourish your brain or joints and give it the tools it needs to prevent damage as well as preventing the damage from taking place. It seems like a simply novel idea and it really is with patients showing much appreciation in the simplicity.

3. Decrease Overall Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal part of aging so if we can ramp up the tools to slow it down, we can notice that a number of factors can improve from mood to libido to memory and focus. Many primary concerns such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, rheumatic is brought on by inflammation. We have to treat the cause and not the symptom. Natural solutions are in demand so there may be many protocols that you have never heard of that are working in your naturopath’s office.

4. Money is an Investment
Money is an object for health and happiness. Yes, good health costs money. Alzheimer’s disease is a high cost to a family and society. Investing in your brain, especially if you are at risk, with high-quality products specified for you does no harm and may actually help. Many diseases cost an incredible amount of money but a maintenance plan of health habits and a regimen of individualized products that do not interfere with essential medications can help combat the risks and live healthier, happier, full lives.

Consider your options for aging gracefully.

Autoimmunity is complicated and need an expert’s eye to find safe natural alternatives for autoimmune disease.  The body loses it self regulation or self tolerance in autoimmune disease and as a result, inflammatory molecules rush to the affected target tissues.  The immune system allows production of large amounts of inflammatory cytokines or communication molecules that create tissue damage.  Cells in the CD4+ helper cell family, particularly TH1 and TH17 drive the pathways.  Autoimmune diseases such as listed below are examples of the disruption of the immune system from the regulatory cells and the ‘attack of self’.

Crohn’s

Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (usually Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis)

Lupus (or systemic lupus erthmatosus)

Multiple sclerosis

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sjogren’s syndrome

Ulcerative Colitis

The desire to use herbs or botanicals when you have autoimmune disease is not uncommon.  Pharmaceuticals or medications are limited in their effects so holding off and managing symptoms with other tools can be a great option for patients who are in the early stages of autoimmunity even if they have a lot of pain.  I have seen patients well progressed in their disease do well off medications and on botanicals, however it dose take alot of dedication and work.  There is growing interest among patients and the research community to use plants to help manage autoimmune symptoms.

How to Have a Healthy, Holistic, Natural Pregnancy For Mom and Baby   During pregnancy, a woman’s body creates an environment in which an entire human being is formed. What could be more amazing than that? As the new mom-to-be strives to protect the integrity of the womb in which her baby will develop, she needs to make good lifestyle choices and commit to high-quality food and nutrients. Here’s some important information to help achieve a holistic and natural pregnancy.

Pregnancy Nutrition Essentials   Daily requirements for macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates), vitamins, and minerals change dramatically in pregnancy and are crucial to the health of mom and her developing baby. For most normal-weight pregnant women, the right amount of calories is about . . .   1,800 calories per day during the first trimester. 2,200 calories per day during the second trimester. 2,400 calories per day during the third trimester.   These calories should be acquired from a variety of whole grains, fruits and veggies as well as eggs, lean cuts of meat and poultry, and low-mercury fish, such as tilapia or salmon. (Vegetarians and vegans will have dietary considerations to discuss with their Naturopathic doctor in order to ensure they meet their caloric and nutrient needs.) During pregnancy it’s particularly important that food is sourced organic, verified non-GMO and antibiotic-free to ensure chemicals are not passed along to the baby.

Tips For Meeting Pregnancy Nutrient Requirements

Drink More Water. A woman’s blood volume increases during pregnancy and her body has to supply fluid to replenish the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. Drinking water is important for hydration levels and may help with morning sickness and prevent constipation. The amount of water needed varies by activity level, climate, food consumption; an average rule of thumb is to drink 1/2 body weight in ounces.   Go for Whole Grains. The carbohydrates provided by whole grains are your body’s primary source of energy. Grains also provide B vitamins and fiber. Ancient Grains (such as millet, flax, farro, oat, and quinoa) are an excellent source of whole grains. Choose fresh-baked breads; opt for whole grain crackers, pasta, and brown rice.   Consume Fermented Foods. Fermented foods are a potent source of probiotics, which are essential to powering up the mucosal immune system in your digestive tract and producing antibodies to pathogens. Both are key to maintaining vibrant health for mom and baby. Your holistic doctor may recommend a probiotic in lieu of fermented foods.   Eat Smaller Meals. Morning sickness, special dietary needs, and other factors can alter the food a woman can tolerate during pregnancy. Many women find eating smaller meals, more frequently, is easier for digestion and managing nausea.   Avoid Chemicals. Chemicals in processed foods, caffeine, and sugar can affect the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system, as well as immunity and gut health. Try to avoid (or significantly reduce) your intake of processed/packaged foods, caffeine, and sugary snacks. If you need a caffeinated beverage, opt for green tea over soda and if you drink coffee, keep it to one cup per day.   Consider Supplements. A prenatal vitamin containing folate is beneficial to many women during pregnancy and many holistic doctors recommend starting it a minimum of three months preconception. A number of other supplements are considered important for mom and developing baby, based on individual needs. Consult your holistic doctor to determine what is safe and best for you.

References

Many patients are diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn’s Disease, IBS or Irritable Bowel Disease when they have an onset of symptoms, either diarrhea, constipation, or not being able to make it to the bathroom. It can come on suddenly or something that gets worse over time.  They may be told that they have a diagnosis of IBS and their condition may not be investigated further.  IBS is a category of symptoms that we don’t know what to do with but with further testing, an IBS patient may actually have a different diagnosis of IBD or Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Crohn’s Disease. 

Many patients feel like they are left without options after visiting the doctor except  imodium and being told to manage their stress.  They may not even get a definitive diagnosis.  It can be a hopeless, helpless situation that patients may feel they are not be receiving adequate treatment for their condition or that not much seems to help.  They also will not be able to understand their prognosis or what their disease process will look like in the future.  As it progresses, a proper diagnosis can help plan for the disease and prevent aspects of the disease or hold it off.

Labs have come a long way to help us understand what the future of these diseases look like for a person.  For example with Crohn’s disease, there are certain genetic markers that can tell whether they will have a more challenging disease process sooner in life.  This information can help plan for more aggressive treatment earlier if you have it or knowing the alternative treatment will likely be effective for long term if you don’t have the gene.  There are also specific antibodies that can tell us whether treatment is working or not by if their markers improve.

If inflammatory bowel disease and crohn’s are ruled out and the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome remains, there are still many options.  Discovering the reason for irritability such as dysbiosis, infection or food intolerances as well as stress management and adequate nutrition can often help with finding some answers.  

Seeing patients empowered with tools and knowing what is best for them is the best part of my job.  Irritable Bowel Symptoms can go on forever.  If you or someone you care about is suffering from these symptoms, please reach out to your Naturopathic Doctor so we can find some alternative and integrative medicine options.  Symptoms can include:

Constipation

Alternating constipation and diarrhea

Fatigue

Trouble sleeping

Pain and Cramping

Gas and Bloating

Feeling exhausted, Fatigue

Anxiety and Depression

We specialize in this kind of thing and see it frequently in our office so it’s not a new idea for us. Getting the right care for your body is important and tailored for your specific body in mind. At Journey of Health we are dedicated to finding the right naturopathic solutions for each patient. We proudly serve the San Diego area, providing some of the best service in naturopathic medicine. If you wish to further your own journey of health with naturopathic solutions and alternative medicines, give us a call at (619) 772-1164.