Understanding Hair Loss & What We Can Do

Naturally Hair thinning and excessive shedding are not random events. They are often signals from the body that something deeper is out of balance. While genetics can play a role, nutrition, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and environmental exposures are among the most overlooked contributors to hair loss. One of the most powerful places to begin is with what we consume. Hair requires oxygen, minerals, amino acids, and hormonal balance to grow strong, resilient hair.

We have a gut/hair axis!

Alcohol abuse, hidden sugars, and ultra-processed foods damage the gut microbiome and deprive hair follicles of the nutrients they need to thrive. Food additives, such as emulsifiers, which are ubiquitous in processed foods, have also been shown to negatively affect the gut microbiota.

Insomnia from an abundance of screen time, poor diet, or alcohol abuse increases stress levels, and may also increase weight gain and hair loss.

Data has proven, weight problems / obesity cause phycological problems. However, excessive weight also causes hair loss. Weight gain is inevitable when eating artificially concentrated foods. Excessive weight can promote poor circulation, and oxidative stress.

Diet sugars are also damaging. These may include Sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin, which have been shown to disrupt the balance and diversity of gut microbiota.

A High-gluten diet (bread, cereals, pasta, pizza) is linked to reduced testosterone levels in men and increased inflammation.

Hair loss with excessive caffeine. Caffeine acts as an endocrine disruptor, stimulating excess cortisol (the stress hormone). Our gut is also considered an endocrine organ. If we consume daily coffee, sodas, and energy drinks we have a confused message signaling throughout. Many energy drinks also contain synthetic vitamins, which may interfere with the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients and can deplete minerals required for scalp and follicle health. Research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that high caffeine consumption is associated with decreased testosterone levels, a known factor in hair thinning.

The good news is we can improve hair health!

1- Organic Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which can improve healthy hair.

2- Wild salmon. Rich in omega-3s nourish hair follicles.

3- Horsetail tea is great for hair health.

*Probiotics have shown potential in improving hair growth and controlling dandruff through modulation of the immune pathway and gut-hair axis. Natural probiotics include sauerkraut and fresh ginger. Hair follicles are living tissue. (“Studies show the cycling hair follicle as a regenerating system. By traversing the phases of the cycle-growth, regression, resting, shedding, then growth again- the follicle demonstrates the unusual ability to completely regenerate itself.”)

Additionally we can improve hair health when stimulating the scalp. Ask about a ‘high frequency machine’ for scalp health the next time you visit your favorite salon.

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