|
||
|
||
|
DISORDERS
(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,
causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)
Disorder: HAIR LOSS
Description: Partial or complete loss of hair is referred to as alopecia. A prevalent type of hair loss common in men is androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or male pattern baldness. In this condition, hair is lost from the crown and temples. Alopecia universalis means loss of all body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. When hair falls out in patches, it is termed alopecia areata. Trichotillomania, hair pulling, is a neurotic disorder that usually occurs in children, may correct itself, and may be secondary to psychological problems or even physical ones such as heavy metal toxicity. Scarring alopecia is hair loss secondary to localized trauma such as burns, physical injury, or x-rays, and often the hair cannot regrow through the scarred tissue.
Symptoms: Loss of hair in various patterns.
Incidence: Androgenetic alopecia is more common in men but can occur women. All women experience some hair thinning as they grow older, especially after menopause.
Causes: Factors involved in hair loss include heredity, hormones and aging. Other factors that promote hair loss include poor circulation, acute illness, surgery, radiation exposure, skin disease, sudden weight loss, high fever, diabetes, low thyroid functioning, chemotherapy, stress, and nutrient deficiencies such as iron or biotin deficiency.
Treatments: Circulation to the scalp is important, Increase exercise, scalp massage, and try lying on a slant board for fifteen minutes a day. Certain nutrients may prove beneficial, especially for women who have experienced hair loss. If large amounts of hair are lost, it is important to see a doctor to rule out an underlying disease.
Nutrients:
Supplement Dosage Comments
|
Essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil, primrose oil, and salmon oil are good sources.) |
As directed on label. |
Improves hair texture. Prevents dry, brittle hair. |
|
Vitamin B complex |
50 mg. 3 times daily |
B vitamins are important for the health and growth of the hair. |
|
Biotin |
50 mg. 3 times daily. Also use hair care products containing biotin. |
Deficiencies have been linked to skin disorders and hair loss. |
|
Vitamin C |
3,000-10,000 mg. daily. |
Aids in improving scalp circulation. |
|
Vitamin E |
400 IU – 800 IU daily. |
Increases oxygen uptake which improves circulation to the scalp. |
|
Zinc |
50-100 mg. daily. Do not exceed this amount |
Stimulates hair growth by enhancing immune function. |
|
Coenzyme Q10 |
60 mg. daily. |
Improves scalp circulation. Increases tissue oxygenation. |
|
Kelp |
500 mg. daily. |
Supplies needed minerals for proper hair growth. |
Herbs:
 | Use apple cider vinegar and sage tea as a rinse to
help hair grow.
| Horsetail is a good source of silica, necessary for
strong, shiny hair. | |
Recommendations:
| Eat plenty of foods high in biotin and/or take
supplemental biotin. Biotin is needed for healthy hair and skin, and may even
prevent hair loss in some men. Good food sources of biotin include brewer’s
yeast, brown rice, green peas, lentils, oats, soybeans, sunflower seeds and
walnuts.
| Foods high in iron such as some lean meats and raisins
are also recommended. To boost iron absorption, some doctors also recommend
drinking orange juice, which is high in Vitamin C.
| Avoid rough treatment. Do not use a brush or
fine-toothed comb, or towel-dry your hair. Also, do not use a blow dryer or
other heated appliances on your hair; let it dry naturally. Do not comb your
hair until it is dry, as wet hair tends to break off.
| Lose weight gradually. Not only is this healthier but
it also keeps hair on your head, according to some experts.
| If you are losing large amounts of hair, see a
physician. | |
Considerations:
| It is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day.
| Taking large doses of vitamin A (100,000 IU or more
daily) for a long period can trigger hair loss, but stopping the vitamin A
will reverse the problem. Often the hair grows back when the cause is
corrected.
| Rogaine, a topical solution developed by the Upjohn
Company and containing 2 percent minoxidil, has been approved by the FDA for
the treatment of male pattern baldness. This product is available
over-the-counter. However, this drug may cause heart changes if used for long
periods of time. The hair it grows is very fine and only on the top of the
head, and hair growth ceases when use is discontinued. The drug is also very
expensive, costing about $100 per month for daily treatments. Very little
testing has been done on its long-term effects on women. | |
Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:
|
Product No |
Description |
Comments |
Cost |
|
111-15 |
Flaxseed oil 1000 mg. softgels |
As directed on label |
$7.95/100 |
|
891-15 |
B Complex 50 mg. tabs. |
1 tablet 3 times daily |
$6.95/100 |
|
898-15 |
Biotin 300 mcg. tabs. |
As directed on label. |
2.95/100 |
|
970-12 |
Vitamin C 1000 mg. with rose hips tabs. |
1 tablet 3 times daily |
$5.75/60 |
|
234-15 |
Vitamin E 400 IU (d-alpha tocopheryl) |
As directed on label. |
$8.95/100 |
|
265-15 |
Zinc gluconate (chelated) 25 mg. tabs. |
As directed on label. |
$3.49/100 |
|
946-12 |
Coenzyme Q10 Caps. |
2 capsules daily |
$13.95/60 |
Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition
By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.
Prevention’s Healing with Vitamins, by the Editors of
Prevention Magazine Health Books
Alternative Medicine, The Definitive GuideCompiled by the Burton Goldberg Group
