What to
know about natural ways to treat hair loss
If you Google "natural hair loss treatments," a long list of tonics, creams, and supplements
appears.
But do they work? Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a
dermatologist for Permanente Medical Group in Vallejo, Calif., spends a lot of
time steering patients away from products recommended by their friends and
family members. Most of those products are costly and have little to no
benefit.
"Most natural hair treatments are
bunk," Mirmirani says.
Though few natural treatments have been well
studied for hair loss, there are a handful that may help you hold onto your
mane longer if it's starting to disappear.
Depends on the Cause
There are several reasons why you may be
seeing more hair in your brush than normal. Vitamin deficiencies and
menopause are all culprits of hair loss.
If there is a medical condition causing your
hair loss, it may need to be treated.
"If something needs our attention, you
fix that and the hair takes care of itself," says Molly Roberts, MD, MS,
president of the American Holistic Medical Association.
Roberts takes a holistic view of the problem.
Sometimes medication is needed, but she often tries more general methods first
-- such as the following
Nutrition
Sally Kravich, MS, CNHP, a holistic
nutritionist and author, finds in her practice that "vanity is a good way
to inspire people (to eat better) -- we all want shiny eyes and radiant hair and skin."
She encourages her patients to get nutrients
and minerals from the food they eat. Unfortunately, many people don't have the bestdiets.
Protein is important to strengthen hair and promote growth. The
recommended daily allowance is about two to three 3-oz. servings of meat or a
combination of four to five servings of dairy and beans.
Kravich tells patients dealing with hair loss
to include nuts and seeds, eggs, and fish in their diets. All are important
sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and create a
healthier scalp.
It's best to avoid a rut; eat a variety of
foods every day. So Kravich recommends eating six to 10 servings of various
vegetables daily, two to four fruits, and an assortment of grains and legumes
and lean meat products.
Roberts says there are some nutrients that
may be helpful for hair:
·
Iron: Anemia can cause hair loss. But iron supplements are only recommended if
you have tested positive for iron deficiency anemia, according to the Cleveland
Clinic.
·
Zinc and biotin: Mirmirani says these
supplements are assumed to help with hair growth because people with metabolic disorders lacking them can have thin or brittle hair and nails. She doesn't
recommend supplements, but she also doesn't discourage their use.
Saw palmetto is sometimes touted for hair
growth, but there isn't enough evidence to back that up, according to the
National Institutes of Health.
Hair
Replacement
Nonsurgical hair replacement can be a wonderful option for those
who suffer from significant hair loss and would like to regain the appearance
of having a full head of hair without surgery.
While natural hairpieces are available, many hair loss consumers
have little idea what to look for when purchasing a hairpiece. Unfortunately,
the hair loss industry includes some companies that may take advantage of hair
loss sufferers. Research conducted by the American Hair Loss Association
estimates that more than 70% of nonsurgical hair loss consumers are unhappy
with the quality, service, and price provided by their hair replacement salons.
These are great suggestions and you are so right that treatment depends on the cause. I found that while some natural remedies did seem to help, it was going to a Cleveland clinic for hair loss really helped me.
ReplyDeletei only believe natural ways for hair problems
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