Dr. HingHau Tsang's Crusade on Nutrition
Newsletter #106
--- Natural approach to Hair loss
There are multiple factors contributing to hair loss.
Hair loss usually develops gradually and may be patchy or all over. The average scalp contains about 100,000 hairs. Approximately 50 - 100 hairs are lost from your scalp every day. Each individual hair survives for an average of 4-1/2 years, during which time it grows about half an inch a month. Usually in its 5th year, the hair falls out and is replaced within 6 months by a new one. Both men and women experience thinning of their hair and hair loss as they age. Inherited or "pattern baldness" affects many more men than women. About 25% of men begin to bald by age 30, and about two-thirds are either bald or have a balding pattern by age 60. Since hair follicles are fed by blood vessels, good circulation is a key to good hair.
Conventional medicine treats baldness with the OTC drug minoxidil (Rogaine) which you rub into your scalp twice a day. This treatment may slow or stop hair loss. It helps hair to regrow in approximately 20 to 25 percent of users. However, it is expensive and comes with a major drawback. The most common side effects are itching and skin rash. When you stop using minoxidil, any hair re-growth that has occurred will disappear and thinning and hair loss will resume. Physicians may also prescribe Propecia (finasteride) for male baldness. . It functions to block the accumulation of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the scalp. It is recommended that you give it a full year for it to work. It is very expensive and comes with considerable side effects.
Hair loss is slow to correct. Reversing this process is a long term proposition. There is no rapid miracle hair growth regimen. Nutritional approaches should be tried first to stop further hair loss and to obtain new hair growth.
Factors affecting hair loss:
Genetic predisposition
Hormonal changes - Estrogen Dominence in men and women (pre or post- menopause)
Poor nutrition with deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids, Methylsulfonylmethane, Zinc, lozenges, biotin and Vitamins. Nutritional deficiency contributes to dry hair which has a tendency to breaking and thining. Avoid hydrogenated oils which suppress EFAs and cause deficient of EFAs.
Thyroid disease - check thyroid function and treat if abnormal. Treatment should result in hair re-growth
Prolonged exposure to sun, wind, chlorinated and salt water will damage our hair. So wear a bathing cap in the ocean or pool and a hat in the sun. Shower as quickly as possible after coming out of a pool or the ocean. If you have chlorinated water, use a shower chlorine filter. Hair is normally covered with an oily substance called sebum, which makes it lustrous and shiny. Harsh shampoos, shampooing too frequently, sun, wind, low humidity and chlorine will all pull moisture out of your hair.
Some prescription drugs can cause excessive hair shedding. This includes birth control pills, blood thinners and medications for gout, arthritis, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure and GI tract disease
Damaging by hair care treatments or styling including hair dyes, excessive shampooing and blow-drying
Habit of twisting or pulling hair will destroy hair roots
Skin diseases such as ringworm of the scalp (Fungus) and Seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by scaly patches of skin and is a disorder of the sebaceous glands. Predisposing factors are genetics, climate, infrequent shampooing, oily skin, and obesity.
A serious illness (like a tumor of the ovary or adrenal glands) or fever. No treatment is necessary. The hair will usually grow back when the illness has ended or the therapy is finished.
Burns or radiation therapy
Severe stress
Nutritional Recommendation
It will take at least 8 - 12 weeks to see the difference.
- Take a multivitamin with mineral and antioxidant such as My Favorite Multi-Vitamin (No Iron) for adults. It contains Vitamins A, B, C and E, Biotin, and Zinc which are essential for improving the health of the hair follicles and promoting hair growth. Take Vita-Kids for children. Vitamin E and vitamin C both improve circulation and strengthen capillaries which feed the scalp. Vitamin E supplementation can also reduce testosterone levels in women, which may halt the process of hair loss. A zinc deficiency can compromise the immune system and contribute to hair loss. Be sure to take at least 1,000 mg daily of vitamin C.
- Take these nutritional supplements that enhance circulation to your scalp.
Coenzyme q10 is an important substance for senior citizens whose circulation isn't as good as it once was. Many people who take coenzyme Q10 every day report that their hair is thicker and shinier.
Ginkgo Biloba improves our circulation including our scalp.
- Get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids by eating salmon, sardines, herring or mackerel two or three times a week. To avoid mercury poison from contaminated fish, take Omega 3 Fatty Acid 3-4 cap daily.
- MSM 1000mg three times a day
- Grape seed extract twice daily
- Natural Progesterone Cream for hair loss resulting from estrogen dominence.
- Take GLA daily (gamma-linolenic acid) - black currant oil or evening primrose oil.
- Tea Tree Oil Shampoo for Seborrheic dermatitis affecting the scalp.
References
- Reuben, C., "No More Dry Skin," Lets Live, Jan. 1996.
- Loughram, J., "Skin Care Basics," Let's Live, 55, Jan. 1996.
- Hickey, M., "The Beauty Diet: Foods That Help Improve Appearance," Ladies' Home Journa4 July 1995:112:7:96(2)
- Ganske, M, "Feed Your Face: Why Your Complexion Needs Vitamins," Redboolt, May 1995, 185:1:59(3).
- Weil, K, Natural Health, Natural Medicine, Houghton Muffin, Boston, 1995,
- Carper, 5., Food Your Miracle Medicine, Harper Perennial, New York, 1994
- Liberty, M., "The Best Skin Protection Under the Sun. Better Nutrition for Today's Living" July 1994:56:7:56(4)
- Cameron, M. L4jitime Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies, Parker Publishing, 1993,
- "Don't Be Stupid Under the Sun," USA Today (Magazine), July 1993:122:2578:6(2)
- German, C., "Does Sunscreen Save Your Skin?" Time, May 24, 1993:141:21:69(1)
- Donahue, P., "Relief from Chronic Skin Problems," Dell Publishing, New York, 1992.
- Hawk, J., "Ultraviolet A Radiation: Staying Within the Pale," British Medical Journal, May 4, 1991:302:6784:1036(2)
- Hendler, S., The Doctors' Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia, Fireside Simon & Schuster Inc. New York, 1991, Pp. 63-
- 64, 72, 78-82, 373-374.
- Thomas, P., "Vitamin C Eyed for Topical Use as Skin Preserver, Medical World News, March 1991:32:3:12(2)
- Davies, S. et at., Nutritional Medicine, Avon Books, New York, 1990
- "Save Your Skin,' The Edell Health Lette Dec-Jan.1990:10:1:7(1)
- Mmdcli, F., Earl Mindell's Vitamin Bible, Warner Books New York. 1991
- "Skin Problems Among the Elderly," Medical Update Jan. 1991, 14:7:4(2)
- University of Texas/Oregon State University "Immune Suppression Caused by Sun Exposure," NC! Cancer Weekly, Sept. 4, 1989:4(2)
- Carlotti, ft. et at., "The Cellular Aging Process and Free Radicals." Drug & Cosmetic Industry Magazine, Feb. 1989:144:2:22(3)
- Fenske, N., "Common Problems of Aging Skin," special issue: "Caring for the Aging Patient," Patient Care, April 15, 1989:23:7:225(8)
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Disclaimer
Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products.
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