HELP FOR HAIR LOSS & THINNING HAIR
by Linda Sechrist R
arely have the interior dynamics of a healthy body been on a check- list for how to grow and maintain
thick, shiny hair. Unfortunately, relying only on topical hair care products to add volume and luster means leaves one of the most significant aspects of hair overlooked—its inner origin. An extension of the body, the condition of an individual’s hair—male or female— largely depends on the body’s internal balance, which can go awry due to a variety of reasons: hormone imbal- ances; stress; a low functioning thyroid, malnutrition, autoimmune disease, hereditary factors; as well as idiopathic alopecia, a hereditary condition that af- fects approximately 30 million Ameri- can women. Dr. Carol Roberts, a medical doctor who practices Functional Medicine at the Perl- mutter Health Center in Naples, advises that many individuals are surprised to discover that along with stress, their prescription med- ications are generally the biggest cause of dull or thinning hair as well as hair loss. She points out that even though all medications create nutritional defi- ciencies and toxicity, which are major factors in the condition of the hair, not everyone who takes prescription drugs is impacted in the same way.
Carol Roberts
Low Thyroid A low functioning thyroid (hypothyroid- ism), which presents the symptoms of deep fatigue, itchy skin issues, changes to weight and body shape as well as hair loss, is far more common than most people imagine. To offset these, Roberts suggests a simple first step—io- dine tablets, which can be purchased at the health food store and taken twice a week. “Iodine, a chemical element essential for the production of thyroid hormones that regulate growth and me- tabolism, competes with fluoride and chlorine, which are generally in our drinking water and swimming pools. Few people get enough iodine today so trying the natural route first is a safe measure,” says Roberts.
Some medications induce hypo-
thyroidism. Several examples are lith- ium, birth control pills, ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure, beta blocker drugs such as INDERAL for hyperten- sion and migraines, and diuretics, often used to counteract hypertension. Diuretics not only push fluids from the body but also valuable minerals. “Doc- tors have many different choices when it comes to prescribing medications. For example, Armour Thyroid is bet- ter than the typically prescribed drug Synthroid. Usually hair will grow back after switching medication. “Every woman alive knows how difficult it is to kill a hair follicle if it’s in the wrong place,” jokes Roberts.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Hormone replacement therapy is a complex and complicated health issue, which can bring about a change in hair. “For instance, HRT that doesn’t include natural progesterone can interfere with thyroid function. Bioidentical HRT with estrogen and progesterone works best,” explains Roberts.
Drug Side Effects “Chemotherapy poisons not just cancer cells but all cells, which includes those in the digestive track and hair follicles in the skin. Chemotherapy paralyzes the hair follicles, and the hair falls out,” advises Roberts, who notes that every drug has side effects and requires a “risk to benefits” assessment. While chemotherapy is the most well known reason for hair loss, antacid drugs, anti- convulsive medications, cholesterol lowering statins (like Crestor and Lipi- tor) and drugs for Parkinson’s disease are also problematic.
Attend First to Personal
Health Habits “Attend first to personal health hab- its such as feeding the body rather than just the mouth, and then look to medications,” emphasizes Roberts, who encourages individuals to use the Internet to learn about the side effects of a particular medication.
The Perfect Health Storm Licensed Dietiitian/ Nutritionist, owner of D-Signed Nutri- tion, and nutritionist at the Perlmutter Health Center, Dee Harris sees a lot of what she labels a perfect storm. “Many of my patients
Dee Harris
complaining of hair loss usually have a combination of imbalances: hormonal, nutritional, gastric, immune and/or detoxification. When exaggerated by a poor diet of processed foods, poor food choices, increased life stressors, and multiple medications, it can cascade and cause dull and lifeless hair in addi- tion to skin problems”, says Harris, who has also seen changes in hair and skin with people who have systemic candi- da. This overgrowth of fungus can also
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