Hair loss is a common concern affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s thinning, receding hairlines, or bald patches, the impact of hair loss on one’s confidence and self-esteem can be substantial.

What is Hair Loss?

Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, is a condition characterised by the partial or complete absence of hair from areas where it normally grows. This phenomenon can manifest in various forms, from gradual thinning to sudden, significant hair shedding. Understanding the different causes of hair loss is crucial for devising suitable prevention and treatment plans.

Causes and Risk Factors of Hair Loss

The causes of hair loss can be multifaceted, ranging from genetics and hormonal changes to lifestyle and nutritional deficiencies. Among the plethora of factors contributing to hair loss, micronutrient deficiency plays a significant role. Some of the causes are:

  • Micronutrient deficiency

  • Hashimotos

  • Hypothyroidism

  • PCOS

  • Post viral stress

  • Stressful event

  • Protein deficiency

  • Malabsorption

  • Malnutrition

  • Medications

  • Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

A comprehensive understanding of these causative factors helps in adopting targeted approaches for preventing and managing hair loss effectively.

Vitamins and Minerals Important for Hair Growth

Recent studies shed light on the critical role of vitamins and minerals in hair health. Micronutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, selenium, and zinc play pivotal roles in the normal hair follicle cycle and immune cell function. Deficiencies in these micronutrients can potentially contribute to hair loss.

The Study: ‘The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

A study conducted to explore the link between micronutrients and non-scarring alopecia emphasises the significance of proper nutrition in maintaining healthy hair. The review discusses the roles of various vitamins and minerals in the hair cycle, highlighting their importance in both development and immune defense mechanisms. The findings suggest that addressing micronutrient deficiencies could be a modifiable risk factor for preventing and treating hair loss.

References:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X21000729

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/lap.2020.0468

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/

 

Well according to this study “Long Work Hours Tied to Double the Risk for Recurrent MI” by Batya Swift Yasgur, more than 55 hours per week is too many! For those of you who don’t know MI stands for myocardial infarction, otherwise known as a heart attack. The outcome of this study shows that those who have already suffered from a heart attack may increase their chance of having another if they work more than 55 hours a week. 

Apparently lowering to 35-40 hours per week can lower the risk of another heart attack. On top of that, the risks were higher for people who had more stress, smoke, had a large alcohol intake and low physical activities. Well most of these we already knew right! We can certainly add more to this list like keeping good blood glucose control and a waist circumference right? But if we are post an MI then being mindful of work hours could be a worthy target.

These factors alone can make you rethink the way you work? Can you cut down the hours at work to dedicate some time to better your health?

Here are some tips to lower your risks!

  • Reduce stress: Get support from your family and friends or from a professional if you are suffering from emotional or social stressors at work. Learn to reduce stress by practising breath work, yoga or guided meditation – practice makes perfect! Relaxing the nervous system can lower cholesterol, inflammation and balance blood sugar levels (https://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/20/lower-your-risk-of-heart-disease-without-drugs/).
  • More exercise: This study show (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6378495/) 150-300 minutes per week can lower the risk of heart attacks. Mix things up by doing walking/cycling/running/swimming and weight training a few times per week.
  • Healthy diet: increase the number of vegetables, fruit, oily fish, whole grains (if the body tolerates and not white refined grains), legumes and nuts. Eat blood sugar balancing meals (include protein in every meal, and avoid consuming carbohydrates alone, plus avoid the white stuff). Avoid processed foods, alcohol and unhealthy fats like margarine, shortening and vegetable oils.
  • Look at the underlying cause: are you deficient in any minerals or vitamins? Getting the proper tests done is important in knowing what your body needs. Supplements like fish oils especially EPA, vitmain D, B viamins might be needed. Check your inflammatory markers, homoycsteine, insulin, lipids including triglycerides, HBA1c are just some of the markers which will let you know how you are tracking from a risk perspective and then you can work to normalise these. 

References:

https://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/20/lower-your-risk-of-heart-disease-without-drugs/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6378495/

 

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