Hair
Alopecia (Hair Loss – Balding)
Natural methods to help restore scalp hair
The Importance of “Non-Denatured” Proteins
Nutritional Deficiencies Contributing to Alopecia
Hormonal Changes in Men and Women
Educational Medical Considerations are included at the end of last three topics.
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY:
“ID” means Once per Day
“BID” means Twice per Day
“TID” means Three Times per Day
“QID” means Four Times per Day
“Alopecia” is the medical term for any hair loss or balding. “Alopecia totalis” is total scalp hair loss. “Alopecia universalis” is total hair loss from all parts of the body.
There are approximately 100,000 to 120,000 hairs on the average, healthy human scalp. A normal healthy scalp sheds about 100 – 120 hairs per day. All hair growth occurs within the hair follicles, located just under the surface of the scalp. The hair follicles are not part of the hair shaft, it is the location inside the skin where hair grows. The hair “root” is part of the hair shaft, the actively growing segment of hair.
Hair growth occurs in three stages.
- 1. Anagen phase: Hair follicles are renewed and are actively growing hair. The anagen phase of normal, healthy hair growth can last between 3 to 7 years.
- 2. Catagen phase: This is a transitory stage when the hair follicles slow down their production of hair, then completely stop hair growth. This phase lasts about 2 weeks.
- 3. Telogen phase: This is the resting stage of hair follicles. The once active mechanisms of the hair follicles for growing hair, take a break, they rest. Eventually the bond between the hair follicles and hair roots are lost and the hair shaft, with root still attached, falls out. This is a normal part of hair growth and last anywhere from 3 – 6 months.
- 4. Hair Growth Cycle Renews: After the hair follicles have rested adequately, hair follicle activity is renewed. A new hair root is created, new hair begins to be produced inside the follicle, and a shaft of hair then emerges out of the scalp.
Protein is essential for normal hair growth. Consuming a “Non-Denatured” Protein of high quality, on a daily basis, is the single most important supplement.
Most Desirable Sources of Proteins are: Meats and eggs, but are not the best source of protein because these foods are usually subjected to high heat when cooked. (High heat “denatures” proteins.) Beans are an excellent source of protein, but should be prepared using as little heat as possible so the amino acid bonds within the proteins are not denatured. Raw seeds, nuts and sprouts are excellent sources because these are hopefully eaten raw. Nut butters such as peanut butter, cashew butter and almond butter are good sources of proteins, if these foods were manufactured without using any heat, or ultra low heat only. Quinoa, an ancient grain (something like millet), is also a quality protein source, especially if sprouted so it is not subjected to the high heats of baking. (It is also gluten free.)
Less Desirable Sources of Proteins are: Processed soy, processed diary (however RAW dairy is great), and processed luncheon meats that contain nitrates or nitrites.
To help reverse normal alopecia caused from nutritional deficiencies, a supplemental, “Non-Denatured” protein source is strongly advised. However this causes a financial problem for manufactures. I have personally felt this crunch when I attended a Continuing Education Seminar for Naturopathic Doctors. During our seminar class breaks, venders are waiting to greet us in the lobby area. For years I purchased proteins from one particular vender because his proteins were processed using very slow, ultra low heat. Ultra low heat ensures the amino acid bonds are not “Denatured.” This quality assurance is costly for the manufacturer because it is such a time consuming process. As a result, this vender stopped making protein powders. We had the usual conversation of how nearly all the proteins available on the market are processed using temperatures too high to maintain amino acid bond integrity. (Which allows production to increase, creating a nice profit margin.) When I asked him where I could find a quality source, he only knew on one manufacturer, who makes a Whey Protein from Goat’s Milk. As I hunted, I found a second manufacturer, who makes a Vegan Protein from Yellow Peas. Both manufacturers only use the “Refractance Window Dryer Technology” method.
Refractance drying is a slow process using ultra low heat, thereby preserving the natural amino acid bonds. This process assures proteins are kept in their “natural” state. Since processing whey and soy proteins with higher than safe heat sources has become so common place, the results are nearly all protein powders sold today are “denatured proteins. For this reason it has become necessary to label the “natural” proteins as “Non-Denatured” proteins to differentiate these protein sources for all the other protein sources. During my hunting to locate “non-denatured” protein manufacturers, I discovered, as of 2015, there are only 20 Refractance Dryers being used for various reasons inside the USA.
Allergies: Most of my patients who require a “Complete Blood and Hair Nutritional Deficiency Analysis,” also receive a “96 Foods Allergy Panel.” If my patient has significant allergies to any part of cow’s milk but not goat’s milk, then it is their choice which protein they desire. However, some of my patients do have significant allergies to goat’s milk, so their only choice is the protein that is made from yellow peas. Peas/yellow peas are very “hypo-allergic.” Meaning it is very rare any patient will have an allergic reaction to peas/yellow peas.
Lysine: One of the “Essential Amino Acids” found in protein that is needed to help reverse alopecia is “Lysine.” Lysine is needed to help convert the inactive form of iron, called Ferritin, to the active form of iron, called “Serum Iron.” (To be discussed in next section.)
“Protein-Calorie Malnutrition” (PCM): PCM is a nutrition deficiency that can be quite serious. I have patients I tested using my “Complete Blood and Hair Nutritional Deficiency Analysis,” who have a serious protein nutrition deficiency. It does not matter if a patient is carrying an extra large stomach or not. Both large and thin patients alike can be suffering from the same Protein-Calorie Malnutrition problem.
I only recommend four proteins for my patients who are protein deficient:
- Protein that is made from Goat’s Milk, using Refractance Dryer technology. Goats that are raised on their own farm, at the same location where the goat’s milk is turned into all natural goat whey protein. Their goats are pastured on organic grass that is free from any chemicals.
- Protein that is made from Organic Yellow Peas, using Refractance Dryer technology. Organic yellow peas are both high in natural proteins, yet remain extremely non-allergy forming for my sensitive patients.
- Protein made from Dairy Whey, using Ultra Low Heat technology. The dairy cows are pastured only on organic pastures.
- Protein made from Dairy Whey and Rice Protein (rice has a ultra low allergy potential), using Ultra Low Heat technology. This makes an easy to digest protein for my sensitive patients.
Educational Medical Considerations for Refractance Dryer Processed Protein:
Educational Suggestions:
1) Goat Whey Protein, “Professional Formulas”
“Professional Formulas” is only sold through doctors with a valid license to practice medicine. Call our clinic.
2) Yellow Pea Protein, “Response Formulas Vegan Protein.”
“Response Formulas Vegan Protein” is only sold through doctors with a valid license to practice medicine. Call our clinic.
Educational Medical Considerations for Ultra Low Heat Processed Protein:
Click on “Visit our Online Store”
Click on “Metagenics”
Click on “Health Categories” (under picture)
Category: “Body Composition”
Educational Suggestions:
3) Perfect Protein
4) UltraBalance Protein
Bonus: Protein Fusion Bar (travel bar)
Category: “General Wellness”
Educational Suggestions:
Bonus: Ultra Energy Bar (travel bar)
Iron: Inadequate iron causes hair follicles to enter their resting stage (Telogen phase) prematurity. Reason: Insufficient iron in red blood cells (RBC), reduces the amount of oxygen carrying capacity of the RBCs to the hair follicles. Essentially, oxygen depravation to the hair follicles.
Extreme caution must be exercised. Taking to much of any iron supplement, can result in a medical condition called “hemochromatosis.” Hemochromatosis is often a cause of cancer. In a blood test, the inactive form of iron in the blood, Ferritin, will be extremely high. The active form, Serum Iron, will either be normal or low. Extremely poor metabolism of iron as seen in hemochromatosis is usually genetic. However taking too much iron in supplement form, especially if the individual is Protein/Lysine deficient, will also cause hemochromatosis.
Lysine: Lysine is one of the essential amino acids in protein. One of its many vital functions is for conversion of the inactive form of iron, called Ferritin, to the active form of iron, called Serum Iron. Consumption of 1500 mg per day of this essential amino acid is required, in addition to a full spectrum of amino acids. This can be accomplished by taking a daily serving of a quality, non-denatured protein.
Biotin: Biotin regulates mitochondrial enzymes in hair roots. Mitochondria are responsible for producing cellular energy. 1 – 2 mg per day is recommended in a B-Vitamin complex.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency leads to thinning of scalp hair, resulting in hair that is so thin the scalp is easily seen. Up to 5000 IU are suggested. Use ONLY Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol). I’ve had patients come to me who were prescribed Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) from their hospital stay. The body cannot process D2. D2 begins to accumulate until it becomes toxic.
Zinc: Deficiency causes the hair follicles to enter their rest stage (Telogen phase) prematurely. Taking Zinc supplements accelerates recovery of hair follicles.
Essential Fatty Acids: Inadequate amounts of Essential Fatty Acids causes the hair follicles to enter their rest stage (Telogen phase) prematurely. (Malnutrition of hair follicles.)
Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis is placed here because EDTA is a supplement which will help. Post-menopausal women have an increased risk of developing arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. Men beyond their active years of youth, beginning at about age 40, also have an increased risk. EDTA helps reverse the effects of arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. When plaque builds up inside arterial walls, the result is a decrease in blood flow. The more plaque present, the severe the blood flow restriction. Blood carries nutrition and oxygen to all parts of the body, including the hair follicles. Reduction of blood flow to the hair follicles will result is an increase of hair loss.
The benefits of EDTA is widely recognized amongst both Naturopathic Doctors, and a select group of Allopathic doctors of which there are few. (I was trained in EDTA by this small and elite group of Allopathic Doctors.) Naturopathic Medicine has since begun teaching Naturopathic Doctors to become certified in EDTA chelation therapy. It is not cheap to have EDTA chelation! However there is one source of EDTA that is easily available, because it is in supplement form. It is part of a complex vitamin/mineral supplement package, complete with fish oils, packaged in a individual daily dose packs. There are ten capsules in each daily dose package. Each daily dose pack contains all the nutrition required by the average individual. (There are also a few other, high quality vitamin/mineral formulas available to Naturopathic Doctors, but this is the only one which also contains EDTA.
Educational Medical Considerations for Nutritional Deficiencies Contributory to Alopecia:
Click on “Visit our Online Store”
Click on “Metagenics”
Click on “Health Categories” (under picture)
Category: “Cardiometabolic Health”
Educational Suggestions:
1) Any of the EPA-DHA Products
Category: “Wellness”
Educational Suggestions:
1)Multigenics: (Covers adequate amounts of both Biotin and Zinc): 2 tablets TID with food
Category: “Immune Health”
Educational Suggestions:
1) D3 1000: For people exposed to natural sunlight most of the year. 1 tablet ID with or without food
2) D3 5000: For people exposed to little natural sunlight throughout the year: 1 tablet ID with or without food
Educational Medical Consideration for Supplement Formula with EDTA:
Educational Suggestion:
1) Supplement Formula with EDTA: Sold through doctor’s offices. Call our office.
Age related hormonal changes in mature adults are often contributory to alopecia. Men need to re-establish proper testosterone levels, but are encouraged to do this naturally. Women need to re-establish their proper hormonal balances and are also encouraged to do this naturally.
Educational Medical Considerations for Hormonal Changes in Men:
Click on “Visit our Online Store”
Click on “Metagenics”
Click on “Health Categories” (under picture)
Category: “Men’s Health”
Educational Suggestions:
OVERALL WELLNESS for MEN
1) Wellness Essentials for Men: 1 packet ID
TESTOSTERONE BALANCE
1) Testralin: 1 tablet either ID, BID, or TID depending on need, with our without food
2) Tribulus Synergy: 2 tablets BID
DHEA LEVELS
1) BioSom: Shake well. Spray in mouth void of any odors, food or drink. Mix with saliva for 20 seconds, then swallow. Take either ID, BID, TID, or QID depending on need.
Educational Medical Considerations for Hormonal Balance in Women:
Click on “Visit our Online Store”
Click on “Metagenics”
Click on “Health Categories” (under picture)
Category: “Women’s Health”
Educational Suggestions:
OVERALL WELLNESS for WOMEN
1) Fem Essentials: 2 tablets TID with food. Note: A total of six tablets per day is suggested.
HORMONE BALANCE
1) EstroFactors: 1 tablet ID with meals
2) Chasteberry Plus: 1 tablet BID with meals
3) Fem Premenstrual: Use for the 10 days before menses
4) SpectraSoy: 1 tablet BID with meals
MENOPAUSE TRANSITION
1) Black Cohosh Plus: 1 tablet BID
2) Estrovera: 1 tablet ID, with full glass of water. To be taken at the same time everyday.
3) Selestro: 1 tablet BID with meals
ESTROGEN METABOLISM
1) Meta 1-3-C: 1 capsule BID with food
DHEA LEVELS (Only found in Category: “Men’s Health”)
1) BioSom: Shake well. Spray in mouth void of any odors, food or drink. Mix with saliva for 20 seconds, then swallow. Take either ID, BID, TID, or QID depending on need.