[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1550712920567{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1550903044295{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”]

It’s been a major growth year career wise, consulting for multiple organizations on corporate wellness, building a private practice and finishing up grad school! All good stuff! Still, it’s a little too long since I have written; almost a full year. I’ve started to really hone in on various skill sets, one being to work with hormonal imbalances for both men and women. I’ve come across hair-loss over and over again and having it happen to myself during different stages in life, I thought I’d touch on this topic today called Telogen Effluvium. This type of hair-loss due to stress, whether it be health related, emotionally, financially or otherwise, can manifest in multiple ways. Here, I’ll write what I’ve learned in my own experience and helping to treat others during and after TE progresses.

References:

1. E. Thom, PhD. The Journal of Drugs and Dermatology. Stress and the Hair Growth Cycle: Cortisol-Induced Hair Growth Disruption. 2016.
2. G.S. Kelly. Alternative Medicine Review. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. 1999.
3. L. Wang, R. Ma, C. Liu. Current Pharmaceutical Design. Salvia miltiorrhiza: A Potential Red Light to the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases. 2017.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

ALKALIZING ON THE KETO DIET

• Warm Lemon Water first thing in the morning.
• Greens like kale, chard, beet greens, dandelion, spinach, wheatgrass, alfalfa grass, etc.
• Other non-starchy veggies or herbs like mushrooms,tomatoes, avocado, radishes, cucumber, jicama, broccoli, oregano, garlic,ginger, green beans, endive, cabbage, celery, zucchini and asparagus.
• Ideally try to consume a good portion of your produce raw oronly lightly cooked (such as steamed), as raw foods can helpsupply high levels of alkalizing minerals
• Add in other superfoods like maca, spirulina, sea veggies, bone broth and green powder mixes that contain chlorophyll.
• Healthy fats like coconut oil, MCT oil or virgin olive oil. Fats found in wild-caught fish, grass-fed beef, cage-free eggs, nuts, seeds and organic grass-fed butter are also good additions to your diet.
• Smaller amounts of starchy plants like sweet potato, turnips and beets can also included in the diet, although these should typically be kept to lower amounts due to containing more sugar and carbs.
• If possible, try to consume alkaline water. Alkaline water has a pH of 9 to 11, making it a better option than tap water or purified bottled water that more acidic.
• To reduce your intake of toxins and chemicals, it’s best to purchase organic produce whenever possible and to pay extra for grass-fed,free-range animal products. Plants that are grown in organic, mineral-dense soil tend to be more alkalizing and supply the most bang-for-your-buck.

As for the beautifying factor, make sure that you’re hydrating like a camel! I mean serious and copious amounts of water. Using a coconut hair mask like this one (YouTube Ayurveda) and avoiding heavy chemicals. I love a keratin treatment a few times a year, but even this is too harsh in the growing out stages of hair-loss. My stylist, Nicole Resnick at Hazel & Harley Salon, used high quality color for touch ups and Olaplex treatments once a month to build and re-bond frail and weak hair with frequent trims to keep it healthy and strong. I also love using the Oribe Moisture line and this Gisou mask for shine! You’ll notice little baby hairs that resemble little chopsticks, pointy at the ends and sticking straight up. It’s kind of funny because you look like you have a little fuzzy halo. Since so many hairs fall out at once, so many grow in at once, too! Creating this level of fuzz. It’s a good sign.

Lastly, I want to mention how important it is to be kind to yourself when you’re going through something like this. It’s easy to get frustrated, especially if it is a prolonged period of time and it’s easy to go overboard in trying to treat the problem, causing more damage than you think. I would encourage breath-work, yoga and meditation as much as possible to reduce the anxiety and stress that can perpetuate hair-loss and of course removing as many stressful situations you have been holding onto for a little longer than you care to admit. Maybe the best way to also view something like this can quite literally mean, losing hair is releasing all that doesn’t any longer serve you. Bring in new growth could mean new life, new opportunities, new dreams. Reframe and turn it into a positive experience and your mane will regrow in no time.

References:

1. E. Thom, PhD. The Journal of Drugs and Dermatology. Stress and the Hair Growth Cycle: Cortisol-Induced Hair Growth Disruption. 2016.
2. G.S. Kelly. Alternative Medicine Review. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. 1999.
3. L. Wang, R. Ma, C. Liu. Current Pharmaceutical Design. Salvia miltiorrhiza: A Potential Red Light to the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases. 2017.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The biochemical factors, which is more up my alley and that I feel has been helpful to integrate is:

• Taking a full panel Dutch Test and using Phosphatidylserine to lower cortisol levels where it might be peaking when it shouldn’t be.

The Dutch Test is amazing. I’m 42, so stress can really hamper hormonal health. Not only does the Dutch measure your estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S and cortisol with its metabolites, it also assesses how WELL you’re detoxifying hormones. If your liver is sluggish, you can hold on to excess hormones, particularly estrogen; which you may know already can lead to estrogen dominance, leading to bouts of anxiety, which in itself is stress. With the Dutch, another awesome panel is the oxidative stress markers. These, in my perspective are just as important as hormonal panels because it can assess how well you’re absorbing (and producing) organic acids responsible for B12, B6, glutathione (your major antioxidant), dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. ALL super important in combatting stress.

Phos-serine, in for cortisol works on phospholipids that contain both amino acids and fatty acids, i.e. omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. This is what builds healthy cell membranes and is a catalyst to cellular function, especially the brain. It works on repairing bone, collagen, cell repair, and hormonal health and adrenal glands. It directly reduces cortisol levels, which can in turn (as a side benefit) increase brain activity through our neurotransmitters and help ADHD sufferers focus, have better impulse control and combat anxiety and depression without becoming easily fatigued as with some medications. While PS is derived mostly from soy lecithin, other food forms consist of organ meats, mackerel and tuna, herring, even white beans for vegetarians. Consuming PS with good levels of EPA and DHA are helpful. Without going into a huge segue to specific diets, the Keto diet could also be beneficial for hair-loss since it can starve out any microorganisms that are thriving on sugars and carbohydrates, and consists of plenty of good fats in the form of mono/saturated and MCT’s, which can contribute to healthy, shiny hair.

I do recommend a modified version of the Keto Diet for women, due to fluctuating hormones. Alkalizing the Keto Diet is great for women (and men, just more important for women). Remember though that fats should come mostly in the form of oils, avocados, fatty fish and less about meats and dairy. Not only does this resemble more of an Atkins type approach, the hormones that are put into meat and dairy are well positioned to alter menstrual cycles and estrogen levels. Here are few tips to alkalizing the Keto Diet:

ALKALIZING ON THE KETO DIET

• Warm Lemon Water first thing in the morning.
• Greens like kale, chard, beet greens, dandelion, spinach, wheatgrass, alfalfa grass, etc.
• Other non-starchy veggies or herbs like mushrooms,tomatoes, avocado, radishes, cucumber, jicama, broccoli, oregano, garlic,ginger, green beans, endive, cabbage, celery, zucchini and asparagus.
• Ideally try to consume a good portion of your produce raw oronly lightly cooked (such as steamed), as raw foods can helpsupply high levels of alkalizing minerals
• Add in other superfoods like maca, spirulina, sea veggies, bone broth and green powder mixes that contain chlorophyll.
• Healthy fats like coconut oil, MCT oil or virgin olive oil. Fats found in wild-caught fish, grass-fed beef, cage-free eggs, nuts, seeds and organic grass-fed butter are also good additions to your diet.
• Smaller amounts of starchy plants like sweet potato, turnips and beets can also included in the diet, although these should typically be kept to lower amounts due to containing more sugar and carbs.
• If possible, try to consume alkaline water. Alkaline water has a pH of 9 to 11, making it a better option than tap water or purified bottled water that more acidic.
• To reduce your intake of toxins and chemicals, it’s best to purchase organic produce whenever possible and to pay extra for grass-fed,free-range animal products. Plants that are grown in organic, mineral-dense soil tend to be more alkalizing and supply the most bang-for-your-buck.

As for the beautifying factor, make sure that you’re hydrating like a camel! I mean serious and copious amounts of water. Using a coconut hair mask like this one (YouTube Ayurveda) and avoiding heavy chemicals. I love a keratin treatment a few times a year, but even this is too harsh in the growing out stages of hair-loss. My stylist, Nicole Resnick at Hazel & Harley Salon, used high quality color for touch ups and Olaplex treatments once a month to build and re-bond frail and weak hair with frequent trims to keep it healthy and strong. I also love using the Oribe Moisture line and this Gisou mask for shine! You’ll notice little baby hairs that resemble little chopsticks, pointy at the ends and sticking straight up. It’s kind of funny because you look like you have a little fuzzy halo. Since so many hairs fall out at once, so many grow in at once, too! Creating this level of fuzz. It’s a good sign.

Lastly, I want to mention how important it is to be kind to yourself when you’re going through something like this. It’s easy to get frustrated, especially if it is a prolonged period of time and it’s easy to go overboard in trying to treat the problem, causing more damage than you think. I would encourage breath-work, yoga and meditation as much as possible to reduce the anxiety and stress that can perpetuate hair-loss and of course removing as many stressful situations you have been holding onto for a little longer than you care to admit. Maybe the best way to also view something like this can quite literally mean, losing hair is releasing all that doesn’t any longer serve you. Bring in new growth could mean new life, new opportunities, new dreams. Reframe and turn it into a positive experience and your mane will regrow in no time.

References:

1. E. Thom, PhD. The Journal of Drugs and Dermatology. Stress and the Hair Growth Cycle: Cortisol-Induced Hair Growth Disruption. 2016.
2. G.S. Kelly. Alternative Medicine Review. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. 1999.
3. L. Wang, R. Ma, C. Liu. Current Pharmaceutical Design. Salvia miltiorrhiza: A Potential Red Light to the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases. 2017.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Again, there are flurries of events that can lead to TE. But, over time I’ve honed in on, what I think the major three factors:

• Stress…leading to
• High Cortisol & Inflammation…leading to
• Hormonal Imbalances & Possible Infection

You may not realize how much an emotional experience may have on you and how high cortisol may be, that stress accumulates to a point of burn out. In fact, TE shows a link between psycho-emotional stress and hair loss. Cortisol alone is known to affect the function and cycle regulation of the hair follicle. When cortisol presence is unusually high, this can reduce the regeneration and accelerate the degradation of skin, especially the component of hyaluronan and proteoglycans by approximately, 40%. That’s a lot!

Here are a few steps that I have taken to help replenish and restore hair growth for myself and also those even dealing with hypothyroidism, post-pregnancy, and many of the conditions listed above.

Healing from the inside out:

I would think about finding a great acupuncturist that spends approximately 60-90 minutes per session with light massage at the end. I found that shorter sessions are great for maintenance, but to get underneath an adrenal issue, longer sessions are recommended. I also loved the use of moxibustion, a burning of herbs to the skin to invigorate stagnant ‘Qi’ or life force. Usually, hair-loss is associated with the diagnosis of  Kidney Yin Deficiency. The kidneys, in TCM, rule the hair and blood. When blood is thin and not distributed properly, we can feel depleted, nutrients aren’t distributed properly – hence, hair-loss. Blood building foods that are recommended and that have helped:

Black sesame seeds, flax, pumpkin, sunflower

Black strap molasses

Arame or hijiki seaweed

Seafood: shrimp, oysters, scallops support the water elements (wild)

Nuts – walnuts

Animal products – all red meat, lamb, eggs, and duck or bone broth if you do not eat meat directly. There were also beef liver capsules, but I think it’s best to get these nutrients from food (organic/grass-fed).

Deep green leafy vegetables, asparagus, sweet potatoes, beets, colorful ones.

Fruits – as long as they’re not too cooling such as bananas and melons. Think berries and dark fruits.

Beans – kidney, black beans

Cooked whole grains

Eliminating any toxins such as smoking, alcohol and sugar are huge benefits to giving your liver a break and restoring a baseline. Those three things alone are the number one triggers to the breakdown of collagen known to reboot hair, skin and nails. I also recommend a custom blend tea, Nourishment: oats, nettles, licorice and alfalfa from Apothecary Tinctura. If you haven’t visited this little gem in Cherry Creek, Denver, it’s worth the trip. Those ladies are amazing! There is also something for everyone. Even chocolate…which brings me to another point…

If you want to remove triggers of continued hair-loss, avoid sugar and gluten as much as possible. This is already mainstream news amongst those dealing with hypothyroidism. I really like how Dr. Amy Myers addresses this on her site – Gluten and sugar perpetuate GI inflammation contributing  to hair-loss.

An herb also came highly recommended from Dr. Mark Carney, ND, called Dan Shen, Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhize. This particular herb doesn’t just build the blood it distributes the blood where it needs togo. There isn’t much use in consuming all the nutrients you need for healthy kidneys if they’re not going to penetrate the tissues needed to absorb them!

The biochemical factors, which is more up my alley and that I feel has been helpful to integrate is:

• Taking a full panel Dutch Test and using Phosphatidylserine to lower cortisol levels where it might be peaking when it shouldn’t be.

The Dutch Test is amazing. I’m 42, so stress can really hamper hormonal health. Not only does the Dutch measure your estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S and cortisol with its metabolites, it also assesses how WELL you’re detoxifying hormones. If your liver is sluggish, you can hold on to excess hormones, particularly estrogen; which you may know already can lead to estrogen dominance, leading to bouts of anxiety, which in itself is stress. With the Dutch, another awesome panel is the oxidative stress markers. These, in my perspective are just as important as hormonal panels because it can assess how well you’re absorbing (and producing) organic acids responsible for B12, B6, glutathione (your major antioxidant), dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. ALL super important in combatting stress.

Phos-serine, in for cortisol works on phospholipids that contain both amino acids and fatty acids, i.e. omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. This is what builds healthy cell membranes and is a catalyst to cellular function, especially the brain. It works on repairing bone, collagen, cell repair, and hormonal health and adrenal glands. It directly reduces cortisol levels, which can in turn (as a side benefit) increase brain activity through our neurotransmitters and help ADHD sufferers focus, have better impulse control and combat anxiety and depression without becoming easily fatigued as with some medications. While PS is derived mostly from soy lecithin, other food forms consist of organ meats, mackerel and tuna, herring, even white beans for vegetarians. Consuming PS with good levels of EPA and DHA are helpful. Without going into a huge segue to specific diets, the Keto diet could also be beneficial for hair-loss since it can starve out any microorganisms that are thriving on sugars and carbohydrates, and consists of plenty of good fats in the form of mono/saturated and MCT’s, which can contribute to healthy, shiny hair.

I do recommend a modified version of the Keto Diet for women, due to fluctuating hormones. Alkalizing the Keto Diet is great for women (and men, just more important for women). Remember though that fats should come mostly in the form of oils, avocados, fatty fish and less about meats and dairy. Not only does this resemble more of an Atkins type approach, the hormones that are put into meat and dairy are well positioned to alter menstrual cycles and estrogen levels. Here are few tips to alkalizing the Keto Diet:

ALKALIZING ON THE KETO DIET

• Warm Lemon Water first thing in the morning.
• Greens like kale, chard, beet greens, dandelion, spinach, wheatgrass, alfalfa grass, etc.
• Other non-starchy veggies or herbs like mushrooms,tomatoes, avocado, radishes, cucumber, jicama, broccoli, oregano, garlic,ginger, green beans, endive, cabbage, celery, zucchini and asparagus.
• Ideally try to consume a good portion of your produce raw oronly lightly cooked (such as steamed), as raw foods can helpsupply high levels of alkalizing minerals
• Add in other superfoods like maca, spirulina, sea veggies, bone broth and green powder mixes that contain chlorophyll.
• Healthy fats like coconut oil, MCT oil or virgin olive oil. Fats found in wild-caught fish, grass-fed beef, cage-free eggs, nuts, seeds and organic grass-fed butter are also good additions to your diet.
• Smaller amounts of starchy plants like sweet potato, turnips and beets can also included in the diet, although these should typically be kept to lower amounts due to containing more sugar and carbs.
• If possible, try to consume alkaline water. Alkaline water has a pH of 9 to 11, making it a better option than tap water or purified bottled water that more acidic.
• To reduce your intake of toxins and chemicals, it’s best to purchase organic produce whenever possible and to pay extra for grass-fed,free-range animal products. Plants that are grown in organic, mineral-dense soil tend to be more alkalizing and supply the most bang-for-your-buck.

As for the beautifying factor, make sure that you’re hydrating like a camel! I mean serious and copious amounts of water. Using a coconut hair mask like this one (YouTube Ayurveda) and avoiding heavy chemicals. I love a keratin treatment a few times a year, but even this is too harsh in the growing out stages of hair-loss. My stylist, Nicole Resnick at Hazel & Harley Salon, used high quality color for touch ups and Olaplex treatments once a month to build and re-bond frail and weak hair with frequent trims to keep it healthy and strong. I also love using the Oribe Moisture line and this Gisou mask for shine! You’ll notice little baby hairs that resemble little chopsticks, pointy at the ends and sticking straight up. It’s kind of funny because you look like you have a little fuzzy halo. Since so many hairs fall out at once, so many grow in at once, too! Creating this level of fuzz. It’s a good sign.

Lastly, I want to mention how important it is to be kind to yourself when you’re going through something like this. It’s easy to get frustrated, especially if it is a prolonged period of time and it’s easy to go overboard in trying to treat the problem, causing more damage than you think. I would encourage breath-work, yoga and meditation as much as possible to reduce the anxiety and stress that can perpetuate hair-loss and of course removing as many stressful situations you have been holding onto for a little longer than you care to admit. Maybe the best way to also view something like this can quite literally mean, losing hair is releasing all that doesn’t any longer serve you. Bring in new growth could mean new life, new opportunities, new dreams. Reframe and turn it into a positive experience and your mane will regrow in no time.

References:

1. E. Thom, PhD. The Journal of Drugs and Dermatology. Stress and the Hair Growth Cycle: Cortisol-Induced Hair Growth Disruption. 2016.
2. G.S. Kelly. Alternative Medicine Review. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. 1999.
3. L. Wang, R. Ma, C. Liu. Current Pharmaceutical Design. Salvia miltiorrhiza: A Potential Red Light to the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases. 2017.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

 Typical causes of TE:

• Childbirth
• Infection/Illness
• Surgery
• Severe emotional stress
  • Any type of grief
  • Death of a loved one
  • Divorce
  • Financial or Job Loss
  • PTSD
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Significant Weight-Loss
• Certain Medications
• Hypothyroidism
• GI Imbalances
  • Candida
  • SIBO
• Autoimmune conditions

Usually, hair starts growing back when the stressor has been eliminated,  but till then the hair-loss can last up to 6 months and can be quite devastating. In fact, sometimes the stress of losing hair can perpetuate the problem.  It can take up to a year for hair to regrow and become it’s shiny self again. This happened in the beginning of my diagnosis years ago with Lyme disease. In fact, months before the onset of symptoms I had gone through a death of a friend, a stressful relationship and at 35, hormonal fluctuations. A perfect storm for a) health issues b) hair-loss.

Again, there are flurries of events that can lead to TE. But, over time I’ve honed in on, what I think the major three factors:

• Stress…leading to
• High Cortisol & Inflammation…leading to
• Hormonal Imbalances & Possible Infection

You may not realize how much an emotional experience may have on you and how high cortisol may be, that stress accumulates to a point of burn out. In fact, TE shows a link between psycho-emotional stress and hair loss. Cortisol alone is known to affect the function and cycle regulation of the hair follicle. When cortisol presence is unusually high, this can reduce the regeneration and accelerate the degradation of skin, especially the component of hyaluronan and proteoglycans by approximately, 40%. That’s a lot!

Here are a few steps that I have taken to help replenish and restore hair growth for myself and also those even dealing with hypothyroidism, post-pregnancy, and many of the conditions listed above.

Healing from the inside out:

I would think about finding a great acupuncturist that spends approximately 60-90 minutes per session with light massage at the end. I found that shorter sessions are great for maintenance, but to get underneath an adrenal issue, longer sessions are recommended. I also loved the use of moxibustion, a burning of herbs to the skin to invigorate stagnant ‘Qi’ or life force. Usually, hair-loss is associated with the diagnosis of  Kidney Yin Deficiency. The kidneys, in TCM, rule the hair and blood. When blood is thin and not distributed properly, we can feel depleted, nutrients aren’t distributed properly – hence, hair-loss. Blood building foods that are recommended and that have helped:

Black sesame seeds, flax, pumpkin, sunflower

Black strap molasses

Arame or hijiki seaweed

Seafood: shrimp, oysters, scallops support the water elements (wild)

Nuts – walnuts

Animal products – all red meat, lamb, eggs, and duck or bone broth if you do not eat meat directly. There were also beef liver capsules, but I think it’s best to get these nutrients from food (organic/grass-fed).

Deep green leafy vegetables, asparagus, sweet potatoes, beets, colorful ones.

Fruits – as long as they’re not too cooling such as bananas and melons. Think berries and dark fruits.

Beans – kidney, black beans

Cooked whole grains

Eliminating any toxins such as smoking, alcohol and sugar are huge benefits to giving your liver a break and restoring a baseline. Those three things alone are the number one triggers to the breakdown of collagen known to reboot hair, skin and nails. I also recommend a custom blend tea, Nourishment: oats, nettles, licorice and alfalfa from Apothecary Tinctura. If you haven’t visited this little gem in Cherry Creek, Denver, it’s worth the trip. Those ladies are amazing! There is also something for everyone. Even chocolate…which brings me to another point…

If you want to remove triggers of continued hair-loss, avoid sugar and gluten as much as possible. This is already mainstream news amongst those dealing with hypothyroidism. I really like how Dr. Amy Myers addresses this on her site – Gluten and sugar perpetuate GI inflammation contributing  to hair-loss.

An herb also came highly recommended from Dr. Mark Carney, ND, called Dan Shen, Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhize. This particular herb doesn’t just build the blood it distributes the blood where it needs togo. There isn’t much use in consuming all the nutrients you need for healthy kidneys if they’re not going to penetrate the tissues needed to absorb them!

The biochemical factors, which is more up my alley and that I feel has been helpful to integrate is:

• Taking a full panel Dutch Test and using Phosphatidylserine to lower cortisol levels where it might be peaking when it shouldn’t be.

The Dutch Test is amazing. I’m 42, so stress can really hamper hormonal health. Not only does the Dutch measure your estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S and cortisol with its metabolites, it also assesses how WELL you’re detoxifying hormones. If your liver is sluggish, you can hold on to excess hormones, particularly estrogen; which you may know already can lead to estrogen dominance, leading to bouts of anxiety, which in itself is stress. With the Dutch, another awesome panel is the oxidative stress markers. These, in my perspective are just as important as hormonal panels because it can assess how well you’re absorbing (and producing) organic acids responsible for B12, B6, glutathione (your major antioxidant), dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. ALL super important in combatting stress.

Phos-serine, in for cortisol works on phospholipids that contain both amino acids and fatty acids, i.e. omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. This is what builds healthy cell membranes and is a catalyst to cellular function, especially the brain. It works on repairing bone, collagen, cell repair, and hormonal health and adrenal glands. It directly reduces cortisol levels, which can in turn (as a side benefit) increase brain activity through our neurotransmitters and help ADHD sufferers focus, have better impulse control and combat anxiety and depression without becoming easily fatigued as with some medications. While PS is derived mostly from soy lecithin, other food forms consist of organ meats, mackerel and tuna, herring, even white beans for vegetarians. Consuming PS with good levels of EPA and DHA are helpful. Without going into a huge segue to specific diets, the Keto diet could also be beneficial for hair-loss since it can starve out any microorganisms that are thriving on sugars and carbohydrates, and consists of plenty of good fats in the form of mono/saturated and MCT’s, which can contribute to healthy, shiny hair.

I do recommend a modified version of the Keto Diet for women, due to fluctuating hormones. Alkalizing the Keto Diet is great for women (and men, just more important for women). Remember though that fats should come mostly in the form of oils, avocados, fatty fish and less about meats and dairy. Not only does this resemble more of an Atkins type approach, the hormones that are put into meat and dairy are well positioned to alter menstrual cycles and estrogen levels. Here are few tips to alkalizing the Keto Diet:

ALKALIZING ON THE KETO DIET

• Warm Lemon Water first thing in the morning.
• Greens like kale, chard, beet greens, dandelion, spinach, wheatgrass, alfalfa grass, etc.
• Other non-starchy veggies or herbs like mushrooms,tomatoes, avocado, radishes, cucumber, jicama, broccoli, oregano, garlic,ginger, green beans, endive, cabbage, celery, zucchini and asparagus.
• Ideally try to consume a good portion of your produce raw oronly lightly cooked (such as steamed), as raw foods can helpsupply high levels of alkalizing minerals
• Add in other superfoods like maca, spirulina, sea veggies, bone broth and green powder mixes that contain chlorophyll.
• Healthy fats like coconut oil, MCT oil or virgin olive oil. Fats found in wild-caught fish, grass-fed beef, cage-free eggs, nuts, seeds and organic grass-fed butter are also good additions to your diet.
• Smaller amounts of starchy plants like sweet potato, turnips and beets can also included in the diet, although these should typically be kept to lower amounts due to containing more sugar and carbs.
• If possible, try to consume alkaline water. Alkaline water has a pH of 9 to 11, making it a better option than tap water or purified bottled water that more acidic.
• To reduce your intake of toxins and chemicals, it’s best to purchase organic produce whenever possible and to pay extra for grass-fed,free-range animal products. Plants that are grown in organic, mineral-dense soil tend to be more alkalizing and supply the most bang-for-your-buck.

As for the beautifying factor, make sure that you’re hydrating like a camel! I mean serious and copious amounts of water. Using a coconut hair mask like this one (YouTube Ayurveda) and avoiding heavy chemicals. I love a keratin treatment a few times a year, but even this is too harsh in the growing out stages of hair-loss. My stylist, Nicole Resnick at Hazel & Harley Salon, used high quality color for touch ups and Olaplex treatments once a month to build and re-bond frail and weak hair with frequent trims to keep it healthy and strong. I also love using the Oribe Moisture line and this Gisou mask for shine! You’ll notice little baby hairs that resemble little chopsticks, pointy at the ends and sticking straight up. It’s kind of funny because you look like you have a little fuzzy halo. Since so many hairs fall out at once, so many grow in at once, too! Creating this level of fuzz. It’s a good sign.

Lastly, I want to mention how important it is to be kind to yourself when you’re going through something like this. It’s easy to get frustrated, especially if it is a prolonged period of time and it’s easy to go overboard in trying to treat the problem, causing more damage than you think. I would encourage breath-work, yoga and meditation as much as possible to reduce the anxiety and stress that can perpetuate hair-loss and of course removing as many stressful situations you have been holding onto for a little longer than you care to admit. Maybe the best way to also view something like this can quite literally mean, losing hair is releasing all that doesn’t any longer serve you. Bring in new growth could mean new life, new opportunities, new dreams. Reframe and turn it into a positive experience and your mane will regrow in no time.

References:

1. E. Thom, PhD. The Journal of Drugs and Dermatology. Stress and the Hair Growth Cycle: Cortisol-Induced Hair Growth Disruption. 2016.
2. G.S. Kelly. Alternative Medicine Review. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. 1999.
3. L. Wang, R. Ma, C. Liu. Current Pharmaceutical Design. Salvia miltiorrhiza: A Potential Red Light to the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases. 2017.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

First, Telogen Effluvium is the second most common form of hair-loss after androgenetic alopecia. There are numerous sites that explain the phases of hair-loss and growth in depth, but here are the three basic steps:

• Normally, you can lose up to 100 hairs per day; however, with TE, you’re losing more than normal on a daily basis. This is the telogen phase. Effluvium means ‘flowing out’ in Latin. Normally, about 90% of hair is in its growth phase (anagen). During this phase, a single hair can be in a growth phase for several years and grow a half an inch each month.
• The other 10% of hair is in the resting phase (telogen). The hair follicles, which nourish each hair, start to rest before producing a new hair and the cycle of growth again.
• This is when hair shedding begins.

After a bout of high stress, typically hair can shed approximately 2-4 months after the event has occurred, or in some cases a period of time leading up to this point. So, if you think back a few months before the shedding happens, you can most likely pinpoint what was going on. Hopefully, that trigger of stress is lessened by then or removed completely to start the recovery phase.

 Typical causes of TE:

• Childbirth
• Infection/Illness
• Surgery
• Severe emotional stress
  • Any type of grief
  • Death of a loved one
  • Divorce
  • Financial or Job Loss
  • PTSD
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Significant Weight-Loss
• Certain Medications
• Hypothyroidism
• GI Imbalances
  • Candida
  • SIBO
• Autoimmune conditions

Usually, hair starts growing back when the stressor has been eliminated,  but till then the hair-loss can last up to 6 months and can be quite devastating. In fact, sometimes the stress of losing hair can perpetuate the problem.  It can take up to a year for hair to regrow and become it’s shiny self again. This happened in the beginning of my diagnosis years ago with Lyme disease. In fact, months before the onset of symptoms I had gone through a death of a friend, a stressful relationship and at 35, hormonal fluctuations. A perfect storm for a) health issues b) hair-loss.

Again, there are flurries of events that can lead to TE. But, over time I’ve honed in on, what I think the major three factors:

• Stress…leading to
• High Cortisol & Inflammation…leading to
• Hormonal Imbalances & Possible Infection

You may not realize how much an emotional experience may have on you and how high cortisol may be, that stress accumulates to a point of burn out. In fact, TE shows a link between psycho-emotional stress and hair loss. Cortisol alone is known to affect the function and cycle regulation of the hair follicle. When cortisol presence is unusually high, this can reduce the regeneration and accelerate the degradation of skin, especially the component of hyaluronan and proteoglycans by approximately, 40%. That’s a lot!

Here are a few steps that I have taken to help replenish and restore hair growth for myself and also those even dealing with hypothyroidism, post-pregnancy, and many of the conditions listed above.

Healing from the inside out:

I would think about finding a great acupuncturist that spends approximately 60-90 minutes per session with light massage at the end. I found that shorter sessions are great for maintenance, but to get underneath an adrenal issue, longer sessions are recommended. I also loved the use of moxibustion, a burning of herbs to the skin to invigorate stagnant ‘Qi’ or life force. Usually, hair-loss is associated with the diagnosis of  Kidney Yin Deficiency. The kidneys, in TCM, rule the hair and blood. When blood is thin and not distributed properly, we can feel depleted, nutrients aren’t distributed properly – hence, hair-loss. Blood building foods that are recommended and that have helped:

Black sesame seeds, flax, pumpkin, sunflower

Black strap molasses

Arame or hijiki seaweed

Seafood: shrimp, oysters, scallops support the water elements (wild)

Nuts – walnuts

Animal products – all red meat, lamb, eggs, and duck or bone broth if you do not eat meat directly. There were also beef liver capsules, but I think it’s best to get these nutrients from food (organic/grass-fed).

Deep green leafy vegetables, asparagus, sweet potatoes, beets, colorful ones.

Fruits – as long as they’re not too cooling such as bananas and melons. Think berries and dark fruits.

Beans – kidney, black beans

Cooked whole grains

Eliminating any toxins such as smoking, alcohol and sugar are huge benefits to giving your liver a break and restoring a baseline. Those three things alone are the number one triggers to the breakdown of collagen known to reboot hair, skin and nails. I also recommend a custom blend tea, Nourishment: oats, nettles, licorice and alfalfa from Apothecary Tinctura. If you haven’t visited this little gem in Cherry Creek, Denver, it’s worth the trip. Those ladies are amazing! There is also something for everyone. Even chocolate…which brings me to another point…

If you want to remove triggers of continued hair-loss, avoid sugar and gluten as much as possible. This is already mainstream news amongst those dealing with hypothyroidism. I really like how Dr. Amy Myers addresses this on her site – Gluten and sugar perpetuate GI inflammation contributing  to hair-loss.

An herb also came highly recommended from Dr. Mark Carney, ND, called Dan Shen, Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhize. This particular herb doesn’t just build the blood it distributes the blood where it needs togo. There isn’t much use in consuming all the nutrients you need for healthy kidneys if they’re not going to penetrate the tissues needed to absorb them!

The biochemical factors, which is more up my alley and that I feel has been helpful to integrate is:

• Taking a full panel Dutch Test and using Phosphatidylserine to lower cortisol levels where it might be peaking when it shouldn’t be.

The Dutch Test is amazing. I’m 42, so stress can really hamper hormonal health. Not only does the Dutch measure your estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S and cortisol with its metabolites, it also assesses how WELL you’re detoxifying hormones. If your liver is sluggish, you can hold on to excess hormones, particularly estrogen; which you may know already can lead to estrogen dominance, leading to bouts of anxiety, which in itself is stress. With the Dutch, another awesome panel is the oxidative stress markers. These, in my perspective are just as important as hormonal panels because it can assess how well you’re absorbing (and producing) organic acids responsible for B12, B6, glutathione (your major antioxidant), dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. ALL super important in combatting stress.

Phos-serine, in for cortisol works on phospholipids that contain both amino acids and fatty acids, i.e. omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. This is what builds healthy cell membranes and is a catalyst to cellular function, especially the brain. It works on repairing bone, collagen, cell repair, and hormonal health and adrenal glands. It directly reduces cortisol levels, which can in turn (as a side benefit) increase brain activity through our neurotransmitters and help ADHD sufferers focus, have better impulse control and combat anxiety and depression without becoming easily fatigued as with some medications. While PS is derived mostly from soy lecithin, other food forms consist of organ meats, mackerel and tuna, herring, even white beans for vegetarians. Consuming PS with good levels of EPA and DHA are helpful. Without going into a huge segue to specific diets, the Keto diet could also be beneficial for hair-loss since it can starve out any microorganisms that are thriving on sugars and carbohydrates, and consists of plenty of good fats in the form of mono/saturated and MCT’s, which can contribute to healthy, shiny hair.

I do recommend a modified version of the Keto Diet for women, due to fluctuating hormones. Alkalizing the Keto Diet is great for women (and men, just more important for women). Remember though that fats should come mostly in the form of oils, avocados, fatty fish and less about meats and dairy. Not only does this resemble more of an Atkins type approach, the hormones that are put into meat and dairy are well positioned to alter menstrual cycles and estrogen levels. Here are few tips to alkalizing the Keto Diet:

ALKALIZING ON THE KETO DIET

• Warm Lemon Water first thing in the morning.
• Greens like kale, chard, beet greens, dandelion, spinach, wheatgrass, alfalfa grass, etc.
• Other non-starchy veggies or herbs like mushrooms,tomatoes, avocado, radishes, cucumber, jicama, broccoli, oregano, garlic,ginger, green beans, endive, cabbage, celery, zucchini and asparagus.
• Ideally try to consume a good portion of your produce raw oronly lightly cooked (such as steamed), as raw foods can helpsupply high levels of alkalizing minerals
• Add in other superfoods like maca, spirulina, sea veggies, bone broth and green powder mixes that contain chlorophyll.
• Healthy fats like coconut oil, MCT oil or virgin olive oil. Fats found in wild-caught fish, grass-fed beef, cage-free eggs, nuts, seeds and organic grass-fed butter are also good additions to your diet.
• Smaller amounts of starchy plants like sweet potato, turnips and beets can also included in the diet, although these should typically be kept to lower amounts due to containing more sugar and carbs.
• If possible, try to consume alkaline water. Alkaline water has a pH of 9 to 11, making it a better option than tap water or purified bottled water that more acidic.
• To reduce your intake of toxins and chemicals, it’s best to purchase organic produce whenever possible and to pay extra for grass-fed,free-range animal products. Plants that are grown in organic, mineral-dense soil tend to be more alkalizing and supply the most bang-for-your-buck.

As for the beautifying factor, make sure that you’re hydrating like a camel! I mean serious and copious amounts of water. Using a coconut hair mask like this one (YouTube Ayurveda) and avoiding heavy chemicals. I love a keratin treatment a few times a year, but even this is too harsh in the growing out stages of hair-loss. My stylist, Nicole Resnick at Hazel & Harley Salon, used high quality color for touch ups and Olaplex treatments once a month to build and re-bond frail and weak hair with frequent trims to keep it healthy and strong. I also love using the Oribe Moisture line and this Gisou mask for shine! You’ll notice little baby hairs that resemble little chopsticks, pointy at the ends and sticking straight up. It’s kind of funny because you look like you have a little fuzzy halo. Since so many hairs fall out at once, so many grow in at once, too! Creating this level of fuzz. It’s a good sign.

Lastly, I want to mention how important it is to be kind to yourself when you’re going through something like this. It’s easy to get frustrated, especially if it is a prolonged period of time and it’s easy to go overboard in trying to treat the problem, causing more damage than you think. I would encourage breath-work, yoga and meditation as much as possible to reduce the anxiety and stress that can perpetuate hair-loss and of course removing as many stressful situations you have been holding onto for a little longer than you care to admit. Maybe the best way to also view something like this can quite literally mean, losing hair is releasing all that doesn’t any longer serve you. Bring in new growth could mean new life, new opportunities, new dreams. Reframe and turn it into a positive experience and your mane will regrow in no time.

References:

1. E. Thom, PhD. The Journal of Drugs and Dermatology. Stress and the Hair Growth Cycle: Cortisol-Induced Hair Growth Disruption. 2016.
2. G.S. Kelly. Alternative Medicine Review. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. 1999.
3. L. Wang, R. Ma, C. Liu. Current Pharmaceutical Design. Salvia miltiorrhiza: A Potential Red Light to the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases. 2017.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]