I’m Losing My Hair can Functional Medicine Help?

Can Functional Medicine Help With Hair Loss?

Balding is a serious concern that many individuals have. While hair loss primarily affects men, women too can be susceptible to thinning and receding hairlines. In an effort to stop hair loss, billions of dollars are spent every year on cosmetic products and solutions geared towards slowing or preventing balding.

However, these products are typically ineffective and even potentially toxic to other areas of the body. According to the American Hair Loss Association, by the age of 35, approximately 66 percent of men will have experienced some degree of hair loss — and by age 50, roughly 85 percent of men will have significantly thinner hair.

Obviously, most individuals would prefer to keep their hair instead of going bald. Yet, many accept hair loss as a genetic misfortune — resulting in a loss of self-confidence and self-esteem. Functional medicine can provide a natural and successful solution to combat hair loss — look at me, I’m a product of it! I was once bald and struggling to grow a full head of hair. Through a dedicated functional medicine plan, I was able to restore my hair structure and promote healthier growth.

Before

After

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss is often the result of lifestyle choices and habits. Yes, it is true that specific genes are tied to hair loss — specifically male pattern baldness. However, this genetic disposition is typically expressed when lifestyle and environmental factors cause a breakdown.

Factors include:

• Hormone levels (including cortisol)
• Inflammation
• Thyroid issues
• Poor diet
• Stress
• Sleep hygiene
• Water intake

If the root cause of your hair loss can be identified, there is a greater chance to reverse course and start changing elements of your lifestyle that do not harm the chemical makeup and production of your hair follicles.

How Functional Medicine Approaches Hair Loss

As we’ve established, hair loss is almost always a direct result of toxicity within the body. When the body is exposed to more toxins than it can rid itself of through other bodily functions and filtering, these toxins can start to be eliminated through the hair follicles. Thus causing damage and balding.

Every day, we are exposed to high levels of toxins through our food choices, environment, and lifestyle. Without proper detoxification or healthier habits, hair loss is bound to occur — but it doesn’t need to be permanent. With the help of the Epigenetics Healing Center, you can regain control of your hair loss and reestablish your self-confidence.

The path to healing starts with extensive blood testing and a deep look at your past and current health history. This phase of research can help uncover indicators as to why your hair loss might be occurring. From there, my staff and I will build a custom plan for you on how to better manage your day-to-day life with habits that support a better functioning body.

To start, diet is a major reason why Americans experience chronic illness and disease. A poor diet that is full of processed foods, sugars, salts, and saturated fats is sure to cause significant harm to the health of your hair. Building a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, protein-filled meats, and plenty of water intake, will produce a better functioning system, with fewer toxins needed to be eliminated.

Another area of life that will need to be examined is stress levels. When high stress is able to persist for long periods of time, the body will become systemically inflamed — weakening the immune system and other body systems. The reduction of stress will significantly help issues relating to hair loss. Our team will work with you to find a sustainable solution to your stress, through options like a regimented workout plan, counseling, or the introduction of new hobbies. Ultimately, this process will help improve imbalanced hormone levels, particularly with cortisol — the stress hormone.

Finally, with a functional medicine approach, we will look at your sleep hygiene and what possible harmful products you could be using that are damaging your scalp and hair roots. Sleep is critical to the body’s wellbeing and natural restoration. Improving sleep patterns and quality of sleep are necessary to all body functions, including hair growth. Additionally, some cosmetic and hair care products can do considerable damage to your hair and its health. Cutting out toxic soaps, shampoos, and heating treatments are useful in protecting the structure of your hair follicles.

The Best Functional Medicine Doctor in Kansas City

Contact The Epigenetics Healing Center to schedule an appointment for hair loss treatment or to examine your current health status. Functional medicine is all about patient empowerment and helping give individuals the tools to improve their lives. Learn how we can help address your health concerns, and adjust for a healthier life moving forward.