The Root Causes of Hair Loss (And How to Reverse It) | Dr. Mark Hyman
Mark Hyman
Dec 6, 2024
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Address gluten sensitivity to prevent total alopecia
Celiac disease and even non-celiac gluten sensitivity can cause severe hair loss, sometimes leading to total alopecia, by triggering an autoimmune reaction in the scalp.
Incorporate Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat for longevity benefits
Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat is a gluten-free seed loaded with longevity-promoting nutrients like rutin and quercetin, with a sprouted version being easier to digest.
Identify medications that contribute to hair loss
Widely used medications like beta-blockers, blood thinners, and certain antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft can be a root cause of hair loss.
Ensure adequate zinc intake to prevent hair loss
Zinc is a natural inhibitor of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, so a deficiency can lead to increased DHT and subsequent hair loss.
Maintain ferritin levels above 45 to prevent hair loss
To prevent hair loss, your ferritin (iron storage) level should be over 45, which is significantly higher than what standard lab reference ranges indicate as normal.
Utilize progesterone to protect hair thickness
Progesterone naturally inhibits the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which explains why hair gets thicker during pregnancy and thins during menopause.
Address insulin resistance to balance testosterone and DHT levels
Men with insulin resistance can have low total testosterone but high levels of hair-loss-causing DHT because insulin lowers a key binding protein (SHBG).
Reduce sugar intake to combat hair loss
High sugar and starch diets stimulate the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, increasing the production of the hair loss hormone DHT.
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