Unhealthy hair and hair loss

A reader has lost most of her eyelashes and eyebrows and is worried that the hair on her head may be next.  “My head hair is ultra fine, dry and dead-looking. It also doesn't seem to be growing in length,” she explains.  She is also suffering from Sjogren’s syndrome, IBS and acute weight loss (possibly due to a gut malabsorption problem).  Do readers know of any natural remedies that will help save her remaining hair?

Thyroid

According to Lee and several other readers, your symptoms could indicate a thyroid problem.  “Hair loss in addition to weight loss and diarrhoea are some of the signs of hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid,” notes Lee.  Check out the British Thyroid Foundation’s website (www.btf-thyroid.org) to see if any other symptoms match up, he recommends.  Other readers suggest getting tested by your GP as soon as possible.
 
If thyroid dysfunction does turn out to be at the heart of the problem, see WDDTY vol 7 no 7 for advice on dealing with the condition without drugs.

Salt in diet

Another reader – a naturopath and homeopath – suggests reducing the amount of salt in the diet.  “Salt is the biggest enemy of our hair,” she warns.  “Eating salt reduces the amount of nitric oxide in the body – a substance that is very important for healthy arteries and also hair growth.”  Too much sugar can also have adverse effects on hair growth, she says.  Try altering your diet and see if there’s an improvement, she recommends.


E-news broadcast 8 May 2007 No. 357 [Subscribe]

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