Alopecia areata is a medical condition that causes the immune system to attack the hair follicles, which leads to the hair falling out in round patches. (1) Researchers believe that alopecia areata causes include genetics and environmental factors such as psychological stress and trauma, that trigger an over-reactive immune system. (2)
Conventional treatment often includes corticosteroids, imunosuppressants and other medications. Alopecia areata natural treatment focuses more on foods and supplements that support hair growth. Hair loss natural treatments come without the dangerous side effects of prescription creams and medications.
As always, be sure to check with a medical professional who will be able to look at your specific situation and determine a cause. There are several different conditions that can cause hair loss and it's always a good idea to rule out any of the other, more serious ones.
Once you're sure you're dealing with alopecia areata, consider the following lifestyle and dietary changes as part of your arsenal for combatting the illness.
Alopecia Areata Natural Treatments
1. Probiotics
Probiotics can help treat many autoimmune conditions, including hair loss. They work to improve the immune system and stop overreactions that cause inflammation. Probiotic foods include kimchi, kefir, kombucha and cultured vegetables. You can also find probiotics in supplement form. These can be a more convenient form of probiotics considering the fact that a supplement is much easier to reach for and take than a meal is to prepare. Probiotic supplements aren't without their downsides, however. For one, some of the probiotic bacteria in the supplement may die before you get around to finishing the bottle. This can lead to you intaking less probiotic bacteria than you think. This is why many probiotic supplement manufacturers have stopped making promises regarding how much probiotic bacteria is in any given bottle. Instead, they'll often say how much is supposed to be in the bottle at the manufacturing stage, with the expectation that some of the bacteria will die by the time it reaches you. Probiotic supplements also typically contain just one type of helpful bacteria, while probiotic foods will contain a variety. The key is balancing these pros and cons. If a probiotic supplement helps you stay on track with your consumption, great! Just be sure to eat some probiotic food every once in a while as well.2. Zinc
Zinc works as an alopecia areata natural treatment thanks to its ability to boost the immune system and repair the gut. Lower zinc levels are often linked to the condition. Foods high in zinc include pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews and spinach. If you drink alcohol regularly, that could be a sign that you need to look into your zinc levels. Your body needs various nutrients, including zinc, to process alcohol. When you go overboard with the alcohol consumption, your body pulls these nutrients out of your bloodstream and away from other functions. You should also consider your zinc levels if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms in addition to your hair loss:- Acne
- Eczema
- Night blindness (in severe cases)
- Loss of appetite
- Low mood