Alopecia

Alopecia: Can it Be Reversed? Dr. Steven Gundry Explains Alopecia Symptoms and How to Treat Alopecia.

An autoimmune disease: What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body. For example, in the case of Alopecia, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

Alopecia is a medical condition that causes hair loss. It can affect people of all ages and is more common in people with a family history of the condition.

There are several types of Alopecia, including:

1. Alopecia areata: This is a common form of Alopecia that causes round patches of hair loss. It can affect the scalp, eyebrows, and other body parts.Alopecia areata is typically treated with medications such as corticosteroids, minoxidil, and immunosuppressants.
2. Androgenetic Alopecia: This form of Alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones. It is the most common form of hair loss and affects both men and women. Androgenetic Alopecia typically affects the scalp and can be treated with medications such as finasteride and minoxidil.
3. Scarring alopecia: This type of Alopecia characterized by scarring on the scalp. It can be caused by inflammatory conditions such as lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus. Scarring alopecia can lead to permanent hair loss and is often treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.

There is no cure for Alopecia, but treatment options, such as medications and hair loss concealers, can help manage the condition and stimulate hair growth.

What is the cause of Alopecia?

According to Doctor Steven Gundry, a renowned expert, it is believed that every illness begins with a leaky gut. In the case of Alopecia, the immune system starts attacking the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. Various factors, such as genetics, environmental influences, and specific medical conditions, may contribute to the development of Alopecia. Moreover, individuals with a family history of this condition may be more susceptible to experiencing it.

Other factors that may contribute to the development of Alopecia include:

• Stress: Stressful events like surgery or a severe illness can trigger hair loss.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can cause hair loss.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and blood thinners, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as anemia and thyroid disorders, can cause hair loss.

See a doctor if you are experiencing hair loss, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening.

Is the culprit of alopecia leaky gut?

The leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which the lining of the intestines becomes damaged, allowing bacteria and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. It is thought to be linked to various health conditions, including digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases, and allergies.

Suppose you are experiencing hair loss and are concerned about leaky gut syndrome. In that case, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help diagnose the cause of your hair loss and recommend appropriate treatment options.

What are the signs of Alopecia?

The most common sign of Alopecia is hair loss, which can occur in different patterns depending on the type of Alopecia.

Some common signs of Alopecia include:

1. Round patches of hair loss: This is a common sign of alopecia areata. This autoimmune disorder causes hair loss in round patches on the scalp and other body parts.
2. Gradual thinning of the hair: This is a common sign of androgenetic Alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. It is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones and usually affects the scalp.
3. Scarring on the scalp: This is a sign of scarring alopecia, a type of alopecia characterized by scarring on the scalp. It can be caused by inflammatory conditions such as lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus.

Other signs of Alopecia may include:

• Itching or burning sensations on the scalp
• Dry, flaky skin on the scalp
• The appearance of small, red bumps on the scalp

Suppose you are experiencing hair loss or any other signs of Alopecia. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening.

Can Alopecia be reversed?

There is no cure for Alopecia, and the likelihood of reversing the hair loss depends on the type and severity of the condition. In some cases, treatment may stimulate hair growth and improve the appearance of the hair. However, in other cases, the hair loss may be permanent.

See a doctor if you are experiencing hair loss, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening. Your doctor can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for your specific type and severity of Alopecia.

If you’ve been diagnosed with Alopecia or suspect you may have it, you can take a few steps to rid yourself of your pain for good.

1. No packaged and processed foods — these foods, which now make up most Americans’ diets, are loaded with sugar, artificial ingredients, and other inflammatory ingredients. The more you eat them, the more you increase your risk of autoimmune disease and worsen your problem.
2. Eat more whole foods — natural whole foods (particularly high-fiber vegetables like onions, asparagus, and artichoke) provide your gut with healthy starches and fiber that will keep you full and improve the health of your microbiome (the beneficial bacteria living in your gut).
3. Get your sweetness naturally — sugar is one of the worst foods you can consume. It’s a key driver of inflammation and obesity in nearly all packaged and processed foods. But if you have a sweet tooth, Dr. Gundry recommends eating low-fructose fruits in season (and in moderation). His favorite fruits include wild berries, kiwifruit (with the skin on), pomegranate, passion fruit, and grapefruit.
4. Cut out the lectins — these pesky plant proteins can lead to a leaky gut. Common lectin-containing foods include vegetables from the nightshade family (including tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant), nuts and seeds like cashews and peanuts, and beans and legumes. (You can find a complete list of lectin-containing foods HERE.) Dr. Gundry’s lectin hack: you can completely neutralize the lectins in most foods by pressure-cooking them.
5. Don’t forget fiber — perhaps the best food you can eat for a healthier gut is a type of fiber called a prebiotic. Eating more prebiotic fiber is the easiest (and fastest) way to a healthier, happier gut. And one of the best prebiotics is inulin, which you can find abundantly in foods like chicory, asparagus, onions, leeks, and artichokes. Dr. Gundry’s “refrigerator trick” to get more prebiotic fiber from starchy foods like yams, sorghum, millet, and pressure-cooked rice: cook them, chill them, reheat before eating.