Many people may not realize that alopecia areata can greatly benefit from specific dietary changes. Because the most obvious symptom of alopecia areata is hair loss in the form of bald patches, there is a tendency to focus all treatment on regrowth of hair within the patches.
Stimulating new hair growth with natural remedies like essential oils is just one component in treating and curing alopecia areata. It is important to remember that underneath the bald patches lies a deeper problem that caused the bald patches in the first place. This problem is a faulty immune system. Keeping the immune system calm and balanced so it doesn’t go haywire can help inhibit the severity and progression of the disease. This can be achieved more through a change in diet than any other way.
The main components of the diet would involve reducing inflammation, identifying and avoiding allergens, identifying and correcting deficiencies, nourishing the body with a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods, and establishing healthy gut flora.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET FOR ALOPECIA AREATA
Inflammation is involved with all autoimmune disorders and most hair loss conditions. The anti-inflammatory diet can help calm and support an overactive immune system, reducing the chance of breakouts that could lead to an attack on your hair follicles.
FOOD ALLERGENS ASSOCIATED WITH ALOPECIA AREATA
Food allergies or sensitivities are an important component in autoimmune disorders. It is important to learn to recognize and avoid all possible allergens that can cause an autoimmune response. There are several testing methods available to help determine individual food allergies and sensitivities.
GLUTEN
Recent scientific research is revealing a strong association between gluten intolerance or sensitivity and alopecia areata. A positive result for celiac disease (gluten intolerance) would require eliminating all gluten. Some parents of children with alopecia areata have noted regrowth of the child’s hair and also an increase in the child’s height once gluten is removed. The accelerated height growth is due to the increased ability to absorb nutrients once gluten is removed.
Gluten intolerance creates nutritional deficiencies if gluten consumption is continued. Eliminating or reducing gluten will naturally decrease inflammation in the diet, as long as other unhealthy gluten-free inflammatory snacks are not substituted. Many people choose to try gluten-free to see how they respond, rather than undergo diagnostic testing. Other common allergens associated with autoimmune diseases include dairy, casein, nightshades, eggs, vegetables, and other individual foods.
MEAT
Certain experts have found that avoiding or reducing meat is necessary or helpful. Those who are affected by autoimmune conditions show a higher than normal sensitivity to antigens from foods of animal origin. This may be because the amino acid sequence in animal meats is similar to that found in human tissues. The strong resemblance can cause confusion and provoke a seizure. Those who wish to consume meat may consider purchasing only clean, organic, grass-fed meats and may also wish to limit consumption.
RICH IN NUTRIENTS/LOWER IN CALORIES
Eating a wide variety of natural, whole, nutrient-dense foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, will ensure fullness, satisfaction, and proper nutrition with the fewest calories. This will allow the digestive system to relax, repair and regenerate. Faulty digestion is highly associated with autoimmune disorders.
Many people tend to eat the same foods over and over again. Eating a wide variety of high-quality foods will help ensure that a person does not eat too much of foods to which they may have a hidden or unknown allergy.
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES
It is not uncommon for people with alopecia areata to have nutritional deficiencies like zinc, vitamin D, iron, etc. that can contribute to hair loss. Supplementation should only be used when there is a defined deficiency. Supplementing randomly can create imbalances that can disrupt the immune system and hair growth cycle.
DETOX
Cleanse the body of excess yeast, bacteria, toxins, etc. it will decrease inflammation and allow the body to function better. Having adequate amounts of good intestinal flora will help the immune system stay healthy and balanced. Avoid processed foods, toxins, additives, pesticides, etc. it is especially important for people with alopecia areata as any foreign substance can trigger an autoimmune response