Alternative Medicine For Hair Loss - What Really Works?

It is easy to find alternative medicine for hair loss. What's harder is finding something that really works. Here's a look at some of the available remedies, as well as an overview of how they work, in the case of those that do.

Diet & Lifestyle

If you spend much time reading about health problems, you are likely to run across terms like metabolic syndrome, high insulin levels and chronic inflammation. The three complicate, contribute to or cause many health problems, including type II or adult-onset diabetes, acne, heart disease, high blood pressure, cellular aging and even wrinkles.

Studies indicate that baldness, particularly male pattern baldness, accompanies metabolic syndrome, which is a term used to describe people that have central obesity, insulin resistance and are physically inactive. Chronic inflammation accompanies metabolic syndrome, as do high insulin levels in the bloodstream, both of which have a negative effect on the body's hormones.

When certain hormones interact with the hair-producing follicles, they can cause them to shrink and eventually stop producing. Chronic inflammation can damage the follicles, as well.

Food can either contribute to inflammation and the production of "bad" hormones or they can act as natural anti-inflammatories and contribute to the production of "good" hormones. So, food can be used as alternative medicine for hair loss.

Foods to avoid include simple carbs; white bread, white rice, white sugar, white potatoes and pasta. They contribute to high insulin levels and inflammation.

Foods to include in the diet on a regular basis include fish, fruits, vegetables and whole grains like oatmeal. They are digested slowly, reduce insulin levels and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Herbs

Herbs that have been recommended as alternative medicine for hair loss include black cohosh, green tea, gingko biloba, horsetail silica and saw palmetto. Black cohosh is only recommended for women during or after menopause. It may provide relief for the symptoms of menopause and some studies indicate that it is beneficial for female alopecia, although researchers cannot explain why.

Green tea and gingko biloba may be beneficial for both men and women, as they improve circulation. Poor circulation to the follicles is one of the causes of alopecia.

For women, horsetail silica seems to work, probably because of the natural anti-inflammatory activity. Results are best when the nutrients biotin and PABA are included in the supplement.

For men, saw palmetto is the best-known alternative medicine for hair loss. It is most effective against male pattern baldness. It works by interfering with the conversion of free testosterone to DHT, the hormone believed to shrink the follicles.

Massage

Scalp massage may help improve circulation to the follicles. One study showed that a daily massage was beneficial for alopecia areata, a condition in which the immune system is responsible for the bald patches.

Massaging Minoxidil into the scalp twice a day has proven beneficial for both men and women. It works by dilating the blood vessels, which improves nutrient flow to the follicles. It might not be considered alternative medicine for hair loss, but Minoxidil really works.

Discover the best way to combat the causes of sudden hair loss today.

Bill Wagner is a dedicated researcher of hair loss issues that affect both men and women. Take a moment to visit his site now to learn about a new natural hair loss remedy that Bill recently discovered and how it contrasts with other common hair loss treatment options at http://www.thinning-hair-cure.com.