Coucou my dearest,
I hope you are doing well and that the weekend has been pleasant. Today I would like to re-approach the theme of hair loss or Alopecia. In our posts, we have talked in detail about the causes of alopecia. However, I would like to address another cause of alopecia observed in both men and women: The intestinal microbiota.
A- The intestinal microbiota
Also called human intestinal flora is the collection of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts etc. of the gastrointestinal system. It is the human reservoir of microorganism and the site of enzymatic activity necessary for the physiological activity of our body, and its defense.
B- The microbiota and hair follicles
The microorganisms in our body play a vital role for hair growth and health because they provide the nutrients and vitamins necessary for their functioning. The microbiome can also regulate the hormones that control the passage of the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases and maintain the conditions that promote lush, healthy hair growth.
A disruption of this microbiota would in a sense be one of the causes of alopecia observed in both men and women. The relationship between microbiota health and hair health is yet to be proven according to some scientists; although some studies have shown that "when two patients with refractory universal alopecia underwent fecal transplantation (FMT) for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), they experienced hair regrowth" (Dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar )
C- The 3 different microbiome conditions that affect hair growth:
- Permeability:
An increased growth in the permeability of the microbiome exposes the follicles to destruction either by the immune system or by antigens.
-Inflammation:
Inflammation of the microbiome increases the flow of pro-inflammatory cytokines which reach the follicles and can impact the hair cell cycle.
- Nutrition:
Poor assimilation of nutrients from the dysfunctional microbiota harms the metabolic process involved in hair synthesis.
D- 6 Solutions to boost your microbiome for better hair growth and health
To boost your gut microbiome, it is essential to consume:
a) Fermented foods
Kimchi
Kefir
Kombucha
Prebiotic yogurt
b) Consume prebiotic fiber
Asparagus
Bananas
Garlic
Onions
Whole grains
c) Consume less sugar and sweeteners
d) Activities
Reduce stress by promoting activities such as sports, yoga, reading, get enough sleep etc.
e) Products
Avoid excessive use of disinfectant or cleaning product, overconsumption of drugs, cigarettes
and favor a vegetarian diet
Conclusion
The information mentioned above shows us how well we need to take care of the microorganisms present in our digestive system, especially our intestines, not only for better and lush hair growth, but also for our health.
I hope this mini-article edifies you like me. If you liked it, don't hesitate to share the information with your acquaintances.
Peace and Love
Carine
References
https://microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40168-018-0558-5