Causes of Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia is a disorder in which hair becomes extremely sensitive to hormonal changes in the body and keeps falling gradually over a long period of time, causing thinning of hair and even baldness. The pattern of baldness differs, however, between men and women. While men start losing hair from the front and the sides of their head and may ultimately suffer from partial or complete baldness, women do not experience patch baldness and instead their hair simply becomes sparse as they grow older. While the predominance of male hormones (androgens) is the chief cause of this condition in men, in women the problem intensifies because of the reduction in the level of estrogen post-menopause. This condition is hereditary in nature, and may start affecting a person as early as in their twenties. Hair transplants and low-level laser therapy are commonly used techniques of treating alopecia.
Preventing and Treating Alopecia
However, there are a few simple natural ways of preventing and treating alopecia. A healthy, well balanced diet is crucial for maintain proper hair growth and preventing hair loss. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and raw vegetables, as they contain essential vitamins and minerals that stimulate the hair follicles and make hair grow faster and stronger, as well as improve blood circulation in the scalp and result in denser growth of hair. You should also eat wheat germ oil, beans and nuts, as they are rich natural sources of vitamin E which boosts hair growth.
Consumption of rice, whole grains, dairy products and fish is also recommended since they contain a substance called biotin, which is a chief constituent of hair and makes hair grow thicker and stronger. Regular consumption of sea food and use of iodized salt in cooking is also useful in treating this condition, as they supply iodine to the body, which regulates hormonal activity in the body and thereby prevents hair loss. You should also oil your hair regularly so that the sebaceous glands and the hair follicles underneath the scalp are stimulated to produce healthier hair. An infusion made by boiling a handful of curry laves in a cup of coconut oil for a few minutes may also be used regularly to massage the roots of hair. This is an excellent natural remedy for treating hair loss. Applying the paste of some boiled black gram or the juice of coriander leaves on the bald patches is also known to help in treating thinning hair and preventing hair loss.