Alopecia Areata Diet

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that can cause your hair to fall out, usually in clumps. The extent of hair loss can vary; some people notice only a few balding spots on their head, whereas others may see huge bald patches. As in the case of most other autoimmune disorders, the exact cause of alopecia areata remains unknown. However, most health experts believe that this condition is a result of a poor diet, excess stress, highly polluted environments and circulation problems. Many healthy experts claim that the most common alopecia areata dietary causes include toxic foods.

The usual treatment of this condition includes steroids that are directed to the scalp, so that the inflammation and the overactive immunity can be quelled. While there is no specific alopecia areata diet as such, it has been seen that making the right dietary choices can help deal with the condition to a great extent. In fact a diet plays a very important role in reducing or even triggering off an inflammation in your body. Moreover, there are many types of food that can help promote normal immune function. This is why most nutrition experts advise you to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, in case you are suffering from alopecia areata. This diet is also referred to, as a hair-friendly diet.

Similarly, there are many foods that worsen the condition and therefore should be strictly avoided. These mainly refer to those foods that contain high amounts of toxins, in the form of chemicals, pesticides and herbicides. It is also best to stay away from sweets, alcohol as well as junk, refined and processed food in case you are suffering from this condition. Foods that can cause allergens should also be eliminated from the diet completely.

However, before making any drastic changes to your diet, it is important for you to consult your doctor.

Alopecia Areata Foods to Eat, Avoid

There are several different types of foods that can help alleviate or control alopecia to some extent. If you are undergoing treatment for alopecia, it is best for you to include higher amounts of such foods in your diet. Given below are some of the most commonly recommended alopecia areata foods:

Non animal sources of protein, like whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds
Foods that are high in calcium, such as tofu, soy products, nuts, nut milks, soymilk and certain leafy greens
Healthy fats like olive oil, canola oil, walnuts, flax seed and hemp seed
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in herring, mackerel, trout, sardines, tuna and salmon
Fresh fruits and vegetables, as they are high in antioxidants
Vitamin B rich foods, like nuts, carrots, chard, romaine lettuce and tomatoes

There are several different foods that aggravate the condition and therefore should be strictly avoided too. Given below are some of the common foods that should be reduced by people suffering from this condition:

Animal fat, especially meat
Acidic food and other substances that trigger off inflammation
Milk and dairy products
Sweets and other sugary foods
Refined foods, like bakery items
Fried, oily and greasy food

Before you start following any of the dietary recommendations for this autoimmune disorder, it is absolutely essential for you to get yourself tested for allergies. Any food that triggers off an allergic reaction in you can lead to alopecia or at least worsen the condition significantly. Therefore, you could avoid suffering from alopecia areata due to a food allergy, by identifying which foods trigger off a negative reaction. Several people have seen a difference in their hair volume after eliminating gluten, wheat products, dairy or nuts from their diet. Have a word with your doctor prior to making any dietary changes.

Alopecia Areata Nutrition

Several people check with their doctors if they can alleviate alopecia with a diet, supplements and home remedies. The exact role of alopecia areata nutrition is still not clear when it comes to the management of this condition, but several studies are being conducted on this subject.

This condition is not benign, but it can have severe psychological effects on both, men and women. As a patient, you could choose to have your treatment include corticosteroids as well as topical hair growth supplements like minoxidil or anthralin. According to certain health institutions in the United States, alopecia areata nutritional supplements like biotin, as well as the minerals present in blue green algae can also be prescribed for encouraging hair growth. Often, children suffering from alopecia are treated with the help of biotin & zinc aspartate. Apart from a diet and nutrition, patients are also advised to spend at least 20 minutes or so in the sun to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D in the body.

Onion juice for Alopecia Areata

Since alopecia is an autoimmune disorder, many health experts do not see how remedies like onion juice can be very useful. However the use of onion juice has not been reported as harmful in any way so far, which is why many people try it. Some even claim that it has worked for them, even though there is no clinical evidence to support such claims.

To prepare this remedy, all you need to do is peel an onion, cut it into chunks and put them into a juicer, so that onion juice and be extracted. For best results, you need to drink the juice. However, if the taste is not bearable, you could warm the juice a bit and directly apply it on to the skin of your scalp, using a piece of cotton.

Aloe Vera for Alopecia Areata

Several people have been known to use Aloe Vera for alopecia areata, instead of using traditional medication. This plant contains many active ingredients that strengthen the hair follicles, roots and shafts. In case you decide to use this remedy, make sure that you apply pure Aloe Vera gel on to your scalp. You could apply the gel up to twice a day.

Home remedies can be used to speed up the healing process; however, it is best to follow the treatment plan that your doctor recommends.

Submitted on January 16, 2014