Dr. Rohit Shah

Diabetes is one of the worst metabolic disorders to affect a person. The condition takes place either when the body fails to utilize the insulin produced (insulin resistance) or when there is little or no production of insulin by the beta cells of the pancreas. As a result, there is an elevated level of the blood glucose, giving rise to a plethora of health problems. From eyes to hair, diabetes affects almost all parts of the body.

Diabetes or Diabetes mellitus can be of two types- Type-1 diabetes and Type-2 diabetes.

1. Type-1 Diabetes, as known as Insulin-Dependent Diabetes is an autoimmune condition. Certain factors result in the immune cells recognizing the pancreas as “Nonself” or “Foreign cells”. Thus, the immune cells produce antibodies which end up attacking the pancreas. As a result, the pancreas fails to produce the insulin. This type of diabetes is known to mostly affect a person in their childhood (Juvenile-Onset Diabetes).
2. Type-2 Diabetes is one of the more common and milder types of diabetes affecting adults (Adult-Onset Diabetes). Here the pancreas does produce insulin. The problem lies in the fact that the insulin is either produced in lesser quantity or there is insulin resistance.
3. In some cases, a pregnant woman may suddenly develop diabetes (Gestational Diabetes).

Diabetes and Hair Fall
Various studies and research have established a relationship between Diabetes (either type) and hair fall. There is an amalgamation of factors that may collectively contribute towards the hair fall.

1. Diabetes is known to cause a hormonal imbalance. This hormonal change may interfere with the hair growth cycle resulting in hair fall.
2. One of the many harmful effects of diabetes includes damaging the blood vessels. The blood vessels play a pivotal role in the proper circulation of the essential nutrients throughout the body. For a healthy hair growth, the hair follicles need the essential nutrients. The unavailability of the essential may damage the hair follicles with hair fall being inevitable.
3. The physical and the emotional stress and anxiety associated with diabetes can have a deleterious effect on the hair growth.
4. More than often, diabetes can give rise to thyroid problems, one of the medical conditions (untreated) that lead to hair fall (can be quite severe at times).
5. Diabetes can also weaken one's immune system making the person more susceptible to various infections. Some of these infections act as catalysts disrupting the normal cycle of hair growth.
6. The hair problem can also be an outcome of certain medications used by diabetic patients.

However, there is still some hope as proper care management can help to reverse the hair fall problem.

1. If you are experiencing severe hair fall, consult your doctor at the earliest. Timely assessment of the problem may prove to be beneficial.
2. Take care of your diet. Include foods that are known to promote a healthy hair growth (guava, almonds, walnuts, salmon, avocados, to name a few).
3. Avoid stress. Meditation, yoga, or other breathing exercises can work wonders to keep you relaxed.

A certain amount of hair loss is normal. This is because each hair follicle goes through an individual cycle of birth, growth, and death. On an average, our hair is replaced every three and a half years. Since each hair follicle has a different rate of growth, all your hair does not grow or fall off at the same time. According to many physicians, losing up to 100 strands of hair a day is normal. However, this can be accelerated by hormone imbalances caused by thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can affect the production of a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone or DHT. This makes hair follicles shrink and makes it easier for them to fall out. It also slows regrowth.

Ayurveda likens this hormonal imbalance to an imbalance of doshas. It suggests a number of remedies that can help balance these doshas and stop or reduce hair fall. Ayurvedic remedies are based on herbs and natural ingredients that you may have at home. They are also relatively safe and have negligible side effects. Some popular Ayurvedic remedies for hair loss include:

1. Scalp Massages: Massaging the scalp with hot oil can help improve blood circulation and improve hair growth. It can also strengthen the hair roots and prevent them from falling off easily. Some of the best oils for a scalp massage to combat hair loss are coconut oil, bhringraj oil, and brahmi oil. Adding crushed garlic and onion to the oil is also known to reduce hair fall. You may oil your hair before an hour or two before a shower or leave the oil overnight.
2. Eat the right foods: While we think of the hair as dead cells, the hair roots are very much alive and need nutrition. Reduce the amount of salt being consumed and stay away from store bought masalas. Consuming fresh amla or amla juice can help strengthen the hair. You could also boil a cup of milk with three cups of water and 2-3 cardamom pieces till all the water has evaporated and only the milk remains. Drink their milk on an empty stomach for 2-3 menstrual cycles. Thyroid patients experiencing hair loss can also benefit from Ayurvedic preparations such as Ashwagandharishta and Bhringarajasava. However, these should be consumed only under the supervision of an ayurvedic doctor.
3. Yoga: Certain yoga asanas can also help improve blood circulation and strengthen the liver and uterus. They also help relieve stress that can be a contributing factor towards hair loss. These include the Vajrasana, Pawanmuktasana and the Shirisasana. When practicing these asanas it is important to follow the yogic guidelines and practice only those asanas that suit your body.

When a woman is pregnant her skin glows and her hair turns lustrous. However, shortly after giving birth, many women experience drastic hair fall. This can be quite stressful for a new mother who is already dealing with a change in the way she perceives her body. However, the good news is that this is temporary. What’s even better is that Ayurveda can help minimize this sudden hair loss. Some of the common Ayurvedic methods of reducing post-partum hair fall include:

1. Avoid foods that aggravate the vata dosha: A Vata imbalance can destroy hair follicle roots and make it easier for hair to fall out. This imbalance is caused largely by the gap left in the womb after childbirth and the process of childbirth itself. Hence it is best to avoid foods like bread, biscuits, potatoes, cauliflower, peas, and cabbage that aggravate the Vata dosha. You should also avoid processed and fried foods. Instead, increase your consumption of foods that nourish the body and pacify the Vata dosha. Split mung dal, squash, ghee, beets, and carrots are some such foods.
2. Lifestyle changes: It is not enough to merely eat the right food; you must also eat the right way. Food must always be eaten when warm and at the right time. Leftovers are avoidable for a new mother. Additionally, one must focus on the act of eating and not combine it with other activities such as talking or watching television.
3. Get a massage: A massage can help improve circulation and ease stress. It also revitalizes the body. To treat post-partum hair fall, one must massage not only the scalp but the whole body as well. A full body massage is known as Abhyanga. The best time to do this is the early morning. You could use warm coconut oil or Brahmi oil for a massage. For the scalp, you could also use almond oil or castor oil. Alternatively, you could use medicated oils such as Amla oil, Arnica oil or Mahabhringraj oil.
4. Herbal aids: A number of herbs can also be beneficial in reducing hair fall. Amla and Bhringraj are two such herbs. Amla can be consumed in the form of juice or boiled in oil to infuse its properties into the oil. This oil can then be used to massage the scalp. To use Bhringraj, dry a few leaves and grind it into a powder. 2-3 grams of this powder can then be consumed with milk or honey twice a day. Alternatively, the fresh leaves could be ground into a paste and applied as a scalp mask.

The thyroid gland situated in the neck (front of the neck) is responsible for the production of the thyroid hormones- T3, T4, and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). Thyroid problem surfaces when these hormones are either produced in elevated or in reduced amounts. The problem is often triggered by improper functioning of the thyroid gland. Some of the medical complications that this gives rise to include Hyperthyroidism (elevated production of thyroid hormones), Hypothyroidism (reduced production of thyroid hormones), Goitre (enlargement of the thyroid gland).

Thyroid Hair Loss
The hair loss is one of the many associated symptoms of Thyroid disorder. Thyroid problems often trigger a hormonal imbalance, not only of the thyroid hormones but the steroid hormones as well. This imbalance contributes significantly towards a lot of hair problems including, thinning of the scalp, hair fall (can be quite severe at times). In extreme cases, this may even lead to baldness. Both Hyperthyroidism, as well as Hypothyroidism, may lead to the hair loss and other related hair problems.

Natural Remedies For Thyroid-related Hair Loss
While medications may go along way to keep the thyroid problems under control, there are natural remedies available to deal with thyroid-related hair loss.

1. Coconut oil comes with a bag full of health benefits. A rich source of saturated fats, daily consumption of coconut oil (1 tablespoon) can bring about a significant improvement in people with hypothyroidism. You can also go for a hot coconut oil massage of the scalp. Keep it for about 30 minutes and wash off with a mild shampoo. This hot oil massage will improve the circulation and stimulate the hair growth. You can also add curry leaves and fenugreek seeds to coconut oil, warm and strain the mixture and then use it for hair massage.
2. The evening primrose oil is another oil that can work wonders to ensure a healthy hair growth. Laden with GLA or gamma-linolenic acid (omega-6 fatty acid), this oil is known to restore the hormonal balance (a factor responsible for hair loss). You can consume the oil in the capsule form as well as use it for a hair and scalp massage.
3. Taking biotin supplements can be of great help but only when a doctor recommended.
4. The role of Vitamins (especially Vitamin C and E) in ensuring a healthy hair growth is known to all. Enrich your diet with foods rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E (citrus fruits, avocados, almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, palm oil) to deal with thyroid hair loss with elan.
5. Sea Kelp can also help to restore the normal functioning of the thyroid gland thereby reversing the hair fall. You can have it either as dried flakes or in supplement form.
6. Ayurveda and the natural herbs can work miracles to deal with the thyroid disorder and the related hair problems. The herbs commonly used include Amla, Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Bhringaraaja, Neem, to name a few.
7. Meditation and Yoga can play a significant role in arresting the hair problems.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Anemia, as known to many, is a medical condition triggered by low hemoglobin levels. More than often, iron deficiency acts as a catalyst giving rise to anemia. While fatigue, headache, palpitations, skin pallor, and dizziness are characteristic of anemia, many people also suffer from hair loss. Here too, the iron deficiency acts as contributing factor interfering with the healthy growth cycle of the hair. In some cases, the hair loss may mimic the male and female pattern baldness as observed in the case of Alopecia. While anemia and the related hair loss can affect anyone irrespective of their age and sex, women of reproductive age, as well as teenagers, are more susceptible to this. In this article, we will discuss the anemia and iron deficiency induced hair loss in brief and the preventive measures to deal with the situation.

Anemia-related Hair Loss
In anemia, there is a significant fall in the hemoglobin level. Hemoglobin acts as an oxygen carrier to different body cells and tissues, including those of the hair follicles to ensure healthy cell growth and repairment. Low hemoglobin levels result in inadequate oxygen supply, one of the prime factors responsible for hair loss.

Ferritin, a storage protein (cellular protein) for iron contributes significantly towards a healthy growth cycle of the hair (stimulates the anagen or the growth phase). In the case of anemia, to meet the iron requirements of the vital organs such as the heart, the body starts utilizing the ferritin stored in hair bulb and other non-essential tissues. This dip in the ferritin level affects the hair growth. A ferritin blood test often helps in the diagnosis of iron deficiency and anemia.

Preventive measures to deal with anemia related hair loss
With the iron deficiency and the associated symptoms being taken care of, the anemia triggered hair loss can be controlled and reversed. In addition to the medications and treatment, one also needs to take care of their general health and lead a healthy lifestyle.

1. Never go for self-medication. It will only worsen the situation. Two individuals can have the same medical problem but triggered by different factors. Always consult a doctor before trying any medicines.
2. Follow a healthy diet: People dealing with anemia and iron deficiency should enrich their diet with foods rich in iron such as lean meat, liver, spinach, beetroot, nuts and dry fruits (walnuts, almonds), prunes, parsley, broccoli (the florets), to name a few. Foods rich in vitamin C, almonds, are known to promote hair growth.
3. Avoid drinking tea between meals as this unhealthy practice is known to interfere with the absorption of iron.
4. Maintain a healthy hair care routine
   • Oil massage your hair at least twice a week.
   • Be gentle while combing the hair.
   • Try and use a mild shampoo (or as the doctor recommended).
   • Avoid excessive use of hair styling products and chemicals.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!