What can you do to prevent hair loss?

Androgenetic alopecia, more commonly called hair loss in men, affects up to 96% of this population, especially Caucasians. It is characterized by the various types of bald: frontal, with entrances (M), parietal, central and the most variable forms that your genetics want to cause in you.

Hair loss is related to the reduction of self-esteem, depression and body dissatisfaction, causing 84% of this population to look for several forms of treatment.

So, I will mention some but, of course, I will give emphasis to food (my territory):

a. Food

The normal cycle of the hair follicle depends on micronutrients. Furthermore, some micronutrients reduce oxidative stress - an increasingly important contributor to the pathogenesis of hair loss.

• Vitamin D: studies show a very high prevalence of this vitamin deficiency in the population: 46%. It is known that once activated (through exposure to UV sun rays), vitamin D functions as a steroid hormone. Studies in animals show that their deficiency culminates in loss of hair. In general, the literature has shown lower levels of vitamin D in capillary drop patients, but its underlying cause is still not fully understood. Food sources: salmon, sardines, egg yolks.

• Zinc: literature has shown lower levels of this mineral in patients with capillary loss. Serum levels also appear to be inversely associated with the severity of the disease. It is not known whether supplementation has the desired effect. Food sources: oysters, beef, shrimp, chicken, fish, legumes and oilseeds.

• Copper, Magnesium, and Selenium: The antioxidant functions and the nucleotide synthesis of these minerals suggests that they may play a role in the pathophysiology of capillary loss, but there are still just few studies on supplementation and adequate dosing. Food sources: oysters, eggs, cocoa, oleaginous, beans, potatoes.

• Iron: there is a hypothesis that the correction of serum iron levels may lead to a better response in the treatment of capillary loss, but there are just still few studies on supplementation and adequate dosing. Food sources: red meat, dark green vegetables, beans, tofu, seaweed, whole grains and oilseeds.

• B Complex vitamins: there are some associations between folate deficiency and hair loss. As well as others, there are no studies yet to indicate the appropriate dosage. Food sources: fish, brewer's yeast, liver, oilseed, avocado and green vegetables.

• Biotin: deficiency of it may be related to capillary loss and brittle nails, which have been shown to be positive in relation to supplementation. Food sources: animal viscera, egg yolk, whole grains and nuts.

b. Drug treatment: Only two drugs are approved by the FDA for the purpose of reducing hair loss: minoxidil and finasteride.

• The minodixil opens, supposedly, the potassium channels to stimulate the onset of the yarn growth phase. As an adverse effect one has allergic contact dermatitis, dryness and itching. All drug actions are discontinued when the drug is stopped.

• Finasteride decreases the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which decreases the amount of DHT in the scalp, serum, and prostate, and then inhibits capillary decline. As an adverse effect there is decreased libido, impotence, ejaculation disorders and depression.

c. Electric devices: These light devices use lower wave lengths (650 to 900 nm) at low potencies to stimulate hair growth. Theoretically this "wakes up" dormant hair follicles.

d. Hair surgery This invasive form removes a strip of hair from the donor's own occipital portion, and then redeploys to the desired location using specialized needles or scalpels.

Recalling three things: 1. Never use medicines or treatments on your own. Seek medical specialists! 2. Oxidative stress and antioxidant dysregulation are increasingly recognized as precipitants of hair loss. Eat well, practice physical activity and sleep well! 3. It's the bald ones the women like the most ;)

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CHIN, Evelyn Y.. Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) in the United States: What treatments should primary care providers recommend?. Journal Of The American Association Of Nurse Practitioners, [s.l.], v. 25, n. 8, p.395-401, 7 maio 2013. Wiley-Blackwell. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1745-7599.12030.

THOMPSON, Jordan M. et al. The Role of Micronutrients in Alopecia Areata: A Review. American Journal Of Clinical Dermatology, [s.l.], v. 0, n. 0, p.1-17, 15 maio 2017. Springer Nature. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0285-x.