Baldness is a term that refers to a partial or complete absence of hair. Baldness can start with thinning of the hair and progress into more severe thinning and baldness. Both men and women can suffer from this condition.
Male pattern baldness is responsible for up to 95% of hair thinning in men. Hair usually begins receding away from the normal hair line or thinning on the top of the head. As the thinning and receding progress, baldness occurs.
Causes
Male pattern baldness has a variety of possible causes. One cause is genetics. Scientists have discovered that baldness can be the result of a specific gene. The hormone DHT is the prime suspect in this condition. DHT is a male sex hormone that affects body and facial hair growth as well as function of the prostate. It is believed that the DHT hormone can shorten the growth phase of hair production, causing the hair grow properly.
Other potential causes of baldness or hair thinning can include:
- Major trauma to the body such as surgery, poisoning or severe stress
- Chemotherapy
- Medications for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and heart disease
- Hormones found in steroids and acne medications
- Poor nutrition
- Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- External debris and toxins
Poor lifestyle plays a very prominent role or part in male baldness. Diets high in meat and refined foods, hormonal imbalances, stress and mineral deficiencies can affect male pattern baldness.
While stress is an ever-present part of life today, it can be a hindrance to our bodies and minds. The stresses of jobs, family, money and health can cause a great deal of problems to our health. Learning how to prevent and handle stress is the only way to get ahead of the problems it can cause.
Natural Solutions
In order to alleviate male pattern baldness, getting ahead of the condition is key. Learn to treat your body with respect and care. Feed the body nutritious foods, avoid added hormones, reduce stress and pay attention to your environment.
There are many great ways to combat stress. Try incorporating stress-reducing techniques into your everyday life. These therapies not only clear and relax the mind; they help keep the body strong and healthy.
Yoga works wonders against stress. Daily yoga practice can give you a chance to clear your mind and focus on breathing and inner health. Yoga is also an excellent form of exercise. The practice keeps the body limber and toned.
Meditation creates mental blocks to thoughts that lead to stress. It can also lead to answers to problems that are the source of our stress. Practice meditation to help increase positive thinking.
Massage therapy is excellent in combating stress. Massage can release negative energy stored at a cellular level. Body tension and stress can cause our minds to work less clearly and can lead to additional health problems.
Aromatherapy is very effective in relieving stress. Some stress relieving essential oils that may be beneficial to you are:
- Lavender
- Amyris
- Aniseed
- Benzoin
- Cananga
- Champaca
- Pink Grapefruit
- Lisea Cubeba
- Valerian
- Vanilla
These oils can be mixed together and inhaled or diffused with a diffuser. Aromatherapy works almost instantly in clearing the mind and relaxing the body.
Herbal therapy is another way to help the body adapt to stressful situations and increase resistance to stress. Herbs to help with stress are:
- Kava Kava
- Valerian Root
- St. John’s Wort
- Passionflower
- Lavender Flower
- Blue Vervain
- Wild Lettuce
- Jatamansi
- Hops
- Scullcap
- Cinnamon
- Chamomile
- Oatstraw
Try creating a stress relieving tea with some of the natural herbs. This can help to relax you throughout the day.
Imaginative therapy, which is using the imagination as a therapy, can be a great form of positive thinking. Stressful situations are the result of unconscious thoughts that create or lead to stress. Start thinking positive thoughts instead of negative thoughts. When negative thoughts arise in your mind, try replacing them with something more positive and uplifting. Positive thinking and thoughts greatly help to eradicate stress.
When treating your hair, use only all-natural products that don’t contain harmful, synthetic ingredients. Allowing the scalp to breathe can help the hair to grow properly. Try using natural coconut and sheaf oils on the hair for styling instead of the usual pomades and gels.
A high alkaline diet will greatly neutralize stress. The body is impacted differently and responds differently when your body is alkaline. A high alkaline diet would consist of plenty of green vegetables and eliminating meat, dairy products and starches. Avoid sugar, table salt, vinegar, alcoholic beverages, eggs, soda, refined grains and complex carbohydrate products. These foods impair overall health and can affect hair growth.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
