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Is intestinal bacteria also the cause for alopecia?
I just read this article about this new research that was done in Germany. It's all about the autoimmune system disease MS. I am sure there must be a connection to alopecia too.
What do you guys think?
"The scientists are certain that the intestinal flora can also trigger an overreaction of the immune system against the myelin layer in persons with a genetic predisposition for multiple sclerosis. Therefore, nutrition may play a central role in the disease, as diet largely determines the bacteria that colonise the intestines. “Changing eating habits could explain, for example, why the incidence of multiple sclerosis has increased in Asian countries in recent years."
http://www.mpg.de/4620085/intestinal_flora_multiple_sclerosis?filte...
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by jennifer on
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I have tummy problems and alopecia as well. The only thing that helps my tummy is align probiotic.
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Permalink Reply by Andrea L. on
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Thanks Jennifer, I truly believe there is some sort of connection. I've been drinking "Get Clean" from Republic of Tea and it seems to help. It also promotes healthy digestion. I'm gonna check out Align. Thanks for the tip. ;-)
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Hi Aimee, no worries. The subject matter is sort of about that. Since I've been drinking Get Clean, it seems like things are a little "firmer" and more regular, instead of diarrhea which was usually the case. Whole Foods sells Republic of Tea and they should have GET CLEAN, in case you want to try it. ;-)
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Permalink Reply by emmettbrown on
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Hi Andrea,
Have you ever tried a gluten- and/or dairy-free diet? Your stomach problems could be a symptom of issues with gluten or dairy, There's also a connection between between sensitivities with these foods and alopecia areata. Here's some info: http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/symptomsofceliacdisease/a/Alopeci...
Since I've removed gluten and dairy from my diet, I haven't had any more bouts of alopecia. But if I slip up and eat these, I immediately feel itching in the areas of my scalp and eyebrows where the hair fell out. I've also had a lot of other great benefits - better digestion (no more gas!), better complexion, thicker hair, etc.
Hope this helps!
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Thanks emmettbrown. I haven't tried a gluten and dairy free diet yet. Not sure if I could live without cheese. It would be worth a try though. Thanks for the link. I am going to look into that.
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Permalink Reply by Tamara on
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I have Crohn's disease along with my Alopecia. Most people with Alopecia seem to have other immune system issues as well. I also have eczema too.
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Permalink Reply by Pat Latina on
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Hi Tamara, I was recently diagnose with Crohn's disease and I was thinking the same exact thing. One must be connected with the other since they are both auto-immune diseases. Crazy. I would never had known about the Crohn's if I wasn't turning 50. LOL!!
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Yeah I've been through that lovely test 4 times now and I'm not even 30 yet!
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Thanks Tamara. Maybe I should get tested for Crohn's disease, just in case.
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I would try going off gluten and then dairy first to see how it goes - in many people that I know (myself included), these foods were the trigger that started the auto immune reaction that caused their body to basically attack itself. Alopecia Areata, IBS, Chron's and eczema are all autoimmune disorders (when the skin attacks the hair follice you get AA, when it attacks itself, you get eczema, when it attacks the intestine you get IBS/Chron's, etc. People often don't make the connection because the symptoms are so varied. My two cents...
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I have tried that along with a whole bunch of other diets my gastro. doctor wanted me to try. Nothing worked. But now I have 2 inches of hair, my crohn's is in a "remission" stage and my eczema is doing well, so I know they are all connected. I also can't hold Vitamin B-12 in my body, so I have to get the shot every 2 weeks and my blood tested once a month.
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Permalink Reply by S Uy on
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I stumbled on this conversation and had to say something jumped out at me. The comment by EmmettBrown on eliminating dairy and gluten struck me - because of the comment ("..slip up and eat these, I immediately feel itching in the areas of my scalp and eyebrows where the hair fell out"). I have had severe itching on my scalp, eyebrows and groin area. I totally lost all my hair - everywhere - but then started itching on certain spots. Oddly, some of those severe itch sites led to a return of some hair - like my left eyebrow and the groin area. But the other spots that still itch (it comes and goes) haven't - like my other eyebrow and the entire scalp.
So - is it because 1) hair is growing back - like in some instances or 2) allergic reaction? I feel like I'm close to an answer for me....I was GF for a time but not dairy...I may give that a whirl for a month (try to be real dedicated) and see if the bouts of itching diminish but the growth continues. Anyone else have the severe itch? How do you know it's impending growth or just allergy? The areas that do have some hair still itch by the way...soooo....
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