Alopecia areata is a condition in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to the appearance of round or oval hairless areas. It can affect only the scalp, but also beards, eyebrows, eyelashes or body hair. Sometimes hair falls out completely (total alopecia) or all over the body (alopecia universalis), but this is rare.

The disease does not permanently destroy the follicles - which means hair has the potential to grow back even after severe episodes.

Why does it appear?

The immune system "messes up its targets" and treats follicles as an enemy. The exact mechanism is not 100% known, but research suggests a combination of factors:

• genetic predisposition (family history in about 20% of cases)
• an immune imbalance triggered by viral infections, intense stress, toxins, intestinal dysfunction, etc.
• hormonal or inflammatory imbalances
• gut dysbiosis (disturbed microbiome)
• nutritional deficiencies (vitamin D, zinc, iron, iron, biotin, protein)

There are also associations with other autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, vitiligo or celiac disease, but they do not necessarily have to be present.

How it manifests itself

• The classic sign: round, hairless, smooth, scar-free patches.
• The disease can evolve in relapses - periods of hair loss alternating with periods of rest or regeneration.

Prognosis

Over 80% of those with localized forms have spontaneous repopulation within a year. Children and young adults respond better, but adults can also have beautiful remissions.

However, extensive forms, early onset, nail damage or family history may indicate a more fluctuating course.

Treatment

In addition to the treatment recommended by your doctor, you can also try the following herbal protocol, based on the autoimmune and inflammatory mechanism of alopecia areata.

Vitamin D3 + vitamin K2 + magnesium bisglycinate 

Vitamin D is essential for optimal immunity. Because vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium, so that it does not build up in the arteries and organs, it is combined with vitamin K2, which binds calcium in the bones.

Magnesium is necessary because it activates vit D. 

Periodically (every 6-8 months) dose vitamin D in the blood and if it reaches 100 ng/ml, stop. When it drops below 60 ng/ml, resume.

Dose:

•  in adults: 2 cp a day
• in children, 1 cp a day

Zeolite Spectrum

• reduces toxic load,
• helps regulate the balance of the microbiome,
• supports intestinal mucosal integrity,
• helps reduce systemic inflammation.

Dose:

• in adults: 6 cp per day. Start with 1 capsule per day and increase the dose gradually, by 1 capsule per day, until the normal dose is reached. Drink 2 liters of water per day
• children: 
  • up to 5 years: one capsule a day
  • between 5 and 10 years: 2 capsules a day
  • between 10 and 15 years: 3 capsules a day
  • between 15 and 18 years: 4 capsules a day

Maslin leaf extract

• antiviral effect (sometimes alopecia occurs after viral infections)
• anti-inflammatory effect
• regulates immunity in a balanced way
• antioxidant

Dose:

• in adults: 70 ml per day
• in children: 1.5 ml per kilogram of body weight per day

Probiotic

The microbiome and autoimmunity are glued together. Studies show changes in gut bacteria in patients with alopecia areata.

Dose: 1 cp per day

AHCC

AHCC does not stimulate but modulates immunity:

• increases T-regulator cells (anti-autoimmunity)
• reduces inflammatory cytokines
• normalizes NK cells 

Exactly the kind of immune profile you want in an autoimmune situation.

Very useful when there is a history of frequent colds or "tired" immunity.

Dose: 3 cp daily (AHCC Mycelcaps) or 2 cp daily (AHCC MCS or AHCC Vitals)

Boswellia

Boswellia is a serious anti-inflammatory with good studies in:

• autoimmunity
• chronic inflammation
• inflammatory bowel diseases

And, bonus, it doesn't irritate the stomach like traditional anti-inflammatories.

Dose: 1 cp per day

Reishi - especially if there is a stress component

• modulates immunity, not forces it
• supports the gut-brain-immunity axis
• decreases systemic inflammation
• helps to regulate stress without nerve stimulation
• "tames" autoimmune reactions

 Diet

Intermittent

• Regulates immunity
• Helps balance the microbiome
• Anti-inflammatory effect. 

Details in the book"Lose Weight Without Counting Calories."

Reduce consumption of

• sugar to a minimum
• reduce your consumption of flour products, potatoes, rice, because sugar and insulin maintain inflammation.

Avoid gluten products (the most commonly used is flour)

Reduce vegetable oils

• sunflowers
• soy
• abducted
• corn because they are pro-inflammatory.  

Mood

Keep an optimistic state of mind, avoid stress, don't complain, practice meditation (I recommend Joe Dispenza, but, that's my preference, you may prefer something else). E.g., sit, daily, for 30-60 minutes, in silence, in the dark, with your eyes closed and imagine that you are already healed, feel deep joy and gratitude that you are already healed. It's not fantasy, there are studies that show it's real. It won't be easy, the thought will escape you, but practicing daily will make it easier and easier.