NutriFARMACY Newsletter
January February March 2004 Edition

Loss or hair or baldness is referred to as alopecia. Certain types of alopecia are specific for hair loss on the body including eyebrows (alopecia universalis). Hair falling out in patches is called alopecia areata. The most common form of hair loss (alopecia totalis) refers to loss of the scalp hair.

These conditions are temporary, but can be permanent. The leading factors involved in hair loss include heredity, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency, excessive stress and adrenal fatigue, a topical skin disease, and/or aging.

Many scientists suspect a genetic component when it comes to hair loss. This is more likely in men than in women. Some men are genetically predisposed to a disorder with androgens, the male sex hormone. Research indicates that the hair follicles of men susceptible to alopecia may have receptors to slow down or shut off hair production under the influence of high androgen levels.

Hormonal Imbalance
Women entering menopause (and sometimes pre-menopausal women) can experience increased hair loss possibly due to low estrogen levels, high androgen levels, stress negatively affecting the adrenals (which will lower progesterone levels), or other metabolic problems.

Dr. John Lee, author of What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause states that when progesterone levels decrease as a result of ovarian follicle failure (lack of ovulation), the body responds by increasing its production of androstenedione (a male hormone). Androstenedione conveys some male-like properties like baldness and hair loss. Raising levels of progesterone by supplementing with natural progest cream applied topically should help andro levels to fall and normal hair growth to resume. Since hair growth is a slow process, it may takes months before the changes become apparent.

Excessive stress, anxiety, worry, or depression can cause the adrenal glands to fatigue. The adrenal glands excrete a hormone called cortisol to respond to stress in the body. If the stressors do not abate over time, the adrenals secrete additional cortisol to offset the additional stress. This condition can lead to hormonal imbalnce, expecially progesterone deficiency.

Nutritional Deficiency
Nutritional depletion can also be a major cause of alopecia. A well-known researcher in this area, Dr. Goldberg (1993) suggests dietary supplementation with B-complex, biotin, amino acid blends (cysteine, methionine, and glutathionine), zinc, iron and trace minerals. Topically, organic silicon applied to the scalp supports the structure of blood vessel walls that supply nutrition to follicles and hair roots. Vitamin E has also been used.

Researchers also believe that certain herbs can encourage hair growth by reducing the buildup of dihydrotestosterone. Horsetail contains organic silicon; saw palmetto inhibits the enzyme that converts testosterone into the destructive dihydrotestosterone. Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to the scalp's capillaries. In addition, lack of essential fatty acids often contributes to dry, listless and brittle hair. A combination of flaxseed oil and fish oil works best. Other herbs used to help grow hair include aloe vera juice, apple cider vinegar, sage tea, green tea, pygeum, and tea tree oil. One of the favorite remedies from Belize includes a mixture of rosemary with olive oil.

Eating a Healthy Diet
Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in starch to help speed up the process of hair growth. Fruits and veggies contain flavonoids, many of which are antioxidants that may provide protection for the hair follicles and encourage hair growth. Green foods, such as chlorella and spirulina, are great nutrients to hair follicles and will stimulate growth. Other foods such as soybeans, tempeh, and tofu appear to inhibit the formation of hydrotestosterone, a hormone implicated in the process of hair loss.

Topical skin conditions such as eczema, dandruff, seborrhea, and psoriasis may contribute to hair loss. Use topical shampoos or conditioners that contain biotin and silica. Aloe vera gel, vitamins C and E, and jojoba oils also are very good for the hair. Conditioners containing marigold, ginseng, and/or passionflower will help to keep hair healthy and well.

NOTE:
It is best to see a qualified health practitioner before starting hormone, amino acid, or glandular supplementation. Dr. Wagner is available for scheduled consultations. Call (412) 486-4588 for a free evaluation.

Supplemental Protocol in Review - Hair Loss Prevention

1. Vitamin B complex with extra B6
2. Biotin (with horsetail) in high doses
3. Progesterone cream applied topically 2-3 weeks a month or as directed by a qualified practitioner
4. Silica mineral
5. Essential fatty acids
6. MSM
7. A Multi-vitamin/mineral formula with extra zinc, copper, magnesium and calcium
8. Saw palmetto with pygeum
9. Amino acids, gladulars (thymus)
10. Topicals (rosemary, thyme)

On the radio….... tune in Wednesdays 3-4 PM on WKHB, 620 AM
Dan Wagner's weekly radio program titled "Adventures in Natural Medicine" has been on the air for four months now. The show covers many aspects of natural medicine including "integrative" approaches to complementing Rx drugs with vitamins, herbs, diet, nutritional and other aspects of balanced health. Tune in. Callers are encouraged to ask any questions about alternative medicine. WKHB phone is (412) 825-6262.

2004 WINTER CLASSES AT NUTRIFARMACY ESSENTIAL YOGA WITH DR. DAN WAGNER
Level I
Mondays 6:30 - 7:30pm $50 (8 sessions)
February 2,9,16,23 March 1,8,15,22
And
Thursdays 12:00 - 1:00pm $50 (8 sessions)
January 29 February 5,12,19,26 March 4, 11,18

Level II
Tuesdays 6:30 - 7:30pm $50 (8 sessions)
February 3,10,17,24 March 4,11,18

Reflexology With David Speer
Tuesday, February 3 7:00 - 10:00pm $15

Mind Yoga With David Speer
Tuesday, February 17 7:00 - 10:00pm $15
Call (412) 362-0569 for details.

Come join Jan Polansky, MS, ND for the following classes !!

Why Are Our Children Sick?
Thursday, January 22 6:30 - 9:00pm $20

Strengthening Your Immune System
Wednesday, January 28 6:30 - 8:30 pm $20

Dealing With Digestion Difficulties
Wednesday, February 4 6:30 - 8:30pm $20

Tired Or Toxic?
Wednesday, February 11 6:30 - 9:00pm $20

Enzymes: Key To Vibrant Health
Tuesday, February 24 6:30 - 8:30pm $20

Spring Cleaning For Your Body
Thursday, March 11 6:30 - 9:00pm $20

Making The Transition To Healthier Eating
Call (412) 492-0767 for details.

Dear Dr. Dan..
You have written in past newsletters about the dangers and toxic effects of consuming aspartame (Equal, Nutrisweet). What about the new no-calorie sweetener Splenda? - M.L. age 28
Dear ML:
Splenda is not natural. It is a chemically-altered sugar that your body does not recognize as food, so it passes through your system without being digested. I find its safety questionable, and there is no evidence that it has been tested in humans for weight loss.

I agree that few negative side effects have been found in short-term human studies, but until more independent long-term research is done to investigate its safety, I'd avoid it.

Although I would slightly prefer its use to aspartame (which I loathe), I would still recommend cutting down on the use of table sugar and trying a bit of stevia (a safe natural herbal sweetener that is even safe for diabetics).

Dear Dr. Dan...As a young mother I am concerned that if my children doesn't get enough milk and dairy foods they will be low in calcium intake which may negatively effect bone growth. But I know that my kids have acute allergy symptoms when they consume dairy products. What's a mother to do? - C.Y. age 34
Dear C.Y.:
I fully sympathize with your feelings that you may be a "bad" mother if you don't give your kids enough milk. It's a lot of nonsense, but I understand how Americans are raised to think milk builds strong bones. It really doesn't, not because cow's milk is not a good source of calcium; it is. But, cow's milk is not a great way to get calcium because it is poorly absorbed calcium. Cow's milk in the market today is full of steroids, hormones, antibiotics, extra sugar, too much protein, and lots of preservatives - all lending to increased acidity which directly causes excretion of calcium form the body. If you really want to leach out the calcium and magnesium in your body, just drink a lot of Coke and Pepsi - they are really acidic.

Actually, cow's milk is sort of "middle-of-the-road" as a food source of calcium. Better food sources include kelp, swiss and cheddar cheese, collard greens, turnips, almonds, brazil nuts, goat's milk, buttermilk, tofu, dried figs, organic yogurt, wheat bran and beet greens.

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The Face Place was selected by The Intense Pulse Light Therapy Company as the setting in their latest commercial. Look for it on your local cable stations. Dr. Bonnie Kapus recently collected contributions for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by giving free chair massages during the NutriFarmacy open house.

What is it?
The ANODYNE system is a safe, FDA-cleared, non-drug, non-invasive device that uses near-infrared light emitting diodes to safely increase circulation and reduce pain. The results of this system have been widely published.
What are the benefits?
- Proven clinical protocols for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy - a previously progressive and irreversible disease.
- A unique service offering to patients suffering from many pain-related conditions, i.e. inflammation and infection, orthopedic, chronic wounds, pain from neuralgia, fibromyalgia or neuropathy, nerve entrapments, swelling, and post-operative pain and swelling.
- Improvement of walking, balance and gait.
How does it work and what does it cost?
The program consists of 3-12 sessions that take 30-37 minutes, although some patients may respond faster and some may take longer. The cost is $30 per session.
Call and ask for Dr. Wagner if you have questions or want to schedule an appointment.