A discovery reported last month in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has many people hopeful for new treatments for baldness, which affects millions of people around the world. Researchers found that a cellular defect prevents hair follicle stem cells from becoming hair-producing cells, resulting in genetic hair loss affecting men and women.
Scientists say their work gives them hope of finding a way to get hair to grow in a bald scalp. They previously believed the stem cells were gone; knowing they are still there gives them more to work with in treating common baldness.
In the meantime, here are some current strategies to consider if you’re contending with hair loss.
1. Treat your anemia
Anemia often causes hair loss, according to Dr. Peter Hibberd, Newsmax Health contributor. Iron-deficiency anemia, as well as vitamin B-12-deficiency anemia seen in people with pernicious anemia, can cause hair loss. Certain illnesses, conditions, and medications also can cause anemia. With anemia, hair goes into the resting phase of its growth cycle, when hair is shed, resulting in generalized hair loss. Correcting the iron or vitamin B-12 deficiencies can usually stop the hair loss, he says. Foods that are rich in both iron and B-12 include organ meats like liver and kidneys, oily fish like salmon and halibut, and beans, especially kidney, soy, and garbanzo.
