An unhealthy gut, due to diet or the use of antibiotics can be the cause for hair loss too. When the gut is disturbed, good bacteria – especially the ones that produce Biotin – are left outnumbered. Biotin is no longer produced in the right amounts, thus resulting in a deficiency. Sadly, this leads to hair loss and a variety of skin problems.

The connection between poor gut health and hair loss was shown in the Journal of Cell Reports study. The research involved mice that were given antibiotics. As expected, these medications caused a disturbance to the gut microbiome. Such fostered the growth of Lactobacillus murinus, a strain that is unable to produce the vitamin Biotin. Expectedly, the mice that were treated with antibiotics suffered from mild hair loss.

The results were replicated in another group of mice that were supplemented with L. murinus. Again, hair loss was noted. The case was more severe, however, as some of the mice even went bald. Because of these findings, the researchers established a link between gut health and hair loss.

A study published in PLOS ONE, mice supplemented with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri not only increased anagen hair follicle counts by a whopping 106%, but researchers also found that the probiotic-fed male mice had 74% of their hairs in the active, anagen phase, while the control group only had 36% (66% and 30%, respectively, for the female mice).

Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy immune system, preventing stress and inflammation that could result in hair loss. It manufactures and synthesizes vitamins and micronutrients essential for hair growth.

TOP TIPS TO REDUCE HAIR LOSS

To maintain a healthy gut microbiome for hair health, you should nourish the beneficial bacteria with fermented foods, highly nutritious and fibrous vegetables, eggs, and healthy fats. Improving the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins requires a dedicated effort over time. You could also optimise your gut by supplementing your diet with a Probiotics, Prebiotics and Digestive Enzymes. As with any significant dietary changes, it’s always recommended that you consult your doctor or a certified nutritionist before embarking on this path.