Symptoms of alopecia areata can range from small patches on the scalp to complete hair loss all over the body. I’ve known the pain and heartache of having a needle injected into my scalp and to have the non-treated area grow back first. I’ve endured the many years of being told by doctors, “we’re getting closer to an answer and a cure.” This newfound knowledge also began to shed some light on the impact my own diet and lifestyle has had on my health, including having alopecia areata, a digestive disorder, and hypothyroid. It is very possible to heal, even life long conditions. I now know that to be true. For the last several years I’ve made many changes in my diet. I am beyond thrilled that after making those numerous changes my hair is coming back (and I’ve healed my digestion and my thyroid is almost back to normal). After 11 years of absolutely no hair growth, the hair on my head, my legs, my armpits and even my eyebrows are growing! Having any autoimmune disease is a sign that our immune system is damaged and is in need of healing. While losing hair, thankfully, isn’t fatal, it is a sign of a much deeper issue going on inside our body. This is true for not only alopecia areata, but other autoimmune diseases as well. The common trait found in autoimmune diseases is internal inflammation, and food has the ability to support the body’s natural healing system. We can reduce the inflammation and support our body functioning at its optimum level of health by changing our diet. There are certain foods that are naturally anti-inflammatory and other foods that exacerbate the inflammation. Our body can use its natural healing abilities to begin repairing the damage when we remove the triggers and fill up with nutrient dense, whole natural foods. In addition to nutrition and a nurturing lifestyle being vitally important in healing any autoimmune disease, our attitude and outlook on life is also a critical piece to healing our body. Minimizing negative self-talk, believing that healing is possible and filling ones life with positive thoughts and actions can provide a path of vitality, longevity and great health.
