Scalp Inflammation.

[Decro435]

First off I want to ask what is scalp inflammation?

I've always had scalp inflammation and believe it contributes greatly to my hair loss. Unfortuenatly, I've never been able to treat it properly. Most hair loss sufferer's use Ketoconazole in the product Nizoral to tackle this problem. It has never really worked for me though. Inflammation in the past few months has decreased a bit, this is probably due to the 4g of Omega 3 oils I've been taking daily. How else can I tackle this burden?

Also, why does inflammation occur is a by-product of DHT's role in AGA?
How much does inflammation effect the hair and it's growth?
Has anyone here had it and completely got rid of it?
How important do you believe it is to tackle the "itch" of inflammation on the scalp?

[CausticSymmetry]

Decro435 - The inflammation can be caused by several different factors. Here's just some:

Grains, prepackaged box foods, processed carbohydrates, something no one ever ate at one time and if it's not the lectins, it's the high glucose and insulin allowing greater counts of bacteria the immune system can no longer cope with. Any processed food that is fried or that converts to glucose in the blood too quickly will cause a significant rise in reactive oxygen species (free radicals).

Free radicals stimulate and actually increase inflammatory reactions by several mechanisms. They can effect transcription factors that turn on inflammation, cytokines, prostaglandins, adhesion molecules, various vasoreactive substances, overexpression of protein molecules, and much more.

The solution is to avoid foods that are high in mycotoxins, and take potent anti-inflammatory supplements and crucial minerals. Several minerals protect against free-radicals.

As mentioned the other day, standard fish oil could be a source of free-radicals if it is rancid and many inferior quality produced fish oil is subject to oxidation. This is why krill oil is a much safer bet.

[CausticSymmetry]

I used to get that itch, and that was when I used natural DHT blockers--they were not enough!

DHT - Can cause an overexpression of MMP-9, TGF-beta, DKK-1, etc.

[zeus]

Hey Caustic-- what's your take on diet's such as the Anabolic Diet? It's high protein/high fat but revolves around a lot of red meat consumption, which seems to scare some people off as if that is also a potential cause for hair loss. Here is some more info:
http://stronglifts.com/anabolic-diet-101-the-definite-anabolic-diet-guide/

[CausticSymmetry]

zeus - My personal diet is extremely heavy on red meat and high fat. If I cook a burger, I will avoid the lean patties and opt for the ones higher in fat. I try to buy grass-fed when available so there will be less of an Omega-6 dominance. I do eat carbs, just very little and I never eat them first.

I'm not sure about eating the carbs on the weekends, that's just going to cause inflammation. I would rather get some carbs just for the sake of living, but I'll just eat them in smaller portions after the protein portion of the meal is consumed to prevent some of the negative insulin effects from occurring.

Pretty much everything printed or read on the news over the last 60 years on cholesterol, red meat, eggs, lard and other vilified foods has been evaluated with most studies completely lacking any real science. The studies that disproved the vilification of these foods never received much attention. Some have suspected it might have to do with economic incentives behind dietary guidelines and food manufactures.

The US department of agriculture has promoted the food pyramid for a while only strengthening the convictions of the supposed "heavy diet." http://www.mypyramid.gov/

I think this pyramid is a health disaster. Here's a comparison from my own pyramid and USDA.







Here's mine








Use all the Celtic, Sea Salt or Himalayan salt you want.

[CausticSymmetry]

zeus - Red meat is fine as long as there's enough omega 3 to counteract the Arachidonic acid. This is very easy, or consume grass-fed if available, which is naturally balanced.

Saturated fat helps lower Lp(a) levels as recently mentioned in some threads. If I ate a diet that was like the food pryamid I would have a harder time keeping my hair.

[Decro435]

I don't think changing my diet will change my scalp inflammation. It's adverse effect of MPB and is only occuring in my thinning areas. The only way I've seen a change in it's intensity was when I was on 1mg of Finasteride. Then it was nealry non-existent, so it is clearly linked with DHT. I eat healthy and exercise and there is always that constant itch present.

I was thinking more along the lines of Supplements to counter-act inflammation.

[europe]

define grains.

define beans.


quinoa, green lens, whole wheat, whole rice.
I really think those one won't cause inflammation if consumed in moderation, well coocked, and eaten with a good meal ( fat, veggies...)

zeus - that also depends of your need ( sport etc....) . If you're hungry after a high protein diet/fat/veggies , you miss carbs. good ones.

bye bye white pasta as a unique meal. white bread along.

eat sardines with olive oil ( or coconut oil) in a cup of green lens with parlsey ( + salt, pepper, herbs), finish with a cup of spinash+tomatoe+onions+cucumber with olive oil and ACV. and trust me, the inflammation won't occur ! ( the only down is the protein/carbs digestion that is not great. But on the other hand, you limit the insulin pike that way)
did i forget the strawberries and the organic chocolate square (100% or 85% cacao).
think i don't....

eating is one of the greatest moment of animals/HBeing.
never eat industrial. you buy your food, you coock it. that's all. You aren't got the choice, you warrior of modern time !

[zeus]

Thanks Caustic-- I've been on the Anabolic Diet before. Not eating certain things is no problem for me. Maybe I'll just skip the carb ups on the weekend and see how things go.

[CausticSymmetry]

Decro435 - Diet alone isn't enough, but it can really help. For example, two island of people were studied who eat no grains, starch or sugar whatsoever. The rate of acne during adolescence and older is zero. These foods stimulate glucose, which stimulates insulin which increases DHT.

[Decro435]

Decro435 - Diet alone isn't enough, but it can really help. For example, two island of people were studied who eat no grains, starch or sugar whatsoever. The rate of acne during adolescence and older is zero. These foods stimulate glucose, which stimulates insulin which increases DHT.

Okay, cheers for the info. I'd find it quite hard to change my diet at the moment. I eat very healthy. I'm not in college yet so my diet is dictated by what my parents buy. Anyways, I came across some information at MPB-research.org.

CHRONIC INFLAMMATION, HAIR LOSS, AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

Chronic systemic inflammation has been found to at the root of many serious disorders, such as cardiovascular disease, asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, depression and androgenetic alopecia. These “age related” disorders are accompanied by a pathological increase of inflammatory cytokines. Lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor –alpha, interleukin – 6, interleukin 1(B) and/or interleukin B4, could help prevent and treat many age related diseases. After several published studies, which showed that inflammation is present in androgenetic alopecia, MPB Research reported these important findings to readers, particularly stressing the need to address inflammation in any hair loss treatment approach, including our recommended protocol. Excessive levels of cytokines can be systemically and topically countered by an appropriate regimen of drugs, nutrients, dietary changes, and/or hormones. For example, fish oil has been shown to effectively lower these levels, as does DHEA, Nettle extract, GLA, and some antioxidants (vitamin E and N-acetyl cysteine). Meanwhile certain herbal extracts patented by Asian companies, Emu oil, copper peptides and ketoconazole can be used to topically partially inhibit cytokine formation. Following is an extensive analysis (in layman’s terms) that makes the connection between inflammation, and the “programmed cell death” of the hair follicle, a process known as “apoptosis”. It is partially based upon input from Waseda, a Japanese researcher who has been researching inflammation and androgenetic hair loss for many years. He has been able to initiate extensive hair regrowth after being a “slick bald” Norwood 5 for many years using an aggressive combination of therapies specifically designed to counter inflammation and an apoptosis factors.


TOWARDS A COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT OF MPB

First we must recognize that hair loss is the consequence of hair cell apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Apoptosis is the final result of what is termed the caspase activation cascade. Essentially DHT, superoxide, and other free radicals damage the cell’s mitochondria, and the damaged mitochondria in turn vomits cytochrome C, which activates the caspase 9 cascade. TGF-beta and alpha activate caspase 9 around hair follicles. The activated caspase 9 propagates downstream into caspase 3. Activation of caspase 3 is thought to be a direct cause of cell apoptosis (programmed cell death) in general. What then causes a caspase activation cascade and how can one intervene in the context of hair loss?
Protein Kinase C (PKC) as an executor of apoptosis PKC isozymes are involved in the final execution of hair cell apoptosis in relation to caspase 3. What are good inhibitors of PKC? Cycloporin (dangerous), Grape Seed Extract, Resveratrol (as in red wine), Vitamin E, and N-Acetyl Cysteine. Topically, Grape Seed Extract (a patented treatment for hair loss), and Perilla Leaf Extract.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-a) as a promotor of PKC and hair cell apoptosis. TNF-a induces the PKC isozymes and causes cell death through this induction. This pathway is known to be a major cause of hair loss. TNF-a is a quick acting proinflammatory cytokine, and TNF-a is over secreted in cases of rapid hair loss. How can TNF-a be safely inhibited? Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Stinging Nettle Extract, Green Tea Extract, and essential fatty acids found in fish, Emu, Borage, and Perilla oils. Topically, Perilla leaf extract may be useful.
TGF-Family as the bridge between DHT and the activation of the caspase cascade. In recent studies researchers have found DHT promotes TGF, and TGF causes activation of the caspase cascade and thus, hair cell death, which clinically manifests as male and female pattern baldness. What inhibits TGH safely, as opposed to the dangerous anti-cancer compounds? Proteolytic Enzymes such as a bromelain, and the anti-oxidant Curcumin are TGF inhibitors. Shiseido, a Japanese cosmetic company found that Amacha, a sugar alternative found in the orient has TGF inhibition properties. Dr. Sawaya’s latest study about finasteride suggests that the best hair loss prevention would involve the blocking of caspase activation, especially caspase 3. Caspase 3 is the direct cause of programmed hair cell death (apoptosis) that originates “upstream”. The first triggers may be DHT damage or oxidative (free radical) stress on the mitochondria, TGF induction from DHT, TNF-A induction from allergic inflammation, or PKC upregulation by caspase activation. Here we can summarize the rationale behind the treatments of various pro-inflammatory mechanisms.

DHT inhibition- Finasteride, Saw Palmetto, Rivoflavin, Green Tea Extract, Copper, Peptides, and Topical Bayberry Extract.

PKC down regulation - Grape Seed Extract, Resveratrol, Vitamin E, Soy Isoflavones.

TNF-a down regulation- Curcumin, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Stinging Nettle Extract, Green Tea Extract, Fish Oil, Borage Oil, Perilla Oil, and Topical Perilla leaf extract.

TGF down regulation- Curcumin, and topical Amacha.

Taking into account the inhibition of hair apoptosis factors, it is apparent that treatment can be taken to a new level. Again, Waseda himself is experiencing regrowth in all areas of his scalp after being a slick bald “Norwood 5” for many years."" - Taken from Hairloss-research.org.

I'm going to try and incoparate Ginkgo Bilbo Extract, Curcumin, Stinging Nettle extract, Fish oil, Grape seed extract, Vitamin E, PM, Biotin, Vitamin D, ALC, Na-RALA.


What do you think Caustic?

[CausticSymmetry]

Decro435 - A lot of things on your list look pretty solid. Having tried Ginkgo Bilbo Extract, Stinging Nettle extract, and Fish oil over the years, would recommend replacing them with Magnesium, Ecklonia Cava and Krill oil respectively.

[lund]

To the original questions: I think inflamation (itchiness) of scalp is not a good sign, and one should try to remedy it - it cannot be helping the situation and is indicative of some issue. I have had great success with applying ACV onto scalp - Just a l little dab where the itching is and it goes away in minutes and stays itch free for some time. Try it out, may be it will help you as well.

Use the natural ACV "Braggs" brand with "Mother" in there.

[nidhogge]

Decro--

I primarily relieved myself of the itch via my laser helmet. Both OverMachoGrande and I make these for folks, but you can also build one yourself through the directions on: http://www.overmachogrande.com

The itch went away after about 2 months for me, 3 for OMG.

However, if I do *not* take R-Lipoic acid prior to consuming bread-products or sweets, then my hairline gets itchy. I can't stress the important of R-Lipoic acid prior to meals.