The way I think about hair loss is in layers The Internal Drivers of Hair Loss Hair follicles are incredibly sensitive to what's happening inside the body. Hair growth isn't always prioritized when nutrients and energy are needed elsewhere. Some of the most common drivers include hormone shifts, thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency, insulin resistance, chronic stress and elevated cortisol, autoimmune activity, and nutrient deficiencies. When any of these systems are out of ba

When the nervous system takes the lead Hair loss doesn't only respond to hormones and nutrients — it also responds to how safe your body feels. Your nervous system is constantly gathering information about your environment — stress, sleep, trauma, illness, overwork — and deciding where energy should go. When the body perceives threat or overload, hair growth quickly moves down the priority list. What many people don't realize: stress isn't only something you feel emotionally.

Why the health of your digestive system shows up in your hair Last week we explored how stress and the nervous system influence hair shedding. But stress doesn't stop at cortisol — chronic stress alters the gut barrier, shifts the microbiome, and increases systemic inflammation, all of which directly impact the scalp and hair growth cycle. If hair reflects internal health, the gut is often where the story begins. The Gut–Hair Connection Digestion isn't just about breaking dow

That have nothing to do with shampoo 1. Low Protein & Key Nutrients- Hair is made of keratin — a protein. If your diet doesn't supply enough protein (plus co-factors like iron, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3s), your body prioritizes survival over hair growth. Hair growth requires adequate nutrients. Thin, brittle, or slow-growing hair is often the first sign of a deficiency. Quick tip: Aim for protein at every meal, and ask your provider to check your ferritin, vitamin D, and o

One of the most common things I hear from women is: “I’ve tried everything and nothing is working.” Hair loss isn’t one problem. It’s a symptom with multiple drivers, and the solution depends entirely on why your hair is falling out. Before throwing money at products, it helps to understand two things: what type of loss you’re dealing with, and what your actual goal is — stopping the loss, stimulating new growth, or retaining the length you have. Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is

There are many causes and triggers involved in the pathogenesis of migraine, and it is important to work with your functional medicine practitioner to identify the unique triggers. Here are some common ones: Dehydration Stress Insomnia Poor posture and/or spinal misalignment, which can cause nerve compression Food sensitivities or intolerances Tyramine-containing foods, such as cheese, cured meats, alcohol, and vinegar, are common triggers. Tannins, such as in tea and wine.

We all know it: high-quality sleep is vital for both healing and sustained wellness. While the body appears from the outside to be still...

I am seeing a huge increase in anxiety and panic attacks in my clients and my own family. I don't think there is enough available...

Do you experience gas, bloating, distention, overly full after a meal, belching, mild reflux? Not fun. If you have major GI dysfunction...

Healthy movement is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Being sedentary raises the risk of all cause mortality. It doubles the risk...

Located just below the center of the neck, the thyroid gland is the body’s internal thermostat. It regulates body temperature by...

Beneficial Bacteria So much of our society is obsessed today with being bacteria-free. In an effort to avoid illness and “bad bugs”...

Indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome are modern phenomena Our ancestors did not eat the way we do. Their diets were composed of one...

The most common reasons people struggle with losing weight are hormone-mediated and ultimately driven by (what else?!) Crap Food, Toxins,...

In the center of your chest, there is a small, muscular tunnel that separates the end of your esophagus from your stomach. Think of it...

You may know that the SHAPE Program helps reduce inflammation. But, what exactly is inflammation? Inflammation is the body’s healthy...

The holidays can be a wonderful time of the year with sweaters, snow, decorating, shopping, lights, spending time with family and...

To be fully plant-based or not – it seems that is the question these days! Just the term “plant-based” causes debate, as some consider it...

Food can help or harm our health! Gluten can be body and brain poison. There are proteins in gluten that our body’s recognize as...

People are attached to beverages – glass of wine, the wake-up cups of coffee, the mid-afternoon pick-me-up soda … here are some solid...