Sections
of my scalp were showing more than they should in my fiftieth year. These were
penny-sized patches around the top of my crown. There is no alopecia nor hair
growth disorders in my family and I have had reasonably thick hair all my life,
although my hair does fall out more than it should during my periods.
Woman’s
Hair Thinning
 |
| Hair Loss around Scalp |
However,
these small bald patches were completely new to me. Never has my scalp been
exposed in this way. Looking at my hair was like looking at a stranger’s scalp.
From a woman’s point of view, the experience was horrible and frightening.
This
hair loss occurred suddenly in March 2015 when I first noticed that sections of
my scalp had developed small lesions due to dry, flaky skin, which started to
peel and weep. After a while, the lesions crusted over into dry, hard lumps
which looked incapable of growing new hair. My skin is itchy with dry patches
on other parts of the body.
Candida
and Autoimmune Disorders
I
also have dry eyes and mouth. I had been referred to a dermatologist who told
me I have eczema. A rheumatologist also suspected I have Sjogren’s Syndrome.
This is an autoimmune disorder which causes dry mouth and eyes. With all this,
I have symptoms similar to hypothyroidism, although tests show normal amounts
of thyroxin.
After
looking up the causes of female hair loss, have learned that hormone
imbalances, diet and stress can cause hypothyroid-type symptoms typical of hair
loss. The hair loss can also occur some weeks after the cause, which might be a
traumatic event such as an operation.
 |
| Signs of Hair Growth |
In
my case, hair loss was only part of my symptoms which are many: dry eyes, skin,
hair loss, bloating, fatigue, migraines, bloatedness, irritability, oral thrush,
private itching and more. However, it was the bald patches in my scalp and
terribly dry eyes that spurred me to begin the candida diet. This is a regime
where you cut out bread, refined sugars and junk food that feed the yeast in
your gut and compromise your immune system. Over time, this crappy diet will
wreak havoc upon your adrenals, liver and pancreas, bringing hypothyroidism
type symptoms and in some cases, hair loss.
Candida
Diet and Hair Loss
After
surfing the Net, have found a connection between the yeast fungus and the
symptoms I have been suffering. Candida Albicans is a hellish disease that robs
your life and energy. It starts insidiously and then takes more and more.
Throughout my twenties I have been plagued with migraines, tiredness and troublesome
periods. I thought this ‘normal’, as many women have these symptoms during
menstruation.
But
in later years, new symptoms have materialized: dry eyes with one eyelid
drooping more than the other, hair loss and snuffly sinuses with no cause (No
asthma, hayfever or colds). For no reason I would begin sneezing and fail to
taste my food like I should.
The
hair loss was the last straw. The photos show bald patches around my crown
after the lesions in my scalp has healed. The hair has yet to grow back
properly.
 |
| Roughly 2 months later, hair growing back |
The
photos were taken on day 25 of my candida diet. Since day 1 of my candida diet,
I have begun nourishing my scalp with a little coconut oil after washing. I
avoid anything but the mildest soap. I have now cut carby foods including grains,
fruit and junk. I have millet, quinoa or porridge for breakfast. I make my own
flatbreads from chickpea or buckweat flour. Otherwise, I eat lots of veg, lean
meat, plain Greek yoghurt, coconut products and nuts. I also take probiotics
and antifungal agents.
