Many ways to stop unexpected hair loss

Q: Suddenly, my hair seems to be thinning — I’m only 40. What could cause it to happen? — Connie R., Birmingham, Alabama

A: There may be several reasons you’re experiencing hair loss. Stress can do it — either from what is called telogen effluvium (we don’t make these names up!) or alopecia areata. Telogen effluvium happens when high stress levels — and lots of stress hormones — push hair follicles into their resting stage and keep them there for longer than usual. Hair falls out but doesn’t regrow. Alopecia areata happens when your immune system attacks hair follicles, killing them off. Chronic stress can dysregulate the immune system and may cause this to happen.

During this pandemic, folks have reported unexpected hair loss — the associated stress was at the root of the problem. If that sounds like your experience: 1. Exercise 30 to 60 minutes most days — sweat out that stress. 2. Take up mindful meditation — 10 minutes morning and night to learn to let stress go. 3. Consider talk therapy to learn new ways to respond to stressful situations. The good news: Your hair can grow back once stress levels are under control.

Q: I’ve been told I have prediabetes and something called insulin resistance. I feel really bummed out — but don’t have any other symptoms. What is insulin resistance? — Carey R., Duluth, Michigan

A: Insulin resistance means that your body is not responding to the glucose-regulating powers of that hormone, which is made by the beta cells in your pancreas and secreted into your bloodstream to moderate the effect of food on blood sugar. Normally insulin helps the cells in your body use glucose as fuel. When it cannot do that job, excess glucose stays in circulation. That’s why it’s a signal of developing diabetes.

But before we get to that, you mentioned that you are feeling pretty blue. Well, a new study shows that there is a direct relationship between insulin resistance, prediabetes and depression. It turns out that participants with higher glucose levels were at a significantly increased risk for major depression, according to the study, in JAMA Psychiatry.

We recommend you adopt a plant-based diet that is free of red and processed meats and white flour (bread, baked goods, pastas, snacks) and delivers 100% whole grains along with a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables including leafy greens, and nuts — especially walnuts.