An Integrative Guide to Hair Growth
Genetics and Genomics for Hair Growth
How do genetics and genomics relate to hair loss? Both genetics and genomics play a huge role in overall health and disease. We are born with our passed-down genetics from our mom and dad, but that doesn’t mean they define us. Genomics refers to the study of a person’s genome or the totality of one’s genes. Genomics focuses on how our genes interact with our environment. You’ve probably heard the term epigenetics before. Epigenetics refers to how our lifestyle choices, or the environment that we live in, and so forth, affect how our genes are expressed. For example, if you carry two copies of the MTHFR C677T genetic variant, that makes you homozygous for that gene. That means that your MTHFR gene is working at a 30% capacity versus 100% capacity. Eating healthy, managing stress, exercising, and sleeping, all matter regarding supporting this genetic SNP. A SNP, or single nucleotide polymorphism, is a common type of genetic variation among people and occurs normally throughout a person’s DNA. There are roughly 4-5 million genetic variants in a person’s genome. These SNPs act as biological markers for scientists to pinpoint genes that are associated with disease because they affect how the gene functions.
Your genetics play a role in your hair growth, predisposition to hair loss, hair color, hair texture, how long your hair will stay in the growth phase, and if your scalp is predisposed to specific dermatological conditions, such as dandruff. Given that genetics plays a large role in your hair and scalp health, wouldn’t you want to know if certain topical products work better on your head than others? Wouldn’t you want to know which supplements would work for you better than others? Now it’s possible to identify a more personalized approach to support your hair and scalp health by taking a genetic test that will tell you what will work and what will not work. Genetic testing for hair loss paves the way for a more personalized treatment plan and takes much of the guessing out of your hair loss equation. You only need this type of genetic testing done once- it’s never going to change.
Micronutrient Testing
At the same time that you have your comprehensive blood work and genetic testing done, you could also choose to have a micronutrient test done. You are probably more familiar with the term, macronutrients, which refers to fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Micronutrients refer to the vitamins and minerals your body needs to produce enzymes, hormones, and other essential substances needed for healthy growth and development.
Four Categories of Micronutrients:
Each of these sub-groups contains very important nutrients that we must obtain through our diet or supplements. The only that our body can make is vitamin D, and not all of us make the proper amount needed.
water-soluble vitamins
vitamin B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12)
vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
fat-soluble vitamins
vitamin A, D, E, K
microminerals
calcium
phosphorus
magnesium
sodium
chloride
potassium
trace minerals
iron
copper
zinc
selenium
iodine
A micronutrient test will tell you if you have functional and/or borderline deficiency with these nutrients. It is impossible to obtain the proper amount from one’s diet alone. In addition, most of us land somewhere on the spectrum of having a “leaky gut”, prohibiting the proper breakdown and absorption of these nutrients. A “leaky gut” is caused by many factors, including Celiac Disease, SIBO, IBS, IBD, other gastrointestinal issues, poor gut microbes, thyroid disease, poor eating habits, gluten-containing foods, sugar, yeast overgrowth, poor glutathione production, cancer, toxins from our food, air, and environment in which we may live in, drugs, alcohol, and more. When your cells are not getting the nutrients that they need, your health diminishes. When your cellular functioning is compromised, you may experience hair loss. You may be eating a healthy, nutrient-dense diet, but if your gut is compromised, your cells will not get what they need.
Stacking Hair Growth Protocols:
Comprehensive blood work, genetic testing, and micronutrient testing are three tools to use right out of the gate when starting your hair growth journey. You can spend a lot of money buying supplements online because you read somewhere that it supports hair growth. And it may be for someone. But, it may not be for you. Learn more about other protocols in another blog post and an informative podcast about hair loss with more regenerative hair growth options.
This blog is not to be used as medical advice or for making any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having.