If your hairbrush is collecting more strands than usual or your hairline seems to be inching backward, you’re not alone. Hair loss affects millions of men and women, and while genetics plays a big role, there’s a lot more you can do than you might think. According to Dr. Eric Berg, a renowned health educator specializing in holistic wellness, preventing hair loss isn’t just about blocking hormones—it’s about rebalancing your body from the inside out.
“This isn’t just about stopping hair from falling out,” says Dr. Berg. “It’s about growing hair back stronger, fuller, and healthier by addressing the real root causes.”
In a recent video, Dr. Berg dives deep into one particularly stubborn cause of hair loss: sensitivity to a powerful form of testosterone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). While many medications work by blocking DHT altogether, Dr. Berg warns that this can backfire—leading to unwanted side effects like low libido, depression, and fatigue.
“The real problem isn’t just DHT—it’s the receptor in your scalp becoming too sensitive to it. And that’s something you can influence with the right changes,” he explains.
So, what can you do? Dr. Berg lays out five key strategies to reduce hair loss and support healthier, stronger hair growth:
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1. Improve Oxygen Flow to the Scalp (Treat Hypoxia)
Lack of oxygen—also known as hypoxia—is a major, often overlooked trigger for hair loss. Dr. Berg links hypoxia to three main culprits:
- Anemia (especially iron or B12 deficiency)
- Inflammation
- Lack of exercise
If you're vegetarian or vegan, you may be at higher risk for B12 or iron deficiencies. Dr. Berg suggests grass-fed liver supplements and methylcobalamin (a bioavailable form of B12). Low stomach acid can also hinder nutrient absorption—something that might be fixed with betaine HCl supplements.
And don’t forget to move:
“If you’re not exercising, start. Getting oxygen to your scalp is critical,” he urges.
2. Take Vitamin D (and Take Enough of It)
Vitamin D does double duty: it lowers inflammation and reduces the sensitivity of DHT receptors in the scalp.
“If you’re serious about regrowing hair, 10,000 IU of vitamin D is a starting point. Many people need more, especially if they don’t get much sun,” says Dr. Berg.
3. Add L-Lysine to Your Diet
This essential amino acid helps regulate DHT sensitivity and supports protein synthesis in hair follicles. You can take L-lysine as a supplement or get it naturally through animal products like red meat, chicken, fish, and eggs.
“If you’re eating mostly nuts, grains, and legumes, you’re probably not getting enough L-lysine to support healthy hair,” Dr. Berg notes.
4. Fix Insulin Resistance
This one might surprise you: too little insulin at the cellular level can actually worsen hair loss. But the solution isn’t more sugar—it’s fixing insulin resistance through a low-carb diet and intermittent fasting.
“Insulin is an anabolic hormone—it helps your hair grow. But insulin resistance blocks its effects. The fix is to lower carbs, fast strategically, and improve your insulin sensitivity,” Dr. Berg advises.
5. Balance Estrogen (Especially for Women)
Hormonal shifts—like those during menstruation, postpartum, or menopause—can cause dramatic drops in estrogen, which triggers hair loss.
Dr. Berg recommends:
- Phytoestrogens (like flaxseed or sprouted legumes)
- Supporting adrenal function with adaptogens like ashwagandha
- Eating more healthy fats (like egg yolks and butter) to support hormone production
“Your body needs cholesterol to make hormones—including estrogen. Don’t cut out healthy fats if you want your hair to thrive,” he explains.
Hair loss isn’t just skin deep. According to Dr. Berg, it’s often the result of imbalances in hormones, oxygen delivery, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. His five-pronged approach addresses these deeper root causes—without relying on medications that can come with serious side effects.
“If you want to grow your hair back naturally, you need to fix what’s happening inside first. That’s where real results start.”
