Understanding Hair Loss and Autoimmune Disease with VJ Hamilton (Ep 091)

Episode 91: Understanding Hair Loss and Autoimmune Disease with VJ HamiltonHair loss is one of the most common symptoms people experience with autoimmune disease—but it's also one of the most misunderstood. While many people assume it's simply part of having an autoimmune condition, hair loss can actually have many different causes, from immune dysfunction and nutrient deficiencies to hormone changes, chronic stress, and scalp inflammation.In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott is joined by registered nutritionist, AIP Certified Coach, and founder of the Autoimmunity Nutrition Clinic, VJ Hamilton, to explore the many factors that influence hair health in people with autoimmune disease. VJ brings both professional expertise and personal experience, having lived with alopecia areata, psoriasis, and post-viral chronic fatigue syndrome herself.Together, they discuss the different types of hair loss commonly seen in autoimmune patients, how to distinguish between them, and why identifying the underlying cause is essential for supporting healthy regrowth. They also explore nutrient deficiencies, gut health, hormones, stress, topical therapies, and why patience is such an important part of the healing process.In this episode, you'll learn:The different types of hair loss associated with autoimmune diseaseHow alopecia areata differs from stress-, hormone-, and nutrient-related hair lossWhy iron deficiency and low ferritin are common contributors to hair sheddingThe role of protein, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and omega-3s in healthy hair growthHow gut health and nutrient absorption influence hair healthWhy stress-related hair shedding often occurs months after a stressful eventThe importance of investigating the root cause rather than treating hair loss as a diagnosisWhich supplements may be helpful—and which are often overhypedTopical strategies that may support scalp and follicle healthWhy hair is often one of the last tissues to recover during healingHow to set realistic expectations for hair regrowth while addressing underlying health concernsResources:VJ HamiltonWebsite: https://autoimmunenutritionclinic.com Instagram: @theautoimmunitynutritionist Podcast: The Autoimmune ResetEpisode Timeline:00:00 – Why hair loss is so common in autoimmune disease 01:52 – Introducing VJ Hamilton 03:13 – VJ's journey with alopecia, psoriasis, and chronic fatigue 06:40 – Different types of hair loss in autoimmune disease 13:30 – Nutrient deficiencies and hair health 23:46 – Common root causes and what to investigate first 27:26 – Why stress-related hair shedding is delayed 30:34 – Helpful supplements (and common misconceptions) 35:15 – Topical treatments and scalp care 41:23 – Setting realistic expectations for hair regrowth 47:14 – Wrap-up and where to learn more