Receding Hairline: How’s Hair Loss Connected to Your Kidneys?

At 43, Mr. Li first noticed his hairline starting to recede about a year ago. Initially, he attributed it to stress or irregular routines and didn’t pay much attention. However, over time, he observed his hairline moving further back, a more prominent forehead, and an increasing amount of hair shedding during shampooing. Concerned about these changes, he recently sought professional advice and discovered that his hair loss might be linked to liver and kidney function.

Why Does Hair Loss Happen?

Hair shedding is a natural biological process, with most people losing 50 to 100 hairs daily. However, when hair loss becomes excessive, hair strands thin out, or the hairline noticeably recedes—possibly even leading to bald patches—these could be early signs of more severe hair loss. The causes vary from person to person but are commonly linked to genetics, lifestyle habits, or hormonal imbalances. While hair loss in men often appears more pronounced, women can also experience thinning hair, especially at the crown, where the scalp starts to show through.

How Japanese Kampo Says About Hair Loss

In Japanese Kampo, hair is closely tied to the health of the liver and kidneys, often described as, “The hair is an extension of the blood” and “The kidneys store essence, and its vitality is reflected in the hair.”
 

The liver plays a key role in storing and distributing blood throughout the body, including to the hair follicles. Hair follicles rely on adequate blood supply to receive essential nutrients, and only when there’s sufficient “extra blood” can it nourish the hair. If liver blood is insufficient, hair follicles are deprived of nutrients, leading to dry, thinning, or falling hair.
 

Additionally, liver blood circulation is supported by kidney energy, known as kidney qi in Kampo. The kidneys store both innate and acquired energy, which helps circulate blood throughout the body. When kidney qi is abundant, liver blood circulates smoothly, nourishing the hair and giving it a healthy, shiny appearance. However, if kidney qi is deficient, blood circulation is hindered, reducing the liver’s ability to nourish the hair and causing hair loss. Thus, maintaining a balance of liver and kidney health is fundamental to hair vitality.

What is the Western Perspective on Hair Loss

From a Western perspective, hair loss can result from a variety of factors, with kidney function playing a significant role. The kidneys are vital endocrine regulators, helping to maintain hormonal balance. When kidney function is impaired, levels of hormones such as sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and erythropoietin (EPO) may be disrupted, affecting hair growth and health.
 

Erythropoietin, in particular, is responsible for stimulating red blood cell production, which ensures oxygen is adequately transported throughout the body. When erythropoietin levels drop, hair follicles may suffer from reduced oxygen and nutrient supply, leading to brittle, dry, and lackluster hair. Interestingly, this aligns with Kampo’s view of the kidney’s role in hair health.

Nourishing Your Hair Starts with Supporting Your Kidneys

To maintain healthy hair, it’s essential to support both the liver and kidneys. DTS is a natiral supplement designed specifically to enhance liver and kidney health. It combines two herbal ingredients: Panax Pseudo Ginseng and Eucommia, which work together to protect and strengthen these vital organs.

• Panax Pseudo Ginseng: Known for its ability to promote blood circulation, it helps deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to all parts of the body, including hair follicles.
• Eucommia: Renowned for its role in strengthening bones and nourishing the liver and kidneys, it supports overall organ health and helps restore balance in the body.

Many users have reported noticeable improvements in health-related concerns caused by poor kidney function after taking DTS consistently for 4 to 6 months.