CCCA Alopecia Diet - What to Enjoy and What to Avoid
1. What is the recommended CCCA diet?
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is a type of scarring hair loss that can be caused by many different factors, including inflammation in the body. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods may help keep CCCA under control.
Here’s a detailed list of foods you can consume to help keep inflammation low in the body.
Omega 3 Oils - They reduce inflammation, which can help prevent CCCA from worsening. Omega 3 oils also promote hair growth by increasing the blood flow to your scalp, which is essential for healthy hair growth.
Oily Fish- It has high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids. Dramatically reduces inflammation. It should be consumed at least 2 times a week. Try out fish like salmon which is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.
Chilli peppers- (This category does not apply to everyone due to its flavor). Chilli peppers contain Capsaicin, which is an anti-inflammatory component of peppers, the higher the chilli peppers, the higher the capsaicin. Chilli peppers are meant to be taken in moderation.
Olive oil- Oleocanthal is a component in olive oil that prevents the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes. Olive oil may lose this essential property when heated.
Almonds and walnuts- These contain a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids, and reduce inflammation. Consuming walnuts have been shown to reduce levels of blood markers involved in the inflammatory response.
Garlic- This herb has anti-inflammatory properties across the human body.
Berries- These fruits contain Anthocyanin, which also has anti-inflammatory properties. This chemical property is normally extracted from such berries and is a remarkable pharmaceutical ingredient.
Tumeric- This is a yellow spice normally found in Indian cuisine. Tumeric has a compound called Curcumin that may also help in reducing inflammation.
Avocado- The anti-inflammatory properties of avocados are so potent that they may counterbalance your less healthy food varieties. Avocados are therefore a great source of healthy monounsaturated fat and antioxidants, which can dampen your body’s inflammatory response.
Flaxseeds- Flax is one of the richest sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, making it a good alternative for fatty fish. Flaxseed also contains phytochemicals called lignans, which have often been advertised for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger- Ginger is a rhizome with a powerful, spicy flavor. Like turmeric, it can be used fresh or dried and powdered. Freshly extracted ginger is said to contain a number of different anti-inflammatory properties.
Foods to avoid if you have CCCA:
Gluten is at the top of the list because it is very inflammatory, sharing its characteristics alongside red meat. Other foods include dairy, some starches like white rice, and sugars. The main aim of this is to suppress inflammatory markers so your body can devote all of it’s attention to keep you healthy!
Also keep FAR away from these foods:
Sugar
Refined oils
Simple carbs
Processed foods
White bread
Pastries
Alcoholic drinks
Saturated fats
White rice
White flour
You should also minimize your intake of pro-inflammatory Omega 6 oils, i.e. sunflower, corn, peanut soybean oils because they are low in anti-inflammatory Omega 3 oils mentioned above!
In conclusion:
It’s important to understand that there is no single diet that will cure CCCA, but a healthy diet can help keep the condition under control and reduce hair loss. If you are diagnosed with CCCA, it is important to see a specialist regularly so that they can monitor your condition and adjust your treatment as needed.