There are many different causes for hair loss through out life, such as post childbirth or through menopause for women and most men will lose some hair by the time they reach adulthood. But while some hair loss is considered normal, excessive prolonged loss is not. 

Of the many health conditions that can cause excessive hair loss and thinning, thyroid conditions are one of the most common. Severe and unmanaged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can both result in hair loss, thinning or even balding. 

What is mindful eating?

Mindful eating is about being present in the moment when eating and enjoying the meal before you. Its also about listening to your bodies cues in respect to hunger, satiety and taste. It involves:

• Sitting when eating a meal

• Slowing your pace when eating, taking smaller bites, chewing for longer and taking breaks between bites.

• Eating away from distraction such as television, phones or the computer.

• Listening to your bodies hunger and full signalling and letting these cues guide your decision making on when to begin and finish eating.

• Choosing foods that are both pleasurable to eat and which nourish your body.

• Eating with all of your senses; taste, smell, touch, sight and feel.

• Being aware of the effect the food you eat is having on your body. Do you respond well or do you experience burping, bloating, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea?

• Being aware of emotional eating patterns

• Knowing and having respect for where your food comes from.

So why should we all be eating mindfully?

You have most likely heard of the Gut brain Axis, referring to the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system (brain) and the enteric nervous system (gut), linking emotional and cognitive centres of the brain with peripheral intestinal function. But do you know much about the Vagus nerve that’s responsible for connecting them?

The vagus nerve aka the “wandering nerve” is a multi branched nerve that extends from the cerebellum in the brain down to the lowest viscera of the abdomen, reaching out to the heart and other organs on the way down. It is this nerve that is responsible for the communication between the gut and the brain.