Your Scalp's Ecosystem: Key to Healthy Hair - AI Podcast

Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

Story at-a-glance

• Your scalp hosts a dense microbial ecosystem that protects against inflammation and disease. When disrupted, it can lead to flaking, itching, thinning hair, and inflammatory scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis
• The scalp microbiome is dominated by key bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. These microbes help protect your skin barrier, manage inflammation, and regulate other harmful organisms
• Scalp dysbiosis can be triggered by overwashing, harsh shampoos, excessive oil production, and even genetic factors like hair density or dandruff-prone skin. These disrupt the balance of good and bad microbes
• Dandruff is linked to reduced microbial diversity and fungal overgrowth. Studies show healthy scalps have more protective bacteria, while dandruff-prone scalps are overrun with inflammatory microbes like Malassezia restricta and Malassezia globosa
• Long-term relief comes from restoring beneficial microbes, not just killing fungi. Using microbiome-safe natural products, avoiding daily shampooing, and consuming foods that promote the growth of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics are effective ways to rebalance your scalp naturally