Hair today, gone tomorrow? Losing your hair? Dr. Em has some nutritional advice, plus help for bruising and acne.(SUPPLEMENTS: ASK THE NATUROPATH)

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Q: I'm a 40-year-old female and my hair is coming out in handfuls. What can I do to stop it.

--Patricia C., Latham, Mo.

A: It is normal to lose about 100 strands of hair a day. If you don't wash your hair every day, most of these strands will come out when you do wash it, making the loss especially noticeable. If you feel your hair loss is excessive, however, speak with your doctor. Hypothyroidism and other hormonal imbalances, as well as digestive disorders and stress, can cause an inordinate amount of hair loss.

To keep your hair healthy, avoid harsh soaps and unnecessary chemicals. Conditioners are particularly notorious for being loaded with chemicals. Buy your hair products at health food stores or from a company known to use all-natural ingredients. Also, avoid washing your hair more than necessary.

Two micronutrients are especially important for healthy hair: biotin, a type of B vitamin; and silica, a trace mineral. Take 8 to 10 mg of biotin daily. You can find silica in liquid or pill form; aim to take 250 to 500 mg daily for at least a year. You should see results (less hair falling out) within a month. The most important macronutrient for hair health is protein: lean and clean is my motto. Avoid commercial chicken and commercial red meat, as they are loaded with hormones and antibiotics. Go for about 60 g daily offish, free-range fowl, wild game or grass-fed meat (if you can get it), cage-free eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Q: I am an African-American woman who gets bruises that don't heal. Does this mean I'm deficient in certain vitamins? Also, I have acne scars that don't seem to fade even though I carefully apply medicine.