Hair loss refers to the recession or loss of hair from any part of the body. Hair loss can be triggered by increasing age, stress, disease, and an unhealthy diet. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can be very beneficial in keeping hair healthy and intact. Some foods, particularly those high in carbohydrates and sugars, can decrease hair density and lead to hair falling out. In the following article we cover five types of food that can cause hair loss as well as eating habits that can lead to hair loss.
Hair loss can be brought on by many factors including disease, male pattern baldness, and hormonal changes. A cause for hair loss that sometimes goes unnoticed, however, is an unhealthy or unbalanced diet. Unsurprisingly, many foods thought to be detrimental to overall health, like those rich in processed sugar, also have a negative impact on hair health. The following foods and ingredients can be damaging to hair and hair growth.
Although the protein content in dairy can be effective at maintaining healthy hair, dairy is also high in fat. This fat can increase testosterone levels in the body and possibly contribute to hair loss. Consuming dairy can also worsen hair conditions like dandruff.
The health of hair and every other part of the body is dependent on blood circulating nutrients throughout the body. Sugary products contain glucose. While some of this glucose is absorbed quickly, excess glucose can clog arteries and weaken artery walls. This inhibits blood flow to the whole body, including the hair.
For most people, refined carbs are very tasty. Foods like cake, bread, pizza, and pasta are some of the most popular meal choices. However, these delicious choices may come with negative side effects. The high fat and sugar content in refined carbs can block the body’s defenses against stress, lead to obesity, and harm healthy hair.
Nuts may be a surprising inclusion on this list as they are known to provide healthy fats and proteins. However, consuming nuts can facilitate negative allergic reactions that can harm healthy hair. While people with serious nut allergies tend to stay away, those with mild allergies may not know they are allergic. One of the most common long term delayed reactions to nut allergy is hair loss.
Alcohol damages healthy hair by dehydrating it. Alcohol reduces your body’s ability to produce a hormone known as vasopressin. Vasopressin is an antidiuretic hormone that helps your body hold onto water. When hair loses moisture and water, it becomes brittle and can break or damage very easily.
In addition to the five foods listed above, there are other eating habits that may contribute to hair loss. Diets lacking in essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, zinc, and iron can weaken hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Keratin is a type of protein essential in the production and growth of hair and nails. A diet low in keratin can weaken the strength of hair and decrease hair production. Keratin can be found in many different foods and food groups including salmon, onion, sweet potatoes and eggs.
A calcium–deficient diet can lead to undesired effects on hair and nails. Calcium can promote thicker and fuller hair. It is an important mineral to include in your diet to reduce hair loss, and can be found abundantly in foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Zinc and iron necessitate inclusion in your diet for many more reasons than their role in promoting hair growth. In their role in hair health, they help keratin formation, a key part of the hair growth process. Red meat and poultry are great sources of zinc and iron.
High-glycemic foods are rich in carbohydrates and other sources of glucose. They are carbohydrate-intense foods that can break down easily and cause sudden spikes in blood sugar. Increased carbohydrate consumption raises levels of insulin and androgen in the body, often leading to hair damage.
Hair loss refers to the recession or loss of hair from any part of the body, most commonly the scalp of the head. An important part of maintaining hair health is a balanced and healthy diet.
Consumption of diary, sugar, refined carbs, nuts, and alcohol can contribute to hair damage and loss. Low intake of essential minerals like zinc and calcium can also harm healthy hair.
While changing your diet to avoid certain foods can help reduce hair loss, some cases require more serious attention. A few of the most popular hair loss treatments include minoxidil, hair transplantation, and hair loss creams and shampoos.
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