How does diet affect hair loss. What nutrients are crucial for healthy hair growth. Can calorie restriction lead to hair thinning. Is protein essential for maintaining strong hair.

The Science Behind Hair Growth and Loss

Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, is a common condition with various causes. While genetics, hormonal imbalances, and medical conditions play significant roles, diet-related factors can also contribute to hair loss. Understanding the structure and growth cycle of hair is crucial to comprehend how diet affects this process.

Hair consists of two main structures:

• The hair shaft: the visible part above the skin
• The hair follicle: hidden beneath the skin’s surface

Hair grows from the follicle at an average rate of 0.35 mm per day. The scalp typically sheds about 100 hairs daily, which can increase with regular hair care practices like washing and brushing. Hair follicle cells are among the most rapidly dividing cells in the body, making them highly sensitive to nutrient deficiencies.

Crucial Nutrients for Healthy Hair: Iron, Vitamin D, and Zinc

Iron: The Foundation of Hair Health

Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide and can significantly impact hair growth. It’s associated with a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium (TE), characterized by disruption in the normal hair growth cycle, leading to excessive shedding.

How does iron deficiency cause hair loss? While researchers are still investigating the exact mechanism, it appears that iron deficiency diverts iron stores from hair follicles to other vital areas of the body. Studies have shown that individuals experiencing hair loss often have lower iron levels in their blood and hair compared to those without hair loss.

Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin for Your Hair

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in hair growth and follicle health. Research has consistently shown lower vitamin D levels in individuals with various hair loss conditions, including female pattern hair loss and alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin disease.

Can vitamin D supplementation help with hair regrowth? Some studies have demonstrated that taking vitamin D supplements promoted hair regrowth in individuals with hair loss related to vitamin D deficiency. A 2020 study found that nearly 80% of people with hair loss had low vitamin D levels, leading researchers to recommend vitamin D testing for all individuals experiencing diffuse hair loss.

Zinc: The Mineral That Protects Your Hair

Zinc is essential for various bodily functions, including hair follicle health. It helps protect against hair follicle shrinkage, promotes growth, and aids in follicle recovery. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss, and studies have shown that individuals with certain hair loss conditions tend to have lower zinc levels.

Which hair loss conditions are associated with zinc deficiency?

• Alopecia areata
• Male pattern hair loss
• Female pattern hair loss
• Telogen effluvium (TE)

Beyond the Big Three: Other Nutrients That Affect Hair Health

While iron, vitamin D, and zinc play significant roles in hair health, research has identified several other nutrients that can impact hair growth and loss when deficient:

• Copper
• Biotin
• Vitamin B12
• Folate
• Riboflavin

It’s important to note that hair loss can result from multiple factors, including one or more nutrient deficiencies. If you suspect that your hair loss might be due to a nutrient deficiency, consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend a blood test to assess your micronutrient levels and rule out potential deficiencies.

The Impact of Calorie Restriction on Hair Health

The cells that make up the hair bulb, which is responsible for producing hair, have a high turnover rate. This means that new cells grow and replace old ones rapidly. Due to this constant cellular activity, hair follicles are particularly sensitive to deficiencies in both protein and calories.

How does calorie restriction affect hair growth? Calorie restriction can impact the energy supply to hair follicles, potentially leading to hair loss. Several studies have demonstrated that very low-calorie diets can result in hair loss in some individuals.

The Protein-Hair Connection

Protein restriction, which can occur in some very low-calorie diets, may lead to hair thinning and loss. Hair requires amino acids, the building blocks of protein, to grow properly. A diet lacking sufficient protein can result in hair growth abnormalities, including hair loss and thin, brittle hair.

Why is protein so crucial for hair health? Protein provides the essential amino acids needed for keratin production, the primary structural component of hair. Without adequate protein intake, the body may prioritize protein allocation to more vital organs, leaving hair follicles with insufficient resources for optimal growth.

Dieting and Hair Loss: Finding the Balance

While maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health, extreme dieting or severely restricting calorie intake can have unintended consequences on hair health. It’s crucial to find a balance between achieving weight loss goals and providing your body with the necessary nutrients for healthy hair growth.

Tips for Maintaining Hair Health While Dieting

1. Ensure adequate protein intake: Include lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and plant-based protein sources in your diet.
2. Focus on nutrient-dense foods: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to meet your micronutrient needs.
3. Consider gradual weight loss: Aim for a moderate calorie deficit rather than extreme restrictions to minimize the impact on hair health.
4. Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for overall health, including hair growth.
5. Consult a healthcare professional: Before starting any new diet plan, especially if you have concerns about hair loss, speak with a doctor or registered dietitian.

Supplements and Hair Health: A Double-Edged Sword

While nutrient deficiencies can contribute to hair loss, it’s important to approach supplementation cautiously. Excessive intake of certain nutrients through supplements can also lead to adverse effects on hair health.

The Risks of Over-Supplementation

Can taking too many supplements harm your hair? In some cases, yes. For example, excessive selenium intake has been linked to hair loss. Similarly, too much vitamin A can lead to hair shedding. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you’re experiencing hair loss.

What’s the best approach to supplementation for hair health? The ideal strategy is to focus on obtaining nutrients through a balanced diet. If deficiencies are confirmed through blood tests, targeted supplementation under medical supervision may be beneficial.

The Role of Gut Health in Hair Growth

Emerging research suggests a connection between gut health and hair growth. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption and overall health, which can indirectly affect hair growth.

The Gut-Hair Axis

How does gut health impact hair growth? A healthy gut microbiome aids in the absorption of nutrients essential for hair growth, such as biotin, zinc, and iron. Additionally, gut inflammation or imbalances may contribute to systemic inflammation, potentially affecting hair follicle health.

What dietary strategies can support both gut and hair health?

• Consume probiotic-rich foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can support a healthy gut microbiome.
• Include prebiotic fiber: Foods like garlic, onions, leeks, and asparagus feed beneficial gut bacteria.
• Reduce processed foods: A diet high in whole foods and low in processed items can promote gut health.
• Stay hydrated: Adequate water intake supports digestive health and nutrient absorption.

Hormonal Influences on Hair Loss: The Diet Connection

While hormonal imbalances are often considered separate from dietary factors in hair loss, there’s a complex interplay between diet, hormones, and hair health. Certain dietary patterns can influence hormone levels, indirectly affecting hair growth.

Insulin Resistance and Hair Loss

How does insulin resistance impact hair health? Insulin resistance, often associated with high-sugar diets and obesity, can lead to increased androgen production. Elevated androgen levels are linked to certain types of hair loss, particularly male and female pattern baldness.

What dietary strategies can help manage insulin sensitivity?

• Reduce sugar intake: Limit consumption of added sugars and refined carbohydrates.
• Increase fiber intake: High-fiber foods can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Choose complex carbohydrates: Opt for whole grains, legumes, and vegetables over simple carbs.
• Include healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats can improve insulin sensitivity.

Thyroid Function and Hair Loss

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in metabolism and can significantly impact hair growth. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to hair loss. While thyroid disorders often require medical treatment, diet can play a supportive role.

Which nutrients are important for thyroid health?

• Iodine: Essential for thyroid hormone production
• Selenium: Supports thyroid hormone metabolism
• Zinc: Necessary for thyroid hormone synthesis
• Iron: Important for thyroid peroxidase function

It’s important to note that excessive intake of these nutrients can also be harmful. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes or starting supplements, especially if you have a thyroid condition.

Stress, Diet, and Hair Loss: A Complex Relationship

Stress is a well-known contributor to hair loss, but the connection between stress, diet, and hair health is often overlooked. Chronic stress can impact nutrient absorption, alter eating habits, and influence hormone levels, all of which can affect hair growth.

Stress-Induced Nutrient Depletion

How does stress affect nutrient levels? Chronic stress can lead to depletion of certain nutrients, particularly B vitamins, vitamin C, and magnesium. These nutrients are important for hair health and growth.

What dietary strategies can help combat stress-related nutrient depletion?

• Increase intake of B-vitamin rich foods: Whole grains, leafy greens, and lean proteins
• Consume vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers
• Include magnesium-rich foods: Nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate
• Consider adaptogenic herbs: Herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola may help the body manage stress

Stress Eating and Hair Health

Stress can often lead to unhealthy eating patterns, such as overeating or undereating, which can indirectly impact hair health. Emotional eating may result in nutrient imbalances or excessive calorie intake, potentially exacerbating hair loss issues.

How can you maintain a healthy diet during stressful periods?

1. Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues
2. Plan meals in advance: This can help avoid impulsive food choices
3. Keep healthy snacks on hand: Opt for nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, and nuts
4. Seek support: Consider working with a nutritionist or therapist to develop healthy coping strategies

By addressing both nutritional needs and stress management, you can create a holistic approach to supporting hair health during challenging times.

The Future of Diet and Hair Loss Research

As our understanding of the complex relationship between diet and hair health continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for prevention and treatment of hair loss. Emerging areas of study include the role of the gut microbiome, personalized nutrition, and the potential of specific phytonutrients in promoting hair growth.

Personalized Nutrition for Hair Health

How might personalized nutrition impact hair loss treatment? Advances in genetic testing and microbiome analysis may soon allow for tailored dietary recommendations based on an individual’s unique nutritional needs and risk factors for hair loss.

Phytonutrients and Hair Growth

Which plant compounds show promise for hair health? Researchers are investigating various phytonutrients, including:

• Procyanidins: Found in apples and grape seeds
• Curcumin: The active compound in turmeric
• Catechins: Present in green tea
• Rosemary extract: Known for its potential to promote hair growth

While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of these compounds, incorporating a variety of plant-based foods in your diet may support overall hair health.

Nutrigenomics and Hair Loss

How does genetic variation affect nutrient needs for hair health? The field of nutrigenomics explores how individual genetic differences influence the way our bodies process and utilize nutrients. This research may lead to more targeted nutritional interventions for preventing and treating hair loss based on an individual’s genetic profile.

As research in these areas progresses, we may see more comprehensive and personalized approaches to addressing diet-related hair loss. However, it’s important to remember that a balanced, nutrient-rich diet remains the foundation of good hair health for most individuals.

In conclusion, while diet alone may not be the sole cause or solution for hair loss, it plays a significant role in maintaining healthy hair growth. By ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients, managing calorie intake responsibly, and addressing related factors like stress and gut health, you can support your body’s ability to grow and maintain healthy hair. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice, especially if you’re experiencing significant hair loss or considering major dietary changes.

How Diet Affects Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common condition known as alopecia in the medical field.

It has many known causes, including (1, 2):

• genetics
• hormonal dysregulation
• hypothyroidism
• tension on the hair
• trauma
• infection
• chemotherapy

Hair loss can also be caused by diet-related factors, such as nutrient deficiencies and supplement use (3).

This article explains how diet can affect hair loss.

Hair is made up of two main structures — the hair shaft, which is what you see, and the hair follicle, which is hidden underneath the skin. Hair grows from the hair follicle (4).

Hair typically grows at a rate of 0.35 mm per day. The scalp sheds about 100 hairs per day, which can increase with hair care practices like washing and brushing (5).

Hair follicles are highly active and sensitive. In fact, hair follicle cells are among the most rapidly dividing cells in your body, so it’s no surprise that nutrient deficiencies can negatively affect hair growth (3).

Iron

Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world and can cause hair loss (3).

This condition is related to a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium (TE), a type of hair loss characterized by a disruption in the normal hair growth cycle. This leads to excessive hair shedding and hair loss (5).

Researchers are still studying how iron deficiency causes hair loss, but it appears to disrupt hair growth by diverting iron stores in the hair follicle to other areas of the body (6).

Some studies have shown that people with hair loss tend to have lower iron levels in their blood and hair compared with people who don’t have hair loss (7, 8).

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an important role in hair growth and the health of your hair follicles (6).

Research has shown that vitamin D levels are lower in people with hair loss conditions, including female pattern hair loss and an autoimmune skin disease called alopecia areata (9, 10, 11, 12).

Research has shown that taking vitamin D supplements promoted hair regrowth in some people with hair loss related to vitamin D deficiency (13).

A 2020 study that included 109 people found that those with hair loss had significantly lower blood levels of vitamin D than people without hair loss. In fact, nearly 80% of the people with hair loss had low vitamin D levels (14).

Iron deficiency was common among those with hair loss as well (14).

These findings led the researchers to recommend that all people with diffuse hair loss be tested for low vitamin D and iron levels (14).

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that plays important roles in immune function, protein synthesis, cellular division, and more.

It’s necessary for hair follicle function and helps protect against hair follicle shrinkage and slowed growth. It also helps promote hair follicle recovery (15).

Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, and studies show that people with certain hair loss conditions tend to have lower zinc levels than people without hair loss. Those conditions include (6, 15):

• alopecia areata
• male pattern hair loss
• female pattern hair loss
• telogen effluvium (TE)

Other nutrients that may affect hair loss

In addition to the vitamins and minerals listed above, research has found that deficiencies in the following nutrients are associated with hair loss (6, 16, 17, 18):

• copper
• biotin
• vitamin B12
• folate
• riboflavin

Keep in mind that a number of factors may cause hair loss, including one or more nutrient deficiencies (18).

If you think that you may be experiencing hair loss due to a nutrient deficiency, talk with a healthcare professional. They may suggest you get a blood test to assess your micronutrient levels and rule out deficiencies.

Summary

A deficiency in one or more micronutrients may lead to hair loss. If you’re experiencing hair loss, you may want to be tested for deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, zinc, B vitamins, and copper.

The cells that make up the hair bulb, which is the part of the hair follicle that produces hair, have a high turnover rate, meaning new cells grow and replace old cells at a rapid rate (4).

For this reason, the hair is very sensitive to deficiencies in protein and calories, both of which your follicles need in constant supply to grow and function properly (6).

Calorie restriction affects the energy supply to the hair follicle, which can lead to hair loss.

Studies have shown that very low calorie diets can result in hair loss in some people (19, 20, 21).

Protein restriction can happen in some very low calorie diets and lead to hair thinning and hair loss.

Your hair needs amino acids, the building blocks of protein, to grow properly, so a diet without enough protein may lead to hair growth abnormalities, such as hair loss and thin, brittle hair (22, 23, 24).

A very low calorie intake and protein restriction can negatively affect health in many other ways, too.

That’s why it’s essential to fuel your body with enough calories and include protein-rich foods in your diet to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs (25).

Summary

Not eating enough calories and protein, such as in very low calorie diets, may lead to hair loss.

When people lose a significant amount of weight, they may experience hair loss.

However, people tend to experience this in extreme situations, such as after bariatric surgery, or after following an extreme diet that didn’t provide adequate calories or nutrients (26).

You might think that nutrient deficiency may cause hair loss after bariatric surgery, and this is true. However, interestingly, in some people the causes may actually be the stress of the surgery and the rapid weight loss that follows it.

Research suggests that acute hair loss that occurs within 3 months after bariatric surgery is associated with the surgery itself (26).

Yet, hair loss that occurs 6 months after surgery and beyond may be caused by nutrient deficiencies that develop as a result of surgery-related malabsorption (26).

That’s why it’s important for people who have undergone bariatric surgery to take micronutrient supplements. These help prevent hair loss related to the surgery, as well as other serious complications (27, 28).

Research has shown that the rapid weight loss often experienced among people following very low calorie, restrictive diets may also lead to hair loss (29, 30, 31, 32).

Summary

If you lose weight very fast, including from crash dieting or after bariatric surgery, you may also experience hair loss.

Consuming some nutrients in supplement form may help your hair stay healthy and grow at an optimal rate. However, taking other kinds of supplements can have the opposite effect. In fact, some supplements are associated with hair loss.

If you don’t have a nutrient deficiency, taking high doses of certain nutritional supplements can harm your hair. These supplements include (3):

• selenium
• vitamin E
• vitamin A

For example, overconsuming vitamin A by taking vitamin A supplements can overwhelm your liver, where excess vitamin A is normally stored.

When there’s too much vitamin A for the liver to handle, the extra vitamin A goes into circulation, leading to high levels in the blood.

Because maintaining optimal blood levels of vitamin A is essential for hair follicle function, excessive amounts of this nutrient in the body can cause hair loss. Having too much vitamin A in your system is also called hypervitaminosis A (33).

Excessive nutrient intake from food may lead to hair loss as well.

One case report found that a woman who consumed 10–15 paradise nuts, which are very high in selenium, per day for 20 days developed severe health issues and lost all the hair on her head.

Healthcare professionals found that her blood levels of selenium were nearly five times higher than the normal range. Doctors reasoned that this was the cause of her hair loss (34).

What’s concerning is that many supplements that claim to boost hair growth contain high amounts of nutrients that may lead to hair loss if you consume too much of them.

Other dietary supplements, including herbal supplements, may likewise lead to hair loss, especially at high dosages. That’s why it’s essential to speak with a trusted healthcare professional before you start taking supplements (35, 36).

Summary

If you don’t have a vitamin deficiency, taking high dosages of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and selenium, may trigger hair loss.

Other factors may also be associated with an increased risk of hair loss, according to research. These include:

• smoking
• drinking
• stress
• lack of sleep

A 2013 study including 92 male identical twins found that smoking, consuming more than four alcoholic drinks per week, increased caffeine consumption, and increased stress duration were linked to hair loss.

Interestingly, the study found that complete abstinence from alcohol and increased exercise duration were also associated with hair loss (37).

Smoking has likewise been linked to the autoimmune condition alopecia areata, which causes hair loss (38).

Research has also shown that poor sleep quality is a risk factor for alopecia areata (39).

A 2020 study that included 1,825 women found that alcohol consumption and poor sleep were associated with more severe female pattern hair loss (40).

On the other hand, avoiding alcohol and getting sufficient sleep were associated with less severe female pattern hair loss (40).

If you want to limit the other factors that may cause hair loss, consider avoiding smoking, limiting your alcohol intake, getting optimal sleep, and managing your stress levels.

In combination with a nutritious diet, these actions may help keep your hair healthy and reduce your risk of hair loss.

Summary

Smoking, drinking, stress, and lack of sleep may increase your risk of hair loss.

Many factors can affect hair loss, including medical conditions, hormonal dysregulation, and infection.

Other factors that can lead to hair loss include micronutrient deficiencies, not consuming enough calories or protein, and taking high doses of certain dietary supplements.

If you’re experiencing significant hair loss, it’s important to visit a healthcare professional to find the cause or causes of your hair loss so that you can get the treatment you need.

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What causes hair loss during dieting

If you’re just starting your weight loss journey, perhaps you have questions about unintentional side effects, such as hair loss. If you’re already well into this journey, maybe you’ve already noticed some thinning of your hair. Either way, it’s important to learn the facts about the connection between weight loss and hair loss and rule out other potential causes.

Diet-Related Hair Loss

Hair follicles are among the most metabolically active in your body. Research shows hair growth can be impacted when you reduce your caloric and/or protein intake or have a micronutrient deficiency. These links are complex, so if you’re suffering from hair loss, your diet could be the cause, but so could other factors. To understand hair loss, it helps to have a basic understanding of the four stages of hair growth:

1. Anagen phase: During this stage, your hair is continuously growing. About 80-90% of your hair remains in this stage for 2-7 years.
2. Catagen phase: During this transition stage, which lasts just 10 days, your hair follicles shrink and hair detaches from the blood supply, causing your hair to stop growing.
3. Telogen phase: During this resting stage that lasts three months, 10-15% of your hair that has detached from the blood supply continues to rest in your hair follicles, with new hair growth beneath it.
4. Exogen phase: During this shedding phase, it’s normal to lose 50-100 strands a day because some of your hair has completely detached from the follicles.

Hair Loss After Weight Loss

Your body needs adequate calories and protein to feed your hair follicles. According to some experts, the more weight you lose, the more likely you’ll experience some degree of hair loss. Losing and regaining weight over many years can impact your metabolism and hair growth. Some people may experience hair loss within 3-6 months of starting diets (e.g. keto). Typically temporary, a balanced, healthy diet should reverse hair loss within six months.

Hair Loss Dieting Research

An acute form of the condition telogen effluvium (TE) is a well-known side effect of sudden weight loss or decreased protein intake. This condition, which causes thinning or shedding hair, occurs when your hair prematurely enters the telogen phase. Dieting can cause physical and emotional stress, thereby causing more hair than usual to enter the telogen phase.

Protein deficiency: This can impact your skin, hair and nails because they are made primarily of protein. Protein is essential for hair growth, so a lack of healthy protein in your diet can cause broken hair strands that are resistant to growing back.

Iron deficiency: The most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, this is a well-known cause of hair loss. It’s unclear what degree of deficiency leads to hair loss and studies are inconclusive. Risk factors include menstrual blood loss, malabsorption (e.g. celiac disease), the use of h3 blockers and a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Zinc deficiency: This essential mineral is important for the health of your skin and hair, among other key body functions. Although this type of deficiency is fairly uncommon, risk factors include aging, gastrointestinal disease, anorexia, malabsorption, chronic liver or renal disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, cancer, alcoholism and a vegetarian diet.

Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D stimulates the growth of new hair follicles, therefore experts believe a deficiency can cause hair loss or thinning. The strongest evidence shows a link between a vitamin D deficiency and alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss.

Hair Loss Prevention Tips

• Avoid diets that restrict calories too severely
• Add a variety of healthy proteins to your diet to help improve the production of amino acids needed to produce keratin
• Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables
• Get adequate sleep (about 7 to 8 hours a night)
• Take a high-quality multivitamin that provides at least 100% of the recommended daily value needed to keep you healthy, vibrant and happy

While your hair loss may be related to nutritional deficiencies from being on a diet, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking supplements other than a multivitamin. Your medical history and a physical exam will help your doctor pinpoint whether genetic disorders, medical conditions or dietary practices are responsible for your hair loss.

Sources:

https://www. hairclub.com/why-is-my-hair-falling-out/hair-growth-cycle/
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a19979815/does-weight-loss-cause-hair-loss/
https://www.msn.com/en-za/lifestyle/wellness/9-reasons-for-hair-loss-during-ketosis/ar-BBNbn82
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321673.php
https://www.livestrong.com/article/327771-how-to-prevent-hair-loss-when-losing-weight/

Why does hair fall out after losing weight? | Beauty and health

They suffer from nutritional deficiencies, stress and hormonal changes. All of these phenomena can be the consequences of sudden weight loss, more precisely, diets and technologies with which we are trying to “jump over our heads.”

Crash diets

The borrowed word “crash” is consonant and close in meaning to the Russian word “crush”. An aggressive crash diet to the point of starvation is designed to break down the body’s stored fat. She is the weapon of an aggressive fight against excess weight.

The first study to document hair loss 2 months after starting an intensive weight loss program is dated 1976. Many scientists attribute this side effect to a reduction in the intake of calories and nutrients the body needs due to a strict diet.

In addition, a sharp shortage of food is a psychological stress. It was him, in combination with a lack of iron, that Indian researchers called the cause of hair loss in women.

Low protein diets

A low protein diet may be prescribed for kidney disease. But it also promotes weight loss, although this is not usually considered the main goal.

Photo: Depositphotos

The basis of hair is the protein keratin. For its synthesis, the body uses amino acids that come with protein foods. Amino acid deficiency in the diet can affect keratin production and cause hair loss.

According to Indian scientists from Hairline International Clinic, hair health most often depends on the presence of amino acids such as histidine, leucine, cysteine ​​and valine.

Hair is not the most important organ of the body, so it redistributes scarce resources to other protein-dependent functions. Among them are tissue repair, hormone production, regulation of water and alkaline balance, digestion.

Weight Loss Surgery

A number of studies have shown that weight loss surgery is often associated with protein, vitamin, mineral deficiencies and can cause hair loss.

For example, Greek scientists from the University of Thessaly in 2018 observed it in 56% of patients after gastrectomy, more often in women than in men. All participants in the study had decreased levels of zinc and vitamin B12 after surgery.

Photo: Depositphotos

Restrictive diets

Restrictive diets are not as strict as the crash diet. They are considered beneficial because centenarians tend to never overeat. However, they can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially if they are targeted at one food group.

According to researchers from different countries, hair loss is most often associated with a deficiency of iron, zinc, selenium, proteins and essential fatty acids. Among the latter omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, alpha-linolenic.

In addition, hair loss is also caused by a very low calorie content of food.

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well-being, but also on the beauty of the skin and hair.

Many people view thinning and baldness as problems that affect men more, but it is estimated that 50% of women will experience noticeable hair loss during their lifetime. We are all wondering why this is happening.

Most of us are already familiar with the concept of healthy and unhealthy fats. Healthy fats are found in avocados, olive oil and salmon, and they are really good for health. Unhealthy fats, including fat from red meat and fried foods, have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Additionally, according to Womans wWrld, studies show that a diet high in unhealthy fats may be linked to hair loss.

Why do mice go bald? They used adult mice for the experiment and fed some of them a high-fat diet. Other mice received a standard diet. Because previous studies show that overweight people are more likely to have thinning hair and bald spots, the team hypothesized that mice on a high-fat diet would suffer from hair loss.

The researchers were right. In just four days, mice on a high-fat diet developed bald patches. Elderly mice suffered the most from this effect, meaning that older people on a high-fat diet are most likely to suffer hair loss.

Fatty foods and hair growth

According to the authors of the study, fatty foods can deplete hair follicle stem cells, or long-lived cells in hair follicles. During the normal hair growth cycle, the stem cells of the hair follicles are activated to create a healthy root, resulting in hair growth. In an abnormal cycle, these stem cells are not activated. The researchers concluded that a high-fat diet may contribute to the abnormal cycle by introducing inflammatory molecules into the body. These molecules cause oxidative stress and block the regeneration of hair follicles, resulting in smaller follicles and faster hair loss.

Foods that cause hair loss / Credits

How to prevent hair loss

Fortunately, hair loss caused by a high-fat diet can be prevented.