Hair Loss Due To Poor Diet

Hair loss can occur for many different reasons, including changes to your diet. People say losing weight is as simple as eating healthy and exercising regularly. This may be true, but with so many diet fads and companies looking to make a quick buck with their “weight loss secrets,” people can easily become confused which diets are helpful and which are harmful. Although losing weight is generally supposed to make the individual healthier, extreme diets or even just poor dieting choices can be destructive and lead to issues such as hair loss. This is especially common when severely restricting calories, using meal replacements, or even when on a low-carb diet. To avoid becoming a victim of hair loss, read this article to learn how dieting can affect your hair’s health. We will also explore the foods you should eat to make your hair stronger. 

Weight Loss Can Be Stressful 

Weight loss isn’t always easy and requires time as well as dedication. People can easily feel defeated or stressed out when they don’t quickly meet their weight goal. This added physical and emotional stress can lead to hair loss called telogen effluvium. According to Livestrong, hair grows as much as ½ inch per month for approximately 2 years, then goes into a resting phase known as telogen. At the end of the resting phase, old hairs fall out to make room for new hairs. Approximately 10 percent of the hair goes into resting phase. Physical and emotional stress from dieting can cause more hair than usual to go into resting phase, and fall out when new hairs come in (Source). To avoid stress related hair loss, it’s important not to obsess over every little thing you do:

• Focus on eating healthy rather than counting every single calorie you put in your body. 
• Don’t weigh yourself every day. Chances are you’re not going to lose substantial weight in just a few days and obsessing over such only creates unnecessary stress. 
• Don’t deprive yourself of the foods you love. Just because you are trying to lose weight doesn’t mean you can’t indulge every once in a while. 
• Exercise at your own pace. You don’t have to strain your body to burn the fat. 

Not Enough Vitamins When Dieting

Some people cut out certain foods when starting a new diet. In doing so, they may not be receiving the necessary vitamins and nutrients the body and hair need to thrive. For example, a popular diet trend is to eat fruits and vegetables only, while cutting out carbohydrates and meats. Fruits and vegetables are vital for hair growth as these foods provide vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc. However, whole grain contains the needed iron our bodies need and meat provides protein that makes hair strong and the body more energetic. When starting a new diet, be sure you are not removing foods that help your body thrive and provide the nutrients you need to boost your overall health. 

Poor Diet Leads To Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia is one of many health conditions which have hair loss as a common symptom. Iron-deficiency anemia means the body’s iron levels are too low. This type of anemia can be caused by poor dieting habits and lead to extensive hair loss. You can easily lose iron when dieting but you can also lose iron when eating poorly as well. Make sure you are getting enough iron to keep your body healthy and avoid embarrassing hair loss. 

Foods To Eat To Prevent Hair Loss 

Walnuts For Essential Oils

Nuts are great foods that help fight hair loss. These foods contain oils that contribute to strengthening hair’s elasticity. Without these essential oils, hair will easily become weak and eventually snap. 

Spinach/ Bok Choy For Iron Deficiency 

As described earlier, iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss as well as several other health conditions. By simply adding the necessary greens, such as spinach and bok choy, you’ll receive the needed iron and carotene to keep the hair healthy and strong.

Carrots/Greek Yogurt Provide Needed Vitamins 

Carrots are enriched in carotene and vitamin A, which produces oils needed for a healthy scalp. Additionally, low-fat greek yogurt is not only great for weight loss, but it also contains vitamins B5 and D, which aid in hair follicle health. 

Halibut Rich In Magnesium

Some fish such as Halibut contains magnesium, which makes hair stronger and shinier. Fish also contains healthy oils and minerals to improve your overall health. 

InVisions Of Connecticut | CT Hair Replacement 

At InVisions of Connecticut we are very proud to provide each of our clients with the latest advances in technology for clinically proven hair loss, prevention and restoration solutions. InVisions of Connecticut is a recognized leader in multi-therapeutic hair loss treatments, hair restoration and hair replacement for men and women suffering from Alopecia, balding and thinning hair.