Hair Loss and Diet
While the evidence that links hair loss to dieting is becoming
increasingly clear, you won't see diet companies providing this
information on warning labels. Further, the faster you lose
pounds with some of the more severe crash diets, including many
liquid diets, the more stress you're putting on your body. This
stress may increase the risk and incidence of thinning hair -
hair loss is a high price to pay for dieting!
A diet, by definition, deprives the body of one or more
nutrients which are essential for growth. Even a mild diet can
deprive the body of nutrients. When this occurs it's natural for
the body to allocate those limited nutrients to the functions of
the body that are essential to stay alive. Nutrients for hair
growth are low on that priority scale. When the body is deprived
of a nutrient such as protein, it will save this protein, and
hair growth will be shifted into the resting stage. Massive hair
shedding can occur two to three months later. Another symptom of
diet related hair loss and thinning is the ease at which hair
can be pulled out.
Some of the more common nutrient deficiencies that can lead to
hair loss include; iron, sudden changes in magnesium, zinc,
essential fatty acids, protein, and vitamins A, B and D. Crash
diets, quick weight-loss programs that claim you can lose
upwards of 20 pounds in a short time period, and those that
suggest the elimination of a particular food group, can
accelerate hair loss and are of particular concern. These types
of diets may include everything from vegetarian, low-fat, or
even high protein diets.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't go on a diet, just do it in
moderation and keep your diet plan balanced. One of the best
ways to lose weight is a reduced-calorie plan over an extended
period. This approach maintains a balanced diet and increases
the probability of keeping weight off on a more permanent basis.
You should also consider a multi-vitamin with iron.
If you've experienced hair loss through excessive dieting, the
good news is that it's reversible and can be prevented once you
get back onto a diet with the right amount and balance of
nutrients. It won't happen quickly and may take 6 months after
the diet ends to reverse the trend and another year to take your
hair back to its original thickness.
-----------
To learn more about hair loss, and hair loss treatment options,
please visit: Hair
Loss Treatment