Changes in Diet can Sometimes Lead to Hair Loss
Sep 13, 2005
Dieters dreaming of losing weight are discovering that
they're losing something else -- their hair. The little-talked-about
secret of the dieting industry is that a successful
diet can also trigger hair loss. As a big section of
Americans struggle with obesity and tackle countless
fad diets, some dermatologists say they are increasingly
hearing complaints from perplexed dieters about thinning
hair.
Hair loss can be triggered by a variety of factors including
pregnancy, stress, surgery and age-related hormonal
changes, to name a few. But few people realize that
weight loss can also cause hair to shed, likely due
to a nutritional deficiency. Although iron deficiency
is often associated with diet-related hair loss, a range
of nutrient deficiencies can result in thinning hair
according to dermatologists. The fact that so many different
nutrients can be the culprit in hair loss means any
diet can take a toll on the tresses.
The threat of thinning hair shouldn't discourage patients
from losing weight, but it should convince them to avoid
fad, quick-reduction diets. Such diets often lack proper
nutrition, and rapid weight loss in itself is a stress
on the body and can also trigger metabolism changes
that affect hair growth.
For preventing hair loss, the best weight-loss plans
are those comprising of reduced-calorie diets that promote
gradual weight loss with healthful foods from all of
the food groups. Diets low in protein and iron, such
as vegetarian diets and very-low-fat diets often result
in deficiencies. But high-protein diets that initially
discourage fruits and vegetables can also trigger hair
loss. If you start eating only one thing and you're
not well balanced, you get into trouble.
Source: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05256/570686.stm
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