7 Worst Foods That Could Cause Hair Loss

These Seven Foods Can Increase Hair Loss. Avoid Them!

The foods we intake on a daily basis might cause hair loss and sometimes without even knowing it. So let’s look at the 7 worst foods that could cause hair loss and how you can avoid them to prevent hair loss.

Alcohol

Alcohol is considered one of the biggest factors in hair loss. When people drink alcohol, their body tends to get rid of every vitamin and mineral it doesn’t need immediately, including biotin (vitamin B7).

This can get complicated when your body becomes dependent on alcohol, which happens quickly for some people – creating a vicious cycle. If you’re drinking more than four drinks per week, there’s an 80 percent chance that you’ll develop a biotin deficiency.

Foods Containing Sugar

We all know that sugar is bad for our health, but it can also cause big problems when it comes to our hair. When we eat foods with a high glycemic level like sugary snacks, white bread, and processed food, the sudden spike in blood sugar leads to the production of insulin, which blocks another protein called “branch chain amino acids” from entering the follicles. The lack of branch chain amino acids will prohibit hair growth – leading to hair loss.

Toxins in our Food

Toxins are harmful substances that damage or interfere with normal body processes. When your body is overloaded with toxins, it tries to shed them out of the body. This often leads to your hair shedding because toxins are removed through your scalp. The worst part? It’s almost impossible to avoid toxins, given that they’re in many different kinds of food products.

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So if you eat packaged or processed foods, drink tap water, or live in a highly polluted area, there are high chances that you have a toxic overload in your body – which means hair loss for you!

Not Enough Protein

Protein is one of the main building blocks of our bodies and when we don’t get enough protein in our diet, our bodies tend to burn out our own muscles (including hair follicles) instead.

Hair loss occurs because when there is not much protein available then the body will use more of it for energy. The lack of protein in the body leads to the loss of strength and shine, which make up your hair’s healthiness.

Diet Sodas

Diet sodas are packed with sodium benzoate, a preservative that has been linked to causing hair loss. Studies have shown that when mixed with vitamin C, this preservative becomes benzene – a toxin that can destroy blood cells. It also increases oxidative stress – one of the Biggest factors in hair loss.

Processed Eggs

You might not know but some brands of processed eggs are grown using toxic biocides known as dichlorvos and trichloronate. They’re used to kill parasites and prevent diseases such as avian flu. However, these chemicals can lead to hair loss if present in high quantities within your body.

Red Meat

Several studies have linked red meat consumption with a possible increase in testosterone levels. The excess amount of testosterone disrupts the natural ratio between testosterone and DHT, which is a hormone associated with hair loss.

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So it’s better to eat red meat in moderation if you want to avoid hair loss from occurring. There are many other foods that cause hair loss but at least you now know that those 7 worst foods could cause hair loss – so stay away from them!

Tips On How You Can Prevent Hair Loss

  • Get rid of all the processed and fast food in your diet. This is a big one in preventing hair loss since it’s in many convenience foods that we tend to buy due to our busy lifestyles. If possible, prepare your own meals at home instead of buying pre-packaged food from the supermarket or going out for dinner/lunch. You’ll be able to choose exactly what you’re eating and limit your intake of preservatives, hydrogenated oils & artificial colours.
  • Cut down on sugar as much as possible because it increases oxidative stress which can lead to hair loss. Opt for healthier sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar when you can’t avoid eating sweets.
  • Eat organic, fresh fruits and vegetables. Some pesticides are toxic to our bodies even in small quantities, so if you can’t afford organic food, peel off the outer layer of your fruits/veggies before eating them.
  • If you have an oily scalp or suffer from any scalp problems, switch to natural shampoo and conditioner. This is because store-bought shampoos might contain chemicals that could lead to hair loss such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and parabens.
  • Drink plenty of water. Drinking at least 8 cups of water a day will keep your body hydrated and free from toxins that can cause hair loss such as benzene which we mentioned earlier. The chlorine in tap water also strips hair of its natural moisture and can lead to hair loss. So instead of drinking tap water, switch to filtered water which you can buy from a store, or use a simple filtration system at home if possible.
  • Cut out sugary drinks such as soda and fruit juices from your diet since they contain high levels of sugar that increase oxidative stress. In short, these drinks aren’t good for your health in general.
  • Reduce stress as much as possible because it increases cortisol production which prevents hair follicles from receiving adequate blood flow. Cortisol also causes the body to release excess amounts of testosterone – a hormone known for its negative effects on the scalp, including hair fall. One way to reduce stress is by meditating regularly, going for a walk, or doing yoga.
  • Minimize alcohol consumption because even though it might feel like it relaxes you, it actually increases cortisol levels in the body, leading to hair loss. 9) Eat more foods high in vitamin C since this vitamin helps reduce oxidative stress. Foods such as pineapple, kiwi, peppers, and oranges also contain other antioxidants which can be beneficial for your hair.
  • Get enough sleep at night so your hair won’t fall out when you’re sleeping! Lack of sleep interferes with cortisol production which can cause hair loss.
  • Consider taking supplements that promote healthy hair growth. Biotin is one good example but always consult a doctor before taking any supplements.

The Bottom Line

There are specific foods that increase oxidative stress or prevent blood flow to the scalp which can lead to hair loss. So if you want to avoid hair loss, it’s best to eat a diet high in antioxidants and low in pro-inflammatory foods.

Filed under: Makeup & Hair, Tips and Myths


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