Foods That May Cause Hair Loss
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of ailments or factors. A professional should be involved when deciding why a person may be losing hair. However, a key problem in hair loss is nutrition. Foods and hair disorders go hand in hand, and there are certain foods you should avoid to prevent hair loss.
Selenium
Selenium is a micro-mineral that the body requires in small doses for its antioxidant properties. According to the National Institutes of Health, adults should have approximately 55 micrograms of selenium a day. On occasion, you can develop selenosis, which is too much selenium in the blood. Although rare in the United States,selenosis has been linked to hair loss. Some foods that contain selenium are tuna, beef, turkey, white rice, and bread. However, the highest selenium containing food is Brazil nuts, which contain up to 544 micrograms in a single ounce. You may want to avoid large amounts of these nuts to avoid any possible hair loss.
- Selenium is a micro-mineral that the body requires in small doses for its antioxidant properties.
- On occasion, you can develop selenosis, which is too much selenium in the blood.
High Glycemic-Index
Nectarines and the Glycemic Index
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MBP Research points out that foods containing a high glycemic-index have the potential to create hair loss. These foods create a surplus of insulin in the body, which has a negative effect on hair. Foods in this high glycemic-index category include bottled or canned fruit juices, margarine, white rice, and white bread.
Excessive Alcohol
Alcohol used in moderation may not cause hair loss, but the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that alcohol and other stimulants such as coffee and tobacco be avoided to reduce symptoms of hair disorders. However, there are no specific studies that have proved the link between alcohol and hair loss.
Considerations
Recommended Dose of L-Lysine
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Diet and hair loss are associated with one another, and although it is true you can avoid some foods to battle this dilemma, it is just as important to add certain nutrition to your diet to avoid hair loss. A lack of zinc, iron, and protein have all been linked to hair loss, so eating foods high in this category may be helpful. If you are considering changing your diet, consult with your primary care provider to assure that it does not interfere with any of your current treatment.
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References
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- Mirmirani P. Managing hair loss in midlife women. Maturitas. 2013;74(2):119-22. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.10.020
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- Park SY, Na SY, Kim JH, Cho S, Lee JH. Iron plays a certain role in patterned hair loss. J Korean Med Sci. 2013;28(6):934-8. doi:10.3346/jkms.2013.28.6.934
- Guo EL, Katta R. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2017;7(1):1-10. doi:10.5826/dpc.0701a01
- Vincent M, Yogiraj K. A Descriptive Study of Alopecia Patterns and their Relation to Thyroid Dysfunction. Int J Trichology. 2013;5(1):57-60. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.114701
- Davis SR, Castelo-branco C, Chedraui P, et al. Understanding weight gain at menopause. Climacteric. 2012;15(5):419-29. doi:10.3109/13697137.2012.707385
- Gupta AK, Charrette A. Topical Minoxidil: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Its Efficacy in Androgenetic Alopecia. Skinmed. 2015;13(3):185-9.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Thinning hair and hair loss: Could it be female pattern hair loss?
- Harvard Health Publications. Treating female pattern hair loss - Harvard health.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Female pattern baldness.
Writer Bio
Matt Berry is a radiologic technologist who started writing professionally in 2007. He specializes in health and medical articles and has been published in "Radiologic Technology." Berry holds a Bachelor of Science in radiology technology from Mount Marty College and is credentialed in radiography and computed tomography with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.