At this time of the year, with winter upon us, many of us tend to increase our food consumption to keep our body temperature up. We may also have a habit of consuming foods which are high in sugar because they give us both a mood and blood sugar boost.
There can be a correlation between diet and hair loss, both positive and negative. Studies have found that sugar can have a negative impact on hair, although there may be other factors involved too.
Hair Loss and Sugar
There is research on men that has traced a correlation between baldness and high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and obesity, pointing to poor diet as a hair loss trigger. The research suggests that heavy sugar consumption is a primary factor in developing resistance to insulin. There has been similar research on women too, which found that women with high insulin resistance run a greater risk for androgenic alopecia hair loss.
Our bodies produce insulin to manage sugar intake, the lack of which prevents bodies from managing sugar consumption. The most obvious consequence for bodies that develop resistance to insulin is diabetes.
Why Does Sugar Cause Hair Loss?
The research does not understand why high sugar (and carbohydrates) intake contributes to balding for women and men. It is also found that changing dietary habits cannot undo prior damage, although it can prevent future hair loss.
Several theories have been proposed. One theory suggests that since hair is mainly protein, and sugar is without any protein content, the lack of protein in the body may lead to hair loss. A similar theory is that there are particular vitamins that are essential for hair growth (vitamin D, E, copper, iron, magnesium, selenium) and that they are lacking in sugar. Hence, hair cannot develop properly.
Yet another theory is that hormone imbalances may contribute to hair loss since the right balance is vital for producing the right hormones connected to hair production. What we consume affects our hormone levels, and a high intake of sugar, chemicals, and carbohydrates may lead to a hormone imbalance. DHT, a form of testosterone, is a common hormone linked to hair loss, and high levels of DHT may contribute to hair loss.
Lifestyle Choices and Hair Loss
Diet is just one of many lifestyle choices that may contribute to hair loss and growth. Your Philadelphia hair restoration expert encourages you to make smart lifestyle choices that will help you grow healthy hair and avoid hair loss.
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Take the Next Step
Want to learn if a hair restoration is right for you? Schedule a consultation at Dr. Farole’s Facial Cosmetic Surgery Center in Bala Cynwyd, PA by giving us a call at (610) 668-3300 today.
Source
Progressive Hair Loss
