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Foods That Can Contribute to Hair Loss

shiftframe • May 19, 2022

We know that the foods we put in our bodies can impact our overall health, but did you know it might be affecting our hair growth as well? In fact, some foods might actually contribute to hair loss. Continue reading to find out which foods might be causing or making your hair loss worse.

A person is holding a piece of hair in their hand.

Fried Foods

Foods that are high in unhealthy fats are typically bad for our overall health. This is especially true for foods that contain hydrogenated oils or are fried. These foods could also be bad for your hair. 

Both saturated and unsaturated fats have been linked to increased levels of testosterone, which can lead to higher levels of DHT in the body. DHT is a by-product that has been proven to cause hair loss.

Hydrogenated oils have a different effect on the hair. They suppress the production of essential fatty acids which are needed to grow healthy hair.

Sugar-Free Foods

According to the FDA, aspartame (an artificial sweetener) has been linked to hair loss, bloating, impotency, and depression. 

Simple Carbohydrates

The benefits of eating brown or whole wheat carbohydrates over white have long been recognized. However, simple carbohydrates such as white carbs can actually be much more harmful than previously thought. 

When we eat refined carbohydrates, the nutrients which have been ingested are required to process the digestion of the ingredients, which are usually also high in sugar. This sugar is one of the most dangerous elements, which can lead directly to hair loss.

Complex carbohydrates, along with food high in fiber, will help ensure the right nutrients reach the body, making digestion much easier and providing a better blood supply to the hair follicles as well.

Additives

Additives, even those that are derived from natural ingredients, can directly cause hair loss. 

Carmine dye or cochineal extract is a coloring that is usually found in yogurts, fruit drinks, and other foods. This food coloring is taken from dried-out bugs and is believed to be a direct cause of hair loss.

Caramel color, which is a non-natural additive, is processed using various undesirable components including ammonia, caustic acid, and sulfites. It has also been linked to hair loss.

Conclusion

There are many foods that are bad for our overall health, and a lot of those foods are also linked to hair loss. However, there are plenty of foods that are good for us and our hair health. Try to steer clear of the foods mentioned above and you should be on the right path for your overall health, as well as your hair health. 

However, if you have run into some hair loss issues, you’re not completely out of luck. There are still many ways to combat hair loss. One of the newest hair loss treatments is scalp micropigmentation, or scalp tattooing. At SMP Ink , we provide our clients with natural, undetectable results. Schedule your free consultation today.

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