Dieting & Hair Loss

It's normal to see some strands come loose while brushing your hair. But if you're losing excessive amounts of hair, there's probably another cause. Illness, stress and hormone fluctuations are possible causes. Another common culprit is diet and rapid weight loss.

• If your hair is thinning, your diet may be to blame.

Identification

• Your hair is likely falling out an increased rate if you notice a pattern of excessive shedding after brushing.

Causes

• If you've been trying to lose weight, your diet may be the cause of your thinning hair. Nutrient deficiencies in iron, zinc, protein, vitamin A, magnesium, vitamin B, vitamin D or essential fatty acids can lead to hair loss.

Considerations

• While any diet could lead to some hair loss, unbalanced diets that restrict certain food groups or items are more likely to lead to nutrient deficiencies and subsequent hair loss.

Recommendations

• Choose a healthful, balanced diet plan and aim for a 1 to 2 lbs. weight loss each week. Avoid rapid weight loss plans to minimize the risk of hair loss.

Potential

• Diet-related hair loss is temporary for many people. After returning to healthy eating patterns, you may begin to see your hair loss slow within a few months.

Prevention/Solution

• Along with a healthy, balanced diet, try taking a multivitamin that includes iron. If hair loss continues, consider seeing a dermatologist for diagnosis and specific recommendations.