Nutritional Causes of Hair Loss

The natural aging process may lead to thinning hair. However, when the rate of hair shedding is exceeding the growth of new hair, it can lead to hair thinning and baldness.

Identification

• Hair loss may occur during or after pregnancy and with certain medications, diseases, and medical treatments. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to baldness and premature hair thinning. Another common cause of hair loss is poor diet and nutrition.

Protein Intake

• Inadequate protein intake can lead to hair loss. Protein builds muscles, cartilage, and ligaments; renews skin; and helps hair grow. The recommended protein requirement is 10 to 15 percent of our total caloric intake daily. Low protein intake can also result in amino acid deficiency, which also leads to poor health and hair loss.

Eating Disorders

• Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, can lead to hair loss. Those that suffer from these disorders are not getting adequate vitamins and protein to sustain the growth of new hair. Teenagers are most susceptible to eating disorders and their side effects, although anyone can develop an eating disorder.

Vegetarian Nutrition

• If you are a vegetarian, it is important to get adequate nutrition. Failure to do this can lead to hair thinning and hair loss. If protein is not being taken in the form of red meat, then it must come from other sources, such as beans, fish, chicken and eggs.

Anemia

• Iron deficiency anemia is common among endurance athletes. This condition occurs when the blood lacks adequate red blood cells. These healthy blood cells carry oxygen to all of the body's tissues and organs. This gives skin a healthy look and helps hair grow. Anemia can cause weakness, fatigue and hair loss.