The average person loses between 50 and 100 strands of hair per day. This may seem surprising, but it’s actually just a natural part of the hair growth cycle. For others, however, hair loss goes beyond the norm, resulting in thinning tresses and an increasingly exposed scalp.
Some hair loss is caused by genetic factors, some by excessive hair treatment. But many wonder about the correlation between hair loss and the diet. Does fast food lead to hair loss? Could vitamins play a role? What about the balance between food categories?
The American diet seems to be connected to hair loss, at least for some of the many hair loss sufferers in the U.S. Highly processed foods void of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and other key nutrients can leave an individual without basic hair-building supplies. Obviously, a poor diet has been connected with many illnesses and failures of body functioning, but the connection to hair loss is not always as clear.
One thing that is clear is that vitamin deficiencies and protein deficiencies are directly linked to hair loss. And while the American diet definitely provides plenty of protein, sometimes excessive animal protein, it is often lacking in vitamins.
A less direct link is inherent in the way drastic diet differences can affect hormones, hormones being a pivotal part of the proper functioning of the hair growth cycle. Eating too much fat, sugar, processed foods, and salt creates stress on the body, including the kidneys, leading to acidic blood. A more acidic pH level in the body can contribute to many problems and is suspected of contributing to hair loss.
Much like a pet dog on a quality brand of dog food will have stronger, healthier, and more beautiful fur, dogs eating poor quality food tend to have brittle dry hair that tends to fall out more. One can thus imagine that eating a healthy diet of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean meats can prevent certain types of hair loss and lead to healthier, shinier hair.
