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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics

Diet

Nutrition 101: How Weight Loss Diets Can Wreck Your Hair Health!

Crash dieting can shed more than weight, it can also lead to hair thinning and dullness. Let's dive into how extreme diets impact your hair health.

Introduction

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Severely restricting calories means consuming less protein and fewer nutrients. Hair is the first to suffer when the body is low on fuel.

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Low-Calorie Isn't Always Hair-Friendly

Hair is mainly made of keratin, a type of protein. Skipping out on protein-rich meals have a direct ticket to hair-shedding. 

Protein Deficiency

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Cutting out carbs or fats can reduce your intake of biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamin D, all of which play a key role in strong & healthy strands.

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Lack of Vitamins Hits the Root

Low-carb or keto diets may reduce your water intake, leaving the scalp dry and flaky. Dehydration often results in weak hair roots.

Hydration Is Hair Nutrition

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Rapid weight loss can trigger telogen effluvium, where hair enters a shedding phase prematurely and can shock your hair follicles, leading to hair loss. 

Sudden Weight Drop 

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Eliminating sugar is good, but an overly restrictive diet can slow down metabolism and reduce circulation to the scalp.

Say No to Sugar, But Balance It

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Eat lean protein (eggs, lentils), healthy fats (avocados, nuts), and iron-rich veggies. Fuel your body, not just shrink it.

Opt for Smart Weight Loss

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Foods like pumpkin seeds, greek yogurt, spinach, chia seeds, and berries can be your companion in your weight loss journey, keeping your hair health in check. 

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Add These Hair-Saving Foods

Balanced nutrition is non-negotiable. A healthy weight loss plan should nourish every part of the body, including your hair. So choose wisely, and eat mindfully.

Conclusion

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