Hair fall and hair thinning: High intake of this one macronutrient stands accused


As per the results of this study, a high-fat diet can increase hair fall and thinning risk. However, this isn’t the first time that diet, body weight and hair problems have been associated.

A 2018 study in Scientific Reports journal blamed hair fall, premature greying and skin inflammation on following a high-fat western diet
A 2018 study in Scientific Reports journal blamed hair fall, premature greying and skin inflammation on following a high-fat western diet.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • People on a high-fat diet are more likely to experience hair fall and thinning
  • This effect, surprisingly, did not take too long to showcase on animals’ skin and hair
  • Obese and overweight people are more likely to experience severe alopecia

New Delhi: Hair woes like thinning, balding and premature greying have become extremely common these days. With more youngsters complaining of hair problems, pharmaceutical giants are coming up with drugs and medical practitioners with surgical techniques to offer assistance. While these treatments can offer relief in some cases – they are both costly and invasive and one can’t count on the possible long term outcomes. And a new research now suggests an easier alternative for restoring hair thinning – hint: the answer lies in your diet.

How diet contributes to hair thinning and loss

According to a 2021 study published in the Nature journal, the response of a group of mice on a high fat diet as opposed to another group on a standard diet was observed. The results showed that the high-fat group was more likely to experience hair thinning. Lead author of the study revealed that a high-fat diet speed up hair thinning by depleting hair follicle stem cells – mature cells that induce hair growth.

This effect, surprisingly, did not take too long to showcase on animals’ skin and hair. In four days, researchers observed the change and signs of oxidative stress as well – an effect that is linked to risk of cancer.

Does obesity affect hair fall risk?

As per the results of this study, a high-fat diet can increase hair fall and thinning risk. However, this isn’t the first time that diet, body weight and hair problems have been associated. A 2013 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology discovered that in a group of 189 men aged 30+ years, the obese and overweight group of people was more likely to experience severe alopecia – an autoimmune disorder that involves patchy loss of hair.

Another 2018 study in Scientific Reports journal blamed hair fall, premature greying and skin inflammation on following a high-fat western diet. Deep fried foods like fries, cheeseburgers, hotdogs, grilled bacon increase cholesterol levels and are linked to hair loss and premature greying in men.

Can diet help with hair growth?

Turns out, foods rich in biotin, folic acid and proteins can induce hair growth. Take a look at the best foods you need for hair growth.

  1. Eggs
  2. Lean meat
  3. Nuts
  4. Fatty fish like herring, salmon and mackerel
  5. Spinach
  6. Berries
  7. Sweet potato
  8. Oysters
  9. Shrimp
  10. Soybeans

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.