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Understanding the Connection Between Extreme Dieting and Hair Loss

Writer's picture: Hairline IllusionsHairline Illusions

Hair loss can be a distressing experience for both men and women. It can cause anxiety, low self-esteem, and can lead to depression. While there are many factors that contribute to hair loss, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, and medical conditions, dieting can also be a major cause of hair loss.

Extreme dieting, in particular, can lead to severe hair loss. When the body is deprived of essential nutrients, hair follicles become weakened, and the natural growth cycle is disrupted. This can result in hair breakage, slow hair re-growth, and premature hair loss. The most common nutrient deficiencies that lead to hair loss are zinc, vitamin B12, biotin, vitamin A, folic acid, iron, vitamins B6 and B12, vitamin C, and copper.


According to health professionals, to prevent hair loss due to dieting, it is important to maintain a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. This means consuming foods that are rich in the essential nutrients mentioned above. Zinc can be found in wheat germ, fish, and egg yolks. Vitamin B12 is found in eggs, meat, and poultry. Biotin can be added to your diet by eating brown rice, lentils, sunflower seeds, green peas, oats, and walnuts.


Vitamin A can be found in foods such as liver, eggs, fortified milk, and fish oil. Folic acid, iron, copper, and vitamins B6 and B12 can be found in fish, pork, chicken, liver, leafy vegetables, beets, broccoli, avocado, orange juice, nuts, and legumes. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruit, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and green leafy vegetables.

It is important to remember that hair loss due to dieting is reversible. By following a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, hair can begin to grow back within 2 to 6 months. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, taking a daily multivitamin with iron can help prevent nutrient deficiencies.


It is also important to avoid extreme dieting and to lose weight at a steady pace of 1 to 2 pounds per week. If you are having difficulty stopping extreme dieting, it is possible that you may be suffering from an eating disorder. In such cases, it is important to seek help from a health professional immediately. Treatment options and support groups are available to help you.


While waiting for hair to grow back, temporary hair solutions such as hair wigs can be explored. Overall, a balanced and nutrient-rich diet is key to preventing hair loss due to severe dieting. By maintaining a healthy diet, hair can grow back, and you can regain your confidence and self-esteem.


©2023 Egypt Lawson

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