While the evidence that links hair loss to dieting is becoming increasingly clear, you won't see diet companies providing this information on warning labels. Further, the faster you lose pounds with some of the more severe crash diets, including many liquid diets, the more stress you're putting on your body. This stress may increase the risk and incidence of thinning hair - hair loss is a high price to pay for dieting!
A diet, by definition, deprives the body of one or more nutrients which are essential for growth. Even a mild diet can deprive the body of nutrients. When this occurs it's natural for the body to allocate those limited nutrients to the functions of the body that are essential to stay alive. Nutrients for hair growth are low on that priority scale. When the body is deprived of a nutrient such as protein, it will save this protein, and hair growth will be shifted into the resting stage. Massive hair shedding can occur two to three months later. Another symptom of diet related hair loss and thinning is the ease at which hair can be pulled out.
Some of the more common nutrient deficiencies that can lead to hair loss include; iron, sudden changes in magnesium, zinc, essential fatty acids, protein, and vitamins A, B and D. Crash diets, quick weight-loss programs that claim you can lose upwards of 20 pounds in a short time period, and those that suggest the elimination of a particular food group, can accelerate hair loss and are of particular concern. These types of diets may include everything from vegetarian, low-fat, or even high protein diets.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't go on a diet, just do it in moderation and keep your diet plan balanced. One of the best ways to lose weight is a reduced-calorie plan over an extended period. This approach maintains a balanced diet and increases the probability of keeping weight off on a more permanent basis. You should also consider a multi-vitamin with iron.
If you've experienced hair loss through excessive dieting, the good news is that it's reversible and can be prevented once you get back onto a diet with the right amount and balance of nutrients. It won't happen quickly and may take 6 months after the diet ends to reverse the trend and another year to take your hair back to its original thickness.
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About the Author
Robert Frank is the writer and product researcher for http://hairloss.urbanbargain.com/. He himself has tried many of the products featured on the Hair Loss Treatment website, or worked closely with those who have.