Top 8 foods that can cause hair fall in India: A Comprehensive Guide
Hair fall is a problem that many of us face, and it can be especially frustrating in India, where hair is considered a significant aspect of beauty.
But did you know that what you eat can contribute to hair fall? It’s true! Certain foods can make your hair fall out faster than you’d like. So in this blog, we will explore the top 8 foods that can cause hair fall in India.
Knowing what to avoid and include in your diet can take control of your hair health and reduce hair fall. So, let’s learn about the food that causes hair loss in India.
8 foods that can cause hair fall in India
Dairy – A Common Food that Causes Hair Loss in India
Consuming too much dairy can contribute to hair fall in several ways. Here’s how:
- Dairy products contain a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which can cause hair follicles to shrink and eventually fall out.
- Dairy products are also high in saturated fats, which can clog hair follicles and prevent nutrients from reaching the hair shaft.
- Additionally, some people are allergic or intolerant to dairy, which can cause inflammation and lead to hair fall.
But don’t worry, and you can include plenty of alternative calcium sources in your diet to avoid excessive dairy intake. Some examples include:
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Almonds and other nuts
- Beans and lentils
- Calcium-fortified foods like soy milk and tofu
Sugar and Refined Carbs – Another Food that Causes Hair Loss in India
Excessive intake of sugar and refined carbs can also affect hair health. Here’s how:
- Sugar and refined carbs can cause inflammation in the body, damaging hair follicles and leading to hair fall.
- These foods can also cause spikes in insulin levels, disrupting hormonal balance and contributing to hair fall.
- Additionally, consuming too much sugar and refined carbs can lead to weight gain, a risk factor for hair fall.
The best option is to limit your sugar and refined carbs intake. Here are some healthier alternatives:
- Choose whole-grain options like brown rice and wheat bread instead of white bread and pasta.
- Sweeten foods with natural alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or stevia instead of refined sugar.
- Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, which are naturally low in sugar and nutrients that promote hair health.
Also Read – Hair Loss Due to Stress: Causes and Solutions
Nuts and Swordfish – High Mercury Foods that Cause Hair Loss in India
Some nuts and fish, particularly swordfish, can harm hair health due to their high mercury content. Here’s how:
- Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the body over time and damage hair follicles, leading to hair fall.
- Some nuts, like Brazil nuts and walnuts, can also contain high mercury levels if grown in contaminated soil.
It’s important to limit your intake of these high-mercury foods. Here are some alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids that are safe for hair health:
- Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines (but choose smaller fish to minimize mercury exposure)
- Chia seeds and flaxseeds
- Walnuts (if grown in safe, uncontaminated soil)
Greasy Food and Carbonated Drinks – Other Foods that Cause Hair Loss in India
Excessive consumption of greasy food and carbonated drinks can also contribute to hair fall. Here’s how:
- Greasy food can clog hair follicles and prevent nutrients from reaching the hair shaft.
- Carbonated drinks contain high sugar levels, contributing to inflammation and hormonal imbalances that can damage hair follicles.
It’s best to limit your intake of these foods and beverages. Here are some healthier alternatives:
- Choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, and beans instead of greasy fast food.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of carbonated drinks.
- Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet to promote hair health.
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on hair health. Here’s how:
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which causes dehydration in the body. This can lead to dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage.
- Nutrient depletion: Alcohol consumption can deplete the body of essential nutrients, such as B vitamins and zinc, necessary for healthy hair growth.
- Hormonal imbalances: Alcohol consumption can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, leading to hair loss.
It’s important to limit alcohol consumption or opt for healthier alternatives. Here are some suggestions:
- Hydrating beverages: Drink plenty of water, herbal tea, coconut water, or fresh fruit juices to keep your body hydrated and support healthy hair growth.
- Nutrient-rich drinks: Enjoy drinks that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as green smoothies, fresh vegetable juices, or bone broth.
Indian Foods that Help Prevent Hair Fall
Certain Indian foods are known for promoting hair health and preventing hair fall. Here are some examples:
- Curry leaves: Curry leaves are rich in antioxidants and amino acids that nourish hair follicles and promote hair growth.
- Amla: Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants that can help prevent hair fall and promote hair growth.
- Coconut is rich in healthy fats and nutrients that can nourish hair follicles and prevent hair fall.
- To promote healthy hair growth, consider adding these foods to your diet. You can also try hair masks and treatments that incorporate these ingredients.
Nutritional Deficiencies that Contribute to Hair Fall
Certain nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair fall, particularly iron and vitamin D deficiencies. Here’s how:
- Iron deficiency: Iron is necessary for healthy hair growth, as it helps carry oxygen to the hair follicles. Iron deficiency can lead to hair loss and thinning.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D is necessary for hair follicle cycling and growth. Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to hair fall and hair thinning.
Some common Indian diets that may lack these nutrients include vegetarian and vegan diets that don’t include enough iron-rich foods and those that don’t include enough vitamin D-rich foods.
To address these deficiencies, consider adding more iron-rich foods, such as leafy greens, lentils, and fortified cereals. For vitamin D, spend more time in the sun or take a vitamin D supplement.
Final Note
Maintaining a healthy diet promotes healthy hair growth and prevents hair fall. Certain foods, such as curry leaves, amla, and coconut, can help nourish hair follicles and promote hair growth.
It’s also important to address any nutritional deficiencies, such as iron and vitamin D deficiencies, through dietary sources or supplements. By making healthier food choices, you can promote overall health and well-being, including healthy hair.
