Putting yourself on a restricted diet can help you lose weight, but could also lead to health problems if you are not careful. According to the Mayo Clinic, fad diets that allow you to eat only a small variety of foods often lead to malnutrition and can contribute to illness. Hair loss is one possible adverse reaction that your body could have from becoming malnourished, a condition called telogen effluvium. Making sure you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs can stop hair loss while you are on a diet.
Step 1
Drink water to keep your scalp and hair healthy while you are on a diet. WHFoods, an organization associated with the George Mateljan Foundation, states that water supports scalp health, making it possible for the hair follicles to function normally and produce hair. Drinking water can help you feel full and, according to University of Utah researchers, may also boost your metabolism so you can lose weight.
Step 2
Enjoy turkey, chicken, skim milk and low fat cheeses, all lean sources of protein. The Mayo Clinic reports that people who do not consume enough protein while dieting may start to lose hair. Consult with a nutritionist or dietician if you need help determining appropriate sources of protein for your individual nutritional needs. Boosting your protein intake can help reverse telogen effluvium.
Step 3
Get your iron checked before you begin a new diet and periodically once you have adjusted to your new way of eating. The May 2006 issue of the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" reports findings that link iron deficiencies to some cases of hair loss. Adjust your diet as needed if you require more iron; dark leafy greens such as Swiss chard, spinach and romaine lettuce are good sources of iron, according to WHFoods. Kidney beans and other lentils can provide both iron and fiber and may be part of a healthy diet.
Step 4
Eat a colorful variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains that keep you healthy while you try to lose weight. Produce of many colors contain different vitamins and minerals that provide balance and prevent you from becoming deficient in any one nutrient. Whole grains keep you fuller longer, which could help you drop excess poundage.
Step 5
Include small portions of healthy fats such as omega 3 fatty acids in your diet. WHFoods reports that omega 3 is needed to maintain healthy hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Salmon, walnuts and flaxseed products all offer healthy doses of omega 3.
Tips and Warnings
- If you and your doctor determine that your hair loss is caused by your diet, inquire about taking a multivitamin. While vitamin supplements are not meant to be a substitute for a healthy diet, the extra vitamins and minerals may be able to keep more hair from falling out.
Things You'll Need
- Multivitamin
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