5 Food Items Causing Hair Loss & Breakage

Hair loss and breakage can be a frustrating and alarming experience. While there are many factors that can contribute to hair loss, such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, and medical conditions, what many people do not realise is that their diet can also play a significant role in hair health. 

While there are many foods that can promote healthy hair growth, there are also several foods that can contribute to hair loss and breakage. In this article, we will discuss some of the common culprits and provide tips on how to promote healthier hair through diet.

1. Sugar 

A diet high in sugar and processed foods can contribute to hair loss and breakage. These types of foods are often high in empty calories and lack the essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for healthy hair growth.

Additionally, consuming too much sugar can lead to inflammation in the body, which can contribute to hair loss. To promote healthier hair, it is important to limit your intake of processed foods and sugary drinks and focus on consuming a nutrient-dense diet.

2. Alcohol

While the occasional glass of wine or beer is unlikely to have a significant impact on your hair health, excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to hair loss and breakage. This is because alcohol can dehydrate the body, which can lead to dry, brittle hair.

Furthermore, alcohol consumption can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients that are necessary for healthy hair growth. To promote healthier hair, it is important to limit your alcohol consumption and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Also read: 8 Ways Yoghurt Can Help Your Weight Loss Journey

3. Fish

While fish is often touted as a healthy food that is rich in essential nutrients, certain types of fish can be high in mercury, which can contribute to hair loss and breakage. This is because mercury is a heavy metal that can accumulate in the body over time and interfere with the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients.

To promote healthier hair, it is important to limit your consumption of high-mercury fish, such as swordfish, king mackerel, and shark, and focus on consuming low-mercury fish, such as salmon, sardines, and trout.

4. Fried and greasy foods

Fried and greasy foods can also contribute to hair loss and breakage by clogging the hair follicles and preventing the hair from receiving the essential nutrients it needs to grow. Additionally, these types of foods are often high in saturated and trans fats, which can contribute to inflammation in the body and interfere with hair growth.

To promote healthier hair, it is important to limit your intake of fried and greasy foods and focus on consuming healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and fatty fish.

Also read: 8 Ways Yoghurt Can Help Your Weight Loss Journey

5. Dairy

While dairy is often touted as a healthy food that is rich in essential nutrients, it can contribute to hair loss and breakage in some individuals. This is because dairy products, such as milk and cheese, are often high in hormones and can contribute to hormonal imbalances in some individuals.

To promote healthier hair, it is important to listen to your body and pay attention to how dairy products make you feel. If you suspect that dairy may be contributing to your hair loss or breakage, consider limiting your intake or eliminating it from your diet altogether.

What you eat can have a significant impact on your hair health. By avoiding foods that can contribute to hair loss and breakage and focusing on consuming a nutrient-dense diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, you can promote healthier hair and achieve the luscious locks you've always wanted.