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Oct 13, 2005 10:48 am US/Central
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Unbalanced Diets May Lead To Hair Loss
Dieters Need To Be Conscious Of Food Intake
by Jim Williams
(CBS)
There's a warning for dieters: As you try to shed those pounds, beware of shedding something else, too.
It's hard to believe, but just last year Annick Alexander was 100 lbs. heavier. As she thinned out, so did her hair.
"Every time I was taking a shower or brushing my hair, I would pay close attention to if I would, you know, lose any hair," she said.
Dermatologists say they're seeing more and more dieters with thinning tresses, whether they've lost nine pounds or 90.
Dr. Michael Reed says it's a problem that's hard for people to digest.
"I see patients all day long, quite hysterical, who suddenly notice or gradually notice that too much hair is coming out," the dermatologist said.
And it can happen with all kinds of diets, whether you're trying the latest fad, are a vegetarian, restrict your carbs or load up on them.
"It can even happen when people lose weight gradually," Reed said.
Why are so many dieters losing their locks? Dr. Reed says hair is sensitive and needs nutrients like protein and iron.
"Hair also needs essential B vitamins. It also needs essential fatty acids, and it also needs adequate minerals in order to grow properly," Reed said.
So if you don't eat a balanced diet and exercise daily, Reed says that "hair will be shocked, it will go into resting phase, and it will come out prematurely."
Annick had to cut her hair short and make some major diet changes. But she says, one year later, that her hair is longer and stronger.
"Now I notice I take a shower, there's no hair in the sink or anything," she said.
Dr. Reed stresses exercise is key to healthy hair because it increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
One note: If hair loss runs in your family, be extra careful. Diet-related hair loss can unmask another serious problem – male and female pattern baldness.
(© MMV, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)