As the saying goes, “You are what you eat”. This also applies to the health of our hair. When you eat food, you not only feed your stomach or taste buds, but also feed your hair and skin. Surprisingly, if you have unhealthy eating habits, they can reflect on how your hair looks and feels. Hair loss or thinning hair is a common problem these days as a result of hectic lifestyle, high stress and unhealthy eating habits. If hair loss is a constant concern for you, start making healthy food choices and put nutritious foods on your plate.

Unhealthy eating habits that cause hair fall

As food provides the necessary nutrition for the proper functioning of the body, it also provides the hair. Here’s a list of food habits that can lead to hair loss, says cosmetologist and trichologist Dr. Preeti Mahire.

1. High in vitamin A

Too much of everything is bad and essential vitamins are no exception. Vitamin A is essential for hair and eye health, but excess can contribute to hair loss.

2. Eating too much fried or oily food

There is a link between the fats found in fried foods and increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone, the hormone that leads to male and female pattern baldness. Deep fried or fried foods do not contain healthy fats, which can contribute to hair loss. Also if you consume food cooked at high temperature, it increases the oxidative stress of the body, which leads to inflammation, which ultimately leads to hair loss.

3. Consuming foods with high mercury levels

Certain types of fish are high in mercury, such as mackerel, sushi, swordfish and some tuna. High levels of mercury are associated with hair loss. So, watch what you eat!

4. Low protein diet

Proteins contain amino acids that are essential for hair growth. Hair follicles need a steady supply of proteins to grow and function properly. Protein deficiency can cause hair thinning, hair loss and brittle hair.

5. Consuming foods with a high glycemic index

High glycemic foods break down into sugar very easily. This increased sugar increases insulin and androgens in the body, which negatively affects hair health, the expert says.

Also Read: 7 Bad Eating Habits You Should Avoid Now

6. Eating foods high in processed sugar

Consuming high levels of processed sugar leads to an increase in insulin, which shrinks hair follicles, leading to rapid hair loss. It is better to avoid bakery items and packaged foods as much as possible.

7. Low intake of zinc and iron

Zinc and iron help in the formation of keratin, which is essential for hair health and growth. Low intake of these nutrients can adversely affect hair. Zinc is an important trace mineral that our body cannot produce on its own, and we need to get it in the right amount through our dietary habits. Know foods rich in zinc for hair growth. A diet deficient in iron leads to anemia, which blocks the supply of nutrients to the hair follicles and disrupts the hair growth cycle.

8. Calcium deficiency

Calcium also plays an important role in maintaining healthy and shiny hair. Calcium deficiency can lead to hair loss and hair thinning.

Healthy foods for hair growth

For healthy and shiny hair, experts recommend that you must include foods like paneer, curd, beans, nuts, seeds, eggs, walnuts, greens, citrus fruits, whole grains, peanuts and lentils.