Gut Health and Hair Loss- How Both are Connected with Each Other?

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Gut health is a hot topic these days, with a particular focus on the microbiome — a term which refers to the microscopic bacteria and amino acids that populate the human body and help keep us in balance.

Digestive problems and hair loss are two common issues many people, especially women, face. But what may be less widespread is the knowledge that digestion and hair loss can go hand in hand, because your gut is tied to nearly every function in your body. When your gut health is off, everything is off—and that means if you have poor gut health, you could even experience hair thinning and hair loss. So, gut health maintaining is an important factor for better hair.

What are the Factors affecting Hair Loss?

1. Genetics: Genetics can play a major role in hair loss. Some people may be more prone to hair loss than others due to their genetic makeup.

2. Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormones, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can also cause hair loss.

3. Stress: Stress can cause hair loss due to the body releasing a hormone called cortisol.

4. Medications: Certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer or depression, can cause hair loss.

5. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as alopecia areata or thyroid disease, can also cause hair loss.

6. Diet: A diet that is low in vitamins and minerals can lead to hair loss.

7. Age: Hair loss is more common in older people due to the natural aging process.

GUT- HAIR CONNECTION

The gut and the hair have a connection in the form of the gut-brain-skin axis. This is a biological pathway that connects the gut, the brain, and the skin. The gut-brain-skin axis is a communication system that links the gut, the brain, and the skin, allowing for messages to travel between them. This communication helps to regulate and influence the function of the other two systems and can ultimately impact the health of the skin and hair. For example, gut health can affect the production of hormones, which in turn can affect hair growth and texture. The microbiome in the gut also produces substances that can affect the skin, including influencing the production of oil and sweat glands, which can impact the hair. Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut is essential for healthy hair.

How Poor Diet can cause Hair Falling?

Poor diet can cause hair loss by depriving the body of essential nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth. When the body is malnourished, the hair follicles may not get enough nutrients to grow and may eventually die, resulting in thinning hair or hair loss. Additionally, nutrient deficiencies can lead to an imbalance in hormones, which can also cause hair loss. Some of the most important nutrients for healthy hair growth include protein, iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and B12. A diet lacking in these essential nutrients can lead to hair loss.

Good gut health is important because it is linked to your overall health. A healthy gut can help improve your digestion, boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and even help improve your mental health. Additionally, good gut health can help you absorb and metabolize nutrients, regulate your hormones, and even affect your mood.

Indigestion itself does not cause hair loss. However, if indigestion is caused by a poor diet that lacks essential nutrients, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies. This can lead to hair loss, as the body does not have the proper nutrients to support healthy hair growth.

People with a poor gut health may also be more likely to experience inflammation in the body, which can also lead to hair loss. Additionally, a poor gut health may lead to an imbalance of bacteria in the gut, which can lead to inflammation and weaken the immune system, further leading to hair loss.

There is some evidence that suggests a link between gut health and hair loss. Poor gut health can result in an imbalance of bacteria and lead to inflammation, which has been linked to hair loss. In addition, people with digestive problems such as celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome may experience hair loss due to nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut is important for overall hair health.

How Malabsorption Cause Hair Loss?

Malabsorption is a condition in which the body is unable to absorb nutrients from the food we eat. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can in turn cause hair loss. An inadequate intake of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals can lead to hair thinning and baldness. Additionally, malabsorption can cause hormonal imbalances, which can also lead to hair loss.

BEST GUT FRIENDLY DIET FOR HAIR LOSS

1. Eat foods rich in iron, zinc, and protein: Iron, zinc, and protein are essential nutrients for healthy hair. Foods that are high in these nutrients include lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, legumes, and dark leafy greens.

2. Avoid processed foods: Processed foods contain ingredients like sugar, trans fats, additives, and preservatives that can damage the hair. Choose whole, unprocessed foods instead.

3. Consume foods high in omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats can help prevent hair loss. Good sources include fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.

4. Take a biotin supplement: Biotin is a B vitamin that helps keep hair healthy. It can be found in supplement form or in foods like eggs, nuts, and legumes.

5. Drink plenty of water: Hydration is important for hair health. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

6. Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause hair loss. If you do drink, limit your intake to no more than two drinks per day.

7. Maintain a stress free life: Stress and hair loss don't have to be permanent. And if you get your stress under control, your hair might grow back.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Your eating pattern can affect your hair loss/ fall.

A lack of nutrients like protein, iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and B12 may affect your hair loss. Malabsorption is also a factor.

Follow a gut friendly diet for better hair growth.

by Riyanka Das

Clinical & Sports Dietitian, CCDE, Pediatric nutritionist