Food for Thought
Considering Going Vegan?
Veganism Has Grown to 2.5% of the U. S. Population!
Tips to Prevent Hair Loss with this Diet/Lifestyle
Hair loss could be a side effect of a vegan diet, if not monitored closely.
Since going vegan cuts out all meat and animal products from your diet, it can lead to a sudden drop in your protein intake. Low protein levels may stop hair growth in order to conserve that energy to the more essential body functions.
Nutrient deficiency can also be a factor when going on a vegan diet, including iron deficiency. Since iron is commonly found in red meats, it is important to supplement your diet with other protein rich foods, including quinoa, lentils, black beans, and chai seeds. These foods also enrich your body with other essential nutrients for overall health, as well as hair growth.
Anytime your body experiences rapid weight loss, there is a possibility of hair loss. Again, this is because your body is conserving the nutrients for the more essential body functions. Rapid weight loss can put a tremendous amount of stress on your body, and that stress may confuse your body’s natural processes. Including hair loss. We see this occurring with clients that have undergone gastric bypass surgeries.
Monitoring your caloric intake will help prevent that stress on your body. Since you are cutting out many foods that are high in calories, you will need to increase the quantity of your food intake. Weight loss can be one of your goals when deciding to go vegan, but just be careful that it does not occur so rapidly that it becomes harmful to your body.
So eating highly nutritious foods is essential to your overall health, regardless of your diet preference. For instance, carrots are a great source of vitamin C, walnuts a source of vitamin E. Bok choy, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens provide the iron your body needs. Whole grains are also good protein supplements, as mentioned above.
Taking supplements is another way to ensure your body is getting all the necessary nutrients for optimum health. A multiple vitamin and other supplements such as iron, will make up for any deficiencies you may encounter.
On a vegan diet, your soy intake increases, as a protein substitute for red meat. IF you suffer a thyroid condition, soy can greatly worsen this issue. The problem can be intensified if your iodine level is low, so an iodine supplement is recommended. Also, thyroid issues in themselves can cause hair loss, so it is very important to monitor your soy intake, and iodine levels. Look for a blog in the near future regarding thyroid conditions and hair loss, giving a more detailed explanation of hyperthyroidism and how these conditions effect overall health, as well as hair loss.
So now you know that a vegan diet does not have to cause hair loss. Close monitoring of all suggestions mentioned above will enable you to successfully transition to a healthy vegan lifestyle.
Bon Appetit !