Hair fall can be distressing, especially if you do not know the cause. Indeed, according to Eva Proudman MIT IAT, Chairman of The Institute of Trichologists, some “healthy foods” may possibly promote hair loss.

It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs every day, frequently without notice. Hair loss is completely natural. But losing a lot of hair quickly can be concerning, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it. Diet is a less well-known cause of hair loss, and the culprits are surprising.

“From research, we know that high levels of mercury are associated with hair loss,” said Chairman of The Institute of Trichologists Eva Proudman MIT IAT In an interview with Express.co.uk and “one of the most common foods that contains mercury is fish, particularly sushi, mackerel, swordfish and some tuna, so sometimes when we think we are making healthy choices we need to think again.”

It’s important to keep in mind that this effect might only happen if you eat a lot of mercury.

Furthermore, the evidence is contradictory. For instance, a study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences showed that fermented fish oil made from mackerel helps hair grow.

Additionally, research suggests that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish like mackerel may encourage hair development.

Other suspects to keep an eye out for

The sugar tax has been discussed in relation to overall health, but meals high in processed sugar or with a high glycaemic index can also have an impact on hair health, according to Ms. Proudman.

The glycaemic index, or GI, is a way to rate foods that contain carbs.

Foods heavy in carbohydrates have a high GI rating because they cause your blood glucose (sugar) level to rise quickly after digestion.

What makes this important? “High sugar content in your diet,” according to the expert, “causes an increase in blood glucose which means the body has to produce more insulin, this can lead to an increase in androgens, which are male sex hormone, this can result in miniaturisation of the hair follicles as seen in male and female pattern hair loss.”

“So when you are thinking about eating cakes, sweets and biscuits, be sure to moderate the intake, although tasty and an easy source of quick energy or feel good factor,” the expert warned, “if consumed in high quantities your hair may suffer.”

Additionally, she cautioned that simple carbs, which can be found in a variety of baked products, cereals, concentrated fruit juices, and confectionary, can raise sebum production.

“Sebum is the natural oil that protects the scalp and helps to moisturise the hair, we have the largest amount of sebaceous glands on the scalp compared to anywhere else on the body.”

Sebum is good for hair health, but excessive production can cause irritation and inflammation of the scalp, both of which are bad for the health of the hair, according to the specialist.

Her advice?

Try to choose fruits with complex carbs; examples are strawberries, apples, pears, and grapefruit.

Compared to white bread, rice, and pasta, vegetables like broccoli, peas, courgettes, asparagus, wholemeal bread, brown rice, and wholewheat pasta are preferable options, Ms. Proudman remarked.

Image Credit: Getty

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