Healthy and shiny hair is a desirable object for both men and women, and such beautiful hair is not only achieved by the use of certain expensive hair care products. Like the skin, healthy hair is an indicator of a well-nourished body.
It is generally believed that factors like stress, genetics, and air pollutants cause a lot of harm to our hair. However, certain foods in our diet and their constituents (no matter how minute) also contribute to poor hair appearance and hair loss. The food you eat has a significant impact on how your hair appears.
Poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your hair or accelerate hair loss. Listed in no particular order below are some foods you should avoid if you desire those lustrous, glowing, attractive hair:
Worst Foods For Your Hair
1. Sugar
Yes, sugar! It is as harmful to the hair as it is detrimental to your general body health. Research has shown that insulin resistance, which is one of the causative factors in obesity and diabetes, can cause hair thinning or even partial and total loss of hair in both men and women. And guess the top factor for insulin resistance? A diet high in sugar, starch, and refined carbohydrates! So, it’s advisable to consider saying your goodbyes to white bread, pizza dough, pastries, white flour, sweet desserts, and other related food substances.
2. Foods with a high glycemic index
Using a scale from zero to one hundred, the glycemic index measures how quickly food elevates blood sugar levels in people. Foods with a high glycemic index cause an increase in insulin. Foods like refined flour, bread, and sugar (yes, sugar again!) have a high glycemic index. They can lead to hormonal imbalances, resulting in larger supplies of insulin and androgens, which bind to hair follicles and cause hair loss.
3. Alcohol
Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. Keratin is that substance that gives hair its form and structure. Alcohol negatively affects protein synthesis and can make hair frailer and make it lose color. Excessive alcohol consumption can also engender nutritional imbalances and induce follicle death.
4. Diet soda
Diet soda drinks contain an artificial sweetener named aspartame, which scientists have discovered can damage hair follicles. If you have recently had hair loss, it is best to avoid soda drinks altogether.
5. Junk food
Junk (or unhealthy) foods are often loaded with saturated and monounsaturated fats, which can cause obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Such foods can also cause you to lose weight. Diets rich in saturated and monounsaturated fats tend to increase testosterone levels in an unhealthy way, which in turn increases DHT levels. DHT is an androgen associated with hair loss. Additionally, greasy foods can cause greasy scalps, whereby the oil clogs hair pores and shrinks the hair follicles.
6. Raw egg
Eggs are great for your body, not just your hair, but you shouldn't consume them raw. Crude protein induces a lack of biotin, a vitamin that helps produce keratin. Raw egg contains avidin, which combines with biotin and prevents its absorption in the stomach and intestines.
7. Fish
Fish! Why shouldn't you eat some types of fish? Well, keep the greater good in mind. High levels of mercury are proven to cause fulminant hair loss. Fish is the most common source of mercury, as the concentration of methyl-mercury in fish has increased in recent years due to climate change, poor chemical and industrial drainage, and overfishing. While some fatty fishes like mackerel, salmon, and herring are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for hair growth, most marine fishes such as swordfish, mackerels, sharks, and some tuna types are not good for the hair because they are mercury-filled.
8. Salt
High salt intake has been shown to cause excessive hair loss. You don't have to eliminate it from your diet completely. Just reduce your salt intake. A natural alternative is Himalayan sea salt. The major component of sea salt is sodium chloride, while its remaining portion consists of other trace minerals. These trace minerals mostly include calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are found in natural seawater. So it’s not advisable to take sea salt in excess too; it is still salt.
Conclusion
Genetics play a big role in hair growth for everyone. While some have an abundance of hair, some aren't that lucky. If you are blessed with the "hairy" gene, please take care of your hair by avoiding the above-listed foods and ingredients.