Hair loss is an important indicator of a problem in the body's overall health system, and recent studies indicate that diet plays a pivotal role in this problem, as statistics show that more than 60% of hair loss cases are related to unhealthy eating habits.
Experts confirm that nutritional factors go beyond just vitamin deficiencies to include daily consumption patterns, as hospitals and specialized clinics are recording a significant increase in cases of hair loss related to excessive consumption of sugars and refined carbohydrates.
Research published in international medical journals reveals a direct correlation between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and accelerated rates of hair loss, making it necessary to reconsider dietary habits as an essential part of any effective treatment plan.
According to nutritionist Vinny Kudamala, sugary drinks, pastries and fried foods negatively affect hair health through three main mechanisms: triggering inflammation, hormonal imbalance and scalp irritation.
Vinnie reveals the precise mechanism of sugar's effect on hair, saying: "When the amount of sugar in the diet increases, the pancreas is forced to produce more insulin, which negatively affects the tiny blood vessels in the scalp. When the body is overflowing with sugar, it switches to secondary pathways to process it, which depletes the energy allocated to hair growth cells, so the hair becomes weak and thinner over time."
The problem is not limited to direct sugar. Simple carbohydrates in sweets and cakes cause a sharp rise in blood sugar, and excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods—those industrial products containing preservatives and sweeteners—indirectly contributes to hair loss.
A scientific study published in the journal "Nutrition and Health" confirmed this relationship, finding that men who consume more than three and a half liters of soft drinks per week are more likely to develop baldness.
As for fried foods, which are becoming increasingly popular in winter markets, Vinnie explains that they stimulate the sebaceous glands to overproduce oils, leading to scalp irritation and disrupting the healthy hair growth environment.
In light of these challenges, the nutritionist offers a list of foods that should be consumed in moderation during the winter, such as sweetened seasonal drinks like pumpkin lattes and hot chocolate, sweet cakes (doughnuts), pies, biscuits, fried potatoes, pastries, and fast food.
Interestingly, the tendency to crave these foods in winter is not just a coincidence; seasonal changes profoundly affect our eating habits. Vinnie explains this phenomenon: "With shorter days and less exposure to natural light, our internal biological clock, which regulates not only sleep-wake cycles but also metabolism and hormone secretion, is disrupted. When we eat in the dark, as often happens in winter, this disruption is amplified, throwing off insulin rhythms and triggering cravings for sugars and fats."
