Dukan Diet

Shruti is not alone. With crash diets and unreasonable weight loss goals becoming a fad, this trend of losing hair is seen in many weight-watchers, say hair experts.

Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Snehal Sriram says, "It is a common phenomenon to lose hair when one loses weight (especially in case of crash dieting). This happens as dietary restrictions often lead to deficiency of micronutrients. This deprives our hair of nourishment at its roots."

She explains that for our body, hair is the least important organ, as hair is not vital to bodys survival like other organs — heart, lungs, brain, kidneys. So, whenever our body is put through any nutritional deficiency or stress (eg. crash dieting), blood supply and nourishment gets diverted to vital organs.

Sometimes, certain diet programmes lead to micronutrient deficiencies, especially those of biotin, pantothenate and essential fatty acids which leads to dry and rough hair. These deficiencies cause severe hair fall.

Dr Sriram says, "This problem can be dealt with the help of health promoting treatments, scalp exfoliation and rejuvenating treatments that make hair strong and healthy from the roots. Along with these, specific nutritional supplements containing biotin, calcium pantothenate, L-cysteine, methionine, zinc and antioxidants and the right hair care products can help combat the condition."

A proper diet can affect your hair health in a very big way. Nutritionist Karishma Chawla says, "A balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat is a must. The right complex fibrous carbs — whole wheat products, fruits and vegetables — are extremely essential. A mix of lean protein such as egg and milk products are also important. Fat in the form of omega 3 items such as almonds, walnuts, fish oil and flaxseeds are good."

- When starting a weight loss programme, also start on the right haircare regime based on your current hair and scalp condition.

- Start specific hair nutrient supplements, ideally the ones containing all 14 essential vitamins and minerals — especially amino acids, biotin and calcium pantothenate.

- Start having soya, sprouts, paneer, curd and egg whites.

- Add colour to your food, especially antioxidants like two cups of green tea and two different coloured fruits (eg. pomegranates) or salads (carrots, tomatoes, beetroots, green vegetables).

- Omega 3 fatty acids add shine and prevent frizz. Take three walnuts and one tbsp flaxseeds daily.

- Drink two to three litres of water every day. Water is essential for hair too.

- Start hair treatments early. Opt for treatments delivering the right nutrients directly to the root of hair, along with rejuvenating treatments. These make the roots strong and healthy, enabling damage resistance.

- Dont skip any meal — reduce your portion size instead. Ensure small frequent meals with a balanced diet. Cut down on carbohydrates, but dont avoid them. Avoid saturated fats though.

- Avoid foods containing preservatives — eg ketchups, sauces, aerated soft drinks etc.

- Avoid smoking — this further reduces the nutrients reaching your hair roots.

- Avoid further damage to hair until your hair roots are strengthened.

- Especially, stay away from salon treatments that break the hair bonds, like straightening, colouring or even frequent ironing.

- Avoid frequent hot mode blow drying. Air dry your hair or use the cold mode in the hair dryer.

- Dont neglect that little itching and dandruff, as it can intensify and weaken the roots.

- Use an antifungal shampoo two to three times a week, keep it on the scalp for five minutes for best results.

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/Prevent-hairfall-when-on-a-weight-loss-programme/articleshow/44801015.cms