Trouble With Hair Loss? Things To Avoid When You Have Alopecia Areata

Have you ever observed people with bald patches on their heads? This is caused by a condition known as alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease which causes unexpected hair loss in one or more circular bald patches. It kills certain hair follicles and can be induced by high stress levels. According to Harvard Health, several foods promote and exacerbate autoimmune conditions by encouraging inflammation. You may be able to reverse alopecia areata or at least alleviate some of the more unpleasant symptoms by following specific dietary recommendations. Let’s talk about what you should avoid if you have alopecia areata.

Causes of alopecia areata

Some possible causes include:

Alopecia areata genetics or family history
Other medical conditions, such as vitiligo, Down syndrome, psoriasis, thyroid disease, etc.
A lack of vitamin D
Alopecia areata occurs in patients receiving cancer treatment with anticancer drugs. In many cases, hair loss signals that the medication is working.

Things to avoid when you have alopecia areata (AA):

When you have alopecia areata, you should avoid the following:

Gluten is one of the foods to avoid if you suffer from alopecia as it has been linked to hair loss.
Inflammatory foods should be avoided as they can cause hair loss and make alopecia areata worse.
If you have AA, you should avoid drinking alcohol.
Food additives are among the things to avoid if you suffer from alopecia areata.
Polyunsaturated fats should be avoided when taking AA.
If you suffer from alopecia, you should avoid foods with a high glycemic index.
Hair loss can result from eating mercury-rich fish. If you suffer from alopecia areata, you should avoid eating fish.
A frontal fibrosing alopecia diet should contain foods rich in vitamin D. If you suffer from alopecia areata, you should eat foods rich in antioxidants such as apples, apricots, berries, other brightly colored foods, and green vegetables. Biotin-rich foods should be incorporated to promote hair growth. Increasing your diet of soy and protein-rich meals will help reverse your alopecia areata symptoms.
Stress is another crucial factor to avoid if you suffer from alopecia as it causes hair loss.
Other things to avoid if you have alopecia are harsh chemicals and hairstyles that could cause hair loss.
Patients with alopecia areata should avoid exposing their scalp and hair to the sun. When you go out it’s best to use sunscreen and protective clothing.

8 Alopecia Areata Foods to Avoid

Although there is no cure for alopecia areata, there are some things you can do to improve your view of the problem. Avoid these foods if you have alopecia areata:

1. Dairy products:

Dairy products are high in fat, which increases testo levels in the body. This is just one of many reasons for hair loss that have irritated many people. Dairy products can also aggravate skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and dandruff in people who are prone to it. As a result, hair loss occurs.

2. Excessive nuts

Avoid it if you are allergic to nuts. Most nuts contain selenium, which, although essential at low levels, can cause hair loss if ingested in large amounts. Brazil nuts should be avoided as they are high in selenium.

3. Sugar

Excessive consumption of sugar leads to impaired blood circulation. This makes it difficult for blood and nutrients to get to your hair follicles. Some people who ingest an excessive amount of sugar experience scalp irritation. Due to restricted blood flow, an inflamed scalp produces a burning sensation rather than an extremely cold scalp. This results, once again, in damaged hair.

4. Polyunsaturated fats

Corn oil and sunflower oil contain polyunsaturated fats. Therefore, it is better to eat steamed dishes rather than fried dishes. Cook or sauté your meal gently.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine is a fantastic topically applied hair growth stimulant, but too much caffeine is not good for people with hormonal difficulties, especially those with low or high cortisol levels.

Avoid nightshades: If you suffer from alopecia, you should avoid eating peppers, tomatoes, eggplants and potatoes as they cause inflammation.

6. Greasy or oily foods

The scalp secretes an oily substance called “sebum”. This sebum hydrates your hair as well as the skin of your scalp. However, when your body is overwhelmed with fat, that sebum becomes oily. As a result, your hair will look limp and greasy. As a result, hair loss occurs because the oil that coats your hair follicles prevents your hair from growing.

7. Soft drinks

Soft drinks interact with the insulin in your blood, reducing its sensitivity to sugar. It raises blood sugar, reduces blood flow, and limits nutrients reaching hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

8. Refined carbohydrates

One of the many variables that lead to hair loss is refined carbohydrates, which can be found in bread, cakes, spaghetti, and pizza. Foods containing refined carbohydrates interfere with your body’s defenses against stress. And when eaten, they break down into sugar. We’ve already discussed how sugar affects your hair, so of course.

Can diet affect alopecia areata?

Yes! Your diet could be to blame. Genetic causes are often responsible for hair loss. Androgenic alopecia, often known as male or female pattern baldness, is a relatively common hereditary condition. However, diet and nutrition can also play a role in increasing hair loss.

The best probiotics for alopecia areata

By taking a probiotic to restore normal bacteria in the stomach and reduce inflammation, one can improve the skin’s microbiome, reverse some of the hair loss, or at the very least prevent it from increasing.

Foods rich in probiotics include kefir, kombucha, vegetables, yogurt, and apple cider vinegar. It can help strengthen your immune system and provide treatment for alopecia areata.

Take away

Alopecia areata is characterized by hair loss in many areas of the body such as the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, face, beard, etc. Alopecia areata is more common in people with autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, thyroid disease or vitiligo. Although there is no cure for alopecia areata, there are several things to avoid if you have it. You may be able to reverse alopecia areata or, at the very least, alleviate some of the more unpleasant symptoms. In your diet, avoid peppers, dairy products, sweets, tomatoes, caffeine, eggplant, potatoes and polyunsaturated fats. Instead, eat fish, fruits, vegetables, onions, bone broth, and healthy oils.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is chicken good for alopecia?

Yes, chicken is a protein-rich meal that can promote hair growth.

2. What makes alopecia areata worse?

When your stress level is high, you are more prone to hair loss. Although alopecia is not directly related to stress, it is more likely to flare up when you are under a lot of pressure.

3. Can you live a normal life with alopecia?

The majority of people with the disease are healthy and have no additional symptoms. Alopecia areata develops differently in each individual. Some people experience hair loss events throughout their lives, while others only have one. Recovery is also variable, with some patients seeing complete hair regrowth while others do not.