The most popular and effective diet plans (and there are literally dozens of them) call for a reduction in the amount of carbohydrates consumed on a daily basis. Some of these plans are extreme, to the extent that they are referred to as “starvation diets”.
As the term implies, these diets quite literally starve the body of its normal ration of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, often causing more harm than good. A competent health care professional can steer you towards a program that will accomplish the weight loss you’re aiming for without undermining your health.
The issue of hair loss related to low-carb diets is one that cannot be ignored, as it has been documented by many researchers. The fact is that our hair, most noticeably on our head, grows in “fits and starts”.
Hair follicles naturally become dormant at various times, and hair does not grow; instead the hair in a dormant follicle dies. This is not a problem, since under normal circumstances, the follicle swings back to the growth cycle and the dead hair is pushed out by new growth.
The problem arises when something happens to disrupt the normal cycle of dormancy and growth. The disruption can be caused by stress, whether metabolic, hormonal or chemical. A sudden shift in the body’s metabolic processes, which commonly occurs when carbohydrates are significantly reduced, is such a disruption.
What happens, basically, is that more hair follicles “go dormant” and stay that way longer. It’s when the growth cycle kicks back in that all that dead hair falls out and causes consternation in many individuals. All that “lost” hair is just making way for new hair to grow.
There are differing opinions on the exact circumstances that may trigger unusual hair loss, but there is no question that at least ten percent of those who make significant changes in their diet will experience some amount of hair loss.
Dr. Robert Atkins, of the hugely popular and highly publicized “Atkins Diet”, has noted that this is the case with about ten percent of the adherents to his diet plan. These facts, however, should not deter you from reaping the benefits of a well-planned and sensible low-carb diet.
A great amount of research has gone into the subject of weight and how to lose it. One finding is consistent throughout, and that is the effect of excessive (more than needed for healthy metabolism) carbohydrates.
Since so much of today’s processed, packaged, quick-and-easy food is heavy with carbs, and since they’re a cheap “filler”, many (if not most) people consume too many of them for their own good. Simply, this is why the low-carb diet works as well as it does. It is a way to balance things so that your body gets the nutrients it needs without excessive consumption of any one of them.
There is really no bad news about low-carb diets in general. If you approach the task with common sense and competent professional advice, your diet will help you lose the weight you don’t want, and improve your health in many ways.
Sudden drastic changes in your eating habits – or in anything else, for that matter – are quite likely to have some undesirable effects. You didn’t gain that extra ten or twenty pounds overnight. Don’t expect to lose it overnight, either. A sudden and dramatic loss of weight may be good for “instant gratification” (and for the advertisers!) but very bad indeed for your health.
There are a few things you should remember when considering the best plan of action for losing weight. Probably the most important is consulting with a competent professional; do not fall for the “miraculous” packages.
Good sense, planning and consistency will get you the results you’re aiming for, without damaging your health. As for the “dangers” of hair loss – don’t worry. Some loss of hair is normal, and it will grow back. Do note, however, that if the loss is really noticeable, there are probably other factors involved, and you should see your medical advisor promptly.
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