low carb and hair loss?

[homeschoolmom]

Hi everyone,

Since I started worrying about my blood sugar (Jan 08), I have been following a low carb diet. I have also lost 10% of my body weight putting me at an unhealthy weight of 108 pounds (I do have a small frame, but I haven't weighed 108 since junior high). In the last couple of months, my hair has been falling out like crazy!!! I'm wondering if anyone else on a low carb diet has experienced hair loss? If so, how long did it last? I've been trying to put back on the weight, but it is not easy when you stay away from chips and white bread!! I bought some of the Ensure plus to gain weight, then realized it has as much sugar as a candy bar!! Any tips on gaining weight and/or stopping hair loss would be appreciated!!! - I am going to the dr. next week to see what else might be causing me to lose my hair.

[bluesgirl102]

Please have your doctor run a thyroid panel.

[princesslinda]

There are several things that can trigger hair loss. Thyroid, as the above poster mentioned, crash dieting, anxiety or low iron levels and sometimes heredity. Your doctor can do a blood panel to rule out several of these.

Also, insulin resistance and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is associated with hair thinning.

There are protein shakes than have low carbs..EAS-Carb AdvantEDGE, available at walmart have only 4 carbs and aren't bad.

[jakesfnm]

I think everyone's diet has to be individualized. I don't want to lose more weight either. I've found what foods work for me. I eat a lot of veggies sautéed in olive oil. And a lot of raw unsalted nuts. Both have a good amount of calories. I used to watch the amount of olive oil, but not anymore.

[Ronin]

Hi Homeschoolmom!

It is amazing how many calories we get from carbohydrate sources. The weight loss is usually greeteed as a pleasant surprise until the weight goes so fast, and so low, that we get concerned.

The question I have is: what should your weight be? Not what do you think it should be, but what should it be according to your body size.

If you really do need to put on some pounds make sure that the pounds you put on are muscle. That means that you need to add resistance training (a.k.a., weight lifting) to your exercise routine. Muscle weighs more than fat and burns more glucose and calories than fat.

The answer, other than adding vegetables and nuts is to add lean protien. It is important to note that hair is largely protien.

Finally, do get the thyroid checked. I doubt that you have a problem, but knowing is better than being in a constant state of worry.