Khaberni - Have you noticed that your hair has become thinner and duller recently? While many attribute this problem to seasonal stress or a lack of vitamins, nutrition experts are issuing a new warning. The experts reveal that the indulgent winter diet, rich in sweets and warm sugary drinks, is a subtle but powerful factor negatively affecting the health and beauty of hair, and may be a primary cause of its thinning and dullness.
Vini Kodamala, a nutrition specialist at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, explains that excessive consumption of sugary drinks and baked goods can cause inflammation, hormonal disturbances, and irritation of the scalp.
She adds that excessive sugar intake prompts the pancreas to produce more insulin, which affects the blood vessels that nourish hair follicles and consumes part of the energy needed for hair growth, resulting in weaker and more rapidly shedding hair, as reported by The Sun newspaper.
Carbonated drinks… an additional risk for men's hair
A scientific review published in the journal Nutrition and Health revealed that men who consume more than 3.5 liters of carbonated drinks weekly are significantly more prone to baldness. Researchers believe that high sugar levels and scalp inflammation are the main factors in this connection.
"Fast carbohydrates" and the cunning of ultra-processed foods
Kodamala warns against simple carbohydrates found in cakes, biscuits, and sweets, which quickly raise blood sugar and negatively affect hair health. She also points out that ultra-processed foods like chips, canned meals, and ice cream may indirectly contribute to hair loss due to their high sugar content and added substances.
Fried foods commonly found in winter markets, such as donuts and French fries, may lead to overactivity of the sebaceous glands in the scalp, causing irritation and hindering hair growth.
Foods and drinks it's better to limit in winter:
Sweetened winter beverages like lattes and hot chocolate
Donuts
Cakes, biscuits, and cookies
Pies like mince pies
French fries
Breakfast pastries
Fast food
Why do we gravitate towards "comfort foods" in the winter?
A survey of 1000 Britons revealed that 58% notice a change in their diet in winter, while 64% said they consume more "comfort foods" due to shorter daylight hours. These foods include chocolate, French fries, and biscuits, all of which are associated with weakening hair when overindulged.
The biological clock… the hidden factor behind appetite
Kodamala explains that shorter daylight hours lead us to rely on artificial lighting, which disrupts the biological clock responsible for regulating sleep, metabolism, and hormones. When we eat during the dark hours, the body's internal system is disrupted, affecting insulin and glucose hormones, thereby increasing the desire for sugars and fats, which can harm hair health if not consumed in moderation.
