The Standard American Diet (SAD) typically consists of processed carbohydrates (grains, bread, cereal, pasta, cakes and cookies), dairy products, meats (usually processed), and a few fruits and veggies. Nutrition is the foundation of health, including hair health. Is there anything wrong with the Standard American Diet, and what can you do about it?
One major problem is that this diet is high in “nutrients” your body doesn’t need.
Most processed foods contain high fructose corn syrup (HFC), a sweetener that is so highly processed that some argue it should never be labeled “natural.” High fructose corn syrup raises the blood sugar levels very quickly, causing a “sugar rush” and temporary energy; then the blood sugar plummets. HFC may be linked to Type II Diabetes. HFC provides no nutrients, making it the “poster child” for empty calories. Read the packages at your local convenience store and grocery store to see how prevalent high fructose corn syrup is.
Hydrogenated fats are perfect for preserving packaged foods, increasing shelf life dramatically. But they are not perfect for your body, as they can contribute to weight gain. Avoid “hydrogenated” on food labels.
These processed, high-calorie foods are filling, taking the place of nutrient-dense foods such as fresh fruits, steamed and raw vegetables, cooked beans, unprocessed nuts, seeds, soy products, small quantities of lean, unprocessed meats, natural dairy products, and lightly-processed whole grains. If you cook at home for every meal, you can invest the time and energy into shopping for “real” foods, purchasing a juicer and a food processor, and preparing low-fat, healthy, high-nutrient meals. A good diet will benefit your entire body, including your hair, skin and nails.
People who live a busy lifestyle often have difficulty meeting these high nutrition standards. A few fast-food restaurants make a nod to natural foods, whole grains and vegetables, such as whole wheat, low-fat subway sandwiches with light condiments and “lite” salad selections. Some restaurants offer low-fat, high-vegetable dishes. Unsweetened fruit is a perfect dessert out, if you can find it!
Typically, restaurants want you to have a good experience and leave with a feeling of fullness. Oils are very filling and satisfying, so this is usually what restaurant food is drenched in. Fast food restaurants depend on heavily processed foods that are low in nutrients. The restaurant wants you feel you are getting your money’s worth, so portions are often much larger than needed.
A person “on the go,” who doesn’t have the opportunity to prepare whole grains, lean proteins and dairy, vegetables and fruits at home, should not be surprised when their body revolts due to lack of proper nutrients. A poor diet can contribute to hair loss.
“Healthy hair needs B vitamins, amino acids and specific minerals for protein synthesis,” Dr. Lawrence Shapiro, a hair transplant doctor in south Florida. Dr. Shapiro offers a line of convenient “Help Hair Vitamins” and “Help Hair Whey Protein Shakes” that were formulated specifically to provide these nutrients. These supplements are portable and nourishing, and have no negative side-effects. “Anyone experiencing hair loss needs an examination from a dermatologist to determine the cause,” said Dr. Shapiro. “Many cases of hair loss can be improved through proper diet and supplementation.”
Cholesterol lowering drugs such as statins can accelerate hair loss. Even drug companies admit to this. The possible reasons for this are: the lowering of hormones; the disruption of biological functions such as metabolism; and the distortion of the precise relationship of cholesterol and human hair needed for growth. Hormones are vital for hair growth and loss, so any imbalance can have far reaching consequences.
