Ketogenic diets can be defined as diets in which carbohydrate and protein sources are very limited and most of the dietary content consists of fat. Many types of diets that are avoided in regular eating plans are preferred as the main energy source in these diets.
The keto diet is hard to follow because of its high fat, low carbohydrate and protein content, and pursuing it for a long time can be both challenging and risky for health. In this diet, carbohydrate sources for instance bread, cereals, all kinds of food containing flour and sugar are strictly restricted. Main part of the diet consists of fat sources such as cream, curd and mayonnaise.
Since it is effective in reducing epileptic seizures in patients with epilepsy, a ketogenic diet can be chosen in these patients during periods of intense seizures. Furthermore, ketogenic diet can be used to help the treatment process in some metabolic diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, brain and nervous system diseases, autism, and some mental and mitochondrial diseases.
The ketogenic diet has started to be preferred for weight loss purposes due to their popularity in the past few years. Many researches have investigated the effects of the ketogenic diet on weight loss and health. No proven results have yet been reached about whether it is safe to follow this diet for weight loss due to the health risks. For this reason, the ketogenic diet should be followed for a short time and only in cases recommended by a doctor, provided that the health checks are carried out regularly.
THE REASONS WHY KETOGENIC DIET TRIGGERS HAIR LOSS
Hair loss can be experienced by some people in a few months after they start to follow a ketogenic diet. The main reason for this type of hair loss is stress or malnutrition.
Although the ketogenic diet is a strong and healthy diet, it can become a stress factor for the body to adjust to. Some practices that are supportive in terms of health can turn into stressors – such as intermittent fasting. However, if you consume a lot of caffeine, sleep less, fast occasionally, and also follow a ketogenic diet, this might be too much for your body. If you try to follow a ketogenic diet without making some changes in your lifestyle, for example without getting enough sleep every day, your body may go into fight-or-flight mode due to the increasing stress. This may lead to some disruptions in regulatory functions. Thyroid functions are also affected by stress and that accordingly causes adrenal glands to trigger immune system reactions like hair loss.
Remember that if you follow a classic ketogenic diet that has been developed to fight against neurological diseases such as epilepsy, you will consume very little amount of protein. The amount of protein consumed decreases drastically and the first sign of protein deficiency is hair loss.
Especially biotin and vitamin B deficiencies are among the basic nutritional deficiencies. In order to prevent hair loss, sufficient amounts of protein, especially biotin, must be consumed during the keto diet. You can get biotin by consuming organ meats, egg yolks, sunflower seeds and almonds.
WHAT CHANGES CAN YOU MAKE IN YOUR LIFESTYLE TO PREVENT THIS SIDE EFFECT?
There are ways to completely eliminate the risk of hair loss. Hair loss, which occurs as a result of too much stress or protein deficiency, usually begins to appear in the third month of the diet. As mentioned above, if there are already stress factors in your life, you can start to push the limits of
your body by following a ketogenic diet. Therefore, it is critical that you first make some changes in your life. For example, you can prioritize fixing your sleep schedule, give up intense exercise, or start some kind of meditation. If you are not in a position to eliminate other stress factors in your daily life, it is a good idea to try the keto at a more appropriate time.
If you are losing your hair excessively even after you stop dieting, you need to find out what causes the hair loss. Hair transplant operations offer a permanent solution to those who experience hair loss. With this operation, you can have denser and thicker hair.
As Clinic Center we offer free consultation in our London office, whether it is cosmetic surgeries, hair transplant or dental treatments. All you have to do is to contact us and the consultation will be scheduled for you. We make a difference in the health tourism sector with our patient-oriented service approach.
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