Caffeine and hair loss: What you need to know

Caffeine and hair loss: What you need to know

A very logical question indeed. Can coffee or caffeine cause hair loss?

Not everyone can deal with baldness. While some can put it off, others actually use wigs to cover their embarrassment. Balding can have psychological implications. There are several factors that lead to this complex condition such as hormonal imbalances, lack of proper nutrition, illnesses, stress, medications etc. Not many of us are aware that an unhealthy lifestyle can also cause hair loss.

Who doesn't love to start their day with a steaming cup of coffee? It helps you avert tiredness, sleepiness and is said to improve your focus. Where it may sound good, coffee can be bad for health too. A much-debated topic whether coffee causes hair loss, here is something that we found out.

Yes, coffee drinkers are prone to hair loss. With excessive consumption of coffee, it is not uncommon to notice large clumps of hair in the shower. Caffeine can have adverse effects on the system. It is known to prevent the absorption of iron and other nutrients into the body that is essential for the health of both the body and the hair. Other minerals such as magnesium, zinc and calcium are also inhibited due to heavy coffee drinking. Taking supplements to replace the lost ingredients and the iron also does not help because the coffee would deplete their capacity in any case.

Iron deficiencies are caused by coffee and when there is a lack of important nutrients such as iron, there is bound to be hair fall. One of the foremost and common symptoms of iron deficiency is hair fall.

Stress is also augmented due to the intake of coffee. The adrenaline in your system is drastically increased giving you a boost of high energy. But this is temporary and once it wears off, you feel more tired and depressed. Over a period of time, this cycle takes a toll on your health and hair. When you inadvertently compromise on your diet, it can lead to hair fall.

The levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, are increased with the intake of caffeine. Where the signs may not be evident early, the stress can take over and leads to premature greying or hair fall. Personal strife and work issues also trigger stress and lead to hair loss.

Where studies may suggest the goodness of coffee for your health it is best to avoid heavy and excessive intakes.

How much is enough will remain the big question.

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