Motherhood Moment – Hair Loss & Nutrition Q&A
Dr. Keith Kantor, PhD, ND, Trichologist
Clinical Director, Regen Therapeutics
How can nutrition affect hair loss?
Hair follicles are some of the most active cells in the body, so they need a steady
supply of nutrients, oxygen, and blood flow to stay healthy. When someone is not
getting enough protein, iron, zinc, healthy fats, or certain vitamins, the hair is often
one of the first places the body starts to “cut back.” The result can be thinning,
shedding, slower growth, or weaker hair strands.
One thing people don’t always realize is that stress plays a major role too. We are
seeing more people using GLP-1 weight loss medications, and while these products
can help with weight reduction, rapid weight loss itself can create stress on the
body. Stress hormones like cortisol can affect circulation and nutrient delivery to
the hair follicles, while also triggering shedding. In many cases, it is not just the
medication itself, but the combination of stress, reduced calorie intake, and sudden
nutritional changes that affects the hair.
What are some early signs of hair loss?
People usually notice more hair in the shower drain, on the pillow, or in their brush
before they notice true bald spots. Hair may also start looking thinner around the
part line or temples, or it may simply lose volume and fullness. Some people notice
their ponytail feels smaller or that styling becomes harder because the hair no
longer has the same density it once had.
How can people prevent nutrition-related hair loss?
The best approach is balance and consistency. A healthy diet with enough protein,
healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and minerals is important. Crash dieting and extreme
calorie restriction can create stress on the body and often lead to shedding several
weeks or months later. Staying hydrated, managing stress, sleeping well, and
keeping hormone levels balanced can also make a big difference.
I also tell people not to chase every supplement they see online. If nutrition alone
was severely deficient enough to dramatically affect hair, it would usually be
affecting many other systems in the body too. Hair health is often a reflection of
overall health and stress levels.
How do processed foods lead to hair thinning?
Highly processed foods tend to be low in nutrients and high in sugar, unhealthy fats,
preservatives, and inflammatory ingredients. Over time, this can increase
inflammation and stress within the body, which may negatively affect circulation
and follicle health. Processed foods can also contribute to insulin spikes, hormone
imbalance, and weight fluctuations, all of which can indirectly affect the hair growth
cycle.
If hair loss or hair thinning has already occurred, what are some things people can do?
The first step is finding the reason for the hair loss. Sometimes it is stress-related,
hormonal, genetic, nutritional, or related to medications or illness. Once the cause is
identified, treatment becomes much more effective. This is why I personally do
every consultation.
At Regen Therapeutics, we focus heavily on regenerative approaches designed to
help strengthen weakened follicles and improve the environment around the hair
root. We commonly combine regenerative biologics with supportive therapies and
high-quality DHT blockers when appropriate. The earlier treatment begins, the
better the chances are of preserving and improving existing hair.
How does Regen Therapeutics stand out from other clinics that do hair restoration?
One thing that makes Regen Therapeutics different is that we focus on advanced
regenerative therapies and individualized evaluations instead of a one-size-fits-all
approach. Every patient is personally evaluated by me and I explain what I
realistically believe can be improved.
We use the highest-quality umbilical cord-derived amniotic mesenchymal
regenerative biologics along with supportive therapies designed to improve scalp
health and follicle function. We also focus heavily on patient comfort, natural-
looking results, and long-term maintenance.
Most importantly, we believe honesty matters. If we do not think someone is a good
candidate, we tell them. Setting realistic expectations and developing a personalized
plan is one of the biggest reasons patients trust us.
Regen Therapeutics
6065 Roswell Road, Suite 580
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
www.regentherapeuticsatlanta.com
contact@regentherapeutics.com
404-907-4225