This won't be a hit piece on Diet Coke. This won't be a hit piece on Diet Coke.
Pardon me, while I preface this piece with the above statement because I need to say that a mini can of Diet Coke can literally turn my day around.
The mini is pristine mind you, the carbonation is perfection, and I know I know it's not the best thing I could be consuming- but it certainly isn't the worst, RIGHT?
RIGHT?
Well, I certainly believed that before incriminating research published in Nutrition and Health came across my desk.
Research that in no uncertain terms concluded that what you are drinking may be positively contributing to your hair loss.
Sugary Drinks + Alcohol Linked to Hair Loss:
The study points out that there is an incredible emotional and psychological tie to hair/hair-loss (Postpartum moms have been saying this for years btw). Self-esteem takes a hit with each episode of hair fall.
61,332 people were studied and evaluated. It's important to note that 97% of the participants were women.
Important take-aways were:
- Drinks high in sugar, as well as alcoholic beverages, have been linked to hair loss.
- A positive correlation was found with the beverages and hair shedding.
- Impacts not only affected hair shedding but: density, growth, thickness, shine
The article states that: Sugary drinks and food stimulate the secretion of excess sebum, promotion microbial growth on the scalp. This in turn, exacerbates irritation and inflation- contributing to hair loss.
I do have some good news though. While this study did examine sugary drinks and their impact on hair, it also looked at food items such as Vitamin D, Iron, Protein, Soy, & Cruciferous Vegetables.
Protein, Vitamin D, Veggies, & Hair Supplements:
Taken directly from the article: "a higher intake of soy products and cruciferous vegetables was associated with a reduction in hair loss. This finding is consistent with a 2020 study that showed that diets rich in vegetables and soy promote hair health and growth.
Additional findings: Higher vitamin D levels were found to positively impact hair loss and alopecia, actually reducing its severity and promoting hair growth.
A positive correlation was also observed between protein and hair growth and health.
Iron was another strong contender for improvements in hair density and growth. Reducing the severity of hair loss in its tracks.
Hold my Coke:
Ok ok, I get it, this isn't exactly ground breaking information:
Sugary Drinks and Food- not great for you.
Protein, iron, Vitamin D + Hair Supplements- GOOD FOR HAIR.
But... at the end of the day, sometimes you just need a study with 60k+ people to help you reach for one less Soda and Sweet Treat. Your hair will probably THANK YOU.
