Study Shows Men Who Drink One Sugary Drink Per Day Have Higher Risk of Hair Loss – Hair loss is on the rise in recent years, and consuming too many sugary drinks may be linked to higher risk, suggests a study published January 1 in the journal Nutrients.
Study Shows Men Who Drink One Sugary Drink Per Day Have Higher Risk of Hair Loss: New Research Suggests
Researchers from Tsinghua University in Beijing looked at data from more than 1,000 Chinese men, age 18 to 45, from January to April 2022 to compare self-reported lifestyle habits and hair loss.
They found that hair loss was almost 30% more common among men who had a daily habit of drinking up to one sugary beverage such as soft drinks, juice, energy drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened coffee and tea (totalling between one to three litres per week).
Men who reported having more than one sweetened beverage per day were even more likely to have hair loss, 42% higher risk compared to those who never drank sugary beverages.
The researchers also found that the majority of study participants drank a least some beverages containing sugar in their daily diet and nearly half reported having sweetened drink more than once a day. But men who reported hair loss tended to drink more, about 12 servings a week on average, compared to seven per week for men who didn’t report hair loss.
One limitation of the study is that beverage habits aren’t the only factors in hair loss, and factors like the rest of the diet, overall health, and even stress and mental health history could play a role. For instance, men with hair loss also reported eating more fried food and fewer vegetables, according to the study. The researchers also found that a history of illness or anxiety, or even PTSD, were linked to higher risk of hair loss.
So far, the link between the sugary beverages and hair loss is correlation, not causation, and more studies are needed to find out whether drinking more directly raises the risk of balding.
But young people who drink a lot of sugar may not be aware of the health risks, so future studies could help people make better informed decisions, the researchers wrote.
Consuming too much sugar has health risks such as high blood sugar
Previous research suggests sweetened drinks can wreck havoc on our health if consumed in excess, and daily soft drinks consumption has been linked to illnesses like liver cancer.
One reason sugar can be a problem is that consuming lots of it raises your blood sugar levels, particularly when it’s a fast-absorbing form like soft drinks, without other nutrients to slow digestion.
Over time, elevated blood sugar levels from too much sugar in your diet can dull the body’s sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. If your body stops responding well to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance, it can cause other health issues, including type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Insulin resistance may also be linked to hair loss, some evidence suggests.
While no single food or drink is likely to make or break your health (or hair), nutritionists and diabetes experts recommend consuming sugary treats in moderation, and combining sweets (and other simple carbs) with protein and fibre to balance blood sugar.
Why this may be the case
There are a few possible explanations for why men who drink one sugary drink per day have a higher risk of hair loss. First, the sugar in these drinks can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the scalp. This inflammation can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Second, sugar can also disrupt the hormone balance in the body, which can lead to hair loss. Finally, sugary drinks can dehydrate the body and make it difficult for the scalp to produce healthy hair.
Other risk factors for hair loss
In addition to the sugary drink risk factor, there are other potential risk factors for hair loss. These include:
- Family history: If you have a family member who has experienced hair loss, you may be more likely to experience it yourself.
- Certain medical conditions: Conditions like thyroid disease, anemia, and lupus can sometimes cause hair loss.
- Medications: Certain medications can lead to hair loss as a side effect. Common offenders include blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and birth control pills.
- Poor nutrition: A diet that is lacking in certain nutrients can contribute to hair loss. Be sure to eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients.
- Stress: High levels of stress can cause hair loss. Try to find ways to manage your stress levels through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
What you can do to prevent hair loss
There are a few things you can do to prevent hair loss, even if you drink sugary drinks regularly. First, try to limit your intake of sugary drinks. If you must have them, drink them in moderation and offset them with plenty of water. Second, eat a healthy diet full of essential nutrients for hair health like biotin, protein, and vitamins A and C. Third, get regular exercise to improve circulation and reduce stress levels, both of which can contribute to hair loss. Finally, use gentle hair care products and avoid harsh treatments like hot oil treatments or tight hairstyles that can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
Conclusion
All in all, this study has shown that men who consume one sugary drink per day have a significantly higher risk of hair loss than their counterparts who do not. While the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unknown, it is nevertheless important for those at risk of losing their hair to be aware and consider reducing or eliminating sugary drinks from their diet. Additionally, it is also essential to include foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins for better overall health and strong healthy hair.
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