Carnivore Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention, and How to Treat
Updated: Oct 11, 2021
Have you recently started noticing increased hair loss on a keto or carnivore diet?
Are you seeing hair everywhere? In the shower? On your pillow? Every time you put your hands through your hair? Is this normal?
Anywhere from 1-10 hairs coming out when you rub your hands through your hair IS considered normal. Any more than that, I would consider the possible reasons for increased hair loss listed below.
What is the most common diagnosis? Telogen Effluvium which is a stress response which can be acute or chronic, but is entirely reversible! It occurs most commonly within ~2-3 months after starting a keto/carnivore diet as your body is adapting to this new lifestyle. However, it can occur at any point, especially if you’re making changes to your approach.
What is the most common cause? UNDEREATING!
Common causes of hair loss include:
Hormonal
High estrogen, low progesterone, also known as estrogen dominance can be seen in people on birth control pills, with high levels of stress/over exercising, exposure to chemical beauty and household products including BPA (in plastics), soy in food/products, and lavender essential oil to name a few.
High dihydrotestosterone is linked to genetics and the most common in male pattern baldness.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Vitamin D, B12, A, Zinc, biotin, selenium, and electrolytes!
Vitamin D: Add cod liver, salmon/roe, egg yolks
A, B12: add organ meats
Zinc: add organ meats, oysters
Biotin: avoid raw egg whites as these contain an antimicrobial protein known as avidin that tightly binds biotin and prevents its absorption. Add organ meats, cooked whole eggs or raw yolks, salmon
Electrolytes: Add twice daily electrolytes like LMNT or Redmond Re-Lyte
Undereating protein – amino acids are essential! Do NOT fear gluconeogenesis in a ketogenic state. Undereating is the number one cause of hair loss.
Fasting – this approach can down regulate your hormones, especially the thyroid
Tip:
For thinning hair, add collagen by incorporating oxtail, bones, feet, tendons, or bone broth to strengthen the hair.
So, how do you treat it?
⭐ STOP FASTING
This is a stress on the body and can also contribute to undereating (overall and/or not getting adequate daily protein).
⭐ EAT MORE
Increase protein intake to consume at least 1g per pound of current body weight and increase specific foods listed above to treat nutrient deficiencies.
⭐ MINIMIZE STRESS
Limit exercise or resort to more slow/low intensity workouts and reduce tracking as this is an added psychological stress.
⭐ MINIMIZE EXPOSURE to toxic chemicals in your daily beauty & household products
Get rid of plastics in your home, replace with glass
Avoid soy in food and homegoods, like candles
Avoid lavender scented products, including lavender essential oil
Check out the @beautycounter’s Never List: www.beautycounter.com/the-never-list
If you are struggling with hair loss or looking for additional guidance, I am here to help! Book your appointment today!