Hair Fall: Another Unexpected Side Effect of Keto Diet

The high fat- low carb ketogenic diet is the latest fad in the world of fitness and is well known for its weight loss results- but still remains controversial because of its restrictions. Experts warn people of its side effects. Side effects like the keto flu, an initial period of intense cravings, fatigue, and irritability that occurs when your body shifts from a sugar-burning to the fat-burning state are just the tip of the iceberg.

A leading dietician, Ali Miller, R.D says, the reason some people may experience hair loss on a ketogenic diet is two-fold: stress and/or malnourishment. He says, “While keto can be a powerfully healthy diet, it’s also a stressor on your body,” says Miller. “There are many health-supporting behaviors that are stressors, like intermittent fasting. But if you’re someone who’s type A—over-caffeinating, under-sleeping, intermittent fasting, and doing keto—that’s just too much.” There are many health-supporting behaviors that are stressors, like intermittent fasting. But if you’re someone who’s type A—over-caffeinating, under-sleeping, intermittent fasting, and doing keto—that’s just too much.”
Second, many women may not be eating enough protein when they shift to a keto diet. “If you’re following a classic ketogenic diet, which was developed more for epilepsy and neurological disease management, it’s often too protein-restricted,” says Miller. “What happens, often with women, is that their appetite is regulated and they don’t have organic hunger. So they under-eat—and they under-eat protein pretty dramatically—and the first sign of protein malnourishment is hair loss.”