Reasons for hair loss range from lifestyle choices and genetics to serious conditions like cancer or some autoimmune disorders. However, one unlikely reason why hairs fall out may come as a surprise to many people. The trend of replacing regular dairy milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and coconut milk can lead to nutrient deficiencies linked to hair loss.
In this article, we will be examining the connection between milk and hair loss.
High Iodine Contents in Milk
The link between milk and hair loss comes from its high contents of iodine. We all know that milk is rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, but this nutrient seems even more valuable. Iodine is an essential mineral our thyroid glands need to function properly, managing our metabolism, as well as digestive and heart function.
The trouble with substituting regular milk with dairy-free alternatives is that these alternatives don’t contain enough iodine, while a glass of milk accounts for almost half of our iodine needs. Other foods rich in iodine are cranberries, sea vegetables, and strawberries.
The Thyroid Gland and Iodine Deficiency
Since our thyroid glands need iodine to do their jobs, iodine deficiency can often lead to hypothyroidism and similar thyroid disorders. These disorders have been linked to hair loss, along with other problems like weight gain, fatigue, and muscle cramps.
Furthermore, iodine deficiency itself could lead to hair loss. This means that, even without developing hypothyroidism, you’re at risk of losing hair just by not taking enough iodine.
Final Word
Now that you know more about the connection between milk and hair loss, you know how important iodine is for our metabolism. If you want to cut out dairy products from your diet, make sure you find another source of iodine.
