The consumption of alcohol in the United States is high, with almost more than 60% of the population claiming to have had alcohol in the past year. Unfortunately, 10% of the population is also affected by some level of alcoholism, which has led to more than four million emergency room visits and nearly 180,000 deaths in the past year.
While alcoholism is harmful to those dealing with it – and the people around them if it goes unaddressed – you do not have to get to that level of alcohol abuse to experience adverse effects on your health. And those effects on your health can, in turn, damage your hair.
How Much Does Alcohol Affect Hair Loss?
Unlike some other sources of hair loss, alcohol has the potential to create multiple adverse health effects that lead to it. The first of which is key nutrient deficiencies. Studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption could affect the digestive system, making it absorb nutrients less efficiently. In these instances, the person in question may think that they are getting enough key nutrients (such as iron, protein, or zinc) that are necessary for strong hair, but the lowered nutrient absorption rate from alcohol is hindering that.
Another harmful effect as a result of regular high alcohol consumption is harm to the thyroid. Hormonal imbalances from this can cause excessive hair shedding and loss, in addition to leading to hypo- or hyperthyroidism, which can have the same effect. And if the person in question is also a smoker, that could create an increased chance of psoriasis – a skin condition that causes inflammation that can lead to baldness.
Will My Hair Grow Back If I Stop Drinking Alcohol?
Alcohol withdrawal can similarly impact the thyroid as well. If you are suffering from alcohol dependence, it is important to address and move past it… but you may want to consult with a doctor on how that can affect you in the short or long term. The damage that hypo- or hyperthyroidism can do to your hair, for example, is very often reversible if it is addressed quickly. In instances of alcohol abuse, however, it is possible the person in question has neglected their health for a time, which could have resulted in more permanent damage to the hair follicles.
In the weeks after quitting alcohol, the digestive system should begin to improve as well, leading to improved nutrient absorption. This should help improve your overall hair health if you had not been absorbing enough of the necessary nutrients into your bloodstream prior. Similarly to thyroid disorders, the longer it takes to be addressed then the higher the risk of experiencing some level of permanent hair loss.
PNW Hair Restoration Offers A Wide Range Of Hair Loss Treatments
Regardless of the source of your hair loss, PNW Hair Restoration has a wide range of tools with the experience and results behind them to give you peace of mind when you choose us to restore your hair. We also offer the only ARTAS® Robotic Hair Restoration procedures in the state of Oregon. Contact us today and start your journey toward a fuller head of hair.
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