Atkins Diet & Hair Loss

Hi All,
I have been on the Atkins diet since August. This is my second time around
with this diet. I lost alot of weight the first time a few years ago only to
gain it back. (of course-I am a compulsive overeater from O.A.)
I have lost over 50 pounds now-ketosis has stopped because I am eating too
many nuts and too much home made Cheese Cake. I am really having a very
difficult time now.
Aside from this-I am also losing a lot of hair. Every time I wash, brush or
comb my hair, large amounts come out. This has happened to me once before
when I had suffered from Anorexia..
Has anyone every heard of this problem or experiencing it?
I am losing the will to stay on low carb. I have 10 more pounds to go. I
have NEVER made maintenance weight yet. Truthfully-I don't even know how to
go on that part of the program. I read and re-read it in Atkins' book and
I'm still
petrified of it.
Any advice or encouragement will be greatly appreciated!
Thank You Jo-Ann

--
Invalid address-Please post request to e-mail me.

jo ann,

losing the carbs/sugar in your daily WOE is a great idea, it really
helped me with the constant "addictive" cravings and overeating too.

i would suggest that you LOSE the recipe for the cheesecakes and try to
increase your diet with healthy fruits and veggies.
take a good multivitamin, and FISH OIL..................if the hair loss
persists, please talk to your doctor, and have a "hormone" check up.
just my opinion!

--
read and post daily, it works!
rosie

If you don't like life, its the way you're livin' A little less takin',
a bit more givin'; A little less hatin', a little more lovin'; A little
more helpin', not o much shovin'; A little more smilin', not so much
strife, And soon you will be in love with life.
............................ j.w.t. meehan



"Jo-Ann" RiverRun@ mindspring.com wrote in message
ink.net...
Hi All,
I have been on the Atkins diet since August. This is my second time
around
with this diet. I lost alot of weight the first time a few years ago
only to
gain it back. (of course-I am a compulsive overeater from O.A.)
I have lost over 50 pounds now-ketosis has stopped because I am eating
too
many nuts and too much home made Cheese Cake. I am really having a
very
difficult time now.
Aside from this-I am also losing a lot of hair. Every time I wash,
brush or
comb my hair, large amounts come out. This has happened to me once
before
when I had suffered from Anorexia..
Has anyone every heard of this problem or experiencing it?
I am losing the will to stay on low carb. I have 10 more pounds to
go. I
have NEVER made maintenance weight yet. Truthfully-I don't even know
how to
go on that part of the program. I read and re-read it in Atkins' book
and
I'm still
petrified of it.
Any advice or encouragement will be greatly appreciated!
Thank You Jo-Ann

--
Invalid address-Please post request to e-mail me.

"Jo-Ann" RiverRun@ mindspring.com wrote in message
ink.net...
Hi All,
I have been on the Atkins diet since August. This is my second time around
with this diet. I lost alot of weight the first time a few years ago only to
gain it back. (of course-I am a compulsive overeater from O.A.)
I have lost over 50 pounds now-ketosis has stopped because I am eating too
many nuts and too much home made Cheese Cake. I am really having a very
difficult time now.
Aside from this-I am also losing a lot of hair. Every time I wash, brush or
comb my hair, large amounts come out. This has happened to me once before
when I had suffered from Anorexia..
Has anyone every heard of this problem or experiencing it?
I am losing the will to stay on low carb. I have 10 more pounds to go. I
have NEVER made maintenance weight yet. Truthfully-I don't even know how to
go on that part of the program. I read and re-read it in Atkins' book and
I'm still
petrified of it.
Any advice or encouragement will be greatly appreciated!
Thank You Jo-Ann


Have U been tested for Hypothyroidism? Doctor needs to do a full blood work-up, TSH, Free
T3 and T4 as well as Antibodies.

Frenchy

I experienced the same thing when I hit the 35-40 lb loss mark. I felt good
because I lost all that weight but I was scared that I was going to go
bald... So I immedieately started taking better care of my hair, stopped
heat styling, stopped wearing a ponytail and started using hot oil
treatments every week. My hair was coming out in clumps before this my
scalp was getting more and more visible. This was back in July. It is much
much thicker now.
Also are you using a lot of Aspartame? I read somewhere that this may
potentially cause hair loss. Don't really know if that can actually be or
not, it is just something I read while researching the safety of
Nutrasweet....... which I then determined that anythink sweetened with it
was not for me and it may do more harm than good.
I also made sure that I took a good multivitamin and I started adding
berries and fruits and whole grains (in moderation ) to my diet. I had no
ill effects. I am still losing weight.
My hair stopped falling out, the shower drain is no longer clogged, so my
husband is happy. Hope this helps you.

Amy Jo
224.5/171.5/160
start March 10, 2003


"Jo-Ann" RiverRun@ mindspring.com wrote in message
ink.net...
Hi All,
I have been on the Atkins diet since August. This is my second time around
with this diet. I lost alot of weight the first time a few years ago only
to
gain it back. (of course-I am a compulsive overeater from O.A.)
I have lost over 50 pounds now-ketosis has stopped because I am eating too
many nuts and too much home made Cheese Cake. I am really having a very
difficult time now.
Aside from this-I am also losing a lot of hair. Every time I wash, brush
or
comb my hair, large amounts come out. This has happened to me once before
when I had suffered from Anorexia..
Has anyone every heard of this problem or experiencing it?
I am losing the will to stay on low carb. I have 10 more pounds to go. I
have NEVER made maintenance weight yet. Truthfully-I don't even know how
to
go on that part of the program. I read and re-read it in Atkins' book and
I'm still
petrified of it.
Any advice or encouragement will be greatly appreciated!
Thank You Jo-Ann

--
Invalid address-Please post request to e-mail me.

Jo-Ann:

Someone else suggested that your doc check your thyroid levels, and I second
that idea. My hair fell out quite dramatically when my thryoid went hypo- a few
summers ago. I now take daily Synthroid tablets to compensate for this.

Also, I don't know your age, but during perimenopause (the years leading up to
menopause), fluctuating hormone levels can do a number on your hair and skin.
Most menopausal women do experience some thinning of hair simply because of
decreases in female hormones.

About your difficulty in staying on Atkins:

I'm SO sympathetic. This isn't easy for many of us who are what I call "natural
eaters." :-) And I don't mean "eaters of natural food" -- LOL. For us,
eating is fun, we love it, we enjoy the sweet and starchy tastes of foods that
aren't good for us, often in large quantities. It's quite a loss to let go of
this source of pleasure in the long run.

Right now, as I continue trying to lose weight, I'm trying to think of sugars
as poison. This is almost literally true since for me, overconsumption of carbs
and continued overweight most likely will lead to diabetes, given my family and
gestational history.

If all else fails to keep you on your program: A friend of mine who lost and
has kept off (for 2.5 years) 90 pounds declared -- even when actively dieting
to lose -- that every Saturday night was "no holds barred" night. She would eat
a big cheeseburger (on a roll), some fries, and maybe a dish of ice cream or a
few Snickers for dessert. But that was it: after Saturday night it was back to
her weight-loss regimen for the rest of the week. If you are getting too
depressed and discouraged, maybe this is one idea for you to try. It makes *me*
nervous because it's so risky for me to eat stuff like that (without getting
off-track for a long time), but it worked great for my friend and continues to
do so. You might lose a bit slower, but perhaps with less angst.

Good luck!

- Anne

"Anne" wrote in message
...
Jo-Ann:

Someone else suggested that your doc check your thyroid levels, and I
second
that idea. My hair fell out quite dramatically when my thryoid went hypo-
a few
summers ago. I now take daily Synthroid tablets to compensate for this.

Also, I don't know your age, but during perimenopause (the years leading
up to
menopause), fluctuating hormone levels can do a number on your hair and
skin.
Most menopausal women do experience some thinning of hair simply because
of
decreases in female hormones.

About your difficulty in staying on Atkins:

I'm SO sympathetic. This isn't easy for many of us who are what I call
"natural
eaters." :-) And I don't mean "eaters of natural food" -- LOL. For us,
eating is fun, we love it, we enjoy the sweet and starchy tastes of foods
that
aren't good for us, often in large quantities. It's quite a loss to let go
of
this source of pleasure in the long run.

Right now, as I continue trying to lose weight, I'm trying to think of
sugars
as poison. This is almost literally true since for me, overconsumption of
carbs
and continued overweight most likely will lead to diabetes, given my
family and
gestational history.

If all else fails to keep you on your program: A friend of mine who lost
and
has kept off (for 2.5 years) 90 pounds declared -- even when actively
dieting
to lose -- that every Saturday night was "no holds barred" night. She
would eat
a big cheeseburger (on a roll), some fries, and maybe a dish of ice cream
or a
few Snickers for dessert. But that was it: after Saturday night it was
back to
her weight-loss regimen for the rest of the week. If you are getting too
depressed and discouraged, maybe this is one idea for you to try. It makes
*me*
nervous because it's so risky for me to eat stuff like that (without
getting
off-track for a long time), but it worked great for my friend and
continues to
do so. You might lose a bit slower, but perhaps with less angst.

Good luck!

- Anne


Hi Jo-Anne,

I tried to email you but it bounced back so I am posting this.

my hair is also falling dramatically in the last few years but I don't think
it's due to doing LC. what kind of hair do you have? I have always had thick
but fine textured hair and apparently hair that fine tends to break faster
from mistreatment. do you blow dry? stop. or do it less times a week at a
lower heat setting. and once a week, put some coconut oil (or olive oil) in
a mug and heat it up. then gently message it into your roots and hair for a
few hours, preferably overnight. then wash it off with a good clarifying
shampoo. and always use conditioner on the ends. and don't stress out over
it. that's worse.

I strongly agree with the poster who suggested getting your thyroids
checked. I am having my thyroid hormones checked (because I noticed some
symptoms) and it turned out -- in the intro tests -- that I seem to be
slightly hypothyroid. apparently a lot of women are hypothyroid without
knowing it. more now because last year, the normal range was narrowed to
0.3 -- 3.3. and the optimum number is supposed to be between 1 and 2. before
2003, the range used to be between 0.3 and 5.5 or something like that.

and I agree with Anne. I am also a "natural eater" and LC-ing (strict LC) is
hard for me too. Plus I am Indian and we make those wonderful daals
(lentils), those scrumptious rice dishes, and the naans and the chapattis.
and Indian sweets are just out of this world. though some of them are too
sweet for me. anyway, you should have seen my mom's face when I first told
her I don't want to eat the basmati rice and the potatoes, just the fish!

I am not diabetic and I have never been more than 15-20 pounds over my ideal
weight. but I have family history of high cholesterol and high blood
pressure. And I decided this year that I would eat less of the sweets and
the starches that I (and my family) love so much, and more of the green
veggies and lean protein. in the long run, I think it is healthier for us
all. I am trying to get my mom and dad to do the same. My brother won't even
listen. but I am working on him.

I also do a cheat day a week. if I have an invitation somewhere or I invite
friends to my place -- I make and eat whatever is there. BUT -- I exercise
portion control. or one day a week I indulge my weakness for chocolate and
some ice cream. or a delish Indian savoury dish called bhel puri made with
puffed rice and tamarind sauce. yum.

see, with some of us, unless there needs to be a medically urgent reason not
to cheat -- a little bit of laxity is good for the soul in the long run as
well. but I don't think this is the right thing for every LC-er to do.



good luck and send me email if you want.

indrani.

Thank You All!! who responded. I will ask the doctor about a thyroid test
and stop using heat on my hair.
My hair has always been very thick and it's naturally curly. I wear it short
because of the curl.
Gee-I hope this stops-I am getting very concerned now.
I'll keep you posted and thank you again!!!!
Jo-Ann
--Invalid address-Please post request to e-mail me.



"Jo-Ann" RiverRun@ mindspring.com wrote in message
ink.net...
Hi All,
I have been on the Atkins diet since August. This is my second time around
with this diet. I lost alot of weight the first time a few years ago only
to
gain it back. (of course-I am a compulsive overeater from O.A.)
I have lost over 50 pounds now-ketosis has stopped because I am eating too
many nuts and too much home made Cheese Cake. I am really having a very
difficult time now.
Aside from this-I am also losing a lot of hair. Every time I wash, brush
or
comb my hair, large amounts come out. This has happened to me once before
when I had suffered from Anorexia..
Has anyone every heard of this problem or experiencing it?
I am losing the will to stay on low carb. I have 10 more pounds to go. I
have NEVER made maintenance weight yet. Truthfully-I don't even know how
to
go on that part of the program. I read and re-read it in Atkins' book and
I'm still
petrified of it.
Any advice or encouragement will be greatly appreciated!
Thank You Jo-Ann

--
Invalid address-Please post request to e-mail me.

"Jo-Ann" RiverRun@ mindspring.com wrote in message link.net...
Hi All,
I have been on the Atkins diet since August. This is my second time around
with this diet. I lost alot of weight the first time a few years ago only to
gain it back. (of course-I am a compulsive overeater from O.A.)
I have lost over 50 pounds now-ketosis has stopped because I am eating too
many nuts and too much home made Cheese Cake. I am really having a very
difficult time now.
Aside from this-I am also losing a lot of hair. Every time I wash, brush or
comb my hair, large amounts come out. This has happened to me once before
when I had suffered from Anorexia..
Has anyone every heard of this problem or experiencing it?
I am losing the will to stay on low carb. I have 10 more pounds to go. I
have NEVER made maintenance weight yet. Truthfully-I don't even know how to
go on that part of the program. I read and re-read it in Atkins' book and
I'm still
petrified of it.
Any advice or encouragement will be greatly appreciated!
Thank You Jo-Ann


Hello, I am new to the group but have been viewing for months now and
really enjoy this sight. I finally had to jump board when I seen this
message. I to have just gotten over such a hair loss. It was exactly
as described. Everytime I washed my hair, it was comming outin
handsful and again when I would brush it. I have very thick hair to
begin with so loosing this much hair wasn't to bad yet, but it wasn't
stopping. We'll previous to this I had purchased a product off t.v.
Straight to the Max. two to three weeks later I noticed the hair loss,
I called the company to find out what I could. They assured me that it
could not be due to their product, their whole business is hair and
hair products. The manager suggested that I see the Dr. about a throid
check. So I did seeing that my hair is now becomming thin. The test
came back fine, Dr. suggested I take a multivitimin with iron and if
its not better in 6 weeks to come back. It has seem to stopp now, just
in time. Everyone kept asking if I changed my diet, and really I
hadn't, yes I am on the low carb, but I do cheat and have been off
again and on again for ever and this never happened. So I'm not really
sure what to add this up to but thought I would share. Oh also the DR.
did ask if I was under any stress and that could contribute to it.

Hair loss can be triggered by sudden hormonal changes in the body,
hence the reason why many pregnant women lose some hair after they
deliver (my sister lost a lot).. Losing a lot of weight in a short
amount of time can cause big hormonal shifts. If it slows down in a
week or two, chances are this is what happened.

"Brenda" wrote in message
om...
"Jo-Ann" RiverRun@ mindspring.com wrote in message
link.net...
Aside from this-I am also losing a lot of hair. Every time I wash,
brush or
comb my hair, large amounts come out. This has happened to me once
before
when I had suffered from Anorexia..
Has anyone every heard of this problem or experiencing it?


It has seem to stopp now, just
in time. Everyone kept asking if I changed my diet, and really I
hadn't, yes I am on the low carb, but I do cheat and have been off
again and on again for ever and this never happened. So I'm not
really
sure what to add this up to but thought I would share. Oh also the
DR.
did ask if I was under any stress and that could contribute to it.

Hair loss can often be caused by stress. Stress from work, stress
because of a new diet, stress from lack of sleep, an illness (even a
minor one), etc. Hair grows in cycles, and the effect of the stress
can take up to three months to show up as hair loss, and usually will
right itself again by the next cycle. If you've been lowcarbing for
less than three months, then it was probably not the diet that
triggered the loss. If you think it might have been the diet, rest
assured that it's not a lack of nutrients, but merely *change* itself
that would trigger it, and if you do not have incipient thyroid, or
other serious trouble, will probably right itself soon. If it
doesn't, see your doctor.

revek


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