Does Whey Protein Trigger Hair Fall?

Whey protein can help muscle recovery, but you'll have to worry about hair fall if you're not doing it right. This particular protein is a popular supplement for bodybuilders and athletes. It's derived from dairy products, typically milk or cheese, and contains all the essential amino acids needed by the body.

When consumed after a workout, whey can help with muscle recovery. But it also contains an ingredient called cysteine, which can lead to hair fall if not used properly.

Whey supplements are safe for you. Whey protein is also a desirable source of protein because it is rich in essential amino acids. Whey protein supplements help increase metabolism, thereby burning more calories and increasing energy levels. They also aid in weight loss and prevent obesity and diabetes by providing the body with proper nutrition.

Whey protein supplements are beneficial for increasing lean muscle mass, reducing body fat, and improving athletic performance. Whey is absorbed much faster than other proteins because it is digested rapidly and has a high concentration of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). It helps build muscles by providing amino acids to repair damaged tissues.

The whey protein supplement contains high essential amino acids like arginine, histidine, lysine, and methionine. These amino acids are necessary for the synthesis of cells and tissues in the body.

Hair growth is a dynamic process and can be divided into three distinct phases. The

The anagen (growth) phase is when the hair follicle produces new cells to make the hair shaft. This is when the hair grows approximately 1 cm every 28 days. During this phase, the hair root remains in the dermal papilla at the base of the follicle.

The catagen (transition) phase lasts two to three weeks and is a period of transition that moves your hair follicles into the resting phase or quiescent state. The hair root detaches from the dermal papilla and moves upward towards the epidermis while its cells break down, forming keratin debris.

The telogen (resting) phase lasts two to four months and ends with your body shedding your hair shafts through naturally occurring processes like ageing or hormonal changes. During this stage, you lose about 100-125 hairs each day. When this happens, your body pushes out old hairs to make room for newer ones.

Make sure it's not related to something else. A variety of reasons can trigger hair loss. Hair loss is usually triggered by stress, hormonal imbalance, unhealthy diet, essential vitamins and minerals, certain medications, etc. Whey protein is a protein-rich supplement that is used to boost muscle gains.

Whey protein contains various amino acids that increase protein synthesis in the body. Whey also contains L-Cysteine, which is an amino acid that stimulates hair growth

Although whey may help prevent hair fall, it can also cause hair fall if you are not getting proper nutrition. If you are taking whey proteins but not eating healthy food like fruits and vegetables, it can lead to hair fall or weak hair roots later on.

How to know if a few months of taking Whey Protein will cause you to lose hair?

Just like any other supplement, Whey Protein might . But there are ways to make sure that you don't lose your precious locks.

If you want to prevent losing your hair due to taking Whey Protein, then here are three ways for you to manage it:

1. Reduce the dosage of Whey Protein that you're taking if you're experiencing hair fall. This will lessen the chance for breakage and also minimize the loss of hair growth due to it. You can reduce the dosage until your body can adapt to it. It is advisable to reduce the dosage by 50% since too much Whey Protein can damage your system, specifically your kidneys and liver, triggering hair fall.
2. If reducing the daily dosage won't help, see a doctor recommending vitamins and supplements that can keep balance in your system. If you're allergic to Whey Protein, talk to the doctor about what else you could do because they know what's best for your body type, so listen carefully to what they have to say. They will recommend something that would help ease stress off your hair follicles so they would not be prone to breakage.
3. Most users report experiencing hair loss after using whey protein for about three months or less. However, some have said they experience hair loss after taking whey protein for six months or longer. Whey protein is usually safe to use in the short term; however, some individuals may be more sensitive than others and may experience side effects such as hair loss sooner than others do.

Refer to a clinically approved physician or doctor to know how to promote hair regrowth. A doctor will examine the patient and suggest the best course of treatment.

Though some people think there is no link between whey protein and hair fall, some studies have shown that whey protein might be responsible for this condition. The reasons for which it might affect your hair growth are:

Whey protein is rich in amino acids. A high concentration of amino acids in the blood may reduce the amount of iron present in your body. Iron deficiency leads to anaemia, which can cause hair fall if not treated on time.

Dietary changes can help deal with hair fall. You can incorporate food items that are rich in protein and iron in your diet. Also, it helps to consume more vegetables, fruits, and nuts.However, if you are having this problem for a long time, then consult a physician. Hair loss is not always caused by a lack of protein or iron in the body. Sometimes there can be hormonal or other reasons too, which may affect hair growth.

It is essential to see whether you are suffering from any infections in your scalp because they can cause hair fall. The good news is that once you diagnose the exact reason for hair loss, the chances of regrowth are high.