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This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack
Watch 0:23

This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack

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'Keto Crotch' Is A Thing You Should Probably Know About

'Keto Crotch' Is A Thing You Should Probably Know About

How Do You Know You're In Ketosis?

How Do You Know You're In Ketosis?

The Keto Diet Could Be Wreaking Havoc With Your Gut Health

The Keto Diet Could Be Wreaking Havoc With Your Gut Health

There's One Major Downside To The Keto Diet That No One Is Talking About

There's One Major Downside To The Keto Diet That No One Is Talking About

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{headline}

Halle Berry Just Shared Her Two Fave Keto Snacks And We Want Them Both Right Now

Halle Berry Just Shared Her Two Fave Keto Snacks And We Want Them Both Right Now

The Keto Diet Actually Has The Most Bizarrely Intriguing Backstory

The Keto Diet Actually Has The Most Bizarrely Intriguing Backstory

Healthy Hacks: Keto Choc Chip Christmas Cookies

Healthy Hacks: Keto Choc Chip Christmas Cookies

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{headline}

'I Blended Keto And Intermittent Fasting And Lost 33kg'

'I Blended Keto And Intermittent Fasting And Lost 33kg'

So *That’s* Why Meghan Markle’s Started Wearing Such A Slicked Back Bun

So *That’s* Why Meghan Markle’s Started Wearing Such A Slicked Back Bun

How Kourtney Kardashian Cheats On The Keto Diet Without Gaining Weight

How Kourtney Kardashian Cheats On The Keto Diet Without Gaining Weight

'The "Lazy Keto" Diet Helped Me Lose Nearly 68kgs'

'The "Lazy Keto" Diet Helped Me Lose Nearly 68kgs'

Halle Berry Says She's Really Into Intermittent Fasting On The Keto Diet

Halle Berry Says She's Really Into Intermittent Fasting On The Keto Diet

'I Switched From Veganism To The Keto Diet And Lost 27kgs'

'I Switched From Veganism To The Keto Diet And Lost 27kgs'

Jillian Michaels Urges Fans To Stay Away From The Keto Diet

Jillian Michaels Urges Fans To Stay Away From The Keto Diet

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The Concerning Side Effect Of The Keto Diet No One Is Talking About

Good news: it is reversible. - by Lucy Bode
  • 23 Apr 2019
The Concerning Side Effect Of The Keto Diet No One Is Talking About
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Bad breath? Check. Weird rash? Check. Flu-like symptoms? Check, check, check. Sure, the keto diet may be great for weight loss, but it does cause a whole slew of side effects. Including something not-so-fab (but thankfully temporary): hair loss.

First though, a refresher on what this eating regime actually entails.

RELATED: The Keto Diet Could Be Wreaking Havoc With Your Gut Health

The keto diet involves lots of fat, moderate amounts of protein and very little carbohydrates (20-30 grams per day.) As a result, our blood sugar levels drop and, instead of sugar, the body begins breaking down fat to use as its primary fuel source. This leads to a build-up of acids called ‘ketones’ in the bloodstream - a process known as ‘ketosis.’=

“Weight loss, less brain fog, stable blood sugar levels and better moods are a few of the reasons the keto diet has become so popular,” accredited practising dietician Natalie Von Bertouch tells Women’s Health. “But unfortunately, these benefits aren’t always sustainable in the long run.”

keto diet
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Reason being, limiting your carb and protein intake can cut out many nutritious foods from the diet (e.g. whole grains, legumes, fruit, dairy and starchy veg.)

“This can put a person at risk of developing certain deficiencies and can lead to malnutrition over time,” Von Bertouch explains.

And one of the most common symptoms of malnutrition? You guessed it: hair loss, although it’s not the only plausible trigger: Intermittent fasting can cause disruptions to the metabolism and hormonal processes, which can put the body under significant stress. This can impact the thyroid, your adrenals and can even provoke an autoimmune response – all of which can also contribute to thinning tresses.

RELATED: 'Keto Crotch' Is A Thing You Should Probably Know About 

hair
Getty

The good news? It doesn’t have to be permanent. In fact, by making a few tweaks to your diet and lifestyle (i.e. addressing any deficiencies and eliminating any additional stressors in your life) you can totally counteract this.

That said, if you notice hair loss in conjunction with any of the below symptoms while following the keto diet, it’s worth getting in touch with your doctor:

  • Thirstiness or dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Dry or flushed skin
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Trouble breathing
  • Confusion
  • Abdominal pain

RELATED: 'I Tried The Keto Diet For 3 Weeks – Here's What Happened'

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Lucy Bode
Lucy Bode
Lucy is Women Health’s digital editor, social media specialist and the go-to girl for all things holistic wellness. Her background as a journalist and passion for food, fitness and integrative medicine has led her to write for some of Australia’s leading publications over the course of her career.

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This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack
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'Keto Crotch' Is A Thing You Should Probably Know About

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The Keto Diet Could Be Wreaking Havoc With Your Gut Health

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So *That’s* Why Meghan Markle’s Started Wearing Such A Slicked Back Bun

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'I Switched From Veganism To The Keto Diet And Lost 27kgs'

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