ATD: I Was on The Cookie Diet… Why is My Hair Falling Out?

Answer:

Dear Lucy,

I’m not sure exactly what form of the cookie diet you have been on. There is one written by a physician (Dr. Siegal’s Cookie Diet) that consists of eating certain cookies that are made to eat several times a day whenever you get hungry and they provide some nutrition; then you add a dinner meal to it consisting of lean protein and vegetables. Critics point out that the total of 800 calories you receive on this diet is an extremely unhealthy level for any length of time.

After more than five months of eating cookies (“healthy” ones or not) and virtually nothing else, you may very well have a protein deficiency which can be manifested by hair loss. Of course, protein deficiency is not the only reason for hair loss. You should see your physician as soon as possible as this is an indication that something is not right with your body’s normal functioning. There’s a very high likelihood that whatever is causing this condition is reversible.

I am glad to hear you’ve been taking a vitamin supplement during this time and hope it also contained essential minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium (among others). If not, a mineral deficiency could explain the hair loss. You will need to get back to a balanced diet and your physician may prescribe certain supplements to restore the balance of nutrients in your body for good health.

Readers be warned again; do not attempt fad diets which limit food groups or nutrient groups. This is hazardous to your health and not worth whatever weight you lose!

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