Alcohol and it's Contribution to Hair Loss
Mommy Wine Culture Or Your Reliable Night Cap May Be Creating Your Symptoms…
How Does Alcohol Impact Your Gut, Liver & Hair?
That “harmless” nightly glass of wine or weekend cocktail binge might be doing more than just dehydrating you, it could be silently sabotaging your gut, liver, and even your hair. Alcohol feeds gut dysbiosis (the imbalance of bacteria colonies), by wiping out beneficial bacteria and increasing intestinal issues (hello, leaky gut!), flooding your system with toxins that overburden the liver. So basically, alcohol damages your body’s microbiome, and when your microbiome gets damaged it sets off a chain reaction within your body. It weakens your detox pathways, creates hormonal issues, and depletes hair nutrients like biotin, silica, and zinc.
The result? Shedding, slower growth, and brittle dry strands. A naturopathic approach targets gut repair, liver support, and nutrient replenishment because true hair health starts from within, not just at the scalp. Now, let’s see how each plays a critical role in restoring balance and preventing the unhealthy effects of alcohol on your hair, skin, and overall vitality.
Gut Repair: The Rebuilding Of The Microbiome And Gut Lining.
A good gut microbiome is the foundation of overall health including the strength and vibrancy of your hair. Your microbiome is the collection of all the bacteria, yeast & potential parasites living within your GI tract. The goal is that this collection of organisms is a happy well-balanced group that works together for your greater good. When alcohol disrupts this delicate ecosystem, harmful bacteria flourish while beneficial microbes struggle to survive. This imbalance leads to chronic inflammation, poor digestion, and nutrient malabsorption, all of which impact hair growth and quality.
To repair the gut, a naturopathic or holistic approach prioritizes the basics functional support and support of the important players within the system. This is best done once all of the anatomical concerns are ruled out. At ISAIH Natural Medicine our providers consider probiotics, prebiotics (the food you eat- so we chat about your diet!), and gut-healing compounds like L-glutamine, collagen, bone broth and more. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir can replenish beneficial bacteria. Sourcing of these fermented foods is vital to choosing beneficial bacteria and making sure those bacteria are still living once you finally get to enjoy that food. Avoiding inflammatory foods (this can be specific to you or could be from the following), added sugars, processed grains, seed oils, and watching your caffeine consumption. Ideas like these, once tailored to your individual needs, allow the gut lining to heal. This ultimately reduces risks and prevents the many issues caused by leaky gut syndrome otherwise known as intestinal permeability.
As your gut restores balance the body can once again deliver essential vitamins and minerals to the hair follicles to promote growth and prevent loss. But gut health is just one piece of the puzzle. Next, we turn to the liver, the body’s powerhouse for detoxification and a critical player in keeping your hair strong, thick, and resilient.
Strengthening The Body’s Detox Powerhouse
Your liver is your body’s primary detoxification organ, filtering out toxins, metabolizing hormones, and breaking down challenging substances like alcohol. But when alcohol is consumed regularly, the liver becomes overburdened, struggling to clear out these harmful compounds. This toxic overload disrupts hormonal balance, slows metabolism, and depletes essential nutrients impacting, you guessed it, your hair growth and quality.
Research shows that chronic alcohol consumption significantly affects liver function, increasing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to systemic health issues, including hair loss. A study in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology explores the liver’s role in metabolizing key nutrients necessary for hair growth, such as biotin and zinc, which alcohol consumption can deplete. When trying to treat hair loss, thinning or excessive shedding, the liver really is at the root.
A run down liver leads to an excess of androgens (hormones linked to hair thinning such as testosterone, DHEA or DHT) and impairs the production of glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant. Without proper liver function, the bloodstream becomes flooded with waste that damages hair follicles and accelerates shedding. Supporting liver health starts with eliminating alcohol and incorporating liver-loving nutrients. Bitter greens like dandelion and arugula, sulfur-rich foods like garlic and onions, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Herbs like milk thistle and turmeric protect liver cells, while staying hydrated and an easy task like consuming lemon water in the morning can encourage bile flow and toxin elimination.
By strengthening the liver, you can restore your hormones, improve circulation, and allow the body to better nourish the scalp and follicles. But for truly resilient, healthy hair, one more key element must be addressed: replenishing the essential nutrients that alcohol depletes.
Nutrient Replenishment: Restoring The Building Blocks Of Strong, Healthy Hair
Alcohol doesn’t just dehydrate your body, it robs it of the needed nutrients for strong, thick, and healthy hair. As said earlier, chronic consumption depletes vital vitamins and minerals, disrupting the delicate balance required for optimal hair health. Key hair-building nutrients like biotin, zinc, silica, and vitamin B12 are all compromised when the body is in a constant state of depletion and oxidative stress.
A study published in Alcohol Research: Current Reviews explains how excessive alcohol consumption leads to lack of absorption of essential nutrients, particularly those involved in cell growth and repair. Zinc, for example, plays a direct role in your hair function, and a deficiency has been linked to hair thinning and excessive shedding, as noted in a review published in Dermatology and Therapy.
To replenish these lost nutrients and restore hair health, a nutrient-dense diet is crucial. Prioritizing whole foods rich in:
Biotin (eggs, nuts, and seeds) to strengthen hair strands and prevent breakage
Zinc (pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and oysters) to regulate hair follicle function
Silica (cucumbers, bell peppers, and bananas) to enhance hair elasticity and shine
B vitamins (leafy greens, avocados, and grass-fed meats) to promote blood circulation and hair growth
Additionally, collagen peptides and omega-3 can help to combat inflammation and support hair health. Supplementing wisely can further accelerate recovery and restore hair’s natural vibrancy. By focusing on gut repair, liver support, and nutrient replenishment, you address hair loss at its root (literally and figuratively). True hair health begins from within, and taking a naturopathic approach ensures your body is equipped to rebuild, restore, and thrive.
The Bottom Line: Healing From The Inside Out.
Your hair is a reflection of your inner health, and alcohol’s impact runs deeper than just dehydration or dullness. It disrupts the gut, burdens the liver, and depletes nutrients needed for strong, healthy hair. By addressing these root causes with a naturopathic approach, you create the optimal foundation for vibrant beautiful hair.
Rather than relying on treatments alone, true hair restoration begins internally. Prioritizing whole foods, reducing alcohol consumption, and supporting your body’s natural detox, will not only improve your hair but also enhance your skin, energy levels, and overall vitality. If you’re experiencing shedding, breakage, or sluggish growth, consider this: your body may be asking for balance. Nourish it wisely, and your hair will thank you.
If you are looking for more individualized support, check out our website today to see if we would be a good fit for you!
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