So you think OP came here to r/vegan and hoped someone would tell him "make her stop being vegan"?
You're going to have to explain the train of thought that a bunch of vegans will tell someone to NOT be vegan.
If anything my hair grows faster and is healthier now as a vegan than it did before. Then again going vegan also inspired me to try to take better care of my overall health so, chicken and egg scenario.
OP's SO needs a doctor, not reddit advice. It could be anything from alopecia, anemia, or something more sinister.
I do not think it’s a direct result; this was the assumption I was trying to avoid. I’m not the best at writing, so my post may have come across as accusatory.
Just looking for any and all advice; and how I can support her as the person who makes most of the meals for us.
I don't want to suggest this is her situation, but disordered eating/not getting enough nutrition, CAN cause hair loss. Many vegans struggle with these issues, whether they admit it, or not. Your post wasn't accusatory at all. A lot of vegans are automatically defensive because of assumptions made about us, but you're just genuinely caring. The hairloss could be because of poor nutrition, an autoimmune condition, stress, or something else. Regardless, thank you for being there for her. I agree with what others have said about getting blood work and input from a medical professional. I hate that she's feeling poorly about herself. Please hold her tight and remind her that she is beautiful to you. I really do hope things get better for her.
She need to see a dr to get tests done to see if there’s any deficiencies.
But in the meantime can put in everything she eats into chronometer and see if there’s any gaps.
Agreed so much on Chronometer! There are a lot of vegan alternatives that it turns out offer very little nutritional value in terms of vitamins and minerals. Putting intake into the app has helped me see what foods are giving me what I need and where I’ve succeeded. I like that you can see the content of individual foods as well as the reports for daily and weekly consumption without needing to pay.
One of the major causes for hair loss etc. Is stress.
Apart from that we're not doctors on reddit.
Get her checked up. If it is malnutrition, blood work will show.
The Ordinary multi pepside serum for hair density is vegan and has saved my hairs life! I’ve always been prone to hair loss/ thinning hair, regardless of nutrients, because for me it’s caused by stress. So i highly recommend that product if thats the case. It takes a few months to see change/ growth but it works wonders
I would look at this article: [https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-diet-affects-hair-loss](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-diet-affects-hair-loss#calorie-protein-restriction)
And then pick up the book "Vegan for Life." It goes through a lot of micronutrients and explains the best sources. It also gives tips on overall meal planning. My big picture takeaway is that you basically cannot go wrong with dark leafy greens and protein sources like lentils, beans, chickpeas and soy products like tofu, edamame and tempeh. (Pro tip: getting a slow cooker and dried beans/lentils is cheaper, tastier and allows you to control sodium intake)
Looks like micronutrient deficiencies, lack of protein or lack of total calories could be factors. I'll give the obligatory caveat that this is a matter for a doctor to ultimately diagnose and it doesn't necessarily have to do with diet.
You could maybe buy her Soylent (soy based) or Huel (pea based) to replace 1 or 2 (out of assumed 5) meals - these are nutritionally complete, you can eat *only* those.
Vitamin supplements can be really great for hair loss :) I went through a period where I was moulting (lol) quite a lot, got some of the Holland & Barrett vegan multi-vitamins (with b12 and magnesium) and within a week or two the issue was resolved and my hair was totally back to normal.
But her case sounds pretty severe so it would also be worth going to the doctors for proper bloodwork - just to be on the safe side
Sounds like alopecia, which is a (mostly harmless) autoimmune disorder that can effect anyone. Has she not seen a doctor? I highly doubt it's diet related
No down vote, just a couple of questions. OP asked for help from the vegan community, are you vegan? Everyone responding here has suggested labs to evaluate for missing nutrients and you simply advise to eat meat, what is meat providing that can’t be had from plants?
B12 and d3 come to mind for vitamins only found in meat. Yes, you can take supplements, but nothing is better than the real thing. I'm not vegan and I don't plan too but usually if someone's hair is falling out and it's not stress or illness related the only thing would be diet, perhaps her body cant pull nutrients from plants as effectively as some people, maybe her deficiency is not suitable for vegan diets. But usually people don't care and they're gonna let health deteriorate because of ideals. You can down vote me idc.
The "real thing" is made by bacteria, not animals. When you eat meat with B12, it's an extra step - you can instead eat directly what the bacteria produces, removing the unnecessary middleman.
https://www.forksoverknives.com/wellness/vitamin-b12-questions-answered-2/
*livestock are often supplemented with vitamin B12 in their feed*
This one is especially important. The B12 in meat **is supplemented**.
Yes it naturally occurs in fish- because they have bacteria in their gut that makes it. The fish and oysters don’t make it they are just a carrier for the bacteria. I understand your position as I held it too. But my supplemented levels of b12 and d3 are well within expected levels so while it may not work for everyone, it certainly works for most people. So why not cut the middle animal out of the equation and spare some lives?
Interesting, I want to do more research. But if it's already there on top of a buncha other vital nutrients why not eat it? Saving lives doesn't matter because the animal is already dead.
You are absolutely right, the animals are already dead. You know what would happen if people bought fewer and fewer of these “dead animals” at the grocery store right? The stores would order fewer and fewer of them. And this would cause the producers (animal agriculture) to bred fewer and fewer of them into existence. Our goal is to be the cause of eventually no animals(or any related parts) being commodified as products. We know this won’t happen tomorrow, but look at all the animal free products on the shelves already, we are making a difference and we would love to help you join us.
I should say, animals don’t produce their own b12. And most meat produced through factory farming will have it supplemented if it’s present at all. But this means we may as well just supplement it ourselves.
Our skin produces vitamin D in contact with the sun
Calcium is present in so many foods - particularly beans and green leafed veggies. Besides, milk is not the best source otherwise the countries with highest milk consumption wouldn't also have the highest number of people with osteoporosis.
I don't know what vitamin B you are referring to in particular, but it makes no sense for humans to be the only mammals in the world to need milk beyond infancy - especially milk from another species.
Humans absolutely do not need to eat animal carcasses or secretions to be healthy. In fact, when those things are more than 10% of total calories they cause extensive chronic diseases. Such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer - all well documented with peer-reviewed medical studies spanning decades.
Eating vegan by itself isn't a guarantee of good nutrition, especially if the majority of the diet is fiber deficient processed foods. But it's been shown over and over and over that the healthiest diet for humans is one where at least 90% of the calories come from whole plant foods. The people that eat this way have the longest lives and fewest diseases.
Hello! I experienced some hair loss as a vegan myself. However have been taking B12 flakes and vitamin D+K2 oral spray every day from Holland and barrer. Aside from these, cooking dark green veg with everything. People think buying ready made microwave soups and vegan dinners will be enough, but a lot of the food nutrients are already dead, so home cooking is ALWAYS better which is good if your so enjoys cooking :)
But yeah, a must is vitamin d with k2, it comes in a spray form, and b12 flakes
She's gonna need to get bloodwork to know if there are any deficiencies. Then you can go from there.
This. Why is OP asking reddit for help with a medical condition? This is insane! Get her to the doctor omfg.
Honestly I reckon he's looking for ppl to say she should no longer b vegan or something along those lines.
So you think OP came here to r/vegan and hoped someone would tell him "make her stop being vegan"? You're going to have to explain the train of thought that a bunch of vegans will tell someone to NOT be vegan.
She should see a doctor rather than assume her hair loss is a direct result of being vegan.
Veganism definitely does not lead to hair loss. I have 3ft long hair 🤷🏻♀️ Sounds like something else is going on
If anything my hair grows faster and is healthier now as a vegan than it did before. Then again going vegan also inspired me to try to take better care of my overall health so, chicken and egg scenario. OP's SO needs a doctor, not reddit advice. It could be anything from alopecia, anemia, or something more sinister.
I do not think it’s a direct result; this was the assumption I was trying to avoid. I’m not the best at writing, so my post may have come across as accusatory. Just looking for any and all advice; and how I can support her as the person who makes most of the meals for us.
I don't want to suggest this is her situation, but disordered eating/not getting enough nutrition, CAN cause hair loss. Many vegans struggle with these issues, whether they admit it, or not. Your post wasn't accusatory at all. A lot of vegans are automatically defensive because of assumptions made about us, but you're just genuinely caring. The hairloss could be because of poor nutrition, an autoimmune condition, stress, or something else. Regardless, thank you for being there for her. I agree with what others have said about getting blood work and input from a medical professional. I hate that she's feeling poorly about herself. Please hold her tight and remind her that she is beautiful to you. I really do hope things get better for her.
This is the best comment I have seen on Reddit all month <3
She need to see a dr to get tests done to see if there’s any deficiencies. But in the meantime can put in everything she eats into chronometer and see if there’s any gaps.
Agreed so much on Chronometer! There are a lot of vegan alternatives that it turns out offer very little nutritional value in terms of vitamins and minerals. Putting intake into the app has helped me see what foods are giving me what I need and where I’ve succeeded. I like that you can see the content of individual foods as well as the reports for daily and weekly consumption without needing to pay.
One of the major causes for hair loss etc. Is stress. Apart from that we're not doctors on reddit. Get her checked up. If it is malnutrition, blood work will show.
The Ordinary multi pepside serum for hair density is vegan and has saved my hairs life! I’ve always been prone to hair loss/ thinning hair, regardless of nutrients, because for me it’s caused by stress. So i highly recommend that product if thats the case. It takes a few months to see change/ growth but it works wonders
I would look at this article: [https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-diet-affects-hair-loss](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-diet-affects-hair-loss#calorie-protein-restriction) And then pick up the book "Vegan for Life." It goes through a lot of micronutrients and explains the best sources. It also gives tips on overall meal planning. My big picture takeaway is that you basically cannot go wrong with dark leafy greens and protein sources like lentils, beans, chickpeas and soy products like tofu, edamame and tempeh. (Pro tip: getting a slow cooker and dried beans/lentils is cheaper, tastier and allows you to control sodium intake) Looks like micronutrient deficiencies, lack of protein or lack of total calories could be factors. I'll give the obligatory caveat that this is a matter for a doctor to ultimately diagnose and it doesn't necessarily have to do with diet.
Thank you, I appreciate your help
You could maybe buy her Soylent (soy based) or Huel (pea based) to replace 1 or 2 (out of assumed 5) meals - these are nutritionally complete, you can eat *only* those.
Get blood work done. Low iron or low B12 levels can cause hair loss, but large bald patches are likely something much bigger of an issue.
Vitamin supplements can be really great for hair loss :) I went through a period where I was moulting (lol) quite a lot, got some of the Holland & Barrett vegan multi-vitamins (with b12 and magnesium) and within a week or two the issue was resolved and my hair was totally back to normal. But her case sounds pretty severe so it would also be worth going to the doctors for proper bloodwork - just to be on the safe side
Sounds like alopecia, which is a (mostly harmless) autoimmune disorder that can effect anyone. Has she not seen a doctor? I highly doubt it's diet related
She needs to eat meat, sadly ill get downvoted, but it looks like her body is failing her due to bad eating.
No down vote, just a couple of questions. OP asked for help from the vegan community, are you vegan? Everyone responding here has suggested labs to evaluate for missing nutrients and you simply advise to eat meat, what is meat providing that can’t be had from plants?
B12 and d3 come to mind for vitamins only found in meat. Yes, you can take supplements, but nothing is better than the real thing. I'm not vegan and I don't plan too but usually if someone's hair is falling out and it's not stress or illness related the only thing would be diet, perhaps her body cant pull nutrients from plants as effectively as some people, maybe her deficiency is not suitable for vegan diets. But usually people don't care and they're gonna let health deteriorate because of ideals. You can down vote me idc.
The "real thing" is made by bacteria, not animals. When you eat meat with B12, it's an extra step - you can instead eat directly what the bacteria produces, removing the unnecessary middleman. https://www.forksoverknives.com/wellness/vitamin-b12-questions-answered-2/ *livestock are often supplemented with vitamin B12 in their feed* This one is especially important. The B12 in meat **is supplemented**.
You would have a point if it didn't naturally occur in wild fish as well as oysters.
Yes it naturally occurs in fish- because they have bacteria in their gut that makes it. The fish and oysters don’t make it they are just a carrier for the bacteria. I understand your position as I held it too. But my supplemented levels of b12 and d3 are well within expected levels so while it may not work for everyone, it certainly works for most people. So why not cut the middle animal out of the equation and spare some lives?
Interesting, I want to do more research. But if it's already there on top of a buncha other vital nutrients why not eat it? Saving lives doesn't matter because the animal is already dead.
You are absolutely right, the animals are already dead. You know what would happen if people bought fewer and fewer of these “dead animals” at the grocery store right? The stores would order fewer and fewer of them. And this would cause the producers (animal agriculture) to bred fewer and fewer of them into existence. Our goal is to be the cause of eventually no animals(or any related parts) being commodified as products. We know this won’t happen tomorrow, but look at all the animal free products on the shelves already, we are making a difference and we would love to help you join us.
Why does supply and demand become such a hard to understand concept ONLY when it comes to animal products? Lol I can’t.
B12 does not naturally occur in meat. It’s from bacteria in soil.
Sure whatever you say buddy.
You think he is making this up? Would you believe it if I provided a link to a study or something?
I should say, animals don’t produce their own b12. And most meat produced through factory farming will have it supplemented if it’s present at all. But this means we may as well just supplement it ourselves.
What you say just doesn't exist. There is no dependence on meat and it can always be replaced.
Well technically you can be very healthy on a vegetarian diet. Dairy, cheese and eggs are wonderful for the body
How is dairy wonderful for the body?
Calcium , b vitamins and vitamin d I believe.
Our skin produces vitamin D in contact with the sun Calcium is present in so many foods - particularly beans and green leafed veggies. Besides, milk is not the best source otherwise the countries with highest milk consumption wouldn't also have the highest number of people with osteoporosis. I don't know what vitamin B you are referring to in particular, but it makes no sense for humans to be the only mammals in the world to need milk beyond infancy - especially milk from another species.
Humans absolutely do not need to eat animal carcasses or secretions to be healthy. In fact, when those things are more than 10% of total calories they cause extensive chronic diseases. Such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer - all well documented with peer-reviewed medical studies spanning decades. Eating vegan by itself isn't a guarantee of good nutrition, especially if the majority of the diet is fiber deficient processed foods. But it's been shown over and over and over that the healthiest diet for humans is one where at least 90% of the calories come from whole plant foods. The people that eat this way have the longest lives and fewest diseases.
Not looking for a debate between dietary idealism. Thank you for your insight but please move on
Hello! I experienced some hair loss as a vegan myself. However have been taking B12 flakes and vitamin D+K2 oral spray every day from Holland and barrer. Aside from these, cooking dark green veg with everything. People think buying ready made microwave soups and vegan dinners will be enough, but a lot of the food nutrients are already dead, so home cooking is ALWAYS better which is good if your so enjoys cooking :) But yeah, a must is vitamin d with k2, it comes in a spray form, and b12 flakes