HairgrowthUK

Vera Peiffer
BA FAPHP MFHT BSYG (Herb.)

Soya and hair loss

Soya is a very common food allergen and it has a very important connection with hair loss.

Soya is loaded with trypsin inhibitors. Trypsin is an important enzyme that helps with the digestion of proteins. Proteins are very important for hair growth. In test animals, diets high in trypsin inhibitors led to stunted growth and pancreatic disorders.

Soya also contains goitrogens which inhibit thyroid function, and since hypothyroidism (underfunction of the thyroid)  is already on the increase, soya puts you further at risk. An underfunctioning thyroid is often at the bottom of hair loss problems.

Soya foods also contain high levels of aluminium which is toxic to the nervous system and kidneys. They also contain high levels of the hormone estrogen. Some  soya baby foods contain the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills!  A study at Belfast’s Royal Maternity Hospital indicates that phytoestrogens decrease sperm quality, leading to infertility in men.

Soya also contains high levels of phytic acid which reduces absorption of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Vegetarians who consume tofu and soya milk as their main source of protein risk severe mineral deficiencies.

I would advise you to stay away from soya altogether, whether you have hair loss or not. This includes soya sprouts, soya beans (edamame beans), soya milk, soya sauce, tofu, tempeh, miso and natto.

1 thought on “Soya and hair loss”

  1. This is a very good question; thank you for asking it. It does not follow that just because you eat soya, your hair is falling out. I know European and Asian people who eat soya every day and who have a thick head of hair.
    The question is not whether a particular ethnicity has a problem with a food but whether a particular INDIVIDUAL has a problem with food. No two people are alike.
    What I am saying is that if you are healthy and have no problems with your hair, continue to enjoy your soya and miso! Your body is clearly happy with this food. However, if you have problems with your hair, then you need to look at what is causing this problem, and with my clients here at the practice, I find that a great number of them are intolerant to soya. – Hope this answer helps.

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