Men grappling with hair loss may need to reconsider their beverage choices, according to Dr. Neena Chandrasekaran, a specialist in pulmonary and critical care. In a TikTok segment titled “Things They Don’t Tell You,” she highlights the potential impact of sugary drinks on hair health.

Dr. Chandrasekaran points to recent studies suggesting that sodas and energy drinks might play a role in hair loss and anxiety among men. The culprit, she notes, is the high sugar content and additives found in these drinks, which can upset the body’s hormonal balance and harm overall well-being.

Research conducted in China has drawn connections between the frequent consumption of sugar-laden beverages, such as carbonated and energy drinks, and an increased risk of male pattern baldness in younger men.

The study’s authors indicate that excessive sugary drink intake might trigger biological stress and inflammatory processes, which could adversely affect hair health.

Dr. Chandrasekaran further elaborates on how these sugary drinks might affect the body, emphasizing that while they aren’t a direct cause, they can contribute to hair thinning and loss.

She explains, “The high caffeine levels in these drinks can elevate cortisol, the stress hormone, while too much sugar is associated with poor circulation and inflammation, both of which can weaken hair follicles and lead to increased hair loss.”

High cortisol, a condition caused by excessive stress, combined with sugar-driven inflammation and reduced blood flow, creates conditions that can weaken the tiny hair follicles.

When follicles are compromised, this can directly contribute to hair thinning and shredding. However, these effects do not stop at the scalp; they can also affect other parts of the body.

Dr Chandrasekaran noted that high cortisol levels and sugar, together, can also “exacerbate feelings of anxiety and overstimulate the nervous system” which can also contribute to hair loss.

She explained: “The heightened state of stress also leads to hair loss as this creates more inflammation.”

As a final word of warning told her viewers, “If you notice yourself losing more hair and feeling more anxious, cut these products out.”