Hair Loss

[Jennfla]

Hey all...long time lurker; first time poster. I have stage 3b kd..I started a plant based diet about a year ago. It has stabilized my labs which is great but I have noticed a lot of hair loss (probably due to limiting protein to 20 grams a day). I know this is silly compared to what we are all going through but I thought some of you might have a solution/recommendation??? Thanks!

[Hidden]

We’re you losing any hair when you were eating meat if not then try to eat a plant based diet which adds more iron and protein.

[Jennfla in reply to Hidden]

I wasn't losing hair before changing diets...I'm can't eat more than 20 grams of protein a day. Thanks!

[Hidden in reply to Jennfla]

Actually, your hair will grow more slowly, just like your finger and toenails will grow slowly with a reduced protein intake. Look at other reasons for the hair loss like excessive stress. Just a thought..

[Jennfla in reply to Hidden]

Thanks....It is a stressful time, for sure!

[userotc]

A leading kidney organisation states up to 1g total protein per kg body weight is ok.

[Kindsong]

Jennfla, I just asked my doctors about my hair loss a week ago ! I am stage 3a, up from 3b just 3 months ago. I have been losing hair for a year...6 months before my diagnosis. My nephrologist, rheumatologist and PCP all say it's not any of my medical conditions causing it. I've lost about 2/3 of my hair. At this point, I am thinking it's stress related. I was losing hair way before I switched to a low protein diet. About "cures": nothing I've read is anything but anecdotal about restoring hair growth. Time is the answer !

[DEZIN]

It could be your diet, or it could be medication. I had hair loss long before I became a vegetarian. I take a vitamin for hair skin and nails that has helped. (a supplement withbiotin promotes hair growth.) I would check with your doctor first.)

[barbara55109]

My hair is falling out too. I fill a hair brush every time I brush and my hands are covered in hair when I wash it. I've seen others with CKD mention it too. If it isn't the CKD could it be the associated anemia and hormone issues?

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

Here is a link to Davita article on hair and nails related to CKD. davita.com/education/kidney...

[Bond-007]

Not silly at all! Hair loss can be a symptom of anemia or some other component of kidney disease. If your Hg is low - its anemia. The plant based diets are great for cardiovascular health but lousy for getting iron. If you are on it / check your B12 & get an iron panel. Don’t do what i did - go on a vegan diet without checking Hg every 2 months. Low Hg makes the heart work harder.