Decoding Hair Digestibility: What Happens When You Swallow Hair?

Hair is a common component of many animals, including humans. While hair is important for insulation and protection, it can also be a nuisance when it is shed or becomes tangled. Many people wonder if hair can be digested or not, and what happens when we swallow it. In this blog post, we will explore the science behind hair digestion.

Can Hair Be Digested?

The short answer is no, hair cannot be digested by the human digestive system. This is because hair is made up of a protein called keratin, which is not easily broken down by the enzymes in our digestive tract.

When we swallow hair, it passes through our digestive system intact and is eventually excreted in our stool. While it is possible to swallow a small amount of hair without any adverse effects, consuming large quantities of hair can lead to health problems.

Trichophagia

Trichophagia is a condition in which a person compulsively eats their own hair. This condition is also known as hair-pulling disorder, and it is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

When a person with trichophagia eats their hair, it can lead to a condition called a trichobezoar. A trichobezoar is a mass of hair that becomes tangled in the stomach or intestines, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Trichobezoars can be treated with surgery, but they can be difficult to remove if they become very large or if they have been present for a long time.

Hairballs in Animals

While humans cannot digest hair, some animals are able to. Cats, for example, are known for their ability to regurgitate hairballs. This is because cats have small spines on their tongues that are designed to help them groom their fur. When a cat grooms itself, it swallows small amounts of hair, which can accumulate in the stomach and form a hairball.

In most cases, a cat will be able to regurgitate a hairball without any problem. However, if the hairball becomes too large, it can cause a blockage in the digestive tract, which can be a serious problem.

Other animals, such as cows, are also able to digest hair. This is because cows have a four-chambered stomach that is designed to break down tough plant material, including hair.

Hair in Food

While hair cannot be digested, it is sometimes found in food. This can happen when hair accidentally gets mixed in with food during processing or preparation.

While finding hair in your food can be unpleasant, it is generally not harmful. The risk of ingesting harmful bacteria or other contaminants through hair is low, as long as the food is properly cooked and handled.

However, if you are concerned about finding hair in your food, it is always a good idea to speak to the restaurant or food manufacturer and report the issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hair cannot be digested by the human digestive system. While consuming small amounts of hair is generally not harmful, ingesting large quantities of hair can lead to health problems, including trichobezoars.

While some animals, such as cats and cows, are able to digest hair, humans are not. Hair in food is generally not harmful, but it is important to report any concerns to the restaurant or food manufacturer.

Overall, it is best to avoid consuming hair whenever possible, and to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms after ingesting hair.