A regimen claimed to be 'superhealthy' may possibly lead to a halt in hair growth.
Intermittent Fasting and Its Impact on Hair Growth
Intermittent fasting, a dietary strategy that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, has been linked to numerous health benefits. However, a recent study suggests that this method may have unfavorable effects on hair growth for some individuals.
Researchers from Westlake University in Zhejiang, China conducted a study on mice and human subjects to investigate the impact of intermittent fasting on hair regeneration. The findings indicate that fasting may inhibit hair growth, rather than boosting it as previously thought.
In the mouse study, two intermittent fasting regimens were tested: time-restricted eating with an 8-hour eating window and 16-hour fasting period, and alternate-day fasting. The researchers were expecting to see improvements in hair stem cells, similar to those observed in other tissue types. Instead, they discovered that both fasting regimens resulted in slower hair regeneration compared to the control group with unlimited access to food.
The results were also replicated in a group of 49 healthy young adults, who experienced a significant decrease in the speed of hair growth after 10 days of 18 hours of fasting per day.
However, the study offers some promising news for those who wish to reap the benefits of intermittent fasting while minimizing the potential hair loss risks. Antioxidants, which are known to neutralize free radicals, were found to help hair follicles survive fasting and become active again. Application of vitamin E to the scalp and increasing antioxidant intake through food or supplements may provide a solution for individuals concerned about hair loss during intermittent fasting.
While it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with intermittent fasting, it's also important to keep in mind that the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks. For better health outcomes, it's recommended to address any potential deficiencies, focus on nutrient-dense foods during the eating window, and consider supplementing with B vitamins and minerals. Additionally, incorporating healthy fats and antioxidant-rich foods can support overall health and potentially mitigate hair growth issues during fasting.
Sources:- Intermittent fasting inhibits hair regeneration in mice - Science Daily
- The unexpected findings in a study suggest that supplements containing antioxidants, such as vitamin E, may help hair follicles survive fasting and become active again, potentially mitigating hair growth issues during intermittent fasting.
- In light of the study's implications for skin care, individuals concerned about hair loss during intermittent fasting may benefit from applying vitamin E to their scalp and increasing their antioxidant intake through food or supplements.
- As science continues to uncover the effects of intermittent fasting on health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts should consider addressing potential deficiencies, focusing on nutrient-dense foods during the eating window, and supplementing with B vitamins and minerals for better health outcomes, which may potentially help alleviate hair growth concerns.
