Could Intermittent Fasting Be Thinning Your Hair?
Intermittent fasting has gained immense popularity as a weight-loss strategy and a potential way to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. But a new study published in the journal Cell suggests that this popular diet may come with an unexpected side effect: hair loss.
Researchers investigated the impact of two common intermittent fasting regimens – the 16/8 method (restricting food intake to an 8-hour window followed by a 16-hour fast) and alternate-day fasting (alternating between 24-hour fasts and normal eating days) – on hair growth in mice.
The results were striking.Mice subjected to intermittent fasting experienced a critically important slowdown in hair growth. The researchers found that fasting disrupted the activation of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs), leading to increased oxidative stress and cell damage within these crucial cells. This ultimately resulted in a halt in the hair growth cycle and a higher rate of HFSC death.
While the study focused on mice, the researchers conducted a follow-up study on 49 healthy young adults to see if similar effects were observed in humans. The human study found that intermittent fasting did not directly impact hair density. However, hair growth was noticeably slower in the fasting groups, with an average 18% reduction compared to the control group. additionally, many of the newly grown hairs were thinner.
The researchers theorize that the body may prioritize resources for vital organs like the brain and skin barrier during fasting, possibly leading to a decrease in resources available for hair follicle regeneration.
While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of intermittent fasting on hair health, these findings suggest that individuals concerned about hair loss should proceed with caution and consult with a healthcare professional before adopting this dietary approach.
Could Intermittent Fasting Be Thinning Your Hair? A Conversation With a Diet expert
Time.news Editor: Dr. Zhang, thank you for joining us today. Your recent research published in Cell has sparked a lot of conversation about the potential connection between intermittent fasting and hair loss. Can you walk us through your findings?
Dr. Bing Zhang: Certainly! Our study explored the impact of two common intermittent fasting regimens – the 16/8 method and alternate-day fasting – on hair growth in mice. We observed a significant slowdown in hair growth in the fasted animals.
Time.news Editor: That’s quite striking. What exactly caused this slowdown in hair growth?
Dr. Bing Zhang: We found that fasting disrupted the activation of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs), the cells responsible for initiating hair growth. This disruption lead to increased oxidative stress and cell damage within these crucial cells, ultimately halting the hair growth cycle and increasing the death of HFSCs.
Time.news Editor: So, this research was conducted on mice. Do these findings translate to humans?
Dr. Bing Zhang: We wanted to investigate that,so we followed up with a study involving 49 healthy young adults. While we didn’t see a direct impact on hair density,we did observe a noticeable slowdown in hair growth in the fasting groups,with around an 18% reduction compared to the control group. Additionally, many of the newly grown hairs were thinner.
Time.news Editor: That’s concerning for people who are considering intermittent fasting for weight loss or health benefits.What are your thoughts on that?
Dr. Bing Zhang:
I think it’s significant to approach intermittent fasting with caution, especially if you have concerns about hair loss. It truly seems the body might prioritize resources for vital organs during fasting,potentially leaving less available for hair follicle regeneration.
Time.news editor: What advice would you give to someone who is considering intermittent fasting but is worried about hair loss?
Dr. Bing Zhang: I recommend consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before starting any fasting regimen. They can help you assess your individual needs and risks, and determine if intermittent fasting is appropriate for you. It’s also crucial to monitor your body closely for any changes in hair growth or other symptoms and adjust your approach or seek medical advice if needed.
