Intermittent Fasting Affect Hair Growth ?
Does Intermittent Fasting Affect Hair Growth? Here’s What You Should Know
Intermittent fasting (IF) is widely praised for its benefits, including better metabolism and weight control. However, a recent study has brought an interesting twist—it may slow down hair growth. While this might sound alarming, don’t worry just yet! Let’s explore the findings and what they mean for you in a simple, approachable way.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers tested how intermittent fasting affects hair growth by studying mice and later humans. Here’s how the experiment went:
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Mice Study
- Mice were shaved and divided into three groups based on their diets:
- Classic diet (AL): Unlimited food access.
- Intermittent fasting 16:8 (TRF): 8 hours of eating, 16 hours of fasting daily.
- Intermittent fasting every other day (ADF): Food only every other day.
- Results:
- Mice on the classic diet regrew most of their hair within 30 days.
- Mice on intermittent fasting schedules took up to 96 days to show partial hair regrowth
- Mice were shaved and divided into three groups based on their diets:
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Human Trial
- A smaller trial with 49 people showed that fasting for 18 hours a day slowed hair growth by about 18%compared to those on a regular diet.
Why Does This Happen?
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are responsible for hair growth, but they need to stay active to regenerate hair. Here’s what fasting does:
- Fatty Acid Release: During fasting, fat cells release free fatty acids as the body shifts from using glucose to fat for energy.
- Oxidative Stress: These fatty acids accumulate around hair follicles, causing oxidative stress.
- Damage to HFSCs: Oxidative stress produces harmful by-products that damage HFSCs, sometimes leading to cell death (apoptosis).
Interestingly, skin stem cells responsible for maintaining the skin barrier were unaffected because they are better equipped to handle oxidative stress.
It seems that hair loss during fasting is not primarily due to nutritional deficiencies but rather the increased oxidative stress and inflammation caused by fatty acids. This highlights the importance of managing inflammation and protecting HFSCs to maintain healthy hair growth.
Should You Stop Intermittent Fasting?
Not at all! Intermittent fasting offers numerous health benefits, from weight management to improved cell function. However, it’s helpful to be mindful of how it might affect your hair, especially if you’re already dealing with hair loss or thinning.
What Can You Do?
Here are some tips to support your hair health while fasting:
Add Antioxidants to Your Diet:
- Eat foods rich in vitamins E and C, such as nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, berries, and spinach.
- These antioxidants help protect your hair follicles from oxidative stress, promoting healthy hair growth.
Consider Topical Treatments:
- Apply vitamin E or antioxidant-rich serums directly to the scalp to combat oxidative stress.
- Scalp massages with nourishing oils can improve blood circulation and support healthy follicles.
Explore Professional Treatments:
- Carboxytherapy: This treatment reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS), minimizing oxidative stress on hair follicle stem cells.
- Mesotherapy Cocktails: Anti-inflammatory and nourishing ingredients in mesotherapy help reduce inflammation and support follicle health.
Optimize Your Home Care Routine:
- Use a shampoo suitable for your scalp condition.
- Apply lotions and stimulants enriched with active ingredients to nourish the scalp.
- Incorporate scalp peels to remove dead skin cells and enhance product absorption.
- Use hydration lotions and scalp serums to keep the scalp moisturized and balanced.
Try LED Light Therapy:
- Devices like the HairMax comb or bands use low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to promote hair growth, improve circulation, and stimulate hair follicles.
Maintain a Balanced Diet:
- During your eating window, include nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- These provide essential nutrients to support hair and scalp health.
Stay Hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water, even during fasting periods, to keep your hair and scalp hydrated, reducing dryness and brittleness.
Check for Nutritional Deficiencies:
- It’s crucial to ensure you’re not suffering from deficiencies in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin D, or biotin. Addressing these deficiencies can significantly support your hair health, especially during intermittent fasting.
Consult a Professional:
- If you notice significant changes in your hair, such as thinning or slower growth, consult a trichologist or dermatologist. They can recommend tailored treatments and identify any underlying issues.
By combining these steps and addressing potential deficiencies, you can support your hair’s health while continuing intermittent fasting and minimize any potential side effects on your locks.
The Takeaway
Intermittent fasting can slightly slow hair growth, but this effect is mild for most humans. By eating a balanced diet, adding antioxidants, and keeping an eye on your hair health, you can continue enjoying the benefits of fasting without stressing about your locks.
And remember, every individual is different! If you have concerns about hair loss or want to optimize your scalp health, consult a trichology professional for personalized advice.
This information is fascinating and shows how interconnected our body systems are. Intermittent fasting is a powerful tool, but like everything else, it’s about finding balance.