Intermittent fasting, a popular dietary method, involves restricting food intake to an 8-hour window, often leading to skipped meals. While it offers benefits like improved insulin sensitivity and cellular health, recent research highlights a potential downside: slower hair regeneration. A study showed that mice on this diet experienced significantly delayed hair regrowth. A clinical trial with young adults confirmed an 18% reduction in hair growth rate, though side effects were milder in humans due to metabolic differences.
Understanding Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting has gained significant traction as a popular dietary method in recent times. The concept is straightforward: it involves limiting food intake to a specific time window, typically following a 16/8 schedule, which entails fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour period. This approach often leads individuals to forgo breakfast or dinner, all while ensuring they meet their daily caloric requirements within a condensed timeframe.
The Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Hair Health
The primary aim of intermittent fasting is to grant the digestive system an extended period of rest, allowing the body to recharge. Research indicates that this dietary strategy may enhance insulin sensitivity and contribute positively to longevity and cellular health, including reduced inflammation and improved cellular regeneration. Yet, recent findings have uncovered a concerning side effect regarding hair health.
A study conducted by a biologist from Westlake University in China discovered that while mice on an intermittent fasting regimen exhibited improved metabolic health compared to those with unrestricted food access, they demonstrated significantly slower hair regeneration. In the experiment, control mice that were shaved had their hair fully regrow within 30 days, whereas the mice on the intermittent fasting diet only achieved partial regrowth after 96 days.
This delayed hair regeneration may be attributed to the effects of intermittent fasting on hair follicle stem cells. The fasting process compels the body to utilize its glucose reserves, inducing a state of “stress.” Unfortunately, hair follicle stem cells are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which can hinder their ability to renew and regenerate effectively.
To further investigate the impact of intermittent fasting on hair health, researchers conducted a clinical trial with 49 healthy young adults. The goal was to determine whether similar effects observed in mice would also be seen in humans. The trial revealed that following an intermittent fasting diet, with 18 hours of fasting each day, resulted in an average decrease in hair growth rate by 18% when compared to individuals not following this dietary pattern.
It’s essential to note that the side effects of intermittent fasting are less pronounced in humans than in mice. This discrepancy can be attributed to the differences in metabolism between the two species. Mice have a significantly higher metabolic rate, making them more susceptible to dietary changes that can directly influence their metabolism.