Intermittent Fasting and Hair Loss: A Surprising New Link
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Intermittent fasting (IF), a popular weight-loss method involving time-restricted eating, has garnered significant attention. While touted for its potential benefits, a groundbreaking new study published in the journal Cell suggests a potential downside: inhibition of hair growth.
Understanding Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting involves consuming all daily calories within a specific window, typically eight to twelve hours, followed by a fasting period. While short-term studies (three months to a year) have shown positive effects like weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, a 2023 International Food Council survey revealed that over 12% of U.S. respondents had tried this diet.
The potential Downsides of Intermittent Fasting
The rising popularity of IF has prompted further research, revealing potential drawbacks.Data presented at an American Heart association conference earlier this year analyzed over 20,000 U.S.adults over eight to seventeen years, finding a 91% increased risk of cardiovascular death among those consuming all their food within less than eight hours daily.
Other studies have linked IF to disrupted sleep cycles and various gastrointestinal issues. Now, a new concern emerges: hair loss.
The Link Between Intermittent Fasting and Hair Loss
the December 13th Cell study, titled “Intermittent fasting triggers interorgan communication to suppress hair follicle regeneration,” provides evidence suggesting a connection. The study states: “Commonly used intermittent fasting regimens inhibit hair follicle regeneration by selectively inducing apoptosis [programmed cell death] in activated hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs).”
Researchers observed slower hair regeneration in mice subjected to IF compared to those with continuous food access. While a small clinical trial showed similar,albeit likely less severe,results in humans (due to slower human metabolic rates and different hair growth patterns),further research is needed.
How Does Intermittent Fasting Affect Hair Growth?
The study indicates that IF inhibits hair growth because hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) struggle to manage the oxidative stress associated with the metabolic shift from glucose to fat utilization during fasting. HFSCs cycle between active and dormant phases; regrowth depends on activation. While control mice (with constant food access) maintained activated HFSCs after shaving, mice on IF experienced apoptosis in their activated HFSCs during fasting periods.
“During fasting, adipose tissue starts to release free fatty acids, and these fatty acids enter the HFSCs that were recently activated, but these stem cells don’t have the right machinery to use them,” explained Bing Zhang, senior author and stem cell biologist at Westlake University in Zhejiang, China, to Cell Press. Zhang also cautioned, “The human population is very heterogeneous, so the effects might be different for different people.”
While this study raises importent questions, larger-scale studies are crucial to fully understand the relationship between intermittent fasting and hair loss in diverse populations.
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Intermittent Fasting and Hair Loss: Separating Fact from Fiction
A new study suggesting a link between intermittent fasting (IF) and hair loss has sparked debate. World-today-News Senior Editor, Emily Carter, sits down with Dr. Sarah Lewis, a leading trichologist and hair loss specialist, too discuss the findings and their implications.
Emily Carter: Dr.Lewis,thank you for joining us today. Could you tell us about this new study and it’s implications for people who practise intermittent fasting?
Dr. Sarah Lewis: Certainly, Emily.This study published in Cell suggests that intermittent fasting might negatively impact hair growth in mice.the researchers found that IF led to increased cell death in activated hair follicles stem cells. These are the cells responsible for hair regeneration. While intriguing,these findings are preliminary and were conducted on mice,not humans.
Emily Carter: so, should people who practice intermittent fasting be worried about hair loss?
Dr. Sarah Lewis: It’s too early to say for sure. While the study provides compelling evidence, more research is needed to confirm these findings in humans. Moreover,hair growth is a complex process influenced by numerous factors,including genetics,hormones,and overall health. Intermittent fasting is just one piece of the puzzle.
Emily Carter: This study talks about the role of free fatty acids released during fasting. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Sarah Lewis: The study proposes that when the body fasts, it starts utilizing fat for energy. This leads to an increased release of free fatty acids. The hair follicle stem cells, wich are designed to work with glucose (sugar) as their primary energy source, seem to struggle to handle these fatty acids efficiently. This metabolic stress possibly contributes to the cell death observed in the study.
emily Carter: Are there any preventative measures people on intermittent fasting can take to protect their hair?
Dr. Sarah Lewis: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients is crucial for overall hair health, regardless of your eating habits. Staying hydrated and managing stress levels are also important.If someone experiences noticeable hair loss, consulting with a dermatologist or trichologist is advisable.
Emily Carter: This is certainly a topic that warrants further investigation. Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Lewis.
