Suche
Mein Konto
Fasting: subtle influence on our hair growth discovered!
New studies show that intermittent fasting can slow hair growth. Find out the background and health effects.
Fasting: subtle influence on our hair growth discovered!
Intermittent fasting, considered an effective method for losing weight, could have unexpected negative effects. A comprehensive study published in the journal Cell shows that hair growth may be reduced in both mice and humans when prolonged periods of food abstinence are observed. The researchers, led by Bing Zhang of Westlake University in China, found that mice that fasted using the 8:16 method, in which they abstained from food for 16 hours, had significantly less hair growth than their non-fasting counterparts. The study found that hair growth was delayed by 96 days in the fasting mice, while the control group saw a complete return of hair growth after 30 days, as reported on the Welt.de website.
In addition to studying hair growth, the research also looked at the body's biological responses to prolonged fasting. According to another study published in Nature Metabolism, researchers have found that during intermittent fasting, energy metabolism switches and the body adapts by maximizing the use of the body's reserves, particularly fat. These findings could open up new perspectives on the health effects of fasting, but also show that drastic changes in the protein composition of the blood occur during longer periods of fasting. In the study, participants reported losing about 5.7 kg during a seven-day water fast, with the protein changes indicating adjustments in overall body function, reports the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH).
Important insights about fasting
These latest studies show that many people who expect great health benefits from intermittent fasting may face side effects such as slowed hair growth. However, Zhang emphasized that fasting can also have positive effects for some people. It is crucial to be aware of the unexpected effects as psychologists like Claudia Langenberg continue to study the effects of long-term changes in metabolism and protein biology.
Welt.de reported on the study on the impairment of hair growth.
The BIH provides further information on the health effects of fasting.