Nourish right for luscious locks

YOU are as busy as can be—whether you are a man or woman, you are juggling tasks and roles both at home and the workplace. The casualty? Your health. You seem to have no time to exercise and even less time to prep meals. An influencer on social media flaunts the 'ideal' body and attributes it to 'intermittent fasting'. You are blown away, ready to jump onto the bandwagon. But before you do so, know that this practice can slow your hair growth and cause it to shed!

- NITIKA KRISHNA

What is intermittent fasting?

"Intermittent fasting is a cyclic methodic schedule wherein there are fasting and non-fasting periods in a day. Simply put, you do not eat for a period of time each day," explains Dr. Rajesh Vukkala, chief consultant - Internal Medicine, Renova Hospitals, Sanath Nagar.

Hair loss logic

The doctor adds that though the periods of fasting may vary according to a person's preference, the practice is, in essence, not advisable. "Intermittent fasting basically deprives your body of important nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and iron. When you underfeed your body, daily internal bodily functions and organs will get affected. So, slow hair growth and hair loss are by-products of this," elaborates Dr. Rajesh.