Studies have conclusively shown that men who have Androgenetic Alopecia,(AGA) have high levels of insulin compared to nonbalding controls. Not surprisingly, there is a high incidence of insulin resistance among those with male and female pattern hair loss.

      Studies have also demonstrated positive correlations between insulin resistance and hair loss, and disturbingly with heart disease as well.

      In a nutshell, when you eat high glycemic index foods(sugar, white flour, processed grains), the pancreas releases higher amounts of insulin to lower the blood sugar, causing triglyceride levels to increase. The fat stores in the liver increase, which increases the demand for even more insulin, which in turn impacts the fat cells and brain, creating an ongoing cycle that causes you to strongly desire more high glycemic carbs.

      Over time, elevated blood sugar levels result in higher cortisol levels, inflammation and free radicals , which have been shown to elevated in the hair cells of those with AGA.

      Again, the release of Insulin is significantly potentiated in response to sugar,(especially high fructose corn syrup), and white flour.

      Insulin resistance related conditions can likely be managed and ameliorated in several ways independent of significant dietary modification.

      A new studies show that grape seed extracts, resveratrol, and alpha lipoic acid can actually turn back on insulin receptors, restoring more youthful function.

Resveratrol and Insulin Resistance

Grape Seed Extract, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance

      This is of immense importance to any person with hair loss, or anyone whose fasting blood sugar has risen above 90, in terms of preventing or helping to resolve metabolic problems. Maximum lifespan itself is also linked to healthy blood sugar and insulin function.

      In addition to its effects on glucose metabolism and aromatase imhibition, Grape Seed Extract offers strong protection against oxidative stress and prevents the age related and insulin induced reduction in micro-capillary perfusion,(micro-circulation), otherwise known as senescent thinning, which is typically evident in seniors and in insulin dependent diabetics at a much younger age, resulting in diffusly thin “see through” hair even in the most intact hairlines.

      Interval or Sprint Training also works wonders on insulin management. Its benefits manifest even in the absence of dietary modification, and it is completely free of charge!

Extremely short duration high intensity interval training substantially improves insulin action in young healthy males
John A Babraj*, Niels BJ Vollaard NBJ*, Cameron Keast, Fergus M Guppy, Greg Cottrell and ,James A Timmons Translational Biomedicine, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, Scotland and The Wenner-Gren Institute, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm University, Sweden.

Abstract

Background:Traditional high volume aerobic exercise training reduces cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk but involves a substantial time commitment. Extremely low volume high-intensity interval training (HIT) has recently been demonstrated to produce improvements to aerobic function, but it is unknown whether HIT has the capacity to improve insulin action and hence glycemic control.

Methods:Sixteen young men (age: 21±2 y; BMI: 23.7±3.1 kg•m-2; VO2peak: 48±9 ml•kg-1•min-1) performed 2 weeks of supervised HIT comprising of a total of 15 min of exercise (6 sessions; 4-6 x 30-s cycle sprints per session). Aerobic performance (250-kJ self-paced cycling time trial), and glucose, insulin and NEFA responses to a 75-g oral glucose load (oral glucose tolerance test; OGTT) were determined before and after training.

Results:Following 2 weeks of HIT, the area under the plasma glucose, insulin and NEFA concentration-time curves were all reduced (12%, 37%, 26% respectively, all P<0.001). Fasting plasma insulin and glucose concentrations remained unchanged, but there was a tendency for reduced fasting plasma NEFA concentrations post-training (pre: 350 ± 36 v post: 290 ± 39 μmol•l-1, P=0.058). Insulin sensitivity, as measured by the Cederholm index, was improved by 23% (P<0.01), while aerobic cycling performance improved by ~6% (P<0.01).

Conclusions:The efficacy of a high intensity exercise protocol, involving only ~250 kcal of work each week, to substantially improve insulin action in young sedentary subjects is remarkable. This novel time-efficient training paradigm can be used as a strategy to reduce metabolic risk factors in young and middle aged sedentary populations who otherwise would not adhere to time consuming traditional aerobic exercise regimes.

 

      It’s not that big a stretch to say that the improvement in glucose processing form interval training will result in a better outcome on ones hair. It will also quickly result in an overall reduction in bodyfat, particularly around the abdomen. This would be especially useful for finasteride users who often, due to its estrogenic effects, have to deal with a decrease in muscular definition and increased abdominal adiposity.