Intermittent Fasting: The Main Concerns

Intermittent Fasting: The Main Concerns

Research is going on several aspects on intermittent fasting. For some this new trend might show immediate results while for others it might not work at all. It depends on your body type and health conditions. Infact, nutritionists point out that if you are healthy you can easily opt for intermittent fasting. You can consult your doctor to find out which type of time-restricted eating will suit you.

 

 

Here are some points to guide you whether intermittent fasting will be a cakewalk for you or not-

 

 

Intermittent fasting is flexible since you don't have to think what to eat but when to eat it. So those who have failed to follow a particular diet and have a tendency to binge eat often, intermittent fasting is suitable for them. If you had your favourite chocolate cake in the afternoon or a heavy lunch, you can fast for few hours and then have your next meal. This keeps your weight in check.

 

 

If you tend to feel hungry often or overeat then intermittent fasting can curb your unwanted hunger pangs. This is how, when you are not eating often then your hunger hormone doesn't need to release. There is better hormonal balance in the body, thereby you can control your appetite properly.

 

 

Those who desire to look and feel youthful intermittent fasting really helps in anti-ageing. This short term fasting increases the secretion of human growth hormone that prompts cell repair and regeneration.

 

 

If you have a family history of diabetes or you are already suffering from diabetes then intermittent fasting will be of great help. For prediabetics who are insulin resistant there blood sugar levels are always high. Alternating fasting with eating fewer meals will ensure your body releases less insulin not very often.

 

 

For those who is finding it hard to lose weight then intermittent fasting can boost metabolism levels. When the body finds no glucose to burn to release energy, it burns up stored fat. So you lose weight considerably.

 

 

However, intermittent fasting will not be suitable for some conditions like-

 

 

If a person takes insulin injections or consume drugs like metformin need to eat in regular intervals. If you fast for long hours, then your blood sugar will fall and that can be dangerous.

 

 

If you have a carb-rich diet then intermittent fasting is not for you. If your taking in too many carbohydrates daily then it will be tough to maintain your blood pressure levels. Your blood sugar and insulin levels arises if you have carbs especially refined carbs, so fasting can make you feel 'hangry'.

 

 

Those with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia shouldn't practice intermittent fasting. The fasting and binging can retrigger the disorder.

 

 

Those who are planning for a pregnancy or if they are already expecting then don't opt for intermittent fasting. It is time for healthy eating and not losing weight.

 

 

If you are on medication then it is not a good idea to adopt intermittent fasting. You need to eat at regular intervals and fasting is not a feasible option. Especially, insulin dependent diabetics should avoid fasting.

 

 

The Sideeffects of Intermittent Fasting

 

 

A balanced nutrition is vital for reproductive health and lack of it can cause amenorrhea or loss of menstrual cycle. Animal study proves that long periods of fasting can interfere with fertility in rats and there are no human trials for intermittent fasting. Research is still ongoing.

 

 

After a gruelling workout an thelete requires a nutritious meal to refuel, otherwise it can make them lethargic.

 

 

If they fast longer and don't eat then the muscle growth and glycogen replenishment doesn't happen. The metabolism boosting muscle breaks down instead of building up.

 

 

There is no solid evidence of intermittent fasting since research is in the nascent stage. Those who believe in calorie restrictions might quickly dropout from the bandwagon.